It may seem a little confusing at first to think of replacing your roof just when you’re planning to list your home for sale. However, roof replacement might just be the investment you need to get the sale off the ground.
The housing market can get competitive, and many buyers don’t look forward to a large, difficult-to-ignore fix-it project in their new home. Especially one as large as a roof.
As you consider roof replacement, keep a couple of things in mind. Firstly, each locality has its own preferred style of roof, depending on the expectations of each neighborhood and of course, the style of the house.
Lexington, KY has a wide range, from traditional colonial homes to contemporary designs. At the same time, the roof must be able to withstand the humid summers and cold winters of the state.
Roof replacement does not just make your house look nice; it is an investment with high return. Here are 5 significant reasons that you might want to replace your roof
Key Takeaways
- A new roof is a significant consideration for Lexington buyers.
- New roofs lead to higher appraisal values and faster sales, especially in competitive neighborhoods.
- Aging roofs can turn buyers off, especially if they have fears of leaks and mold. Buyers would prefer not to deal with the immediate repairs and health issues that come with that risk.
- A new roof instantly assures buyers that their new home can likely weather a few years without the need for an upgrade.
- New roofing warranties allow homeowners to rest easy about roof-related cash outputs for quite a few years yet.
1. Why Lexington Buyers Care About Your Roof Before Anything Else
Who doesn’t want a new roof? More importantly, who does not see a new roof the moment a house is passed? A good roof can make or break that all-important first impression.
First of all, they want a roof that matches the house style or neighborhood.
A classic farmhouse needs a roof made for timeless traditions. Modern houses need sleek and modern roofing. If your house has an aging or even visibly repaired roof, you’ll have a more difficult time locking down a sale.
A new roof signals safety from the elements, a cover to keep air-conditioning and heating inside the house, protection from mold and mildew and other aging roof concerns for the next years to come.
When buyers step out of the car, a new roof might just make them step into the house.
2. Why a New Roof Can Lift Your Lexington Home’s Appraisal in Hot Markets
In competitive Lexington neighborhoods such as Ashland Park, Beaumont, or Chevy Chase, a new roof can make your residential real estate stand out to buyers.
Lexington weather demands a specific kind of roof that your buyers will specifically be looking for. If they suspect that the roof won’t protect them from leaks, mold, and escaping heat all year round, they might just reject the sale.
Appraisers also consider the newness of the roof when recommending a listing price. At the same time, sellers are looking for homes in a right price range that indicates a quality sale.
Potential for High Return on Investment
Roof replacements can get you as much as approximately 60% to 85% of their cost in increased home value, while the rest of the investment (and beyond) is covered by the sale itself. This particularly matters in Lexington neighborhoods where buyers want to move in rather than build or renovate.
As new roofs are an easy selling point, it is equally easy for appraisers to raise the house’s selling price. The higher the potential sale, the higher your potential return on investment.
What Do Appraisers and Buyers Value in a Roof?
Appraisers are looking for leak-proof and wind-resistant roofs that easily deal with rain, winds, and humidity year-round. Certain materials, such as metal and composite roofing, are ideal.
Every roof should be leak-proof. However, some materials are a little more susceptible to moisture, such as purely wood shingles. You may find yourself increasing your investment in gutters or maintenance for roofs like these.
To deal with both the heat and the cold, appraisers also want to know how modern the roof is, and how energy-efficient it promises to be. Older roofs incur more costs, and bring down the price of the house.
Most importantly, appraisers should know that the roof is installed by a qualified roofing contractor with significant experience in the industry. The warranties must be up to date, and the overall house structure should be sound.
3. Why Lexington Buyers Pass on Homes with Roofing Headaches
Lexington buyers would rather not move into houses requiring roof repairs. The moving-in itself would be delayed or inconvenienced, as construction would require some adjustment on their part.
Buyers looking forward to a good move and a new home appreciate an upgraded roof with fewer requirements.
Common Concerns of Lexington Buyers with Older Roofs
Local buyers know that an aging or outdated roof comes with a few potential risks.
- Aging roofs are susceptible to leaks, as cracked, warped, or damaged shingles can let in rain.
- Highly humid areas can lead to a growth of mold in the attic area, under the roof, and on the walls, which may impact health.
- Wind and rain alternating with sunny or hot days can warp or crack older shingles as they expand and contract. Damaged shingles lead to risk of leaks, increased roof damage, and even possible structural damage.
- Heat during winter and air conditioning during the summer tend to escape through older roofs, resulting in higher energy costs and the need for adjustments or repairs.
New roofs enable sellers to face buyers, confident to meet their expectations and avoid price negotiations. The seller’s reputation and listings are on the line as well; replacing the roof makes it simpler for all of you.
4. Why Replacing Your Roof Keeps Your Lexington Home Competitive
In competitive Lexington neighborhoods such as Wilmore or Frankfort, staying ahead of the market means making as many upgrades as you can. Even small upgrades, such as a fresh coat of paint or landscaping, can make a difference.
However, replacing your roof is way beyond a small upgrade.
Buyers know that the property is ready to be lived in and should be leak-proof, mold-free, and energy-efficient for quite a few years. They look for the highest possible convenience in a new move, and a new roof will assure them of that.
Curb Appeal Beyond Just Looks
In Lexington, KY, caring about curb appeal is also a practical consideration.
In this region, buyers look at how a roof adds value to their entire home. For sellers, it is much easier to market homes that are in neutral colors, such as greys, browns, blacks, and reds.
The colors easily blend in with any environment, both natural and urban, and maintain their appeal in any season.
Neutral colors, especially on a new roof, add to the sleek and welcoming look and assure buyers that their investment is resilient to the weather and low-maintenance at least for another 10 or 20 years or so.
Your neighborhood may have a specific requirement for roof colors, or even for roofing styles. In that case, the options are narrowed down for you.
5. Why Lexington Buyers Look for Strong Roofing Warranties
Most forward-thinking buyers want to see their roofing warranties when they buy a home, whether or not it has a new roof. The rain and high humidity requires them to be particular about the state of the roof, before and after the purchase.
New roofs tend to have longer warranties, covering roofing materials, guaranteeing installation quality, and taking some weather-related damage into account.
For example:
- Asphalt Shingles: Often have warranties ranging from 15 to 30 years.
- Metal Roofing: Usually have longer warranties from 30 to 50 years.
Lexington buyers want to know that they won’t have to shell out for unexpected roofing expenses so soon after investing in their new home.
New roofs make houses competitive especially in older neighborhoods.
Warranties Give Buyers Confidence
Sellers can market homes even to first-time buyers if the roofs have good (preferably new) warranties.
Seasoned homeowners in particular would look for, and appreciate, the coverage and protection that warranties give them. They would not have to worry about repairs or leak-related damage.
Specifying warranty details, and emphasizing the warranty as a feature of the listing, turns Lexington buyers’ heads. They know they will get long-lasting protection—and peace of mind.
Your home should be ready to face the Lexington weather, and both buyers and sellers need assurances to make the investment in your home.
Is It Time for a New Roof on Your Lexington Home? Here’s How to Know
Is roof replacement right for your home?
Always do a full assessment of your home before deciding to replace your roof prior to making the listing. Firstly, double-check the roof’s age and the time limit on any existing warranties. If there was a recent storm or weather event, check for specific damage related to it.
Check the general condition of roofs in your neighborhood to see how your home will stand out with a newer roof.
A local, professional roofing contractor can assess the roof’s condition and give you any information you need to decide on repairing or replacing your roof. Lexington-based contractors are your best bet for a professional review.
Other Insights for Lexington Locals and Newcomers
Water resilience: Buyers need roofs that are leak-proof and resistant to mold and high winds.
Neighborhood requirements: In competitive neighborhoods, especially in more historic areas, buyers look at roof conditions on different homes.
Buyer expectations: Lexington buyers would rather move straight into their new homes, and signs of aging or damage can discourage them.
Smaller repairs might help in certain cases, but if the sum of all the repairs and making up for the roof’s aging is too high, a full replacement will be a solid investment.
Before You Sell Your Lexington Home, Let Barrier Roofs Give Your Roof a Fresh Start
At Barrier Roofs, we can help you assess your roof and decide if the best move is a roof replacement to increase your home’s value.
With over a decade of experience in Lexington, we know what buyers and sellers look for in a roof when it comes to selling and purchasing. We specialize in evaluating your roofs for reselling and estimating their value according to market demands. Contact us today at (859) 605-1079 to know if a replacement or repairs will make the most sense when it comes to reselling your house.
