You want every base covered when investing in a new roof. In addition to choosing the best materials that will ensure the longevity and weather performance of the entire system and hiring a roofing contractor to handle your project, you also have to consider your homeowners’ association (HOA).

As it turns out, they have a say in any exterior upgrades or additions you want to make for your home. In other words, if you’re eyeing a particular shingle color for your new roof, you need to get it approved first before having them installed. Today’s in-depth article explains why this is the case. We also provide tips for securing HOA approval for your roof replacement.

The Role of Your Homeowners’ Association

The purpose of a homeowners’ association is to preserve the architectural integrity of properties within an established neighborhood and maintain common areas. It consists of a group of residents or a management company tasked with enforcing the rules and regulations that all homeowners in a subdivision or planned community must follow. These are outlined in a set of covenants, conditions and restrictions, or CC&Rs. If you only recently moved to a new neighborhood, it’s in your best interest to obtain an updated copy of the by-laws. These will give you a clear understanding of what you can and can’t do in the community.

Generally, regulations and guidelines contained in the governing documents focus on aspects such as:

• Any changes made to the home’s architecture (e.g. roof replacement)

• Restrictions on holiday decorations and lawn ornaments

• Home maintenance requirements

• Policies on nuisance activities (e.g. noise complaints)

• Number of people inside a place of residence

• Trash and recycling rules and schedules

Your Roof Replacement Plan & Your HOA

As a homeowner living in a neighborhood governed by an HOA, compliance with the CC&Rs is imperative, especially when planning a roof replacement. Remember—these guidelines are legal, binding documents that can penalize you.

The following are some of the top reasons to get your home improvement project approved by the board or property management company:

• Uniformity – As already pointed out, one of the roles and responsibilities of the HOA is to preserve the architectural integrity of residential properties within the community. This means making sure each home maintains a harmonious, uniform appearance. Along with retaining real estate value, following a certain style gives the neighborhood a uniform look and feel.

• Complete compliance – Following the CC&Rs to the letter saves you the trouble of facing consequences down the road, which is dependent on your HOA’s level of tolerance. In addition to fines, you may be asked to redo the entire project, especially if you went ahead with the replacement without the board’s approval. In some cases, failure to comply may result in a lawsuit.

• Faster installation – The roof replacement process has many steps: scheduling a roof inspection, choosing the materials and components and hiring a contractor that can get the job done right. By having the project approved by your HOA early on, you won’t have to worry about potential delays. After all, you want everything to go as smoothly as possible.

HOA Requirements to Consider

HOAs expect homeowners to comply with the requirements for roof replacement and any architectural changes they’re planning to do. What exactly they need to have approved will be covered by the CC&Rs, but these could include any of the following:

• Materials – Whether it’s asphalt shingles, metal panels, clay tiles or slate, the HOA may require one or more roofing materials to be used in the roof installation. The objective is for every residential property to look and feel the same when seen from the curb.

• Colors – The CC&Rs should include details of the recommended color palette for home exteriors in your community. If you have a particular shingle color in mind, read your copy of the documents to see if it’s included on the list. You can always pick one that speaks to your personality or will give your home a unique look, as long as it doesn’t deviate too far from what’s recommended in your neighborhood.

• Styles – The style of your new roof should match that of the others in your neighborhood. An experienced roofing contractor will be able to determine how much slope your roof will need and whether it will be a gable- or hip-type.

While your HOA does have a say on how your new roof will look, this doesn’t mean you have to let them decide every other aspect of your project. Rather, it means that there are many choices they leave up to you. Take shingles, for instance. CC&Rs urge you to follow a certain color scheme, but they don’t have a say when it comes to the roofing material’s shape and profile. Often, you’ll find you’re able to use a deeper cut or a slightly different configuration. This allows your roof to stand out while still adhering to the guidelines.

Getting Your Roofing Project Approved

Reviewing your copy of the CC&Rs isn’t enough when preparing for your roof replacement project. Some things might have changed after living a few years in the neighborhood, which is why it makes sense to check with your HOA about current protocols or procedures for getting your plan approved. Give them a call or stop by their office and ask them about the process and the length of time it will take to get it approved.

What if you’re confused about your HOA’s requirements? The expertise of your roofing company is essential in this regard. When choosing one to handle your project, ask if they’ve worked with HOAs before. If so, you can expect them to help you keep in line with the rules while making sure your newly-installed roof remains durable and weather-resistant throughout its lifespan. Experienced roofers will draw up plans and communicate with the board until the project is completed.

Window World of Boston is the premier exterior home improvement contractor for your window, siding, door and roofing needs. Our products are designed to increase the performance of your home, bringing energy efficiency and functionality to new heights. You can count on our team to work with you and your HOA to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.

Call (781) 262-3925 (Woburn), (781) 343-7129 (Pembroke) or (508) 845-6676 (Shrewsbury) to get started. You may also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.