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Check the roof before you buy

When you're thinking of moving home, it's a wise man who casts his eye over the prospective home's roof before making his choice.

The roof over your head is a vital part of your home, and if the roof on your new home is in a particularly bad state of repair, it may need replacing completely, adding unexpected costs to your home move.

Every homebuyer should have a comprehensive survey of the property before signing on the dotted line. However, you can take a look at the roof yourself to give you a little confidence about the roof covering. An initial visual check should enable you to have a guess at when the roof was fitted. You can also always ask the existing homeowner the same question. Check for missing slates or tiles and also the condition of the gutters, fascias and downspouts. If you can get access, you should always have a look in the loft space to see if there are signs of water ingress or damp patches.

A few small repairs to your roof won't cost the Earth, but a complete roof replacement may cost many thousands of pounds, so it's always worth doing your homework before buying.

Nicholas Lake

Published at: 02-07-2011

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