Getting a new home is one of the most significant investment you’ll make in your life. There are plenty of tips and tricks you can find when buying a new house, from choosing your dream neighborhood to financing advice.
Today, the Bay 101 Roofing team will help you identify what elements to look out for when appraising any property. We want to ensure you make a good and wise investment.
When buying a new house look for …
There are specific signs of warning that buyers might not notice, an old roof is a clear example of that. Check out the following RED FLAGS to consider when buying a new house.
Sagging foundation
Look at your home from a distance. Check for bowed roof structures. Get inside the house and check if any walls aren’t square in the corners. Take a look at the floors. They shouldn’t bend when you walk on them.
These kinds of signs of structural and foundation issues can cost a fortune to fix. Even water damage on the outside of the home is another sign of potential foundation problems. Peeling siding, rotten wood, and water stains show that a house has received poor maintenance and may have some moisture problems. Moreover, mold growth and roof collapse are some additional problems that water in the structure of a building can cause.
Old, broken or outdated windows
Windows design has changed considerably during the last few decades. That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate the value of new windows.
Modern windows have many features that benefit homeowners nowadays. For example, single panes of glass are out of date because they don’t provide much energy efficiency or temperature control to your home. Keep those conditions in mind when buying a new house.
When touring homes, ask the homeowner or realtor if the windows are Energy Star approved. Avoid making extra expenses in the future. If you buy a house with low-quality windows, get ready to pay for window replacements as part of the cost.
Siding in need of replacement
Old or ineffective siding can point to many underlying issues. Rotted, warped, or peeling siding could mean termites, mold growth beneath the boards, damp insulation, water damage and high heating and cooling costs.
Before buying a new home, ask the current owner when was the last siding replacement. If the previous homeowner put off replacing the siding, get ready to deal with exterior and interior home issues pretty soon.
How to identify if the siding needs to be replaced? Get a screwdriver and tap on the boards. Check for soft or plant pieces. These signs indicate it’s time for a siding replacement.
Unsightly, dilapidated roof
One of the most significant features to inspect when buying a new house is the roof. Take a look at the roof and look for missing shingles. Pay particular attention to the color of the shingles too. Mismatched shingles could mean that the roof had recent maintenance, BUT it could also signal an underlying issue with the roof.
Cracked, buckled and curling shingles are also signs of a problem. Maybe the roof doesn’t have proper ventilation, which leads to excess heat and trapped moisture. Did you see these signs? Then the roof may be ready to be replaced.
Before signing on the dotted line, the Bay 101 team recommends you to ask the following roofing questions:
How old is the roof? When was the last replacement?
Remember that a typical asphalt roof lasts around 18 t 25 years. That will always depend on the region, weather, and the roofing maintenance. Knowing when the owner replaced the roof will help you determine when you will need to get a new roof replacement.
What type of roof does the home have?
The type of roof indicates the kind of maintenance it needs. It also helps you identify the potential issues and repairs you might encounter once you become the owner. Flat roofs, for example, are more prone to leaking. When buying a new house, try to choose a roof style that matches with the weather in the region.
Who did the last roof replacement?
Roofing systems are not DIY-friendly. A roof replacement requires skilled professional roofers to guarantee a proper installation. Check out the contractor who did the last roof replacement to verify the quality of the job. There’s no need to remind you that a low-quality job increases the risk of roofing issues such as leaking or curling shingles.
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The roof is by far one of the most significant components of any home. When buying a new house, pay close attention to the roof to make the best of the investment. If you’re in doubt about a structure’s roof, call a roofing contractor and request an inspection.
Don’t know what roofing agency to call? At Bay 101 we are ready to help you. Contact us and ASK FOR A FREE ESTIMATE right away. Call us now!
Source: https://www.mrroof.com/blog/things-to-look-out-for-when-buying-a-new-house/
