Does a New Roof Increase Home Value?
Northern Arizona homes get tested for their endurance year in and year out with the intense summer heat and winter snow. Whether you live in Flagstaff, Prescott, or any of the surrounding regions, you know that the higher elevations and fluctuations play a role in the longevity of your home’s existing roof condition. However, the existing roof’s condition doesn’t just ensure protection for your home; it also drives property value.
If you’re considering selling your home or simply looking for ways to invest in long-term equity, replacing the current roofing structure may be one of the smartest upgrades you make.
Legacy Roofing will help you understand how much value roof replacement can add while upgrading the home’s curb appeal and overall protection.
Understanding the Impact of a New Roof on Home Value
There is no doubt that a roof replacement adds significant value to the Northern Arizona homes where weather conditions demand durability. The real estate market in the Northern Arizona region has a lot of potential buyers who are particularly interested in turn-key properties that do not require too many repairs. The condition and structural integrity will be one of the first things questioned about the home when the home’s resale value is determined.
Here’s How a New Roof Adds to the Home Value
- Confidence for Potential Buyers: A newer roof eliminates worries about leaks, insulation problems, and weather damage.
- Strengthened Negotiation Position: As a homeowner, you’ll be able to insist on a higher asking price when listing your home for sale.
- Passes Home Inspections with Ease: A newer roof will usually have fewer issues, speeding up the inspection process and ensuring a quicker pass.
- Increased Curb Appeal: A fresh, well-maintained roof makes a home look more appealing, giving it the modern look many homeowners love.
A new roof makes all the difference for your home’s value and the resale process overall. The return on investment (ROI) is worth it!
Return on Investment: What to Expect from a Roof Replacement
So what kind of return on investment (ROI) can you expect after a roof replacement? This number varies depending on the material type used for the installation, housing market conditions, and location. According to reports from Zillow and Home Guide, the average homeowner can expect an ROI of 60-70% nationally. When you live in an area like Northern Arizona, where there is a fluctuation from one extreme weather to the next, this return may even be higher.
Factors that make a substantial difference to ROI in this region:
- Higher home buyer expectations: Towns like Sedona and Flagstaff are known for home buyers who are interested in a second home or investment property. These home buyers typically prefer to buy a home that is ready for move-in, meaning fewer needed repairs.
- Extreme weather demands: With the intense sun and harsh winters, the home’s exterior and the roof must be in excellent condition.
- Energy Efficiency: Home improvements like a new roof make a substantial difference in the energy efficiency of a home. The upgraded materials and insulation that come with a new roof offer better home comfort, decrease energy bills, and add value to the home overall.
While there is great potential to recoup the money spent on the roof replacement through the home’s resale, other benefits also exist. For example, a newer roof may contribute to faster sales, fewer objections from buyers, and higher offers.
Factors Influencing the Value Added by a New Roof
While there is no doubt that a new roof adds to the home’s value, it is important to note that the total value added will vary from one replacement to the next. How much value is added will vary based on the following factors:
Roof Condition During the Sale
A damaged roof or one that is visibly old will benefit from a replacement when compared to a patch job here and there.
Quality of Roofing Material
In Northern Arizona, tile and metal roofing materials are considered high-end and will yield a better return on investment (ROI).
Quality of the Roof Installation
The new roof installation quality highly drives a roof replacement. To ensure that you get a good investment from this project, be sure to hire the best professionals in the region for your roofing project needs.
Warranty Offered
A good, transferable warranty attracts buyers just as the new roof itself. It will make a significant impact on the resale value and help you get even better offers.
Housing Market Demand
The current market conditions will also determine the value that is added by a new roof. If it is a seller’s market, a tile or asphalt shingle roof will significantly increase the value of the home and, in some cases, above competing listings.
Comparing Roofing Materials: Tile vs. Asphalt Shingle vs. Wood Shingle vs. Flat Roofs
The roofing materials used for the replacement not only affect the home’s curb appeal and structural integrity, but also determine the home’s value. Below, we break down common roofing types and how they stack up in Northern Arizona.
Tile Roofs
- Pros: Tile roofs are known for long-term durability, fire resistance, and curb appeal. Upscale neighborhoods such as Sedona showcase these roofs, which are highly sought after due to their protective properties against the sun and heat.
- Cons: These types of roofs usually have higher installation costs and are much heavier on the home’s structural integrity.
- Value Impact: Tile appeals to many high-end home buyers and thus adds long-term value to the home.
Asphalt Shingles Roofs
- Pros: Asphalt shingles are very affordable, easy to install, and come in a large selection of styles and colors.
- Cons: The shingles can fade or crack in the Arizona heat, and the roof’s lifespan is shorter, serving the home 15-30 years.
- Value Impact: The roof structure will offer solid ROI if the asphalt shingles are upgraded to architectural or impact-resistant materials.
Wood Shingles
- Pros: Unique, natural appearance, good insulation.
- Cons: Will pose more challenges in meeting building codes in fire-prone areas, as these types of roofs typically have less fire resistance. There is also a higher maintenance demand and a potential for more major repairs.
- Value Impact: Will not attract buyers who are concerned about fire risks, and typically appeals to niche buyers.
Flat Roofs
- Pros: This style and type of roofing are common in southwestern-style homes, as they offer a modern aesthetic and easy maintenance.
- Cons: Requires extra attention to ensure proper drainage and may have a lower lifespan if it isn’t properly maintained.
- Value Impact: Offers the perfect curb appeal for the desert regions in Arizona, but will require extra maintenance and upkeep considerations.
Metal Roofing
- Pros: Metal roofing materials offer long-term durability of 40-70 years, are very fire resistant, and reflect the sun’s hot rays, which is what most Arizona homeowners love. It is a lightweight material and is often eco-friendly as it is made with recycled materials.
- Cons: Roof installation of this kind has a higher upfront cost, and there isn’t proper insulation, which can be pretty noisy during rainy weather.
- Value Impact: The long-term durability and energy efficiency offered by metal roofing add high value to the home. The housing markets in Prescott and Show Low have shown great preference for this style of roofing due to the eco-conscious features.
Enhancing Curb Appeal with a New Roof
The beauty of the home is what attracts buyers, and a clean and well-maintained roof will instantly boost the home’s exterior. The curb appeal of the home will create a lasting impression in the mind of the home buyer, which is very important in upscale areas like Cottonwood and Prescott Valley.
When to Consider Replacing Your Roof Before Selling
Sometimes, the need to replace a roof is not all that evident to a homeowner. But if you’re planning on selling your home shortly, you may want to consider the following factors as your sign to go ahead and make that replacement:
- Your roof is over 20 years old (asphalt shingles) or 40+ years old (tile or metal)
- Visible signs of wear—missing shingles, granule loss, moss, or discoloration
- Leaks or water stains inside the home
- You’ve had to make frequent major repairs
- A home inspector or real estate agent recommends it
- You’re selling in a buyer’s market where upgrades help listings stand out
A brand new roof can make a huge difference in the home’s resale value and the length of time it spends on the housing market. If you’re considering selling your home soon, be sure to have the roof inspected for any necessary roof repair, roof replacement, and even roof rejuvenation.
Contact Legacy Roofing today to begin and try our free Roof Estimator Tool.