When you're buying a new home or are a realtor working with a buyer, having a good home inspector is crucial. They are absolutely worth the money you spend for their reports.

For the most part, the home inspector's job is to look over all the major aspects of the house and uncover any hidden (or not so hidden) issues. Things you wouldn't even think about get included in their inspection. Plumbing, electrical, appliances, flooring, paint, siding, foundation, walkways, garage doors, and, of course, the roof. The list is long!

The great home inspectors, though, know their limitations and when to recommend an expert.

Roofing seems pretty simple, though, right? So, shouldn't you just trust the home inspector's opinion regarding the roof condition?

If you like to gamble, sure! Honestly, that’s a lot like trusting your family doctor with your eye exam. There are some things you simply need a specialist to handle.

We see things they often miss. We know roofing inside and out and know what to look for, especially when it comes to hail damage.

Good thing this homeowner called me.

The home inspector here (see: photo on right) flagged this roof for some unsealed nailheads and minor wear and tear. 

I know the neighborhood (I've replaced multiple roofs in it already), knew the age of the roof, and fully expected to find hail damage. I would have been shocked to only find what the inspector reported!

Hits like in the photo were all over the entire roof (to understand what hail does to shingles, read: https://skymanorroofing.com/what-does-hail-do-to-shingles/) which now is needing to be replaced as part of the sale.

So, how did he miss that? Also, how often do roofs like this get given a thumbs up without ever having a roofer inspect it?

It's not enough to take a generalist's word for it. Like doctors, you need the right person for more specific concerns. Home inspectors are great for the overall picture, especially the interior, but this could have been a big (and costly) miss.

Always get a qualified professional even if the inspector thinks it’s fine. We have HAAG certified roof inspectors on our team who know what to look for! Having a good roof to protect the inside of your home is one of the most important parts of the buying process. Don’t leave it to chance!