Research shows that people move an average of 12 times in their lifetime. So, if you are selling your house, replacing your roof can be a great way to recoup some of the money you’ve invested in your home. Roof replacement costs vary greatly depending on the type of roof that needs to be put on. Here are a few things to note to enjoy a great return on investment (ROI) from your roof replacement.
Consider Your House Style
As with any home upgrade, it’s a good idea to consider the architectural style of your home and how a new roof might affect its curb appeal when you go to sell. Homeowners are more likely to invest in remodeling work when they plan on selling their property. Data shows that over five million new roofs are installed each year in the United States.
While replacing an old roof is unlikely to be your fastest route to a higher sale price and ROI, it can help make your house look more appealing from the outside and boost your asking price. When considering re-roofing as part of a home improvement project for resale purposes, keep in mind that a roof is a significant part of the curb appeal.
“A replacement roof can make all other improvements pop. Still, if not properly chosen and installed correctly, it can also bring down the value of those same improvements,” says Paul Potratz Jr., Vice President at Potratz Advertising and Consulting in Albany and Saratoga Springs, NY. “Certain roofing materials and colors are better at complementing some styles of homes than others.”
Curb Appeal Is Crucial
Curb appeal is crucial. As soon as you’ve figured out what kind of roofing material you want, make sure that it matches the style of your house and the materials used in your home in general. Experts say true slate and Ludowici tile roofs can have lifespans of up to 125 years, an important distinction for curb appeal and ROI.
You can easily mask an ill-fitting roof – for example, if it’s a skylight or something – with paint, but if you’re looking at a wood shake or clay tile roof, there aren’t many options for blending them into the landscape. One thing to be careful of is that not every type of wood shake comes with flashing around it. If that’s the case, you need to have proper flashing installed around your windows!
Choose the Right Colors
It’s one of the most extensive surfaces in your home, and it’s one of the most visible. You want to choose a suitable color scheme for your roof; and you want it to pull together and fit with the rest of your home. Having the right colors for your roof will make it more appealing to prospective buyers.
Improve Energy Efficiency
If you’re looking to help reduce your heating bills, a cool roof is the way to go. Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing materials because they can reflect much more sunlight and absorb less heat than other materials. Other features that are energy efficient include solar-powered attic fans, which can reduce a home’s extraordinary air loss by up to 50%. Solar shingles, meanwhile, can also cut heating costs and provide a backup electrical power source. Going with a white roof will help you cool since it reflects solar heat away from your house.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, a new roof can boost its appeal to potential buyers. Replacing your roof is one of the best remodeling projects you can do for the price. Roof repairs and replacements can be expensive, meaning this tip is only for homeowners ready to sell their homes. You will recoup the roof repair or replacement costs when you sell your home, assuming you have a professional doing the work. The key is to check your roof and make repairs before putting your house on the market.
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