As a homeowner in Tennessee, you may face the challenge of getting a new roof in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA). An HOA can be beneficial in many ways, but it can also bring about certain restrictions that can be challenging to navigate.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about getting a new roof when you have an HOA, including the role of the HOA in context, the types of roofing materials available, and the costs involved.
Understanding Your HOA
What is an HOA? An HOA manages a community, such as a townhouse or a condominium development. Even single family housing neighborhoods can, and often do, have an HOA. The HOA comprises a board of directors responsible for enforcing the community rules and regulations.
As a homeowner, you are considered a member and must pay HOA fees to cover the costs of maintaining amenities in your community for quality and appearance.
The HOA may also have guidelines and restrictions on the type of roofing material, color, and style you can use for your home. The restrictions may even extend to what companies you can use and what qualifications and insurances they must have. Therefore, reviewing your HOA governing rules and bylaws is vital before getting a new roof.
Why Can an HOA Control What You Do With Your Own House?
Homeowners associations are considered legal entities. Therefore, board members and homeowners in these communities have legal rights outlined in the HOA governing documents.
As previously mentioned, HOAs manage communities. In management, these entities have control over common areas and the exterior of the buildings in the community to ensure that they maintain a certain standard of look and uniformity. This means, they may require certain paint colors be selected, a certain style of roof, and even the type of grass or paving features a homeowner can choose for their home.
There are pros and cons to this. Property values can be maintained, which benefits all homeowners. However, some homeowners may feel that the HOA needs to be more balanced when controlling what they can do with their homes.
Getting Approval From Your HOA
In most cases, you’ll need approval from your HOA board before beginning any major exterior renovations, such as replacing your roof. In addition, your HOA may have an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) responsible for reviewing and approving any proposed changes to your home’s exterior.
This committee may have specific requirements for the type of roof material, roof pitch, and square footage of your roof. Color may even be a factor that needs approval.
It is critical to submit your plans to the ACC for review before your desired start date, as the approval process can take time. In addition, your HOA may require changes to comply with your HOA regulations. If your construction plans are not approved by the HOA prior to start, you may be subject to fines or even the full reversal of any changes made to the home.
Will Your HOA Help Replace Your Roof?
Generally, it is your responsibility as a single-unit homeowner to replace or repair your roof. If you live in a condo or townhome, roof repairs may be handled by the HOA themselves without the need for the homeowner to find contractors and manage the project themselves. However, it is best to read your HOA bylaws and governing documents to fully understand your rights and obligations in home repairs.
HOA responsibilities vary depending on the collective policies. These policies are legally binding agreements highlighting the rights and duties between homeowners and homeowners associations.
If you have questions, it is best to contact your HOA board members to clarify.
Paying for a New Roof in an HOA Community
Repairing or replacing a roof can be expensive, and the cost can vary depending on the type of roof material and labor costs.
Your HOA can request that you repair or replace your roof. In context, your HOA usually has the right legally to regulate housing exteriors.
These are investments that can be costly and time-consuming. However, below are steps to ensure compliance and help this process.
1 – Review the HOA Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R):
CC&Rs are defined by Cornell Law School as “a set of rules governing the use of a certain piece of real estate in a given community. Review these documents and other documents relative to your roofing needs, such as the type of repairs, materials, and any other guidelines. ”
2 – Get an estimate:
A reputable roofing installer can guide your next steps concerning what your HOA is asking of you upon inspection. Again, look for local, reputable roofing contractors that are licensed to provide this service.
3 – Coordinate with the HOA:
From here, keep communicating with the HOA regarding your plans, including the estimate, financing, and what the HOA asks of you from their policies.
4 – Pay for your new roof:
Once granted approval and financing, proceed with coordinating the new roof installation while complying with your HOA financing requirements.
Dealing with HOA Violations
If you are considering getting a new roof, ensure you are not violating HOA rules and regulations. Violations can result in fines or legal action, so address any issues before beginning any major renovations.
If a previous homeowner left you an HOA violation, it could be your responsibility to correct the issue. But first, review your HOAs guidelines to understand your obligations as a homeowner in the community.
HOA violation notices generally hold a description of the violation referencing back to the governing documents. These notices can contain the following:
- Violation evidence
- A request to correct the violation (if applicable) and a reasonable timeframe to do so
- Details of a disciplinary hearing (including the date, time, and venue).
Can an HOA Require Homeowners Insurance?
To protect the HOA from liability in case of accidents or damages, it may require homeowners to carry insurance as a condition for living in the community.
Additionally, Homeowners associations must protect themselves and their members with insurance coverage. Legal fees and settlements would require the association to use funds otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Getting a new roof can be a significant investment for any homeowner, but it can be particularly challenging when you live in an HOA community. However, by understanding your HOA guidelines, this process can be seamless.
If you are a homeowner in Middle Tennessee within an HOA needing a new roof, be sure to find a licensed roofing contractor with knowledge of the ins and outs of HOAs.
Are you still trying to figure out where to begin? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Austermiller Roofing.
With over 30 years of experience serving Middle Tennessee, we can provide expert guidance and genuine care to ensure a successful roof replacement project that complies with your HOA requirements.
Don’t let dealing with your HOA overwhelm you – trust our expertise to make your roof replacement a seamless experience.
Schedule your FREE estimate today by visiting us online or calling 615-553-2041.