Roofing repairs are one of those jobs inherent with being a homeowner – and the type of project it always pays to stay on top of!
Once problems set in, a few broken tiles can quickly turn into disastrous leaks and heat loss, driving up the cost of repairs and making the home a less comfortable place to be.
The great news is that if you’re thinking about fitting a new roof, a professional contractor such as A Wilson Roofing can complete the project in a much faster timeframe than perhaps you’re imagining – and drive up the value of your property at the same time!
Let’s look into how much a new roof can increase the saleable price of your home and some of the essential criteria to bear in mind.
How Much Value Does a New Roof Add to a Property?
The first question is – how much does a new roof cost, and how much value will it add?
That’s a relevant query since you’ll need to be confident the investment in your property will be worthwhile in the long term.
Costs for a brand new roof vary between £3,000 to £8,000 or more, depending on lots of factors, such as:
- How large the roof is.
- What materials and tiling you want to use.
- The shape and style of property.
- Whether any structural repairs are required.
Of course, if your roof is severely damaged, it’s likely a question of necessity, but also worth considering replacing an older roof as part of a general home upgrade.
In return, the average return on investment is an impressive 63%. Say you spent £5,000 on a new roof; that means an increase in property value of about £8,150.
Those are averages – you might gain a much larger return on a period property. Likewise, an extensive roof on a substantial home or intricate roofing materials may cost more but are equally likely to provide an uplift in the value of the residence.
Benefits of Replacing Your Roof
As we’ve mentioned, there might be some severe issues meaning you need to replace your roof as quickly as possible – perhaps you’ve suffered storm damage, have broken pipes, cracked riles, or water ingress.
Otherwise, it’s well worth considering a roof replacement if you intend to sell your house or have it valued for remortgage purposes.
Professionally fitted roofs usually have a lifespan of about 70 years for title, slate or lead roofs, and around 50 years for flat roofs. However, as A Wilson Roofing states, you’ll want to consider getting a 25 year warranty on your flat roof.
Buyers will want a sound roof over their head and are more likely to offer a higher price for a property with a brand new roof; safe in the knowledge they won’t need to replace it for decades to come.
Other benefits of roof replacement include:
- Improving curb appeal – a sparkly new roof is far more aesthetically pleasing than a sagging row of tiles or fascia’s that have seen better days!
- Safety – trapped wet and rot can cause severe damage to your roof’s structural integrity, so replacing it ensures you aren’t at any risk of falling tiles or damp ingress.
- Energy efficiency – the vast majority of heat is lost through the roof, so replacing this will retain heat, reducing energy bills, and providing a better energy-efficiency rating that forms a crucial part of a property valuation.
Even if you don’t plan to sell, installing a new roof can make a substantial difference to the warmth and appearance of your property.
How to Maximise Your Property Value Increase With a New Roof
We’ve established that a new roof can make a remarkable difference to the value of your property. Still, it’s essential to ensure that the return is as profitable as possible!
Let’s run through some tips to ensure your investment in a new roof is as advantageous as it can be:
- Always use a reputable contractor. You can expect warranties or guarantees, documentation, and support with any planning permission requirements – the paperwork verifying the quality and validity of the work is invaluable.
- Choose your materials carefully. Most homeowners will opt for like-for-like, choosing tiles and finishes that match the style of the property. You can also think about modern alternatives and take your time to look for inspiration to consider different colours and tones to make a style statement.
- Prioritise safety. A great contractor will ensure that they let you know about any structural issues that may be a further problem – and you’ll also benefit from eliminating problems like moss, rot, and insect infestations that thrive in old roof spaces.
- Have the property revalued. While you’ll need to do that anyway if you sell, it’s valuable to have a good idea about the value of your home and how the energy efficiency ratings have improved with your new roof installation.
- Pay attention to maintenance. Simple tasks such as clearing gutters, replacing cracked tiles, and treating dampness all contribute to extending the lifespan of your roof. Minor repairs can crop up from time to time, but staying on top of them will be much more cost-effective than letting the issue become more advanced.
- Consider a loft extension. While a conversion is, undoubtedly, a more extensive and more expensive project, it might be interesting to consider carrying out this work when the roof is finished. You’ll likely already have the scaffolding in place, after all, and can streamline the planning permission applications to cut down on total project costs.
- Install a dormer window. As with a loft conversion, the more you add to the job, the more it will cost, and you’ll usually need to apply for approval to install a dormer window. However, this can add a serious amount more to your property value and turn a dark storage space into a valid extra floor. It’s worth having a dormer fitted during the roof replacement, as you won’t be paying for additional tiles (that will be stripped away).
The roof on your property is just as important as the foundations and can be a key element in the expected selling price.
By using a professional roofing contractor and seeking guidance about materials, you can maximise the anticipated return and ensure you’ve got an excellent quality roof that will stand the test of time.