What Is a Roof Certification and Why Do I Need One?

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What Is a Roof Certification and Why Do I Need One?

Selling your home is a process that involves a lot of choices. From investing in presale upgrades to selecting a realtor, it can be overwhelming and stressful. To lessen your stress load, you will want to be sure you only take on projects that increase your home’s likelihood of selling. One of these projects is obtaining a roof certification.

What Is a Roof Certification?

A roof certification is the formal documentation of the condition of your roof and an estimate of how many years it has left. It is not a guarantee or a warranty, but rather the opinion of a qualified roofer about the roof’s condition and life expectancy.

There are various types of certifications. Some are more detailed, while others are more of a general statement of the roof’s condition. In some instances, the roofer certifying your roof will assume care of it in the event that repairs are needed after the certification.

Why Do I Need a Roof Certification?

1. Typical Home Inspections Don’t Include Your Roof

While your home will be thoroughly inspected prior to selling, this process typically does not involve your roof. Home inspectors may look for issues they can spot from the ground, such as loose shingles or mildew. But a roofing contractor will actually go up on the roof and perform a detailed inspection specifically for the roof certification.

2. Certifications Give Buyers Peace of Mind

Roofing repairs can be costly and inconvenient. Most home buyers will not be interested in undertaking large renovations upon move-in. A roof certification offers peace of mind in knowing that the roof is in good shape and will not need to be addressed for many years to come. Ultimately, if a potential buyer is choosing between two homes, the roof certification may be the deciding factor.

3. It May Be Required by the Lender

Furthermore, many lenders are now requiring roof certifications prior to releasing funds to a buyer. In the case that it is not required, the buyer may still choose to pay for the inspection themselves and make any necessary repairs a contingency of the sales contract.

What Happens During a Roof Certification?

An inspector will evaluate your roof from the inside and outside of your home. He or she will take several photographs and carefully document any repairs needed in order for the roof to be certified. Specifically, the roofing contractor will note the following:

● The type of roof and materials (asphalt shingles, metal, shake, etc.)
● Any previous repairs
● The age of the roof
● The number of layers of the roof
● The pitch of the roof
● Any signs of damage
● Any recommended repairs

If no issues are found, the certification document can be completed in as little as one day. The final document is usually valid from between 2-5 years.

How Do I Obtain a Roof Certification?

Look for a licensed, local roofer with excellent online reviews. Let the roofer know you are trying to sell your home and would like to schedule a roof certification. Remember that this is different from a roof inspection, and will incur a fee to account for the roofer’s time and expertise. You may ask the roofer for an estimate on the cost.

Does J&K Roofing Perform Roof Certifications?

Yes, we do! If you are looking to sell your home in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado regions, give us a 0http://jkroofing.com/contact-us/0 to schedule your certification. We will be happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

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Getting Ready to Sell Your Home? Don’t Forget Your Roof

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Getting Ready to Sell Your Home? Don’t Forget Your Roof

Homeownership is an investment. Every repair project or upgrade tends to circle back to the question: is this worth it? The ultimate goal is to add value to the home over time and give the owner an edge when it comes time to sell.

As far as your roof is concerned, you have three options: repair, replace, or sell as-is. While there are certain instances when you can successfully sell a home with a damaged roof, this tends to be a mistake when looking to sell to the general public. In the end, there are several reasons why you should consider addressing your roof before listing.

1. First Impressions

A visibly damaged roof does little to add to a home’s curb appeal. Cracked tiles, missing shingles, or patches of algae are hardly someone’s idea of a Dream Home. If your house does not look inviting from the outside, a potential buyer may not even bother viewing the inside.

2. Buyer Cash Flow Concerns

In addition to the inconvenience of facing a major project upon moving in, many buyers simply cannot afford a new roof. Most are using bank financing to purchase the home in the first place and may not have the cash on hand to repair or replace the roof after buying.

3. Inspection Red Flags

Lenders will typically require both an inspection and appraisal before signing off on a new home loan. The quality of the roof is a significant area of focus for the inspector.

He or she will note any damage and, if the issue involves water leaking into the home, the report may indicate the potential for water damage elsewhere in the home. This can significantly reduce your home’s overall value and may even result in the bank denying the mortgage to the buyer.

4. Trust Issues

Most states require you to disclose any significant issues with the home on a residential property disclosure statement. “Roof damage” may lead to suspicions of other damage around the home, whether it is listed on the form or not. This can affect the appraisal process and result in a low-ball estimate of your home’s worth.

5. Energy Efficiency Bonus

In addition to buyer peace of mind and aesthetic value, a new roof adds to the overall value of the home by increasing its energy efficiency. A brand new roof with a proper ventilation system will stress the home’s heating and cooling system less, leading to lower energy bills and a more comfortable atmosphere inside the home.

As a result, houses that are energy efficient tend to sell more quickly and at a higher value than homes that are not.

6. Investment Returns

A new roof does, in fact, offer a relatively high return on investment. Cost vs. Value reports from 2020 show an average ROI of about 65%. However, a 2019 report Remodeling Impact Survey found a return on investment of up to 109%.

This means that homeowners who had replaced their roof with a new asphalt shingle system not only recouped their entire investment, they even turned a slight profit. In this same report, 33% of realtors also attributed the new roof to help them close the sale.

New Roofing Cost - JK Roofing

                              Graph courtesy of https://remodelingdoneright.nari.org/

What if My Roof Is In Relatively Good Shape?

A new roof can be costly, and it is wise to fully explore the strength of your investment before undertaking any major changes. Many homeowners may wonder if a new roof is entirely necessary, especially if the roof is in decent shape.

In this case, it is still a good idea to consider the roof’s age and average lifespan. Generally speaking, asphalt roofs are designed to last between 15-30 years, but this does not mean the roof will actually last that long.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your roof if it has less than ten years left in its lifespan. Doing so will allow you to sell the home more quickly and at a higher price, even if the older roof was in good shape.

Keep in mind that there is competition within every marketplace, including the real estate market where you will be listing your home. The final return on investment will depend on general housing market conditions. You will want to thoroughly discuss and prepare for market conditions with your realtor to determine what home renovations to pursue, including any roofing maintenance or replacement.

J&K Roofing and the Home Selling Process

If you are looking to sell your home and are unsure as to the condition of your roof, J&K Roofing offers free inspections in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Northern Colorado areas. Additionally, we offer a detailed certification service that your realtor can use to facilitate the selling process. Contact us today to see how we can help you get your home ready to sell!

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