Roof warranties and selling a home

When selling a home, the roof is something buyers care about, and a roof warranty can be relevant to the sale. If your home has a roof with a warranty still in effect, that warranty may be transferable to the buyer, providing them warranty protection on the roof. A transferable warranty can be a selling point, offering the buyer reassurance and value.

The two types of warranties and their transfer

Recall that roofing typically involves two types of warranties, which transfer differently:

• Workmanship warranty: Covers the installation and comes from the contractor.
• Manufacturer warranty: Covers the roofing materials and comes from the product manufacturer.

Transferability depends on the specific warranty

A key point is that whether and how a warranty transfers depends on the specific warranty and its terms. Warranties vary — some are transferable, some may have conditions or requirements for transfer, some may transfer fully and others partially.

Transfer requirements and process

Some warranties have specific requirements or a process for transfer. This may include notifying the contractor or manufacturer, registering the transfer, or meeting a deadline. Missing a transfer requirement or deadline could affect the transfer.

Why a transferable warranty matters for selling

A transferable roof warranty matters for selling because it can add value and reassurance for the buyer. It differentiates your home and gives the buyer confidence in the roof.

Documenting your roof and warranties for a sale

Having documentation of the roof work, the warranties, and their terms supports presenting the roof and warranties as benefits and handling any warranty transfer.

The buyer's perspective

A buyer purchasing a home with a newer roof under a transferable warranty gets peace of mind, making the home more attractive than one where the roof's status is uncertain.

Understanding your warranties before you sell

Gather and review your documentation, understand what the warranties cover, and determine their transferability and any transfer requirements before you list your home.

Warranties as part of the roof's value in a sale

A newer roof is a valuable asset; a transferable warranty adds to this value, providing the buyer protection on that investment.

What to do about warranty transfer when selling

1. Understand your warranties (workmanship and manufacturer).
2. Determine transferability.
3. Understand any transfer requirements.
4. Present the warranty as a benefit.
5. Handle the transfer properly.

Colorado Context: Roof Warranty Transfer When Selling a Home

In Colorado, frequent storm-driven roof replacements mean many homes have newer roofs with potential warranties that can benefit a sale.