Why Hire An Independent Roof Inspector When You Get A New Roof In South Florida?

If you got a new roof installed (or you’re about to), your roofing contractor probably mentioned a roof inspection. Regardless of where you are in the process, it’s completely natural to be confused about having a brand-new roof immediately inspected. After all, a correctly installed one should last you close to three decades, so why is a roof inspection even in question?

Sure, a roofing contractor may be trying to squeeze a few dollars out of you after charging you a substantial amount, but there are also plenty of valid reasons to inspect a roof after an installation. 

For the sake of objectivity, we’ll evaluate the advantages of scheduling an inspection, and we’ll also take a look at whether you should hire independent roof inspectors or stick with the original contractors. 

Is A Roof Inspection Necessary?

Even if the roof is new, it still needs to be examined. This is referred to as a maintenance inspection and you should get used to it because it’s in your best interests to schedule this service at least once a year until the roof needs to be replaced again. 

While it seems like an unnecessary cost, scheduling an annual roof inspection is actually helpful for increasing your roof’s longevity and saving you some serious cash in the long run. Let’s get one thing straight:

Your roof costs a lot of money so you should do everything in your power to ensure it’s in top condition for the rest of its lifespan. The prospect of paying an inspector to look at a new roof seems redundant, especially because there are no obvious signs of problems, but it’s also a good opportunity to check the quality of work done by the roofing contractor.

Why Schedule A New Roof Inspection

You may have paid a reputable contractor for an installation, but it still doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility of mistakes. Oversights occur all the time (even the best roofer in the world is a human), so you should play it safe.

A roof inspection will include a thorough examination of the new roof’s structural integrity, allowing you to catch small signs of damage or improper installation before they become larger issues in the future. It won’t require looking at age-related damage or vegetation growth, rather it will be focused strictly on structural issues and leaks. 

Apart from keeping your investment safe, having the roof inspected helps you make any repairs while the roof is still under warranty. In addition, having an inspection report outlining the condition of the roof may help you with an insurance claim if the roof gets damaged later. That way, you can prove that you’re not responsible for the damage. 

How Much Does A Roof Inspection Cost?

We hate to disappoint you, but it’s simply impossible to provide you with an exact quote. Not only does the price vary between different contractors and inspectors, but the size of the roof, its accessibility, complexity, and the geographic location of the property play major roles. 

On average, expect the inspection to cost you a few hundred bucks if performed by qualified independent roof inspectors. Roofing contractors, as we hinted at earlier, also offer inspection services. You may have heard that these inspections are free, but that only applies to inspections taking place before a roof emplacement. 

That’s hardly fair because most companies offer these services because they’re trying to make a sale, but that’s a story for another time. 

Should You Have Your Roof Inspected By Independent Roof Inspectors Or Contractors?

Whether it’s a contractor who replaced the roof or a different company altogether, don’t expect much from the service.

Why is that? Are they not competent to inspect new roofs?

No. Most roofers are competent in roof-related matters and hold licenses that allow them to do so. The reason why is very straightforward:

There’s always a risk of a roofing contractor exaggerating some aspect of their findings to earn money off you. For example, contractors have been caught on occasion telling homeowners that their roof is defective and requires extensive repairs, only for an independent contractor to confirm the damage is relatively minor.

In the case of new roof inspections, some contractors may uncover damage but won’t inform you about it in order to preserve their bottom line. You’ll only notice the quality of workmanship was subpar in the future. Since damage often spreads over time, you may not even be able to identify that the initial problem occurred due to the contractor’s mistake. 

Certified roof inspectors have no reason to lie or exaggerate every little thing. They’ll evaluate the condition of the structure and provide you with a detailed and impartial report focused on assessing the issue, instead of scaring you into paying them some extra money by misrepresenting the facts.

Make Your Roof Last

The benefits of having certified roof inspectors evaluate the work done by the roofing company can help you immensely, primarily to detect signs of damage and mistakes. 

Ultimately, you’ll protect your warranty and your future insurance claims. Since roof damage spreads over time, you’ll also save a significant amount of money down the road. In our opinion, an underrated benefit is the peace of mind you get knowing that an impartial expert checked the condition of the new roof, which is by itself worth the investment. 

Ready to schedule an inspection that will make your roof last longer? 

Then you can’t go wrong with Certified Inspectors. With multiple InterNACHI® certifications and over 25 years of experience in real estate planning and construction under our belt, you have the guarantee that you’re getting the best service money can buy. 

We’re also super fun to hang around, which is an extra added benefit on top of all the others. 

Call (561) 570-6311 or shoot us an email to check whether your new roof is up to standards.