Who should do the roof inspection? A general roof inspection will tell you what condition it is in and what repairs it needs. One step you should pay attention to before signing a contract is to ask an expert registered roof observer to evaluate the property.
During the inspection, the state of the construction, pipes, electrical system, ventilation, insulation, etc., will be evident. One part that is as important as the others is the roof. This may have damage that is not obvious and that, over time, will become a headache.
In renovated old houses, it is possible to find roof damage, such as leaks, humidity, accumulated water, and damaged tiles. A registered roof observer is prepared to detect any damage to the roof. Sellers often notice breakdowns because they are at an early stage or, the most common reason, due to lack of knowledge.
A damaged roof causes discomfort. A small leak can quickly become a significant problem and damage other structural parts. Furthermore, humidity alters the quality of indoor air, affecting the health of the home’s inhabitants.
Save time and money.
The person who inspects the roof, that is, the registered roof observer, will give you a report with the damage they find. This will help you negotiate the price of the home because you must repair it. Another alternative is for the current owner to assume the expense, and the buyer saves the repair later.
The condition of the roof will affect the price of the home. This is because you must set a budget for the purchase and the repairs.
Also, remember that you may need to waterproof the roof when purchasing. Ask the owner if he did it, when, and what material was used. The inspector will also help you determine if this maintenance work has been done.
As a buyer, purchase a property that is ready to move into. If any repair has to be done to the structure, this will add time. This means that you will have to wait longer than expected to repair or replace the roof of your house and make it habitable.
What damages should be looked for in the roof?
There is apparent damage which can be seen even from inside the property—for example, leaks or moisture stains. If you notice any suspicious stains on the walls or ceiling when visiting the house, do not hesitate to request an inspection.
Outside, a broken tile is also a warning sign. The problem is that these damages are only sometimes so obvious, and it is difficult to access the ceiling.
The most common damages are breaks in the tiles or other parts of the roof of a house. Over time, these can lead to leaks—extreme temperature changes, hail, the weight of snow, storms, etc, generally cause this.
Some breaks are invisible, but an expert registered roof observer can detect them with the right tools. For example, a simple scratch can hide a bigger problem in the future. We must not only refer to breakages but also to the loss of complete tiles.
Following these tips by a registered roof observer will save you time and money. Sometimes, it can lead to a change of plans if you are unwilling to assume the repairs as a buyer.