💸From Roofing to Ruin: The Hidden Price of DIY Shortcuts

The Inspection Insider

The Inside Scoop for Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors

This Week's Inspection Spotlight: 

During a routine home inspection, I discovered a roof that looked more like a mismatched quilt than protective covering—patched with six different types of shingles. Beneath its colorful chaos lurked hidden damage and a lesson in DIY disasters that cost the seller thousands.

The Patchwork Quilt Roof: A DIY Disaster in Six Shingles

Ever seen a roof that looks like it was quilted by grandma during a power outage? Neither had I—until one unforgettable inspection introduced me to the colorful chaos that happens when enthusiasm outruns expertise.

It was a sunny Thursday morning, the kind of day that makes you whistle on your way to a home inspection. Today's subject: a cozy split-level house in a friendly suburban neighborhood. From the curb, everything looked fine...until I climbed up onto the roof.

"Whoa," I muttered, squinting at the roof. It was like an abstract painting, if abstract painters used roofing shingles as their medium.

Stepping closer, the problem became clear—and uniquely troubling. This wasn't just a roof; it was a patchwork quilt of shingles. Asphalt, architectural shingles, three-tab, and even some original shingles—each segment a completely different style, color, and quality. I counted not two, not three, but SIX different types of shingles spread haphazardly across the home's roof.

Inside, I was joined by the buyer, a pleasant but clearly concerned young woman named Sarah, and her realtor, Joe. As we discussed the property, I explained the obvious irregularities on the roof. Joe shook his head, pulling out his phone. "Let me see if I can reach the seller’s realtor for some clarity on this," he said.

Minutes later, Joe returned, suppressing a chuckle. "Apparently, the homeowner did some DIY repairs over the years whenever leaks popped up, using whatever shingles he found on sale."

Ah, DIY gone awry.

The homeowner's intentions were good, but the patch-and-go method had serious consequences. As we continued through the interior, signs of water intrusion became apparent—peeling paint, subtle water stains, and even the faint, unwelcome aroma of mold.

I climbed into the attic, flashlight in hand, and sure enough, the underside of the roof looked as mismatched as the top. Water streaks ran like rivers across the rafters. What seemed like quick fixes were actually creating more leaks, trapping moisture, and causing hidden damage.

Sarah looked worried. "How bad is it?" she asked.

Unfortunately for Sarah, the answer wasn't pretty. A roofing professional would need to strip away the entire roof—all six varieties—and start from scratch. The cost? Well north of $15,000. The original homeowner’s attempt at DIY savings had turned into a costly lesson on the importance of consistency and proper roofing methods.

The moral here? DIY can be great—but roofing is one area where shortcuts can quickly spiral into expensive disasters. Stick to one type of shingle, do the entire section right, and always remember: sometimes paying upfront can save you a fortune in the long run.

As we wrapped up the inspection, Sarah thanked me with a resigned sigh, already mentally adjusting her offer. Her realtor Joe, was already making calls to get a roof quote ASAP! Behind us, the "quilted" roof sat as a colorful warning: enthusiasm is admirable, but expertise saves money.

Pro Tip of the Week

When it comes to roofing, consistency is key! Always use matching shingles and proper installation methods for repairs—your roof will last longer, protect better, and save you from costly surprises down the road.

What’s Coming Next Week?

“Next week, discover how an undisclosed attic fire turned a dream home into a hidden nightmare—structurally unsafe and dangerously unstable.”

Ron Henderson, CMI
Certified Master Inspector

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