Buying a house with a bad roof

Before you consider buying a house with a bad roof you would do well to consider the potential complications of such a decision. The roof tops the whole building, providing not just protection from the elements but also giving integrity to the structure as a whole.

Replacing tiles or shingles is one thing, rebuilding the roof frame and possibly repairing the walls is quite a different proposition. There may be a lot more remedial work to do than is apparent, which would be beyond the average DIYer's ability.

Where builders become involved your costs will rise, and these need to be factored in when considering the price you are prepared to pay for the house.

It is true that buying a house that needs a new roof may well seem a good buy, because the purchase price is correspondingly low.  However, there could well be a substantial downside in the extra cost involved together with the time spent completing the work. Depending where you live, of course, and the type of house, bad weather may hinder rebuilding, and local building regulations hamper and slow down completion. You will also be relying on your chosen builder doing a good job, and finishing the work on time.

It is worth saying that no attempt should be made to shortcut the process of replacing a bad roof - no skimping of the work - it has to be done properly.

If you are considering buying a house that needs a new roof, and especially if you are paying someone else to repair it for you, do make sure you have done your financial sums accurately. Leave no stone unturned.