You’ve made the decision to put your home on the market. Rates are low and buyers are eager, so it seems like a great time to sell. Maybe you’ve found the home of your dreams and are ready to move on from a house that you’ve been in for several years.
What’s the first thing you should do to get your house in shape to fetch a maximum price? Look at the roof. For the average house, the roof garners roughly 40% of the attention a potential buyer will give when taking a first look — in other words, it’s vital to have an attractive roof for “curb appeal.”
Even more important, roof damage is one of the top reasons potential buyers — in Plymouth, Michigan, and around the nation — back away from a deal. That’s because knowing the extent of damage can be tough to do unless you have an experienced roofing contractor checking the situation. Buyers don’t want to chance the need for ongoing, extensive roof repairs when they can simply choose another property.
What Do I Need to Do First to Get My Roof in Good Shape?
The best initial step to take when you’re considering selling your home is to enlist the help of a reputable Plymouth MI roofing contractor. A qualified, local professional is familiar with the types of damage that can occur to a Michigan roof and can check for any issues that may need to be corrected before selling. The most trustworthy roofers in the area, like southeast Michigan-based All Point Construction, can give you a free estimate for what roof repair you will need.
What Can I Expect When the Roofer Inspects My Home?
When you request a free estimate from All Point Construction, one of our professional roofers will come out to your home and carefully examine the condition of your roof. We check over the entire roof, starting at ground level and then moving to a close-up inspection. Our pros pay special attention to issues like damaged or missing shingles, loose flashing that could lead to leaks, or problems with chimneys and skylights. Then we will assess the structural condition of your roof. In cases where we suspect major damage, we may ask to enter your home to check your attic, walls and foundation for signs of structural problems, mold and mildew or discolored areas that indicate past issues with water.
Once we have conducted a complete evaluation of your roof’s condition, we’ll prepare a written estimate that details all the problems areas that we find. We’ll also recommend next steps you can take and help you decide what repairs to make before listing your house.
After creating a plan for repairs — or, if necessary, a roof replacement — we’ll discuss the best scheduling for the project, keeping in mind the time-frame when you may wish to sell your home. At any point, you can ask questions and rely on us for trustworthy advice about the best way to move forward.
What Types of Problems is a Roofing Contractor Likely to Find?
Every roof is different, but there are some common issues that crop up for homes in the Plymouth area.
- Storm Damage. Because the seasons vary so much in southeast Michigan, you could have sustained damage from snow and ice in the winter, heavy rain in the spring or winds that can accompany summer thunderstorms. In most cases, storm damage to your roof can be completely repaired.
- Leaks. Any kind of roof can spring a leak, and sometimes it can be very small and very slow to cause damage. If a home inspector sees any signs of water damage in your attic or on your walls, though, it could be game over for your real estate deal. Know what you’re dealing with and get any small leaks repaired and damage cleaned up before you list your home.
- Poorly done repairs. Let’s face it, you — or the previous homeowner — may have tried to take care of some roofing issues without the help of a professional. Sometimes this turns out fine, but other times, it can really cause problems with the structural integrity of your entire roof. In other cases, a less-than-reputable contractor may have used some low-quality materials or performed quick and shoddy service. You need a company you can trust to come in and fix the problems before your home is inspected.
- Cosmetic issues that can lead to bigger problems. Missing shingles? Peeling caulk? These things may not be a big deal on their own, but they are indicative of a maintenance problem that a potential buyer may worry will have caused structural damage. Plus, repairing any cosmetic issues is going to make your home look nicer and be more appealing.
This doesn’t cover every roofing problem that you may have, but most of the issues we see in Plymouth MI roofs are related to these concerns. Taking care of these problems before you put your house on the market will not only give you a good selling point, but will help put a buyer’s mind at ease that you’ve done a good job taking care of your home.
What if the Roof Needs to Be Replaced?
If your roofing expert assesses your roof and recommends replacement, that’s very valuable information to have before you list your home. You can decide whether to sell as-is or take the steps to replace the roof — again, using the new roof as a major selling point.
Going with replacement can add an average of $15,102 to your Michigan home’s value, according to a 2020 survey by Remodeling Magazine. That’s if you use asphalt shingles; a metal roof replacement can add just over $24,000 to the value of your Plymouth-area house.
When you decide on replacement, you can also take steps to improve the appearance of your home with a new color or style of roof. The roofing experts at All Point Construction can advise you on what will look the best, hold up well and be especially appealing to buyers.
Is an Overlay an Option for My Older Roof?
An overlay is when you put a new layer of shingles over the existing ones. This is done instead of a more traditional tear off, where the entire roof is removed. Especially if you believe you will be selling the home, you may be inclined to do an overlay as it can be less expensive.
If an overlay has never been done on your roof, it may be a possibility. However, we will likely try to steer you away from this option. That’s because:
- It won’t be as durable. Obviously, a new roof will hold up better than one that’s simply shingled over.
- It adds weight to your roof. Most newer houses can take it, but increased weight can be a consideration for some older structures.
- It’s harder to fix leaks. Plus, if the roof does leak, it can be time-consuming for your contractor to find the source of the problem, so you’ll pay more for repairs.
- It doesn’t look very good. In spite of the best efforts of a professional roofing contractor, a double layer of shingles may result in curling or lifting that’s unsightly.
- It doesn’t return as much resale value to your home. Astute home inspectors and savvy buyers can spot an overlay and wonder if you’re hiding a problem. They also know that the roof will eventually need to be replaced, and that will need to happen much sooner than if you had performed a complete tear-off.
If you’re going to put your home on the market, and you’re going to invest in your roof, a well-done tear off is going to be more impressive to potential buyers and may give you more in return.
Are You Sure I Shouldn’t Sell As-Is and Let the Buyer Handle Any Roof Problems?
You’ll have to make the final decision, of course. But making sure your roof in in tip-top condition can make selling much simpler for both you and the buyer. Here’s why:
- A home with a new roof or a roof in great condition will sell more quickly. New buyers like knowing that they won’t have to replace shortly after purchase.
- Lenders may not be eager to finance a deal when the home has existing roof damage. Someone will need to repair it in order for a loan to be approved, and in most cases, buyers will just move on to a different property.
- If the market is not as competitive, not having a new roof or one in great shape can cause your home to be overlooked.
- Millennials are one of the largest demographics of home buyers right now, and many are buying a home for the first time. They may be uncomfortable with the idea of making repairs to a newly purchased residence. So might older buyers who are anticipating a fixed income in the future.
Let your realtor help you make your final decision. You might also consider checking several comparable properties in your neighborhood that have recently sold and determine whether the roof may have helped with getting a maximum asking price.
What If I Don’t Need a Replacement? Can I Get My Roof Repaired and Certified?
Yes, you can get a statement from your roofing contractor that repairs have been made and that the roofer estimates the life of the roof will be at least three to five more years. You will have to have your roof cleaned, maintained and repaired by your chosen professional in order for certification to be an option. And, if your roof should be replaced but you’re just slapping together repairs to prepare for a sale, don’t expect your roofer to be on-board. A reputable roofing contractor does have a reputation for quality work and that could be compromised if they make guarantees about the condition of a roof that aren’t accurate. At All Point Construction, we may be able to certify that your roof is sound if we have completed needed repairs.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor in Plymouth MI When You Sell Your Home
If you do decide to replace or repair your roof, the roofing contractors at All Point can give you advice for what is most needed to get a good asking price for your home. Combine our offer of a free estimate with our many years of experience and good reputation in southeast Michigan, and you’ll see that All Point Construction can be a valuable partner in the effort to sell your house.
We are committed to improving the environment. Our robust asphalt shingle recycling program ensures that old materials from your home are not dumped in a landfill, but rather, used to make new products. We also emphasize the use of new materials that are eco-friendly, and have earned the title of GAF® Certified Green Roofer to show that we work hard to be sustainable in all our business practices.
Plus, All Point Construction can help with other repairs that may need to be made before you can list your home. We are skilled in siding, masonry and other construction work that can improve your property — whether you want the most from your living experience or you’re looking to sell as soon as possible. We have skilled builders and tradespeople who can complete almost any project to add to your property’s value. We can:
- Replace or repair siding, including installation of vinyl siding.
- Replace windows and doors.
- Repair or construct patios and decks.
- Add insulation to your attic and walls to improve your heating and cooling bills.
- Remodel your kitchen and make the space more modern.
- Complete an addition to your home to bump up your square footage and usable space.
We would love to answer any questions you have about preparing your home for sale and making necessary repairs to your roof or other areas of your house. Call us at 734-548-9911 or contact us online to arrange for your free estimate and get a jump on listing your home.
