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248-525-6950
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info@twelveoaksroofing.com
August 28, 2018
If you are planning to sell your current home, you need to consider what improvements will give you the best return on your investment. If your current roof is approaching its 15-year mark, it may be time to invest in a new one. Some of the benefits of a new roof include:
- Increased value: A new roof in Canton Michigan can substantially increase a home’s value.
- Attract more buyers: There are those buyers who enjoy a fixer-upper. However, Chip and Joanna Gaines are in Waco, Texas. Most home buyers want a house free from too many projects.
- Increase safety: Safety is important to home buyers. An old roof, in bad repair, is simply not safe.
Curb appeal matters
In the aftermath of the huge costs associated with purchasing a home, the prospect of hiring a roofing contractor to make roof repairs is the last thing potential buyers need to worry about. Make no mistake, curb appeal matters. The chances of selling a home profitably hinge largely on a first impression. Realtors tell us a large percentage of home buyers won’t even go inside if they are not impressed with the looks of things from the street. The roof is a very important design element, and the impression it gives is impactful.
Today’s home buyers are savvy shoppers. They have done their due diligence, and they are aware the roof is a vital part of the home’s weatherproofing and insulation system and impacts the efficiency of heating and air conditioning systems. They know a roof in bad repair indicates a laundry list of potential future problems:
- Damage to the attic
- Stains on the ceilings
- Mold and mildew
- Electrical problems
- Compromised structural integrity
Before you list your house
“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining” ~John F. Kennedy
Our 35th president was not a roofing contractor, but he was right on the money. The time to find out about crucial roofing issues is before listing your home. Be proactive and be prepared to price your house accordingly. Getting an inspection from an experienced residential roofing contractor prior to placing a for sale sign in your yard has a two-fold benefit. It will
- Let you present a potential buyer with a professionally accurate account of the roof’s condition. Their reports carry considerable influence.
- Give you insight as to whether you should replace the roof before you put your home on the market
A professional roof inspection is a minimal expense that carries maximum benefits. Expect a qualified inspector to check:
- Chimneys flashings
- Seals around vent pipes
- Gutters and downspouts
- Rafters
- Fascia boards
- Soffits
Additionally, they look for:
- Debris collecting where roof lines join
- Loose granules from shingles
- Moisture or mold in the attic
- The quality and viability of attic insulation
When the bottom line is…
Roof damage only gets worse over time. If the useful life of your roof is in question, the big question is, do you repair or replace the roof, or just sell the house as is and let the buyer worry about it. There is no definitive answer. Depending on the specific details about your home, and, of course, your frame of reference, the pendulum could swing either way.
Every situation is different and nothing is cut and dried. When making a decision consider the following:
- The number of repairs needed, and the cost
- The current comparable sales in your area
- How quickly do you need to sell
- Can you afford the cost
- Will home owner’s insurance cover part of the cost
- Will leaving the roof as-is have a negative impact
Do you repair, or do you replace
- How old is your roof? If your answer is “At least 15 years, maybe more”, replacing it may be the better way to go.
- If the roof is damaged but most of it is still in good shape, a spot repair may very well make sense.
- Do you own your home or do you have a mortgage? How much cash do you need to take away from the home sale?
- It is necessary to put a new roof on the property if leaking is causing interior damage.
- How is the competition in your neighborhood?
The Canton area is currently in a hot real estate market. Location is on your side.
Investing in a new roof is a way to maximize profit. Regionally, homeowners can expect to recoup about 68% of the cost of a new roof. If bidding wars are raising the roof (pun intended) on sales prices in your neighborhood, a new roof may be the deciding factor in your favor.
If you opt for repairs only
Pay special attention to:
The shingles. Replace broken or missing shingles to prevent water from seeping into the roof decking. Keep in mind, new shingles more than likely will not exactly match your existing shingles. If your roof is highly visible you may want to reconsider replacing the entire roof.
The gutters. In order to function properly, gutters need to be installed correctly and free-flowing. Their purpose is to divert water away from the home’s foundation. Keeping gutters clean, and the downspouts free from debris will help preserve the structural integrity of your house.
The flashings. Flashings are usually made from aluminum or galvanized steel and found in the valleys of the roof, around the chimney, and surrounding vent pipes and skylights. The purpose of flashings is to is to seal off any areas where moisture can seep in. Weather and oxidization are common causes for flashing deterioration. Heavy winds can also cause flashing to come loose. Broken, missing, or rusty flashing will cause water damage into the attic space.
The fascia. Fascia is basically, trim. It is an aesthetic element designed to give a finished appearance to areas to the roof line, and areas where roofing material connects to rafters, trusses, and gutters. Fascia is usually fashioned from wood or sheet metal.
The Soffit. The finished surface below the fascia and rafters and the exposed area beneath a roof eave is the soffit. Soffits help to keep the temperature in the attic regulated. Keeping the soffit in good repair will prevent water, bugs and even small animals from getting in.
New roof installation or roof repairs only,
No matter what you decide, a new roof installation, or just repairing the damage, addressing roofing issues will:
- Increase the market value of your home
- Enhance the aesthetic value
- Increase energy efficiency
- Indicate to buyers the house is well maintained
- Offer some warranty protection
- Prevent some building inspection issues
Selling Without Roof Repairs
In the long run, when all is said and done, this strategy will be expensive. Your roof is one of the first things home buyers, and home appraisers will notice. A roof that is obviously in poor repair will have a definite impact on the bottom line of your sale. In some instances, mortgage lenders may require a roof be replaced before approving a loan. If you decide not to fix a roof that obviously needs repairs, buyers will expect to pay less than your asking price. Keep these facts in mind:
- Buyers expect more than the cost of the roof for a discount.
- Lenders won’t grant a mortgage on a home with a bad roof.
- Insurance companies may deny coverage if the roof is damaged.
A new roof is a big investment. Warren Buffett, an American business magnate, reminds us,” Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” A new roof will likely make your home more attractive to buyers.
It all adds up to a smart decision
Given our competitive real estate market, features that contribute value, as well as curb appeal greatly, impacts your asking price, and the length of time it takes you to sell your home. The technology involved in roofing materials is everchanging. An older roof, obviously, will not offer the best protection concerning climate control and energy efficiency. When you replace your existing roof new roof expect:
A significant return on your investment A quality roofing system will give you back 68% of every dollar you spend when you sell your home. road.
Energy savings A professionally installed roofing system will significantly reduce your energy costs.
Increased comfort A roof should keep the temperatures within your home comfortable. A new roof will help keep your home warmer in the winter months and cooler during the warm summer months.
Enhanced health and safety issues New roofs will prevent interior water damage that leads to mold and mildew.
Curb Appeal A new roof add to the curb appeal of your home for your own enjoyment or when you are selling your home.
Superior warranty protection A new roof’s warranty is a valuable selling feature. that adds real value. is a great feature and provides added value when selling your home.
Whether you need a roof inspection, roof repairs, or a new roof installation, contact us. We are local, we are experienced, and we offer the best roofing services in Canton Michigan.