Does a New Roof Increase Home Value? What Buyers Should Know

So you’re buying a new home? Congratulations – you’re at a very fun time, on the cusp of starting a beautiful new chapter of your life and it’s stressful. But a new home can be a breath of fresh air in so many ways.

Of course, the cost of your new home will be a big, if not the main, consideration. A home’s value can depend on various things like its size, location, school districts and overall condition.

Sellers want to get the highest price for their home, so they typically highlight its best features and properties. They may even renovate the carpets, windows and the roof to make it more interesting and appealing to potential buyers, which is definitely something to keep in mind.

When you install a new roof, you can recover over 60% of its cost when selling a house. But there’s limited data available after 2019 and with this solid ROI, it’s no wonder that a roof replacement can increase home value by thousands of dollars.

This guide examines the impact of a new roof on property value. It also explores the various factors that can change this increase and it gives sellers some strategies to maximize their return on investment.

But we’re focusing on you – the buyer’s perspective – on key things to remember when assessing an aging or recently replaced roof. Let’s get into it!

How a New Roof Increases Home Value

Roofs are expensive, with the average costing about $10,000 and sometimes peaking around $12,000. That replacement can increase the property’s value for buyers.

In short, it does matter and helps you, the buyer, tremendously. Always choose a new home with a solid roof over an old one with a broken roof. There are a few reasons for this.

First imagine encountering a beautiful house, only to see that the roof is in poor condition and needs replacement. Would you like to buy that house or would you prefer to spend your money on a home you can move into with your family?

Unless you’re looking for a project, you’re likely looking for the latter. From a seller’s perspective, a broken roof in need of repair will only push people away from buying your home. When you sell your home, a broken roof can be expensive and risky. If your home isn’t selling, you might have to lower the price to attract buyers and avoid losing money, especially when a buyer has to spend an extra $12,000 to replace the roof themselves.

However replacing the roof can give you some several advantages. The house becomes move-in ready with no additional price tag and it comes with warranties and guarantees for the new roof that you can transfer to the buyer. All of these benefits can cover 60% of the original cost of replacing the roof.

Other plus points to remember about a new roof’s impact on home value include curb appeal, energy efficiency and less maintenance. A worn or damaged roof is an eyesore – shingles that are cracked, buckled, missing or covered in algae or moss detract from a home’s appeal, while a new roof can transform the home’s look and attract more buyers. Old roofs often leak and cause energy loss. But a new roof helps regulate indoor temperatures more efficiently, which cuts monthly utility bills and buyers appreciate these savings. An older roof will probably need repairs sooner than a new one, costing homeowners money, so replacing it removes the need for significant repairs or replacements for years, which makes it a safer investment for buyers.

Factors Affecting How Much a New Roof Increases Home Value

So we know that a new roof can increase the value of a home you’re looking to buy. This new roof doesn’t have to be brand-new. But someone has to have installed it over the last few years. A five-year-old roof is still considered pretty new by most people.

How does it increase the home’s value and what’s the cost? You don’t want to be stung by a seller claiming they have a new roof and a very high price even when the roof isn’t really worth that much. Let’s start by looking at some of the significant variables.

Materials play a major role in the quality and durability of a roof. You want materials like asphalt, wood, slate, metal and tile that offer worthwhile advantages. Basically the more expensive and long-lasting the materials are, the higher the improvement in value.

Quality is also a big part of it. If the homeowner installs the roof themselves, it’ll add less value compared to a professional, high-quality installation because that really defines the lifespan of the roof. Always ask about the contractors and whether there is a guarantee or warranty, as that clearly shows the quality of the work.

If the property you’re thinking of buying has any special features, that’s a bonus! For example, a metal roof on an upscale East Coast home could increase the resale value by $20K, while a basic asphalt shingle roof on a Midwest ranch might add only $3-5K.

Why Buyers Value a New Roof

As a home buyer, you’re always looking for the best value for your money. Adding a new roof can add value to your home and it has perks that make it a pretty worthwhile investment.

These perks might include. But aren’t limited to, security when you know it’s unlikely to need a replacement in the near future (roofs usually last between 25 and 50 years), avoiding the issues and dangers of repairing or replacing an older roof yourself, enhanced home durability and energy efficiency and better curb appeal.

But buyers may have concerns about recent roof work, such as whether it was installed correctly and by a respected company, whether the shingles and materials are of good quality with long warranties and whether the style matches the home.

Keep all of this in mind when looking for your new home, as these factors can make the difference between a below-average buy and a solid one. If you see a new roof that’s less than 5 years old, make sure it has a warranty from a trusted brand or contractor.

Maximizing Your New Roof

But in this guide, we want to mention a few suggestions that might help maximize the advantages of your new roof. At Roof Republic, our experienced team just wants to make sure that you have a pleasant and positive experience and we work hard to provide new roofs made of quality materials that come with long warranties.

Look for attic ventilation and insulation to get enhanced energy efficiency. Choose a style and color that’ll complement your home’s design. Time the replacement right before you list your home. Point out the new roof in the listing description and use it as a negotiating point. Get at least 3 estimates and check the roofer’s credentials to find the best deal.

For buyers, take a close look at the roof and research the company that installed it. Also factor in the savings from improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. In most cases, a new roof is worth it because it increases the value of your home and helps it sell faster.

Conclusion

When you invest in a new roof before selling your home, it can increase its value and might make the property more attractive to potential buyers. It puts buyers at ease when they learn that they’re putting their money into a low-maintenance property without any immediate added costs.

Plus a refreshed roof not only enhances the home’s style but also boosts its energy efficiency and contributes to long-term savings. Roof Republic helps home buyers recognize the worth of a house with a new roof.

Our experienced team is readily available to share their industry know-how. That helps you gain clarity and make well-educated decisions about your property. Enjoy a worry-free home-buying process with Roof Republic! Reach out to us and see how we can help you!