When buying a home, it is always important to carefully inspect it before placing an offer. Issues with the roof can turn a potential dream home into a money sucker very quickly. To make sure that you don’t get suckered into repairs, or even a full roof replacement in Duxbury, Massachusetts, make sure you check the roof for these problem signs.
Age
The ideal life-expectancy of a well-maintained roof is thirty years or more. Ask the seller what the age of the roof is, to see if it is close to needing a replacement. The age of a roof isn’t necessarily a warning sign, but if the roof was installed sloppily or is poorly maintained it could be a red flag.
Missing Shingles
Obvious signs of damage should be easily visible from the lawn, or when standing across the street. This could be a sign of big problems later on. When negotiating the contract, it is a good idea to hire a roofer to inspect the roof of the home for problems. They can give you a good idea of how much the roof will cost you after you move in. If the home has already been inspected prior to being put up for sale, you can ask the seller to review it.
Problems with the Gutters
The gutters protect the home from water damage, so if they are improperly maintained it could mean major issues for your home in the future. A roof inspection should include the gutters, so it’s a good idea to get one done before you sign any contracts.
Some states have a special law that requires sellers to fill out disclosure forms. These forms will tell you about any and all problems with the home. Before you perform your inspections, look up whether your state requires these forms and acquire them from the seller.
