Introduction:

Buying a home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. You get the building inspection report and it ticks the boxes perhaps noting some minor roof wear. But from my perspective as a property assessor who’s seen countless issues emerge after purchase, the roof warrants a deeper specialist look. A standard pre purchase inspection provides a general overview but hidden or underestimated roof problems can quickly turn your dream home into a financial headache potentially leading to tens of thousands in unexpected repair costs.

Why a Standard Inspection Might Not Be Enough for the Roof

General building inspectors are skilled professionals but a roof is a complex system with specific vulnerabilities. My experience shows that critical issues can be easily missed or underestimated without focused expertise. Consider these points:

• Hidden Defects: Issues like compromised sarking (the layer under tiles/metal), subtle flashing failures, or early signs of structural compromise within the roof cavity may not be immediately obvious during a less detailed visual check.

• Gradual Deterioration: Wear and tear, aging materials, and the effects of Perth’s climate often manifest gradually. An expert knows the specific signs of this ‘gradual damage’ which crucially is typically excluded by insurance policies. You buy it with gradual damage, it’s your problem, not the insurer’s later on.

• Future Costs: An expert assessment can better estimate the remaining lifespan of the roof covering and identify components nearing the end of their service life giving you a clearer picture of potential significant expenses down the road (like a full roof replacement).

• Assessing Past Repairs: Many older properties have undergone roof repairs. We assess the quality and longevity of these past works, a poor repair can be a ticking time bomb for future leaks.

• Delignification & Termite Risk: Within the roof cavity assessing timber for delignification (breakdown of lignin in timber reducing its strength) and ensuring visible timber appears free from active or significant past termite activity are crucial checks that a specialist is trained to spot.

What a Specialist Pre Purchase Roof Inspection Covers

Our dedicated pre purchase roof inspection provides a detailed targeted evaluation specifically for a buyer’s needs covering these key areas:

• Comprehensive Condition Report: Detailed findings on the state of roof covering, structure (where visible), drainage, flashings, and penetrations.

• Identification of Defects: Clearly categorising issues from Major (urgent safety or risk) to Significant (requires attention to prevent future problems) and Minor (maintenance).

• Causation Context: While pre purchase isn’t a claims assessment, we note if damage appears sudden or indicative of long term issues.

• Lifespan Estimates: Providing an informed opinion on the likely remaining life of key roof components.

• Future Concerns: Highlighting potential areas for future high cost repairs or known vulnerabilities of the roof type.

• Crucial Photographic Evidence: The report is backed by detailed photos showing identified issues so you have clear evidence.

Informing Your Decision

Armed with this specialist report, you gain invaluable clarity. You can:

• Make a truly informed decision about proceeding with the purchase.

• Potentially use the findings (particularly major or significant defects) as leverage in price negotiations.

• Accurately budget for necessary repairs or future maintenance before committing.

• Avoid the stress and financial shock of discovering major roof problems after settlement.

Don’t guess about the condition of your prospective home’s roof. Invest in a detailed pre purchase assessment to ensure your biggest investment is structurally sound from the top down.