Need Purchasing Advice - Roof dilemma
Good afternoon BP!
I am in a bit of a time crunch on this to make a decision, but here is my story. My wife and I currently have 1 rental, 1 property that will end up being a rental under construction, and another rental property we are under contract on. The property we are under contract on is located in Ocala, Fl (Marion County). The home is a 4/2 and relatively modern with a kitchen island, new floors, etc.. The home would actually make a very nice rental property. However, my problem (or maybe its not and I'm making it one), is that the roof was allegedly replaced in 2018 by the previous owner of the property (not the current), and was not permitted. My insurance company told me that the only problems I will have is an increase in insurance premium, but I am worried about taking their word on that being the only problem as there is no physical verification that the roof was completed in 2018. The difference in premium is only about $250/yr so I am not that worried about the discount.
What do I need to consider with the unpermitted roof? What issues regarding claims if I ever need to make one?
Any help would be greatly appreciated It.
This would fall under the category of "if I had the roof inspected and it checks out OK" I would worry 0% about this. Actually, I'd probably worry 0% even if I didn't have it inspected; you're not talking about crazy money for roof replacement on a 4/2, and whenever it needs to be done again you get a permit.
@JD Martin Thanks for the advice and feedback. I think I am in agreement, just totally psyching myself out. Thanks again!
I agree with @JD Martin, I would probably get the roof inspection to confirm the owner's workmanship.
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I would absolutely get a roofing contractor (licensed of course) to come out and give you an assessment. I've seen plenty of homeowner installed roofs and it is not as easy as some people think.
Case in point - I got a call this weekend from the guests staying at one of my STRs. It rained a little and there was a little water coming in through the ceiling. Never happened before. So I went over and climbed up on the roof. The previous homeowner had done this roof over the addition, but hadn't known how to flash it correctly to the existing house. Easy enough fix, but the damage could have been much worse....
Pay a roofer to certify it. You may be able to avoid the extra yearly fee.
@Bruce Woodruff Great advice! Our trouble right now is that we did get the sellers to agree on paper to get a permit, but none of the roofers they have called are willing to take on the liability of putting their name on the work.