As a homeowner, keeping your house pristine should always be a top priority. But when you are a part of a homeowners association (HOA), there are additional rules and regulations that you must follow before taking on a roofing project. Read on to learn how HOAs impact your roofing projects and explore helpful advice for navigating the process.
Rules and Regulations
Homeowners associations are known for their rules and regulations, which may affect the progress of your roofing projects. Each HOA is different, but some common guidelines homeowners must follow include the type of materials that are allowed, the color of the shingles, and even the height of the roof compared to the rest of the community.
These standards may be an issue if you want asphalt roofing in a neighborhood where most houses have clay or slate shingles. Make sure to review these rules before starting any roofing projects to avoid any miscommunication or penalties.
Approval Process
Before starting any roofing project, you must submit the plans to the HOA for approval. Once submitted, the HOA will review the plans to ensure they comply with the rules and regulations set in place. This process may take some time, especially if the HOA needs to deliberate on a part of the project. You need to plan accordingly to ensure you can complete your project on time.
If the HOA rejects the plans, you must try again with revised plans. Take proper measures to avoid going back and forth unnecessarily, and ask some of your neighbors what they experienced when seeking approval for their roofing project.
Consistency
One of the reasons HOAs have such strict roofing policies is to maintain the visual consistency of the community. HOAs want all homes to look consistent for aesthetic reasons and to maintain property values. Choose materials and colors that match those already present in the community.
This consideration makes the approval process smoother and ensures your home stays within HOA guidelines. Fortunately, numerous colors are available for asphalt shingles that suit almost any neighborhood theme, from charcoal grey to green.
Cost
HOAs have a financial impact on your roofing project as well. If your community does not allow certain roofing materials, you may have to choose more expensive alternatives. Similarly, if the HOA requires you to use a specific contractor for roofing projects instead of a trusted local, there may be additional costs associated with their services. It is important to factor in all costs associated with the HOA guidelines before starting any roofing projects.
HOA and Roofing Contractor Communication
It is also important that your chosen roofing contractor is aware of the HOA guidelines. The contractor should have experience working with HOA rules and regulations and should be able to communicate with the HOA during your residential roofing service. This includes updating the HOA with any changes and ensuring the project finishes on time.
By understanding HOA guidelines, you ensure your roofing project goes smoothly and that your home complies with regulations. HOAs significantly impact your roofing projects as a homeowner, but it’s possible to improve your roof even in the face of stringent rules.
