Buying or upgrading to a new home is a big step, but also an exciting one. Be confident with your decision by investing in pre-purchase inspections. Things like checking the plumbing or checking the electrical system are important but don’t forget the roof. The last thing you want is to move in and find a leak or hidden damage.

What’s involved in a roof inspection?

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Home inspections and roof inspections are two similar sounding tasks but are still separate from one another. While a home inspection looks at the home’s interior, a roof inspection is an up-close detailed inspection of the roof. A professional will climb up and check for things like the condition of the shingles, drip edges, gutters, and flashing. If repairs are needed, they’ll also let you know how much those repairs will cost and whether the problem needs immediate attention. 

Save on unexpected costs

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Roof repairs can have a big price tag, while a full roof replacement can cost thousands. If you didn’t budget for that cost on top of buying a new home, it could quickly derail any excitement and budget plans. Having a professional inspect the roof before you make a down payment will catch any immediate or down-the-road repairs. A professional can also give you estimates of how much any repairs will cost, so even that factor won’t be a surprise.

Save on property costs

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In addition to saving some money on unexpected repairs, there’s also the chance to save some costs on the overall purchase. If the repair costs are high enough, it may be worth adding those costs to the home negotiations. If you especially like the house you’ve found, it’s a great way to potentially lower the final price a bit to accommodate a roof replacement. A professional inspector will also mean that you don’t unknowingly overpay for the house.