Confirm what roof assets are part of the deal
Identify roof areas, systems, ages, warranties, prior replacements, tenant responsibilities, and known leak or repair history. Seller records should be compared with current field conditions.
Look for capital exposure and uncertainty
Document visible deterioration, recurring repairs, drainage concerns, rooftop equipment interfaces, likely moisture questions, and roofs approaching major renewal decisions. Unknown construction or inaccessible areas should be called out rather than ignored.
Translate findings into transaction decisions
The buyer may need a repair allowance, escrow, seller correction, additional testing, warranty transfer, capital reserve, or simply a clearer understanding of near-term ownership cost.
Practical owner checklist
- Inventory all roof areas and known systems.
- Collect warranties, repair records, leaks, and prior reports.
- Identify immediate deficiencies and major unknowns.
- Connect likely roof work to transaction timing and capital exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Can due diligence determine exact replacement cost?
Usually not by itself. It should identify likely scope and exposure, while final construction pricing depends on verified quantities, design, market pricing, and concealed conditions.
Should warranties be reviewed?
Yes. Confirm ownership, transfer requirements, maintenance obligations, exclusions, and whether prior work may have affected coverage.