For most people, buying a house is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases they ever make. As with any investment, it’s important to make sure that the asset you’re acquiring is not going to depreciate in value after the sale. That’s why hiring a qualified professional to conduct a thorough survey of the property is an important step in getting a good deal.
The roof is an area of chief importance. Not only is it the biggest source of heat loss throughout the home, but minor issues with the roof can quickly turn into major problems further down the line. So, while a roof inspection might seem like an unnecessary expense at the time, it can save you significant amounts of money later on.
How is a roof inspection different from a home inspection?
In the UK, the selling party will often commission a surveyor to conduct a detailed home inspection identifying any obvious faults with the property and estimating its value. While this type of survey does include the roof, it’s just one of many factors that the surveyor will consider, alongside its foundations, electrical circuitry and plumbing, among others.
For this reason, the roof is often not given as much attention as it may warrant during a home inspection. Given that having a serviceable roof over your head is the bare minimum when it comes to buying your next home, it’s important to ensure that the property you’re buying is in a fit and proper condition for sale and habitation.
By sourcing a reputable roofing contractor in your area, you can ensure that what might seem like minor faults (such as missing tiles or slates, incorrectly installed insulation, mould growth or roof fragments in the guttering) are nipped in the bud. This will prevent them from developing into major issues in the future and costing you more in the long run.
Tangible benefits of having a roof inspected before buying
If left unattended, those aforementioned sticking points could seriously impact the longevity of the property’s roof, as well as the health of the occupants of the home. Mould, for example, is a leading cause of respiratory problems among those who are exposed to it over time, while missing tiles or a disintegrating roof can quickly exacerbate structural issues with the building.
Of course, repairing these problems immediately is far preferable to installing a new roof altogether, which can cost thousands of pounds. What’s more, identifying them prior to placing a bid could help you to negotiate a lower price with the selling party, since your proposal must take into account any maintenance or repair work you expect to commission in the future.
Aside from these obvious benefits, a roof inspection can always be worth its weight in gold in the simple peace of mind it affords you. Moving home is a stressful process in any situation, but in one where there’s uncertainty surrounding the roof over your head, your anxieties are only going to become even worse. As such, having a roof inspected prior to buying a house makes sense from a variety of different perspectives.
Professional roof inspections in Leeds
Are you in the market for a new home in Leeds or the surrounding area? For complete peace of mind, it’s advisable to contract an established roofing contractor to carry out a full inspection on the property so as to avoid any nasty surprises after the missives have been signed.
DPR Roofing have accrued more than 30 years of experience in inspecting roofs on both domestic and commercial properties, amassing countless positive customer reviews in the process. To enquire about our services or arrange for a quote on a property you’re interested in buying, simply call us on 0113 335 0043 or email [email protected].