Buyer Wants Seller To Pay For A New Roof: Who's Responsible?

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

Selling or buying a new home can be exciting! It’s the start of a new chapter in your family’s life. However, it can be stressful, especially when it’s unclear which party is responsible for what. For example, when it comes to paying for a roof replacement, who is responsible to pay for it?


If you are considering replacing your roof, get a quote from local contractors in your area here.


The seller is responsible for paying for a new roof if there is any damage to it or if they want to increase the value of the home. However, the buyer is responsible for paying for a new roof if they choose to do so for aesthetic purposes or because they don’t like how the current roof looks.

There are many different factors to consider when it comes to roof replacement. This article will help you sort out your situation in hopes that you’ll walk away knowing who is responsible to pay, the seller or buyer.

Should a Seller Pay for a New Roof?

It is not your responsibility as a seller to pay for a roof replacement in all circumstances. But, like with any sale, a demonstration of good faith will go a long way. However, any major issues must be disclosed.

What happens if a buyer asks for a new roof? There are two possibilities. The first is to pay for the roof, then increase the property’s worth. You might also reduce the asking price while taking into account the entire cost of roof replacement.

The replacement may be necessary for other customers for aesthetic reasons. In any event, having a seasoned real estate agent on your side is beneficial. That way, you know which choice benefits you the most.

Reasons a Seller Should Pay for a New Roof

There are many reasons a seller should pay for a roof. Below, we’ll explain some of these:

Increases Home Value

The value of your home will increase if you accept responsibility for paying for a new roof. A home worth $150,000 with an outdated roof can increase its value by $50,000 by simply replacing the old roof with a new one for roughly $30,000.

Increases Your Negotiating Power

Paying for a new roof puts you in a stronger negotiation position since the buyer perceives you to be removing the burden off his or her shoulders and dealing with them.

Paying for a new roof is like a great bargaining chip against the buyer because the value you place on your home will be unquestionably higher. They will be less likely to low-ball you and not argue against the new asking price.

Should a Buyer Pay for a New Roof?

If your dream home requires a new roof, the first thing you should do as a buyer is demand that the seller pays for it. You should not pay for a new roof on a new home as a buyer. However, an exception to this is if the seller has agreed to reduce the value of the house to cover the cost of replacement.

Reasons Why a Buyer Should Pay for a New Roof

There are situations where a buyer should actually pay for the new roof. While it typically falls as the seller’s responsibility, that’s not always the case. Below are a few situations where the buyer would be the responsible party.

No Major Roof Damage

Occasionally, during the course of the talks, the buyer decides that he wants to replace the roof because he wants to, rather than because the roof is damaged. In such cases, the buyer, not the seller, bears complete responsibility for the cost of a new roof.

Aesthetic Purposes or Preferences

Buyers may decide that they dislike the roof, want it painted a different color, want a new roof structure or type, or maybe it simply does not suit their tastes. The roof should be paid for by the buyer in this case.

Can You Sell a Home with a Bad Roof?

You can sell a house with a bad roof and hope that the buyer would overlook it. If they do, you’ll have to drop your asking price to account for the expense of a new roof. However, it is in your best interest to replace your roof.

You might even be able to profit from the new roof if you’re lucky. Imagine if you were to sell a house with a leaking roof. That, of course, would have an impact on your position. You have no choice except to replace the roof or accept a lower asking price if it has significant damage.

Pros of Replacing a Roof Before Selling

There are many benefits to replacing a roof before you sell a house. While a roof replacement can be overwhelming, it might be in your best interest.

Change the Appearance of Your Home

A new roof is appealing and boosts your home’s saleability from afar. You should obtain good value for your money if you consider the amount you spend on a roof replacement.

It will attract more buyers if you choose to install a new roof. Your roof can offer a return of 60 percent to 110 percent, depending on the area and materials utilized (shingles or slate).

A Chance to Install Eco-Friendly Roofs

A new roof will aid in implementing some improvements. Because of the current global climate debate, most people are in favor of installing environmentally friendly roofs.

Your potential buyer is likely to support environmentally friendly alternatives. Eco-friendly roofs are also energy-efficient. According to studies, these roofs can cut your heating bills in half. This will be beneficial to you during the negotiation.

Extend the Warranty of Your Roof

Getting an extended system warranty to include the roof is also a great idea. For starters, the warranty instills confidence in the potential consumer. It also enhances the appraisal’s worth.

While it may not result in a significant price gain, it is a value worth taking a chance on. The sight of a beautiful new roof entices buyers to investigate the interior.

Cons of Replacing a Roof Before Selling

Of course, where there are pros, there are cons. Here are some of the disadvantages of replacing a roof before selling a house.

Extra cost

The cost of a roof replacement is the most significant downside. Despite the possibility of recouping the money after the sale, a new roof costs at least $7,500. However, that’s on the cheaper side of things. It depends on the materials, contractors, and just how big your home is.

Unguaranteed ROI

Although hope is an excellent thing, it does not guarantee that the offer will be accepted. It’s possible that other parts of your house need to be replaced as well, lowering the value. The average return on investment for a new roof replacement is roughly 62%; 68% is the national average.

It’s easier to make a decision when you weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Another alternative is to hire roofers and have them inspect the roof. With the estimates, you can quickly determine whether repairs are a better option than a new roof.

Should You Buy a House With an Old Roof?

It’s fine to buy a house with an old roof if the wear and tear s not too expensive to fix. To establish the exact state of the home’s roof, you should get it evaluated first.

What you can do is ask for assistance with the inspection process: engage with professionals. An older roof isn’t always in bad shape. What you need to consider is the amount of wear and tear that occurred throughout the inspection.

Even if the roof is ancient, you should not abandon the project. The difference is usually the materials. A 15-year-old house with a roof made from more expensive material might appear nicer than a five-year-old roof with lower-quality material.

How Much Value Does a New Roof Add to a House?

On average, a new roof can increase the value of your home by 60%. A few elements must be considered in order to get a better grasp of how a roof increases the value of your home. When you examine all your roof does, it’s easy to see why it has such a significant impact on your home’s overall worth.

Your roof is the primary insulator in your home. It gives you more control over your home’s energy efficiency and, as a result, decreases your utility bills. Rain, wind, sleet, snow, hail, and other elements are all protected by your roof. It protects you and your family, as well as all of your possessions, regardless of what happens outside.

Your roof also has an impact on the appearance of your property from the outside. No one will notice anything else if a house’s foundation and bones are lovely. On the other hand, if the roof is deteriorating and coming apart, that’s the first thing they will see. If you’re thinking about selling, this is a problem.

How Much Does it Cost for a New Roof?

The typical cost of replacing a roof for most households is between $12,000 and $15,000. This price range is based on a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with dimensional asphalt shingles and a walkable roof pitch.

Because no two homes or roofs are alike, your roof may cost less, more, or fall right in the middle of the pricing range indicated. However, the only way to receive an actual price is to contact a local roofing contractor for a roof replacement estimate.

What are the Signs a Roof Needs to be Replaced?

One of the most crucial aspects of your home is the roof. When it’s working correctly, it keeps the remainder of the house safe from water damage and the elements. However, your roof will begin to exhibit symptoms of wear and tear over time. It’s easy to overlook until there’s a severe issue, such as water damage or rot.

To reduce repair expenses and the risk of injury or property damage, it’s better to be proactive and look for early signs that a roof will need to be replaced. Proper maintenance of your home ensures that it remains in good condition for future resale value while also protecting you. Here are the signs to watch for:

Water Damage Upstairs or in Attic

Water marks, brown, yellow, or grey stains on walls and ceilings, and peeling paint on walls and ceilings are all signs of a leaking roof. Examine your attic for damp rafters or leaks, which could indicate roof problems.

Be mindful of your limits, even if you are the first line of defense when it comes to spotting roof damage. Once a year, hire a roofer to perform a professional inspection.

Sagging Roof

A sagging indicates trapped moisture has rotted away the roof’s planks. A droopy, sagging roof should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property. Look for evidence of trapped moisture, decaying boards, or drooping places on the roof’s surface, especially at the lowest points.

Standing back from your house, say across the street, and looking at it from various angles is an excellent way to view this. The roof of a house should appear straight along its lines; therefore, indicators of sagging and slumping should be obvious.

Buckling or Curling Shingles

When shingles curl or buckle, it means they’re no longer appropriately bonded and have most likely already been damaged.

A strong wind could catch the curved surface, causing more damage the next time it rains. A professional roof repair business may be able to replace single shingles in some circumstances, but the condition may indicate a more serious issue.

Missing Shingles

Strong thunderstorms and hurricanes put roofs under a lot of stress. As a result of the heavy winds, shingles frequently lift or fly off completely.

You can sometimes replace a shingle or two, but the possibility of repair is dependent on the placement of the lost shingle and the condition of the surrounding shingles.

Roof Inspection Outcome

You’ve done your part by getting your roof inspected on a regular basis, but some damage is beyond repair. If a roofing contractor does an inspection and discovers systemic issues, replacing the roof may be more cost-effective.

Can I Get a Refund if I Bought a House with a Bad Roof?

When you buy a home, you must accept responsibility for finding any issues with the property before proceeding with the purchase. If a problem arises that you were unaware of, the seller is not obligated to reimburse you or correct the situation.

In most circumstances, if you buy anything and are dissatisfied with it, you can return it to the vendor and get a refund. When it comes to property, though, this isn’t always the case.

However, in some cases, the seller may be forced to rectify a fault with the property or refund the buyer. For example, if a newly built home is still protected by a guarantee, if you suspect the seller lied about the property or has breached the contract terms.

What Should I Do if Seller Refuses to Replace Roof?

If both the seller and the insurance company refuse to pay for the roof replacement, a home renovation loan may be an option. When you need money to pay for a roof replacement, a purchase-and-renovate loan can help.

Homeowners who are buying fixer-uppers frequently use these types of loans. You can use a renovation loan to fund both the purchase of the home and the cost of renovations in one easy loan.



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Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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