HOA Concerns and Tips When Planning Roofing Projects

If you are a member of a homeowners association (HOA), the association is likely interested in your roof's repairs and replacement. Below is an overview of HOA interests when it comes to roofing. Understand these interests so you don't disagree with your HOA over your roofing project.

Examples of HOA Concerns

Your HOA has a say in several aspects of your roof. Below are some of these aspects.

Material Quality

Your HOA is mainly concerned with the quality of your roof. The roofing quality affects your home's value, which your HOA wishes to maintain or improve. As such, your HOA may have a say in the quality of materials you can use. For example, the association may demand hail-resistant shingles if your area experiences hailstorms.

Roofing Color

Many HOAs work to maintain certain curb appeal standards, which also affects property prices. Roof color affects curb appeal, so your HOA may limit or dictate your roof color choices. Some associations also want all houses under their jurisdictions to have uniform roof colors.

Roofing Design

Roofing design is another factor that affects roof quality and curb appeal. As such, your HOA might prohibit you from altering your roof's design during replacement. For example, the association might not allow you to convert your pitched roof to a flat one.

Shingle Overlay

Some homeowners use multiple layers of shingles to minimize materials, shorten the replacement duration, and manage their roofing budgets. However, multiple roof layers sometimes create problems. For example, the multiple layers might trap moisture, overload the roof, or trap heat. Don't be surprised if the HOA forbids you from shingle overlay.

Work Duration and Time

Your HOA can also restrict when roofers can work on your roof and how long your roofing project must take. For example, the HOA might require that the work only take place during regular work or school hours. That way, roofing work doesn't disturb the neighborhood's peace while they’re home.

Repair Extent

Lastly, the HOA might also require more extensive repairs than you deem necessary. For example, the HOA might require you to replace the roof even though you think you only need to replace a few shingles.

Tips for Dealing with HOA

You should work with your HOA for any roof replacement, upgrade, or repair you have planned. You must also follow HOA rules and regulations to avoid penalties or legal actions against you. Below are some tips for dealing with the HOA.

Consult a Roofing Contractor

The HOA needs to know what you want to do and how you want to do it. Consider a case where you plan to replace a roof section because it has suffered water damage. Consult a roofing contractor to give a professional assessment of the necessary work. You can present the contractor's inspection report to the HOA board of directors.

Understand the HOA Requirements

Scrutinize the HOA documents to understand what you can or cannot do. Contact the HOA leadership for further consultation, especially if the documents aren't clear or you have a gray area that requires clarification. You can proceed with the project if the rules are clear and within your intended scope.

Negotiate

Many HOAs leave room for negotiations or extensions of some rules. Consult your HOA if you want to change something the rules seem to forbid. Keeping communication lines open will help you avoid unnecessary confrontations.

Your HOA may fund necessary roofing projects and leave you to foot the bill for improvements or renovations. Contact us for an initial assessment of your roofing work so we can plan and execute it professionally at an affordable price. We have extensive experience with residential and commercial roofing projects. Additionally, we are bonded and insured and can handle roofing projects of all sizes.