The real estate market is booming right now, and many Florida homeowners are perking up at the estimated return they could get on their current home and deciding to sell. Whether the move is to upgrade, to downsize, or simply for a change of scenery, there are many important factors to consider when looking for and buying a new home. While many of these vary from person to person, there are some overarching characteristics that should be looked for in a new potential house, and knowing what to look for (and where to look for it) and asking the right questions can save you a lot of money and stress after you sign on the dotted line.

From a roofer's perspective, buying a home starts at the top...literally. A home without a solid roof is pretty sure to be a problem from the start, as roofing issues tend to lead to water problems, potential mold, pest problems, and more. So, what should you look for, and what kinds of questions do you need to have ready for your realtor or the home's seller when you go on the hunt?

First, you need to look for any signs of water damage. While especially true of ceilings, water damage noticed on walls and floors is also pertinent as a roof leak could present itself in a variety of locations depending on where exactly a leak originates and what the pull of gravity is from that point. If you noticed water staining or evidence of water damage, take note of it, and demand an answer. If a homeowner or realtor seems vague or you aren't able to get a clear answer, walk away.

Additionally, you have the right to know if the roof has ever been repaired or replaced, and if so, who did the work. In Florida, roofing materials typically have a lifespan of about 20 years, if maintained (we'll discuss that more below) and if the home you're looking at is older than 20 years, or if it's approaching its 20th birthday, it either has a recently replaced roof or will be in need of a new one soon. If it hasn't been repaired or replaced you need to take this into account with the asking price of the home. If it was replaced, ask for paperwork from the contractor who completed the job, or at the very least, the name and contact info of the contractor. If they hired a local handyman off the street and was responsible for the job, there's a chance it wasn't up to code, and you could be facing a future of issues and be jumping right into a "money pit" once the home is yours.

Finally, you need to know if the roof has been maintained and what has been done to ensure its longevity. Inspections, repairs when needed, and other routine maintenance tasks are a good sign that the previous homeowner cared about the house and any existing issues are likely known about already. However, if the roof has never received any type of maintenance or inspection, make sure your own home inspector gives it a thorough check before you consider purchasing the home. Having a quality roofing inspector is key for this job, as they know telltale signs of up-and-coming problems with your roof, as well as any poorly constructed repair work, areas that will fail, and so forth.

EZ Roofing Systems is proud to serve the greater Polk County area as one of the best roofing contractors in the Central Florida region. Our goal is to see you be successful in your house hunt, and by offering our inspection services and quality repair/replacement options, you can buy with confidence. Give us a call and see how we can help you make the house-buying process easier than ever!