Buying a house with an old roof – what to check before you take possession
You’ve found your dream home, but the roof looks like it has a few years behind it. A worn roof doesn’t have to be a reason to walk away, but it can affect both the price and your plans after moving in. With the right checks in advance, you’ll know what you’re getting into.
Ask the seller about the roof’s history
Start by finding out how old the roof is and whether any work has been done on it. Has it been re-roofed, repaired after a storm or painted? Ask for receipts or documentation if possible. A roof with a known history is much easier to assess than one where no one knows when it was laid.
Take a close look from the ground
Bring a pair of binoculars to the viewing. Look out for broken or displaced tiles, rust on the metal and a roofline that isn’t straight. Also check the flashings around the chimney and the gutters. Gutters that sag or have discoloured joints can indicate that water isn’t being drained away properly.
Go up into the attic
The attic often reveals more than the roof itself. Notice whether it smells musty, and look for dark stains or water marks on the roof boarding. If you can see daylight between the boards, the roof isn’t watertight.
Your duty to inspect as a buyer
Under Swedish law, buyers have an extensive duty to inspect a property before purchase. Defects you should have discovered during a careful inspection generally can’t be claimed for afterwards. A standard pre-purchase survey rarely includes going up on the roof, so it’s your responsibility to get a clear picture of its condition.
Factor the roof into your budget
If the roof turns out to need work within a few years, it’s good to have a rough idea of the cost before bidding starts. You can then include it in your budget or use it as a basis for negotiating with the seller.
Get help from a roofer
A roofer can assess both the surface and the structure beneath in a short time. VOLUX is happy to help with a roof inspection before your purchase, so you can make your decision knowing exactly what lies ahead.
