Will My New Roof Be Approved By My HOA?

In order to protect property values, your Homeowners Association, or HOA, have a lot of say when it comes to the appearance of your home; but this can make it difficult when searching for a new roof.

There’s a lot you need to consider when you’re getting a new roof installed. Will it be the right shape and style for your home? Are you using the best materials? Will it last for a long time? Something else you need to consider is whether your HOA will approve it, too.

Before you book the roofers to come fit your new roof, read this guide to be sure you’ll be on the right track with your HOA.

What Your HOA Does

Is your roof going to be the concern of your Homeowners Association? It very much depends on the HOA you live in. When you moved into the area, you will have been given some literature about the HOA, and your responsibilities under it.

Check your materials and see what they have to say about roofing. Some are quite strict and will have certain rules your roof needs to abide by. Others may not have as much say in your roof. Either way, you need to know. This way, you can make decisions about your roof without worrying about your HOA.

1. Put in the Paperwork Early

Your roof is important to you, and with good reason. The longer you leave repairs, the worse the problem will get. If you need to repair the roof though, you’re going to need to submit your plans to the HOA for approval, and this takes time.

Remember, most HOAs are run by volunteers in the neighborhood. They have their own jobs and lives they need to keep track of as well. Because of that, they may not be able to reply to your request right away. You’ll need to plan ahead and get that submission in as soon as possible.

2. Who’s Responsible for the Roof?

Depending on where you live and the terms of your HOA agreement, either you or your HOA will be responsible for the roof. This is why you need to read your literature carefully.

In some cases, your HOA will be in charge of all outdoor areas. This will include:

• Gardens
• Outdoor walls
• Roofs

If they’re responsible, you need to let them know as soon as possible so they can get it fixed. In some cases, they may ask you to fun the repairs first, until they can get the funds together to do so.

If the HOA isn’t responsible, then it will fall to you. As this is the case you will need to cover the costs of repairing the roof. However, you will still need to abide by the HOA’s rules when it comes to the roof.

3. What Will Your HOA Ask For?

There’s multiple things your HOA will require when you have a new roof installed. What exactly your HOA needs will be covered by their literature, but it could include any of the following:

1. Materials:

They may require a certain material to be used in the making of your roof. For example, they may ask for shingle tiles or metal roofs. This is often to create a uniform appearance in the area, so every home looks similar.

2. Colors:

Again, this is to ensure a uniform appearance. This should be easy to see when arranging a roof, as you’ll see the color of your neighbor’s roofs, as well as your own. The HOA guidelines should stipulate what color the roof should be.

3. Styles:

This will also ensure your home will be similar to other homes nearby. For example, you may be required to have a gable or hipped roof installed to match others in the area.

4. What You Can Change About Your Roof

Just because the HOA has a say in how your roof looks, doesn’t mean that you can’t make your own decisions about it. There are lots of things you can do to tailor the roof to your own needs.

1. Shingle cut:

If you’re required to use shingles, then you have more options when it comes to the shape of them. Often, you’ll find you’re able to use a deeper cut or a slightly different shape. Pick a shingle that looks good to you and gives your home something a little different.

2. Underlayment:

You have a lot of say when it comes to the materials that sit under the shingles. There are options for underlayment, a lot of which will improve the durability and weather resistance of your roof. Talk to your roofer to see what you can use.

3. Ice shielding:

If you live in a colder climate, this is something you rally should look into. Ice dams form on your roof when snow melts and runs down your roof, only to be met by blocked gutters. It then refreezes, keeping water on your roof, which damages it. Getting this shielding will save you from expensive repair bills, as will gutter guards.

4. Radiant barrier:

These barriers are designed to cut energy costs. If you’re looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly and cut the costs of running your home, you should look into this. The best part is that it’s invisible on the outside of your home.

Remember You Must Abide By HOA Rules

Sometimes it’s frustrating working with your HOA, especially when it comes to an expensive repair like your roof. It’s your home, and you want to re-roof it in the way you see fit. That’s fair, but when you moved into your home you will have signed an agreement with the HOA, stating that you would abide by it’s rules. If you don’t do this, it will cause problems and can even result in legal action against you.

It’s best to abide by these rules, and use a roofer that’s well versed in working with HOAs. Your HOA may even be able to recommend a contractor for you, so ask if they have a preferred roofer you can use.

If you work closely with your HOA, you shouldn’t have a problem replacing your roof. Check your guide, and follow the rules set. You’ll be able to get your new roof with the minimum of hassle

Your Common Questions – Answered