Is your roof helping or hurting your home’s market value?
Be it a buyer’s market or seller’s market, home owners are always looking to see how they can get the most out of selling their home for the right value. As we know, a variety of factors play into the value of the price of a home, ranging from location to home size and, of course, the current economic climate. While some of those factors may be out of a seller’s control, there are certain aspects of a home that an owner can control. One major piece being the roof.
Since a strong and durable roof is one of the most important parts of a home’s foundation, it is important to ensure you’re selling a home with a well constructed roof. The state of your current roof can mean all the difference between merely selling your home and making the most profit for your home.
“At Austermiller, we have seen many homeowners replace their roof, prior to placing their home up for sale”, says CEO of Austermiller Roofing, Penny Austermiller. “Not only can this help with curb appeal when selling, but we also frequently catch roof issues our homeowners may not have known existed. Inspections are important all the time, but it is especially important to know what you may be facing, before your home hits the market!”
Now, back to our original question, “should you replace your roof before selling your home?” The answer to that question will obviously depend on your home’s current condition, but if you’re even asking this question more than likely the answer is “yes!”
Let’s unpack and understand the benefits of a new roof, signs you may need one, and the perks of installing and insuring your new roof with Auster Miller, to get the most value out of your home!
How Do You Tell If Your Roof Needs Replacing?
Before understanding, or considering, the benefits that come with a newly installed roof on a home, let’s look at 5 signs your roof needs replacing.
5 Signs Your Roof Needs Replacing
- Storm Damage: If you live in an area with an increased threat of thunderstorms, hailstorms, and even hurricane-like winds, then there is a chance your roof has already experienced some form of storm damage. This can look like missing or curled shingles. It can also be more obvious, such as damages caused by a fallen tree that can create leaks and holes in the roof. It is important to be mindful of your location, what the likely weather conditions are, and to monitor your roof after any severe weather.
- Curling Shingles: Shingles that are curling are easily visible and can be caused by a variety of factors. Some causes are storm related, age related, or from a poor installation with poor quality materials. Without replacing, curled shingles can lead to further issues for your home, such as water damage and mold, resulting in a larger bill to pay.
- Dark Streaks: After a rain shower, it’s normal for roofs to have a darker look due to the moisture from the rain. However, consistent dark streaks on a roof are not normal and are signs of a larger issue. These dark streaks result from a form of bacteria, more specifically an algae, which can cause rot on the roof and also lead to mold issues. It is best to tackle this issue right away, to avoid any further damages.
- Age of Roof: A roof’s lifetime is, on average, around 20-35 years, depending on location, materials, and any damages. The age of the roof can impact the shingles and the ability to withstand weather related conditions. If you have been in your home for longer than 20 years without a roof replacement, or if you know your roof has suffered any form of damage, it may be beneficial to contact a local roofing company, such as Austermiller, for an inspection. The sooner you catch an aging roof, the more money you can save in the long run.
- Higher Energy Bill: Noticing an increase in your energy bill? You may want to take a peek at your roof to ensure there are no issues above creating more problems below! If your roof is not installed properly it can lead to the internal heat in your home to escape during those winter months and vice versa in the warmer months, keeping your heater on with the bill rising steadily.
These are just a few of the signs to look for to consider if it is time to replace your roof. Noticing these signs early, and taking the action to replace your roof, will help to save you time, money, and lots of headaches.
Will A New Roof Increase Appraisal Value?
This is a common question homeowners have when they’re about to place their home on the market. Besides ensuring your home is ready for a walkthrough with internal updates such as decor and built-in pieces, sometimes the roof can get overlooked. While it is not guaranteed that you will receive an increase in appraisal—as there are a lot of other factors considered in the appraisal process—there are perks to a new roof.
In fact, the team at Zillow puts it this way, “A new roof can increase home value, but you might not see a 100% return on investment — very few improvements, if any, offer a full recoup of money spent. But even if you don’t see a huge financial return, a new roof can make you more likely to get full asking price, lower time on market and smoother negotiations.”
In some ways this is a win-win. Less time on the market means less of a waiting game, and more time to get going into your new space and new home, wherever that may be. If you are able to replace your roof when it is needed, you will be sure to reap some of those benefits above.
Is Replacing a Roof a Good Investment?
If you’re looking to put your home on the market, and receive offers quickly, then yes, replacing your roof is a good investment on your home. Similarly, this will prevent a potential buyer asking for a lower price, considering the investment that it is to replace a roof regardless. Think about it: they’ll love that they won’t have to replace the roof any time soon!
Any homeowner who is looking to sell their home obviously desires the most they can get for it. If getting the most value for your home includes replacing your roof, then this may be a good investment to consider before you place the for sale sign on your lawn!
Every home owner desires to get the most they can out of selling their home, and if replacing a roof to keep that value up, and not go down, then perhaps replacing your roof is a good investment to consider.
I Think I May Need A New Roof, But I Am Not Sure…
This may seem like a lot of information on if you should or shouldn’t replace your roof. But, it is always better to be safe than sorry! When the time comes to sell your home, you’ll have to sign a seller’s disclosure statement, which requires sellers to inform the buyer about the condition of the home. At Austermiller, we do free inspections and would be happy to conduct an up-to-date inspection to ensure your roof is in top notch condition.
This not only ensures you are passing along a house that has been evaluated, but also that you are aware of any repairs that should be completed.
Next Steps
When it comes to replacing or installing a new roof on your home, look no further than Austermiller for all your roofing needs. We offer the best quality roofing materials, with highly skilled contractors. When you do make the decision to purchase a new roof through us, you will also be choosing a GAF President’s Club contractor, one of the most prestigious certifications a contractor can have.
Ready to get going? Request a free estimate today, or give us a call if you have any additional questions and our team would be happy to help.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and when you choose Austermiller for your roofing needs, you’re choosing peace of mind, and a strong dedication to quality work. We look forward to hearing from you!