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4 Logical Reasons for a Roof Inspection Before a Home Purchase

Admin • Sep 16, 2020

Asphalt Shingles Roof Inspection — Gainesville, FL — Whittle’s Roofing Co. Inc

A home purchase is an important life event and represents a major investment for your family. You have many opportunities to inspect a property during your home search and before final escrow. Inspections help reveal any structural problems, offer a general snapshot of a home's condition, and tell you what to expect with regards to repairs.

Every home inspection should include a thorough look at the roof of the home. After all, you don't want to live in a home that leaks water every time it rains. But roof inspections have a greater impact on your home purchase than you think. Discover four logical reasons for a roof inspection before you buy that home.

1. You Can Offer Less Than Asking Price

Once you find your dream home, make sure you get a roof inspection before you make an offer to the seller. Sometimes, a roof inspection reveals damage that leaves both buyers and sellers wondering what to do about it. A seller may not want to pay for repairs, and you the buyer likely don't want to move into a home with questionable shingles. This is where a roof inspection actually helps your cause.

Armed with the roof inspection results, you may be able to ask for an adjustment of the seller's asking price. Instead of offering a full-price offer, you can offer less than the list price to cover any repair costs. This method works best when a seller may not be able to replace or repair the roof for you.

2. You Can Amend Your Repair Request List

Many buyers like to submit a repair request list after an offer is accepted. Depending on the value of the home, this list can include cosmetic requests like door replacements to more serious safety issues like serious roof damage. You won't know what to include in your list until you check out the condition of a property.

A roof inspection will reveal whether you should include damage repair on your repair request list. Then you can amend your repair list to include roof repairs before your home closes. This way, you make sure the roof is safe before you move in. An amended repair list ensures you have peace of mind when you obtain your keys and move in.

3. You Can Better Prepare for Roof Repairs

Moving can be a chaotic time when you must coordinate a moving van, turn on utilities, and thoroughly clean a home before you can arrange furniture. Don't get caught off guard when you discover too late the roof leaks and you have to arrange for repairs.

A roof inspection gives you a clear idea what to prepare for after closing. This knowledge allows you to arrange for replacement shingles or new roofing material other than asphalt shingles. You have better control over timing every aspect of your big move.

4. You Can Gain an In-Depth Inspection From a Pro

Home inspectors aren't always the best source of detailed information about the condition of a roof. Of course, home inspectors seek to find problems in homes but can't always do so in detail. Many inspectors don't physically climb onto a roof. Few standards exist to determine how thorough a roof inspection needs to be or even how an inspection should be performed.

While your home inspector might choose to survey a roof with binoculars from the ground or from the top of a ladder, a professional roofer is usually different. A professional roof will actively focus on repair issues that need addressing to make a roof sound and safe.

Professional roofers want satisfied customers after a roof is repaired, so they make sure they miss nothing during an inspection. Visit Whittle's Roofing Co., Inc., when you need a thorough inspection of your roof.

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