Many homeowners are unaware of what needs to be inspected by their Homeowners Association (HOA) before a roofing project can begin. Both the homeowner and the HOA need to be on the same page to avoid costly mistakes.
By understanding the process and what is required, everyone can save time and money. Here are some key things that HOAs need to check before approving any roofing project.
Why Is HOA Approval Needed Before Roof Replacement?
When you live in a community with an HOA, you must be familiar with the rules and regulations governing your property. After all, the HOA exists to protect the value of everyone's homes.
One of the most common rules is that homeowners must obtain HOA roof replacement approval before making any changes to the exterior of their property, including roof replacement. The following are several reasons why you need HOA approval before replacing your roof.
Ensure That the New Roof Will Be Compatible With the Housing Community
One of the primary reasons that HOAs require approval before roof replacement is to ensure that the new roof will conform to the community's architectural guidelines.
These guidelines are in place to maintain the community's overall aesthetic and protect your home's value. If you were to replace your roof without HOA approval, there's a chance that the new roofing materials would not be in line with the guidelines.
As a result, you could be forced to replace the roof at your own expense.
Protect the Structural Integrity of the Community
When you replace your home's roof, you remove the old roofing materials and install new ones. This process can put stress on the home's structure, which could potentially lead to damage.
If the home is not properly supported during the roofing project, it could collapse. If this happens, it would not only be a tragedy for the homeowners, but it could also cause damage to the homes of your neighbors.
By requiring HOA roof replacement approval before the actual replacement, you can be sure that the contractor will take the necessary precautions to protect the structural integrity of your home.
To Prevent Hefty Fines or Lawsuits
If you were to replace your roof without HOA approval, you could be subject to hefty fines or even a lawsuit. The last thing you want is to get on the wrong side of your HOA.
Following the HOA roof replacement rules and getting approval before proceeding with roof replacement can avoid potential conflict.
Things HOAs Need To Check Before Approving Any Roofing Project
Here are the top 7 things HOAs need to check before approving any roofing project:
A Written Contract Specifying Materials, Work Schedule, and Payment Terms
Before work begins, a written contract is essential to protect the homeowner and the HOA. The contract should specify the materials the contractor will use, the work schedule, and the payment terms. Furthermore, a contract will help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Are the Roofing Materials Within HOA's Guidelines?
One of the first things your HOA will likely check is whether the roofing materials you've chosen are within the guidelines. As previously mentioned, HOAs have architectural guidelines to maintain the community's overall aesthetic.
If the roofing materials you've chosen are not in line with the guidelines, you may be required to select different materials.
It's important to note that not all HOAs have the same guidelines. So be sure to check with your HOA before selecting any roofing materials.
Is the Contractor Licensed and Insured?
Another thing to check is whether your chosen contractor is licensed and insured, which is vital for two reasons. First, you want to be sure that the contractor is qualified to do the job.
Second, you want to be sure that the contractor has insurance if something goes wrong. If the contractor is not licensed or insured, your HOA may not approve the project.
Be sure to ask for proof of insurance and licensing before proceeding with any roofing contractor.
Does the Contractor Have a Good Reputation in Your Area?
The contractor's reputation is crucial because you want to be sure that the contractor you've chosen is reliable and trustworthy.
The best way to check the contractor's reputation is to ask around. Speak with your friends and neighbors to see if they've worked with the contractor.
You can also check online reviews to see what others have said about the contractor. Your HOA is more likely to approve the project if the contractor has a good reputation.
How Long Will the Project Take?
Your HOA will also want to know how long the roofing project will take. You don't want the project to drag on for too long.
Ideally, you want to choose a contractor who can complete the job on time. Be sure to ask the contractor how long the project will take before proceeding with the job.
What Is the Estimated Cost of the Project?
The HOA is responsible for maintaining the budget for the community. As such, they will want to know how much the roofing project will cost.
In most cases, the HOA will only approve projects within their budget. However, there are times when the HOA may be willing to be flexible with the budget if they feel the project is necessary. A contractor should provide you with an estimate before you begin the project.
Does the Contractor Have a Warranty?
Before the HOA approves any roofing project, they will need to know whether or not the contractor has a warranty. If there are any problems with the roof after installation, the HOA will be responsible for fixing them.
Therefore, the contractor should have a warranty covering the cost of labor and materials, as well as the cost of any repairs that may be necessary. If the contractor does not have a warranty, the HOA may still approve the project, but it will likely require a higher deposit.
Steps to Obtaining Approval for Your Project
Here are the steps you need to follow to make sure your project gets approved:
Review Your Contract
The first step is to review your HOA contract to see the requirements for replacing your roof. Different HOAs have different rules, so it's important to know what yours are.
Consult Your Property Manager
Once you know the requirements, the next step is to consult with your property manager. They will be able to tell you the process for applying for a roof replacement. They can also help you navigate any potential red tape.
Make Your Case
Now it's time to make your case to the HOA. Be sure to include all the pertinent information about why you need a new roof and how you plan to go about getting it replaced.
Follow Up With the HOA About Your Application
The final step is to follow up with the HOA about your application, which is crucial because sometimes applications can get lost in the shuffle. By following up, you can ensure that your project stays on track and gets approved on time.
How to Get Your Roofing Project Approved Faster
You can do four things to get your HOA roof replacement project approved faster.
- Read the CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) - The CC&Rs are the HOA guidelines to maintain the community's appearance. Reading the CC&Rs will give you a better understanding of what the HOA is looking for in a roofing project.
- Choose the right colors - Some HOAs restrict the colors you can use for roofing projects. Check with your HOA before choosing any colors for your project.
- Get multiple bids - HOAs typically only approve roofing projects that fit within their budget. Therefore, get multiple offers from different contractors to ensure your project is within the HOA's budget. Doing so will give you a better idea of how much the project will cost.
- Reach out to your HOA management company - If you're unsure what the HOA is looking for in a roofing project, reach out to your HOA management company. They will be able to give you more information about the approval process.
Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be well on your way to getting your roofing project approved by the HOA.
Final Thoughts
HOAs need to review any roofing project before approving it carefully. Some of the critical things they check are the contractor's warranty, the budget for the project, and the CC&Rs. By reviewing these items, HOAs can ensure that the roofing project meets their standards and is completed promptly.
If you're looking for a contractor to replace your roof, check out Baltic Roofing Company. We're a top-rated roofing contractor with experience in all types of roofing projects.
We offer a wide range of roofing services, from roof repairs to roof replacement, and gutter replacement, so we're sure to have the right solution for you. So contact us today to get started on your roofing project.
Guest Blogger
Amanda Causey
