Why Do Home Sellers Need Home Inspections?
Everyone has had some personal experience with an inspector of some sort. When we get a medical examination the medical professional is giving us an evaluation of our health by checking certain physical aspects of our body, much like an inspector. Their evaluation can be critical in determining our health and future performance. Home inspections for home sellers is just as important, and skipping a home inspection can be just as critical. And just like a patient getting a second opinion from another medical professional, rest assured, a prudent home buyer will most likely acquire their own professional inspection before they buy the home, and this is almost certain if they are getting an FHA or VA loan.
There can always be hidden problems the home seller is unaware of, and problems that are costly, even in new homes, much like there are sometimes hidden problems the medical professional can spot even when the patient doesn't know the problems exist. This is why the home seller should seek the services of a qualified inspector with experience, a certified inspector who takes their job seriously and doesn't cut corners. A certified inspector will let you know whether the home is in its best physical shape possible, if it needs extra repair and even an estimation of the cost of the repairs.
Of course, no home is perfect and every house will a have few glitches here and there, but early inspections will inform the owner about repairs needed in advance so that the owner can either fix the repairs, or so they can be forthright with the buyer about the issue before any additional inspections are made. A home inspection will not only inform the seller (and buyer) in advance of any issues, but also set a positive precedence and help earn the home seller a trustworthy reputation with the buyer.
The types of things the inspector looks for are defects that affect the value of the home, make it unsafe or less livable. A leaky roof, a damp basement, plumbing or electrical problems and other defects are some of the issues that can be turned up by a good inspector and often missed by the home seller. General inspections typically consist of:
• Heating system
• Central air conditioning system
• Interior plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Roof
• Attic
• Visible insulation, walls, ceilings, and floors
• Windows and doors
• Basement
• Foundation and all other structural components.
The Negotiation:
In many home transactions, the seller is willing to pay for necessary repairs. Sometimes the seller may only agree to pay for the worst of the problems to be resolved. As the potential buyer you should always consider a problem with the roof to be a top priority repair.
If the seller does not agree to pay for the roof repair or replacement, you may be at an advantage. Instead of having the seller repair the roof, ask for an amount equivalent to the amount of a repair to be taken off the purchase price. By saving money on the purchase price of the home, you can hire your own roofer to repair the roof after purchase, this will ensure you are able to be sure the work is being completed by a professional.
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The Final Decision:
If you are unable to negotiate a deal with the seller regarding a roof repair, you are faced with a tough choice. In general, problems with the roof can be costly and if any repair is put off you could end up with severe damage to the rest of your home.
To be able to confidently proceed with the purchase, the roof should meet the following criteria:
No water damage, or history of water damage that has gone unrepaired
No fire damage, or history of fire damage that has not been replaced
No more than 10-15 missing roof shingles
No more than 2 layers of shingles without removal and replacement
No damage to the flashing or underlying materials without repair
No flat or shallow sloped roof that does not meet code requirements
If the home you are interested in purchasing has a roof that meets these criteria, you may be able to delay any minor problems until a later date. Any roof problems that do not exceed these criteria are not life threatening or a deal breaker when purchasing a home.
Sellers Roofing provides residential and commercial roofing services to clients in the New Hope and Minneapolis area. Specializing in full roof replacement, tear offs, repairs, and storm damage assessment's. We strive to offer the best overall customer experience in the residential roofing industry. We believe that every homeowner deserves honesty. Call us today for a free Roofing inspection.
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