The housing market in the United States currently is still very solidly a seller’s market. Which is great if you’re the one selling the house, but not as great when you’re buying. It might mean that there are certain things, like an impending roof replacement, that you need to accept if you want to get into the home of your dreams. The silver lining to this, though, is that you’ll have the opportunity to get the exact roof you want to enhance your curb appeal and make the exterior of your home look exactly how you want it. And if you’re the person doing the selling, a beautiful new roof might be just the thing to get you the offer of your dreams.
Material
The first consideration most people have when replacing a roof is the material it’s made of. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material in the United States, but metal and wood shake roofs are gaining in popularity. When determining the material to use for your new roof, you’ll want to strike a balance between aesthetic, function, and price. Depending on your reason for replacing the roof, this balance may change. For example, if you’re replacing the roof just to turn around and sell it, you’ll probably be more willing to settle for a less expensive material that just looks nice. If this is your forever home you might be a little more discerning with both taste and budget to make sure it’s exactly what you want in your home, not what the next person might like.
Shape
Many people don’t consider the shape of their roof when they’re buying or selling a home. In fact, most people only want to know the roof is functioning to protect the home and the aesthetic is a second thought. The shape of the roof can make a huge difference in the overall look of the home, though. Whether you’re looking at the steep pitch of an A-frame or a low, flat roof that could support a terrace or porch, having the correct shape and pitch to your roof will make a huge difference in the overall aesthetic of your home. Particularly if you’re selling the home, the right shape might go unnoticed because it blends in, but the wrong shape will certainly stick out like a sore thumb.
Color
Like shape, the right roof color will blend in and go largely unnoticed, but the wrong one can be a huge eyesore and completely ruin the visual appeal of a home. When replacing a roof solely for the purpose of selling the home, it’s a good idea to choose something neutral like dark grey or black that will coordinate with almost anything. If you’re choosing the roof for your forever home, you can take the opportunity to have more fun with it. Decide on the overall look you’re going for with your exterior and build outward from there, choosing a roof color that complements the rest of your exterior.
Whether you’re replacing the roof on your brand new forever home or putting a new roof on your old home for a superior selling point, always keep in mind that, depending on the choices you make, a roof can either distract from the aesthetic of the home or greatly enhance the home’s curb appeal.