Do I Need HOA Approval For a New Roof?

When it comes to personal home repairs, though, living under an HOA can be challenging. This is especially true when it comes to replacing a house’s roof, which is vital, but can affect the entire community on a daily basis. The HOA’s regulations and standards can make some even forgo roof repairs, leaving owners vulnerable to more damages or expensive costs.

Some repairs may be minor and not need HOA approval. Others may be larger and need to be submitted for HOA approval well in advance. It depends on the size, place, and type of project. So, how do you know whether your new roof needs HOA approval, too?

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Well, the first step is assessing if you actually need a new roof. Roofs can be damaged by age and normal weather wear-and-tear; the lifespan depends on the materials used. It can also be destroyed in a one-time accident like a tree falling on a roof during a storm. 

Signs that your house may need a new roof include:

• Curled or cupped shingles or tiles
• Cracked or broken shingles or tiles
• Moss growth on the roof’s surface
• Discolored interior walls and ceilings
• Unwanted critters in the home
• Seeing daylight through the roof boards
• Granules in the gutters or bald spots on the roof
• Dark streaks on the tiles or shingled
• Ice damming due to ventilation issues

If your home shows any of these signs, it’s time to consider replacing the roof.  Before doing so, though, refer to the documented agreement between you and your HOA. This blog post will outline what is in accordance with local regulations and can help avoid costly fines. However, it all depends on your specific HOA’s unique rules and conditions. What may be permissible at one HOA, may not be at another.

Regardless, always notify your HOA. Even if the repair does not need HOA approval, making the HOA aware about it may help direct you to a good contractor, avoid mistakes, or mitigate future costs.

A few standard questions that you can ask your HOA are:

• Are there any HOA roof color restrictions?
• Does the HOA cover roof replacement?
• Are there any requirements relating to roofing materials?
• Do I need HOA approval before replacing my roof?
• How long is the approval process and how early do you need notification?

Another way to ensure that you’re following HOA standards is bringing in a contractor to help understand the process. A good contractor will be able to ensure that you repairs stay within rules and communicate with the HOA if there are changes or complications. 

This communication between HOA, contractor, and you is significant. You’ll want to hire qualified contractors that are both licensed and insured. You’ll want to make certain that you are submitting the appropriate project forms, too, and obtaining the correct permits. You can most likely acquire these forms as your local HOA Office and be as detailed as possible.

Having your roof replaced without HOA approval can result in legal and personal repercussions. The HOA could fine you. The repair could be postponed. You may be asked to redo the work. Depending on the severity of the project, the HOA could take legal action as well and ultimately kick you out of the community for failing to comply.

Usually, most HOAs require approval if you have to completely replace your roof or want to change its outward appearance. This is because most HOAs want all the roofs in the neighborhood to have a cohesive appearance and follow the same basic structural integrity. 

Common requirements pertain to appearance:

• Roof style
• Shingle or tile color
• Shingle or tile material 
• Hail-resistant materials

Fortunately, other aspects are left to your discretion and may not need HOA Approval. This is particularly true if you are changing the materials used underneath the shingles or tiles. This includes:

• Underlayment (asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, non-bitumen synthetic, etc.)
• Decking
• Ice shielding
• Radiant barrier 

To some homeowners, this HOA approval process is tedious. An owner may stall or seek less time-consuming ways to renovate. But, neglecting roof repairs actually can result in more dangerous and less salvageable damages in the future if left unattended. Watermarks and leaks? That could be just the beginning. There can also be:

• Decrease in home value
• Roof collapse
• Loss of or weakened tiles or shingles
• Destroyed insulation or furniture
• Peeling paint or sagged ceilings
• Electrical issues that result in fire hazards
• Mildew and mold that lead to health issues, such as headaches and respiratory complications

These physical and monetary consequences are why many homeowners make roof repair a number one priority during renovations. It’s also why many HOAs and homeowners seek out reputable and well-trained companies that can offer quality service and customer care.