Should I Replace My Roof Before Selling My Home? (Part 1)

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Are you getting your home ready to sell? When people are looking to buy a new home, one of the main areas of concern is the status of the home's roof. If the roof has just recently been replaced, potential homebuyers' minds will be much more at ease. They very likely won’t have to worry about major roofing issues for the next couple of decades.

On the other hand, if you attempt to sell a home with an old or damaged roof, it will become a point of negotiation with the buyer that could significantly lower your home's value. Because of this, a common issue homeowners struggle with is deciding whether or not to fix their roof before selling their home.

The answer to this question greatly depends on several factors. Do you have moss or algae on your roof? Is your roof approaching or past 20 years of age? Perhaps you’re wondering if roof replacement will increase your home’s value enough to make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking for answers to any of these questions, read on. We’ll address several different areas of concern that should be thought through carefully before making a final decision.

4 Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Roof

What condition is your roof in now?

To really get a good idea of what condition your roof is in, have a professional roof inspection. The inspector can pinpoint any problem areas that need to be addressed and help you make an informed decision. If your roof inspector recommends roof replacement, move on to addressing the following questions.

Do you own your home, or are you still paying off your mortgage?

If you haven’t paid off your home yet, you’re probably looking to get as much of a return on it as possible when you sell. If you already have your home paid off, it might not be as crucial to sell it at as high a price. Replacing your roof will certainly increase the value of your home and, therefore, allow you to sell it at a higher price.

Is it vital to repair or replace your roof at this time?

Depending on your situation, it may be urgent for you to replace your roof. If you have a roof leak or your shingles are starting to deteriorate or fall off, you might need to have it repaired or replaced immediately before damage is done to other areas of your home. You don’t want to reduce the value of your home by waiting too long to make a repair.

Can you afford to replace your roof?

If you can afford it, replace your roof to increase the sell value of your home. According to Remodeling Magazine, replacing your roof will give you a 71% return on investment if you live in Iowa. If you simply cannot afford it, you may need to bring your sale price down to make up for repair or replacement costs that the future homeowners will have to take care of on their own.

 

In the next blog post, we will go into greater depth to cover several more reasons for and against replacing or repairing your roof before you sell your home.

If you need a professional to inspect your roof to help you determine your best next move, contact Hedrick Construction in Huxley. We will thoroughly inspect your entire roofing system and help you make the right choice, whether that be roof replacement, making a roofing repair, or leaving your roof as it is. We serve customers in Ames, Ankeny, and surrounding areas.

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