A couple weeks ago, we went on a trip from central Texas to SW CO when we got in a terrible wind storm south of Lubbock (go figure!). Somehow the wind got underneath a seam of our roof (a one piece solid gelcoat roof), lifted part of it and caused three tears in it. Since it couldn't be repaired, insurance is paying to replace the entire roof.The original roof was nine years old and had long ago turned chalky, although I washed and waxed it on a regular basis. Since the roof is one piece, everything will be replaced including the vents and wiring underneath it. I'm having two additional feeds installed to the front and back TVs so that we will be able to watch DirecTv and record other channels at the same time.My questions is whether or not having a brand new roof installed will increase the value of the MH (it will cost a minimum of $18K to replace it) or will the NADA value remain the same as a comparable year MH? I'm getting ready to sell it and need to know what to ask for it.

I'm no expert - but knowing there was a new, professionally installed (keep your paperwork to show buyers)roof would make your rig more attractive to me. How much more I wouldn't know. Good luck.

I would think no. Buyer expects roof to be in good shape normally. If it's bad, I would not buy it. You may have to repair it just to make it sellable. How bad is it? 18K??? Sounds like a lot!

I wouldn't think it would raise the value, but probably would make it easier to sell at a fair price.

A bad roof will certainly lower the resale value, but a repaired roof will do little to increase the value. A potential buyer expects the roof to be in good serviceable condition. A documented new roof may help you get a reasonable asking price with less dickering though.

What does it matter if it increases the value, you still have to have it done and it's not costing you anything, the insurance is paying?

Does New Roof Increase Value? | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

havasu
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
To me, it would decrease the value.

Any time a rig is damaged and then repaired, as a buyer I always consider what other damage was caused and not repaired or how well was the repair done and by whom?

Any time that you raise doubts in the mind of a buyer, you decrease the amount they are prepared to pay - that's Marketing 101.
Daveinet
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
peaches&cream wrote:
I do not want to be totally negative but what is the difference in replacing the roof with new products and replacing the front end after a collision with new parts? The question will be to the potential buyer, "do you want a previously damaged MH or had you rather have one with no damage history"? As the MH get's older, the damage history means less to the buyer. If the MH is 10 yrs. old or less, I feel it can have a major impact as there are numerous MH's out there with no damage history. Ask a dealer which MH brings more money on their lot.
You never know how people will react to information like a damaged roof that was replaced. You may not want to even bring it up. I would strongly suggest that you need to document the damage with photos. It would also be good if you could document what the roof looks like underneath so a prospective buyer will not be concerned about structural damage, or hidden damage. I don't know you from Adam. Storm damage could mean a tree fell on it. You need documentation to corroborate your story.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
how about two motorhomes with 50,000 miles on them. everything identical but one has a motor that was factory rebuilt 4,000 miles ago. I'd choose that one myself.
bumpy
chili_s_trip
Explorer II
Jun 22, 2013
I went through a similar situation when a railroad crossing arm tore the TPO roof on my 05 Bounder. The railroad payed for a complete new roof ($5,600)plus temporary lodging. I hesitated for the obvious reasons. I had a eternal-bond patch but knew it would effect resale. But the biggest reason to replace was the extended life time of the roof, which was already 7 years old. I knew of a reputable service center to do the work and figured I now had another 15-20 years of life expectancy of the roof and I planned on keeping the rig.
IMHO a new 15-20 year roof is worth something on a used motorhome. Good luck!
Jack H
dgo1369
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
Bumpyroad wrote:
a new roof with new sealant, etc. on roof and all vents, hoods, etc. as compared with the 9 year old one. I would prefer it, this is assuming that it was fixed professionally, not just slapped together, but I assume it was sent back to the factory.
bumpy

No, since it is manufactured in one piece, they are shipping it here. My RV sales/repair is a major repair facility in this area. Huge facility and I've done bidness with them since the day they opened several years ago. Again, since it is a one piece deal, I'm confident that it will be done correctly. I might feel less so if there were a lot of different components that went into the replacement. However, just replacing the roof and vents and then caulking isn't something I think I need to worry about. I may have misunderstood the insurance rep but I think I was told that only Winnebago has (or had?) one piece roofs).
peaches_cream
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
I do not want to be totally negative but what is the difference in replacing the roof with new products and replacing the front end after a collision with new parts? The question will be to the potiental buyer, "do you want a previously damaged MH or had you rather have one with no damage history"? As the MH get's older, the damage history means less to the buyer. If the MH is 10 yrs. old or less, I feel it can have a major impact as there are numerous MH's out there with no damage history. Ask a dealer which MH brings more money on their lot.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
a new roof with new sealant, etc. on roof and all vents, hoods, etc. as compared with the 9 year old one. I would prefer it, this is assuming that it was fixed professionally, not just slapped together, but I assume it was sent back to the factory.
bumpy
mayo30
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
peaches&cream wrote:
Seems to me, either way, replaced or as is, you have a damaged RV. Would you give the same amount of money for a repaired vehicle as one not ever damaged? That is why Ins. Co. now have to pay "diminished value" on claims.

Agree.
sailor_lou
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
I don't believe it will change the overall value of the MOHO. However, keep all your receipts and records because this may come up on a carfax report as damaged to the vehicle ($18k worth of damage), which may turn off a prospective buyer. I know it would raise a red flag to me.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
dgo1369
Explorer
Jun 22, 2013
tandkj wrote:
What does it matter if it increases the value, you still have to have it done and it's not costing you anything, the insurance is paying?

Did you read the question?