Help! New Roof Could Derail House Hack

[Jeff Pollock]

Hey Everyone! I'm a rookie working on my first deal, which is currently in Escrow at the moment. The inspection report came back stating a new roof is needed because of several gaps in roofing seals and doesn't look in any way like it was actually replaced recently. I'm worried I'm going to have to pay for it at the end of the day. The seller replaced the roof less than a year ago, and has stated many times he won't pay to fix anything. He understands he's in a seller's market with lots of investors flocking here with all cash offers, and I'm worried that if I don't figure out a creative way to get it fixed I'll be out lots of cash I need to use to increase the value of the property.

My plan right now is to understand what kind of warranty/guarantee came with the roofing job and hopefully have the company who did the work make it right if they really did replace it recently. Another path forward would be to put the cost on the Request for Repairs but I'm not confident the seller will concede anything given the market conditions.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation in the past? Any advice would be very much appreciated!

[Christopher B.]

Hi, 
1.  You could certainly reach out to those who originally installed the replacement roof, but with the inspection report to share with them.  It may be best for the Seller to do so.  

2.  Get a second opinion from another roofing company

3.  If it's confirmed by the 2nd opinion that the roof really does need work, share it with the Seller, and don't be afraid to walk away if you have to.  Perhaps it can be repaired.  Unless the roof was really installed badly, a new roof shouldn't need a full replacement again, maybe just some areas need to be addressed.