If you're planning on selling your home, you probably have a mile-long list of things that need to be taken care of in order to get the most money out of the sale.  When someone is looking to buy a home, one of the biggest expenses they worry about is whether they are going to have to replace the roof in the near future.  
If your roof has a huge gaping hole in it, then you already know you're going to have to replace it before selling your home.  Most homeowners, however, are faced with a less obvious decision to replace the roof before selling, and find themselves asking questions like:  Will replacing those shingles help me sell my home?  Do I really need to repair my roof or can I sell it as is?  Do potential buyers really care about the moss on the roof?  If you find yourself in this second category and are having trouble making a decision about your roof before putting your home on the market, you definitely need to have a roofing contractor do a thorough inspection to assess the overall condition, scope of repairs needed, and the projected lifespan of the roof if left alone.  If the roofing contractor determines that a roof replacement is necessary, then you can consider the following things before making a decision:

1. Do you have a large mortgage?  Your decision about replacing the roof will depend on how much money you are hoping to make on your home.  If you own the home outright, you may not need as much of a return as that of someone who still owes a lot of money on the home.
2. Can you afford to replace the roof or will you need to obtain a loan?  You can apply for a home-equity loan to make repairs on the home and replace the roof, but the loan will have to be paid in full when the house is sold.
3. What is the competition like in your neighborhood?  Is the housing market in your area competitive? Are you likely to receive multiple offers on your home?  Check to see what other houses in your area are for sale in your price range and what condition they are in.  If there are a lot of homes on the market, a new roof is often a great incentive to buyers.
4. Will leaving the roof as is cause further damage to the home?  If your roof is leaking, you need to act quickly.  A potential buyer will have a hard time obtaining a mortgage if the roof is in extremely poor shape.
5. Will insurance pay for a new roof?  If your roof is missing shingles due to storms or has damage caused by other events covered by insurance, you might be able to file a claim and have the cost covered or at least partially covered by insurance.
6. How quickly do you need to sell your home?  A well-maintained home has the potential to sell faster because it shows better in person and gives potential buyers confidence that there are few things to be concerned about.  A new roof will improve the curb appeal and make your home stand out among the rest.
7. Selling your home with your roof as-is will result in a reduction of the final sale price.  If you can't afford to replace or repair the roof, or simply don't have the time, know that it will definitely be a bargaining factor with the potential buyer.  It all depends on the market, however, because in a highly competitive market, buyers are more willing to overlook minor issues with the roof in order to land a deal.  You can also lower the price of the home to compensate for the roof and attract multiple buyers, resulting in a bidding war that can raise the price of the home.

Be sure to discuss your options with a professional roofer as well as your realtor.  As discussed above, there are numerous factors that will be in play when it comes to selling your home.  The best decisions are always educated decisions, and you don't want to spend more money than you have to.  If you are in the Birmingham area, give Bill White Roofing and Specialty a call for roof inspections, roof repairs, or roof replacements.

Now that the weather is starting to cool off, most homeowners in Birmingham are starting to tackle all of those outdoor projects they've been letting pile up over the excruciatingly hot summer.  If you're one of those homeowners who loves to take on DIY projects, be sure to continue reading to learn about why roof repairs should be left for a professional roofing contractor.

Keeping your roof in top condition is extremely important in keeping you and your family protected from the elements.  Sure, you might think that regular inspections and repairs sound fairly simple, but that's not actually the case.  Roofing is a very dangerous job.  According to Forbes, roofing is the fourth deadliest job in America.  Over 2000 people a year die from falling off of a roof, whether that be an amateur or a professional.  Even with the strongest safety precautions, there are still many dangerous situations that can occur up on a roof.

Aside from falling, someone who is not experienced with working on a roof can be injured by twisted ankles, bruises, and back injuries.  They can also miss weak, soft spots in the roof decking, step on them, and cause more damage than before.  Then there are insects like wasps and bees that build nests, and if you disturb them, you'll more than likely be stung.  Weather plays a factor in the dangers of working on a roof.  A brief rain shower will transform your roof into a slick, slippery surface and quick wind gusts will make you lose your balance.  So no matter how safe you think your roof may be, it's actually a very dangerous place to spend your time.

Quality roofing jobs require skill and precision, and the only way to develop these skills is through lots of practice.  At Bill White Roofing and Specialty, we have over 45 years of experience in the roofing industry. When someone uses the wrong tools or techniques to install shingles, severe problems will pop up in the long run.  Trust an experienced roofing contractor to get the job done correctly so you don't stress yourself out every time it rains or storms.

Another reason roof repairs should be left to professionals is that not all roofing problems are obvious or easy to spot.  Some issues will lead to major damage of the rest of your home if not detected and repaired properly in a timely manner.  A good roofing contractor will do a thorough inspection to determine all areas that need to be addressed, and will be able to detect conditions that could lead to future problems.

If you're still considering an attempt at DIY roofing, keep in mind that it's probably not going to be as cost effective as you think.  A reputable roofing company buys materials in bulk from the manufacturers, lowering the cost significantly, and the roofing crew works quickly and efficiently to get the job done in a timely manner.  Do you really want to spend your time working on a project that is not only dangerous but can cause more damage if not completed correctly?

Give Bill White Roofing and Specialty a call for all of your roofing needs.  We always say "Your roof is our roof" and will do the job right, the first time.