LESLIE: Patricia in Oregon is working on a tool shed. How can we help you?
PATRICIA: Well, the tool shed is – has been established and has been standing for probably 15 years and it’s in need of a new roof.
TOM: Has it served you well as the home for many of your tools for projects all those years?
PATRICIA: Yeah, it’s great. It works as a tack barn and a wood shed and a tool shed. And it’s definitely a good addition to the home and property.
TOM: Alright. So we want to take care of it. So you’re looking at a roof for it.
PATRICIA: Yeah. The reason I was calling is because I – in the Northwest here where we live, where it gets a lot of rain and problems with mold and that kind of thing, I see some of our neighbors have gone to these metal roofs. And I’ve heard that they’re quite expensive but I thought I would call and get your opinion as to whether or not it seems worth it.
TOM: Well, if it’s a sturdy tool shed and one that’s going to be around for a long time, if you put a metal roof on it, it’s pretty much going to be the only roof you’ll ever need. I will say that the metal roofs have become a little less expensive over time. And because it’s a very small building, it certainly could be a do-it-yourself project.
You know, you could simply use a corrugated metal roof for that. There are dozens of corrugated patterns to choose from. It’s not terribly expensive – it will be more expensive than asphalt – but it’s going to be a roof that’s going to last the life of that building.
PATRICIA: OK. Do you think it’s important for the – an outbuilding roof to match the roof of the home?
TOM: Depends. Is it in the back of the house?
PATRICIA: Yeah, it is but we’re kind of exposed all the way around. It’s in a rural area.
TOM: It’s kind of a – it’s a décor question, I think, more than anything else or a style question more than anything else. But if – a lot of times, folks have sheds that totally mimic the look and the feel of the exteriors in their home. If that’s something you’d like to do, then maybe you want to make them consistent. But from a structural perspective, I think the metal roof will give you many years of protection.
PATRICIA: What about from an investment one? Do you think that’s a …?
TOM: If it was on your house, I’d say that it would definitely be a valuable addition to your house. The fact that it’s on a tool shed, I don’t think we could necessarily prove that a metal roof on a tool shed over an asphalt roof on a tool shed has ever had any reflection on the value of a property.
LESLIE: Right.
PATRICIA: OK.
TOM: I mean it certainly could make it more attractive if you have that kind of a buyer but I don’t necessarily think it will impact your home’s value one way or the other.
PATRICIA: OK. Very good. Alright. Well, thank you very much.
TOM: You’re welcome, Patricia. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.
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