Save yourself a lot of headache from unexpected expenses by conducting your own inspection of the homes for sale that you are interested in. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments that you will ever make and you have to be aware of exactly what you are getting. Even during the first visit, it is possible to do a preliminary inspection of the home and check on one of the most significant areas, which is the roof. If the roof or its mounted structures need major repair, you have to be aware of the cost of fixing will be, so you can make an informed decision.
According to Norman Becker, author of the book "Home Inspection Checklists: 111 Illustrated Checklists and Worksheets", there is a simple process of evaluation you can go through to make sure that the roof is in good condition, and that you won't be paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair your roof once you move in.
First, conduct a visual inspection. The things to look out for are sagging, uneven, or damaged sections of the roof from the outside of the home for sale. See if there are any overhanging tree branches that are touching the roof.
You have to be aware of the fact that if there is any kind of roof repair needed to be done, it can be rolled into your negotiation price, if the selling price has not yet been made lower because of it. If the roof is made out of asphalt shingles, take a closer look. See if any of these shingles are cracking, curling or will have to be replaced. Look also for any signs of erosion or deterioration. You also need to find out how old the shingles are so you will have an idea of when it would be need replacement.
If the home for sale has a flat roof, check to see if it is safe enough to access and climb up on it, if you can. Again, look for any signs of erosion, punctures, tears or cracks. Check the joints and the seams to see if there are any that are open. If you notice any small pools of water, that means that the drainage system is not working properly. Even small cracks or fissures in the roof can indicate whether of not you may need to do any major repair.
You would also need to inspect the interior. To make an evaluation if the roof needs repair from the inside of the house, go to each and every area needed and take a close look at the ceiling. The signs that a roof needs repair will appear as blisters or erosion. Water stains on the ceiling will clearly indicate that is a need for the roof to be fixed.
If the home for sale has a chimney or other roof-mounted features, these also need to be inspected. It is easy to spot the problems in these features. Look for chipped, cracked or loose areas and see if all the joints are filled and secure. See if it the chimney stack is deteriorated, if there are holes or open joint. Even if these things can be repaired, you still need to be aware of how much it will cost.
Buying a home can be a lengthy process, but taking the time to conduct thorough inspections can help you make a better, more informed decision about that first home purchase. Look for these essential characteristics and features of the roof as you conduct your home inspection.
Looking for MN Homes for sale? An excellent resource for searching properties online is the Minnesota MLS, which enables you to search by price, neighborhood and many other criteria.
