Living in an homeowners association (HOA) community provides many benefits, such as safety, security and access to well-maintained amenities. While each HOA will have its own set of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), they all have the same goal of promoting a good community while also maintaining a set property value and prestige. That usually means they have architectural control of what each home within their community should look like. So, if you have any home renovations in mind, you’ll need to talk to the board first.
Depending on your HOA’s rules and guidelines, not all types of remodeling projects will need approval. But for major renovations, such as a roof replacement, it’s typically required that you submit the plans to the local HOA board for review and approval. It may seem like the rules are imposing on your rights as a homeowner, but it’s all part of your signed agreement with your local HOA. Discussing your plans with the board is necessary, so don’t hire a contractor or buy the roofing materials without their approval.
To understand why HOA approval is important, you first need to learn what their responsibilities are.
Your Local HOA and Responsibilities
As soon as you move into a home in a neighborhood governed by a local HOA, you’ll be given a set of guidelines about your community. This will include what your responsibilities are as a homeowner, such as how the HOA fees are billed, parking restrictions, adherence to noise policies and so on. It even includes standards for the upkeep of your home’s exterior, including your roof.
Depending on your documented agreement with your local HOA, you’ll probably have to replace your roof if it falls below the local standards of the community. If it has visible damage, for instance, your HOA will often not allow you to put off the repairs if it goes against community standards and guidelines. Even if your current roof looks intact, if it’s near the end of its lifespan, you’ll still need a replacement to abide by the rules and guidelines.
The Approval Process
Whether you want a new roof and gutter installation because of significant damage or because you want to update your home’s style, there are additional steps to go through if you live in an HOA community. For your project to be approved, it must abide by the local requirements in the community. Most HOA requirements will dictate the materials, color and style of a given roofing system. The architectural control over your home is necessary to ensure a uniform appearance within the community.
Your new roof must also meet the safety standards implemented to ensure it withstands local weather conditions. However, not all the roofing materials need to get approved by the local HOA board and will be left to your discretion. This includes:
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Radiant Barrier
These greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency. They’re practically invisible on the outside of your home, which is why you can choose any type of radiant barrier that suits your needs and preferences.
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Shingle Cut
If your HOA specifies that you must use shingles for your new roof, then that usually includes the color and style as well. However, you can still choose the cut of your shingles, so feel free to pick one that can make your home a bit different from the rest. You can also talk to your trusted professional in roofing and home renovations to know which options are suited for your home’s exterior design.
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Underlayment
Your HOA board won’t necessarily have a say on this, and it’s mostly because it’s under your roof’s surface. There are different types of underlayment to choose from, and each material offers excellent durability and weather protection.
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Ice Shielding
This is another component that your HOA board will leave to your decision, but only because it’s assumed that it will be part of your roof replacement project. Ice shielding is needed especially in colder climates to prevent ice dams from damaging your roof.
Hiring the Right Contractor
It’s also important to check with your local HOA if they have a list of preferred contractors for roofing or other home renovations. Even if they don’t, you should still choose a contractor who can work comfortably with your HOA. Your contractor will take care of the plans and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your roofing project stays within the rules and regulations.
When Should You Reach Out to Your HOA?
When seeking HOA approval for your roof, you must submit the necessary paperwork as soon as possible. The approval process will take time depending on the HOA community, especially since the governing board is run by volunteers in the neighborhood. They have their own lives to keep track of, so don’t expect them to immediately reply to your request. If it’s been already a few days or a week, you can always follow up on the approval process of your roof project.
Why You Need Approval for Your Roof Replacement
Abiding by your HOA’s rules and regulations can be a bit difficult, especially when it comes to major remodeling projects, such as your roof replacement. As a homeowner, you’ll naturally want your roofing contractor to build it according to your preferences. However, you can’t ignore the documented agreement you signed with your local HOA when you first moved into your neighborhood so you must abide by their requirements when it comes to roof replacement or any other home renovation.
Working closely with your HOA shouldn’t be hard to do as it ensures your installation goes smoothly. If you don’t go through the proper approval process for your roof, it can delay your project or even postpone it indefinitely. Getting your roof approved also means you abide by your HOA’s CC&Rs. Proceeding with your roof replacement without proper approval means you could be liable for a rule violation and face certain consequences. You’ll end up paying a fine or even face a lawsuit!
If you require a capable roofing contractor for your repair and replacement needs, Ben’s Construction Inc always gets the job done right! Call us today at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our convenient online contact form.