[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by CateP

Thanks Professor for all this GREAT ADVICE. MY replies below in bold.

Make sure you hire (not the bank one) an good home inspector that is being paid by you.
This is a key priority and we are budgeting for this. A guy named Jerry Thibodeau has been recommended to us. Any other recommendations?

If possible view home in winter during cold weather. Check if ice forms on roof edges. Check age of shinges.
We are coming up in March. One of properties we are interested in (96 Pease Rd. Meredith) mentioned ceiling stains caused by snow back up in the disclosure documentation. A new roof was put on 5 years ago. Seems odd such a new roof would have ice dams.


[/B]

Just about any house can get ice dams, even with a brand new roof......... There are so many variables contributing to this, including venting and ice shield under the shingles and roof pitch.......... a good subject to Google, and to speak to your home inspector about. Even raking the snow off the roof can cause secondary ice damming.........Ice dams can do a whole lot of damage, and not just to the shingles - think insulation replacement, ceiling replacement, and on it goes, and insurance companies are reluctant to cover anything more than painting over the ceiling. Am I speaking from personal experience? You bet!