A new roofing system will improve the appearance of your home while also providing better protection against the weather. Aside from the material, style, and color of your roofing, there are other factors to consider when planning a roof replacement project. If your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association, then you’ll likely need to obtain clearance from the board before making any changes to your home’s exterior.
You might think that having pre-approved roofing colors will make the process easier. However, this is not always the case, especially if your HOA is strict about structural and color changes. Even if a color has been pre-approved, it may not be permitted for your home if a neighbor’s house features the same color. To help you attain your desired color for your roof, roofing experts from Sterling Exteriors share how you can meet your HOA’s color regulations for your roof replacement project.
Do You Need Approval for Your New Roof’s Color?
In most cases, yes, you do need HOA approval for the color of your new shingles. If you’re not sure of how strict your HOA is about home changes, reference the HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R’s). You most likely received a copy of the CC&Rs as part of the closing package when you bought your home.
Check to see if you have the most recent version on hand because your board may have made some changes recently. Instead of reading the entire document, you can save time by focusing on the section that discusses property restrictions. Reading this section should give you an idea of which changes are applicable to your community and which ones are not. If you’re still confused, feel free to contact your HOA’s office and ask about roofing restrictions specifically.
Your homeowners’ association’s main goal is to protect and preserve the value of your home. In most cases they will go to tremendous lengths to ensure that everyone in the community follows the same set of rules. Failing to follow appropriate protocol can result in fines or, worse, becoming embroiled in a more serious legal dispute with the association.
It’s Important Follow HOA’s Requirements
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First, obtain a copy of the covenants, conditions, and restrictions of your HOA. Don’t worry, all you have to do is read the rules that govern property boundaries. This should help you gain a better understanding of what is appropriate in your community when it comes to the color of your new roofing system.
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Inquire with the property manager in your neighborhood about the current approval process, including how long it will take to receive approval from them. Read about the forms that are required, where you can obtain them and if there’s a deadline.
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Check whether there are pre-approved colors or if you are free to choose your own hues. You can ask about color selection recommendations based on the HOA’s previous experiences. When it comes to getting your application approved, it will help if you’ve been in direct contact with the board ahead of time. It’s worth your time to inquire.
Wait For Your HOA’s Approval
Make a direct phone call to your HOA and explain your roofing project’s objectives. Keep in mind that you will be asked to fill out paperwork and note your color selections for your roofing shingles.
If the property management business is extremely busy and/or understaffed, you may have to wait a few weeks or perhaps a month for clearance to be granted. This could be given to you via mail from a member of your HOA’s board of directors. Keep in mind that you can only begin installing your new roof once you obtain a letter from them approving your application.
Remember to Follow HOA Rules
Working with your HOA can be a hassle, especially when it comes to a large-scale project such as roof replacement or painting. It’s your home, and you may feel you should have the freedom to decorate it however you want. That’s understandable, but when you moved in, you promised to abide by the HOA’s rules and regulations. If you don’t, you’ll run into problems and may even find yourself in legal trouble.
It is critical to adhere to these guidelines and, ideally, pick a roofing contractor that is familiar with your HOA. You can inquire with your HOA to see if they have a reputable roofer they can recommend.
Choosing Your Roofing Color
Even if you work with a roofing contractor who has prior experience working with HOAs, it will be helpful to inquire with your board’s office about pre-approved roofing colors or whether you are free to choose any color you choose. You should also ask as to whether they have any color recommendations.
When choosing colors, pick ones that will enhance the appearance of your home while also allowing you to exhibit your personal taste. You want your home to stand out without sticking out. Try your best not to clash with the style of the neighboring homes so that the homes on the street complement one another and the whole neighborhood looks attractive. This will help boost the value of all the homes on your street.
Hire a roofing contractor that can help you obtain your desired color for your roof shingles. Sterling Exteriors is always ready to assist you with your roofing concerns. Call us at (513) 685-8055 or you can fill out our contact form to book an appointment. We take pride in giving quality service to homeowners in Cincinnati, Loveland and Newton, OH.
