Looking to buy a new home is an exciting journey. But as homeowners admit, it can be complicated. There are many things to consider though it’s easy to get emotionally invested in the house you’ve decided you want. Problem is…if you move too quickly and overlook certain things you can leave money on the table. But even worse, you can end up having to spend thousands of dollars shortly after moving in.
Two big-ticket items that require careful inspection are the roofing and siding. While you certainly want to have a professional inspection before committing on the home, you can do your own visual to see what you might be up against. I’m going to overview five telltale signs that the roof or siding might require repair or replacement.
Cracking and Peeling
You may not be able to get on the roof to inspect the condition, but you can look for noticeable cracks and imperfections from street level. A professional is your best bet for a detailed assessment. Looking for cracked or peeling siding is somewhat easier for home buyers. Walk around the home to detect obvious issues both on the siding and at the seams.
Curling and Warping
If roof shingles are warped, you will be able to see this from the ground. The same goes for siding: look for curled edges and possible signs of leaks. Colorado hailstorms can cause dents, cracks and holes that will require immediate attention.
Rust and Mildew
Rust and mildew indicate a leak, seen or unseen. Test for softness underneath the paint or shingle if you can access it. By all means, have a professional inspect areas you are concerned about. They can best determine the possibilities of invisible damage.
Loose Or Missing Shingles Or Planks
Sections with siding missing are readily noticeable and may be an indicator of age or neglect. You should consider this a warning sign and request a more thorough inspection by a professional roofing and siding company. Miss matched or missing shingles can be an indicator that water has seeped into the attic or ceiling space.
Indoor Home Warning Signs
Wet or dark spots on ceilings, around the windows, or around the fireplace may indicate that there is leaking from the roof or siding. A repair may be sufficient, but a thorough assessment will assure you are not faced with an unexpected expense after the purchase.
It is always a good idea to have a thorough professional assessment completed for all major structural components of your potential new home. This type of review may be required if you are securing financing. Even if you are paying cash, you want to have the full picture of the condition of the home.
How you handle potential repairs will, of course, depend on the arrangement you have with the seller. Regardless of how you are paying for the home, you will want to know what issues you will be facing down the road.