Pros and Cons of Replacing the Roof Before Selling a Home

For most home sales, replacing the roof is an unnecessary expense for the homeowner.

For most home sales, replacing the roof is an unnecessary expense for the homeowner. However, it may be worth it if the homeowner can recoup the cost in the sales price. But what if roof replacement costs more than the value earned in a sale?

To determine the best approach, a homeowner must weigh the advantages against the disadvantages of a replacement versus alternatives available to achieve their desired goals.

Pros of Replacing the Roof Before Selling

Curb appeal is an essential component of attracting qualified buyers. When touring the home, one of the first things a potential buyer will look at is the roof’s condition. A roof in need of replacement can portend of unseen damage beyond the actual roof itself.

Savvy buyers care very much about the roof’s condition as they know replacing it is costly. Therefore, if it is sagging, cracking, leaking, or missing shingles, it will scare off a substantial portion of the buyer base.

The homeowner can offer a roofing allowance for buyers to use to make roof repairs after closing or discount the price to allow for the potential cost of roof replacement. However, the potential for losing the sale still exists because the buyer may want to avoid the hassle of replacing the roof before taking possession of the house.

A new roof will also improve the curb appeal of the home, which may make it easier to sell. In addition, a quicker sale could provide financial benefits based on the seller’s goals and objectives.

Cons of Roof Replacement Before Listing a House for Sale

Without question, the cost is the biggest downside to replacing a roof. Even with insurance to support the overall expense, homeowners are usually out their deductible, which is often in the thousands of dollars.

Investing in a new roof can be costly, and there is no guarantee a homeowner will recoup the investment at the time of sale. However, data shows that the seller earns a return on their investment of between 60 and 68 percent.

To replace or not to replace? How to Decide

After considering the pros and cons of replacing a roof before marketing a home for sale, a homeowner may be no closer to a definitive answer than when they began. If that’s the case, it’s time to consider other options.

A local roofing contractor can inspect the roof’s condition and detail what repairs it must have to be sellable. A contractor can often perform repairs (rather than a complete replacement) and guarantee their work. The real estate agent can provide potential buyers with the inspection report and the contractor’s guarantee, which can go a long way to ease any potential concerns.

Before deciding on the best course of action for an upcoming home sale, contact a trustworthy roofing contractor for a consultation. They can help determine whether replacing the roof is best or if any alternatives are available.

Irish Roofing Company provides Scottsdale with roof inspection, installation, sealing and repair. We offer shingle services, tile roof services, flat roof services, roof cleaning, roof inspection, roof installation, leak repair, roof recovering, roof repair, roof sealing, skylight installation and replacement, and wood shake services for commercial and residential customers.