If your home is in a neighborhood operated by a Home Owner’s Association, you will need to check with the HOA before getting a new roof. They will not stop you from getting a new roof for your home, but they may have rules about the style and materials you can use. Here are some of the reasons why it’s important to check with your HOA ahead of time.
The Main Goal: Keep The Neighborhood Looking Uniform
Most homes run by an HOA have a uniform look. They don’t look identical, but they may have similar styles of brick, roofing, landscaping, fencing, etc. All of these exterior elements are written in the bylaws for the HOA – the ones you agreed to when you purchased the home. If you choose a roofing material that does not fit into the color scheme for the neighborhood, your house will stick out like a sore thumb.
How To Find Out If Your Roof Will Meet HOA Guidelines
Every HOA has a set of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). This details everything you need to know before getting a new roof. Read over the guidelines carefully to learn what your options are, and then talk to your roofing company about the materials you want to select. After that, you will need to submit a series of paperwork to the HOA to get the roof approved. This has to happen before installation can begin.
What If My Roofing Material Is Not In the CC&Rs?
If you want a roofing material that is not included in the CC&Rs, you will need to submit a request to the HOA to have that amended. This often occurs when new roofing materials come to market because they may not be included in the bylaws yet. The HOA will have a meeting to discuss your request, and they will make a decision from there. If they deny your request altogether, you will need to explore alternative options.
Maintain Communication With Your Roofing Contractor
Your roofing contractor can help you through this process so you get the right roof from the start. Keep them informed about developments as they occur so the roofers can plan accordingly. If you need to postpone your roof installation for a later date, let them know that early on so they can schedule other jobs in the meantime. Keep all of this in mind as you select your roofing materials, and you’ll have a great looking house that complies with HOA guidelines.