Be sure to know the cost of a roof inspection before scheduling one. Costs can vary significantly depending on location, roof type, and specific inspection needs. From personal experience, understanding these costs upfront allows you to budget appropriately and avoid surprises.
Costs for a basic roof inspection can range from $75 to $600, depending on the size of your roof, your geographic location, and the type of inspection required. It’s important to ask questions and know what each service includes.
It’s always better to have a regular roof inspection to identify or detect problems as early as possible. Such an inspection is also advisable if you have recently bought a new house.
Ensure that you only hire a professional and certified roof inspector to help you and prevent any possible scam that may hurt you.
Understanding More about Roof Inspection
Roof inspections are crucial for assessing your roof’s condition, identifying damage, or detecting signs of wear. From my own experience, I’ve seen many homeowners avoid costly repairs by catching minor issues early.
Routine inspections every 1 to 3 years, or after significant weather events, can prevent small problems from becoming major expenses. Early detection allows you to plan and budget for maintenance instead of facing emergency repair costs.
Trained and skilled professionals typically perform such an inspection, which is necessary for selling a home, refinancing, and insuring a property.
After the inspection, you will get a roof certification or inspection report. A licensed Roofing Inspector is responsible for issuing and signing the statement as proof that the roof has no defect.
The signed inspection report certifies the roof’s safety under normal conditions. However, “roof certification costs can range from $75 to $200 or more,” depending on the inspector’s credentials and the specific requirements of your location or lender. Based on my experience, choosing a certified and reputable inspector ensures peace of mind, knowing that any potential buyer or lender will accept the certification without question.
So, how much is a roof inspection? The standard cost for roof inspection is between $75 and $600, with the standard price range set in $225 and $250.
You should ask first before hiring a professional expert.
| Inspection Type | Cost Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Roof Inspection | $75 – $600 | Depends on location, roof size, and inspection type. |
| Roof Certification | $75 – $200+ | Required for real estate transactions, refinancing, and insurance. |
| Drone Inspection | $150 – $400 | Urgent inspections after severe weather are often covered by insurance. |
| Combined Manual and Drone | $250 – $600+ | A safer alternative to manual inspections, especially for steep or inaccessible roofs. |
| Emergency or Storm Damage | $200 – $1,000+ | Urgent inspections after severe weather; often covered by insurance. |
How Do I Know if I Need a Roof Inspection?
Homeowners can often spot signs of roof damage themselves. Based on practical experience, here are common indicators: missing shingles, water stains, or peeling paint around the roofline. These signs often precede more severe problems. “Noticing these early can save you thousands in future repair costs.”
Read also: What Size Hail Will Damage a Roof: Dealing with the Issues
- Damaged shingles. You should notice missing, sagging, or out-of-shape shingles. And if you observe more closely on the shingle damage, there is always a possibility of other damages (that you can’t see).
- Ceilings or walls stained. If you see any stain on the wall or the ceiling, it’s a sure sign of water damage. You have a roof issue if the stain is accompanied by discoloration or mold. Discoloration means that the leak has taken place for a while. If you notice this sign, contact a professional to immediately prevent further damage and address the issue.
- Peeling paint (close to the roofline). Paint doesn’t usually peel. So when it happens, it has been exposed to high humidity for quite a while. If it happens close to the roofline, it may show poor ventilation problems in the attic. Don’t wait up. Reach out to a pro and prevent it from getting bigger.
- Gutter issues. If your gutters have been damaged or clogged, there is a big chance of water intrusion. Clogged gutters mean the water has no channel to travel correctly, which causes the water to back up again.
- Obvious damage, especially after a big storm. Such damage shouldn’t be considered lightly. If you are worried that the storm can cause significant damage, you should contact a professional to inspect the extent of the damage.
How Much Is a Drone Roof Inspection?
Traditionally, roof inspectors would physically walk on roofs, which could be risky and challenging, especially for older homes or steep roofs. “Drone inspections, now ranging from $150 to $400, offer a safer, efficient alternative.” In my experience, combining drone and manual inspections often provides the most thorough assessment, reducing risk while ensuring no detail is missed.
Read also: Should Roof Vent Pipe be Covered?
Although many professionals believe direct inspection is the best, you can always combine direct and drone inspection to get the best result.
How much is it? The standard range is between $150 and $400. Still, then again, it depends on the location, the difficulty level, and the expert (considering that drone inspection should be done manually by someone experienced in the field).
Now that you know the answer to the question of how much a roof inspection, including the drone inspection, costs, you can come prepared.
