A homeowners association (HOA) is the group responsible for making sure everything in the neighborhood looks great and stays in line with community standards. Their main goal? Protecting property values and keeping the neighborhood cohesive. But does your HOA need to approve your roof replacement?
Most likely, yes. HOAs usually require roof replacement approval before you can start any work, ensuring the new roof fits with the neighborhood’s look. They might have rules around the type of roofing materials, colors, and styles you can use—basically, they want things to stay consistent across homes in the area.
What Kind of Roof Rules Do HOAs Have?
HOAs typically have specific rules to ensure every home stays in line with the overall vibe of the community. When it comes to roofing, that often means regulations about what type of materials you can use, what colors are allowed, and any particular styles that need to be followed.
Most HOAs will ask you to fill out an application form with details about your roof replacement project, including materials, colors, and your contractor info. From there, the HOA’s review committee will look over your plans to make sure everything aligns with the community’s covenants and restrictions (often called CC&Rs).
Some HOAs will even give you a pre-approved list of materials and colors to choose from, which makes it easier to get the green light. If you decide to go outside these options, you might run into problems getting approval.
Getting Your Roof Replacement HOA-Approved: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s what you can expect when working with an HOA on a roof replacement:
- Fill Out the Application: Your HOA will have a specific form for any exterior modifications, including roof replacements. Make sure to provide all the necessary details like materials, colors, and contractor info.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Along with the form, you might need to include:
- Samples or brochures of the roofing materials
- Your contractor’s license and insurance info
- Any architectural drawings, if needed
- Wait for Approval: Once you’ve submitted everything, the HOA review board will look over your application. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how often they meet. Most HOAs aim to respond within 30-60 days.
- Pay the Fees: Some HOAs charge a fee to process these requests, which can range from $50 to $500 depending on the project.
- Get the Go-Ahead: If approved, you’ll get a written letter from the HOA that allows you to move forward with the project. Be sure to check if there are any additional conditions you’ll need to follow during the work.
Skipping HOA Approval? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
Replacing your roof without HOA approval can lead to big headaches. If you move forward with a roof replacement without HOA approval, you could face significant issues. Fines are one potential consequence, and the HOA could even require you to redo the roof if it doesn’t meet their guidelines. As shared in this Reddit post, a homeowner had to replace their entire roof because the contractor installed the wrong color, and the HOA demanded it be redone to comply with the community’s rules—ouch!
How to Make Sure You Get That HOA Approval
- Read the HOA Guidelines: Make sure you’re crystal clear on the rules for roofing in your community by reviewing the HOA’s covenants and restrictions.
- Submit All Documents: Gather all the required paperwork, including material samples, contractor info, and any necessary permits, to show you’re on top of everything.
- Communicate Early and Often: Start talking to your HOA board or architectural committee early on, and keep the conversation going to address any concerns before they become an issue.
- Work with the Right Contractor: Pick a licensed contractor who’s familiar with HOA projects. We recommend choosing a roofer who knows how to handle the paperwork and get the project approved quickly.
- Be Patient: The process might take some time, but following the rules and staying cooperative can help make things smoother in the long run.
Why You Should Hire a Pro
Working with a licensed and experienced roofing contractor makes all the difference. A good contractor knows how to navigate HOA rules and can help you get through the approval process without any issues. Plus, they’ll make sure the work is done right, avoiding any future problems with the HOA.
Need help with a roof replacement in an HOA community? Schroeder Roofing has the experience and know-how to get your project done right, on time, and within HOA guidelines. Contact us today for your free estimate or check out our residential roofing services to see how we can help with your next roofing project.