As the old saying goes, behind every challenge, there’s an opportunity. Dealing with an HOA can be frustrating. But keep in mind, HOA guidelines are there for a reason. The goal is to keep neighborhoods looking neat and well cared for, a concept most of us can get behind. We all want a community with plenty of curb appeal. HOAs help make that happen. Believe it or not, when it comes to your home’s appearance, you still have choices within your HOA covenants. Sometimes when your HOA requires you to make a change to your roof or siding, it’s an opportunity to add value to your home. If you approach it correctly and use the right contractor, you can get a look you love and still follow HOA rules.
HOA Covenants and My Roof
When you move into a community with an HOA, you agree to that community’s covenants, conditions and restrictions. Many of these are related to your home’s appearance. Of course, roofing and siding are often among the most tightly regulated elements of your home. HOA covenants usually include specific rules about the materials, color, and shape of a new roof. Here are a few steps you can take when planning a roof replacement to make the process more efficient:
- Find a roofing company that knows the ins and outs of working with an HOA.
- Read your community’s covenants and go over them with your roofing company.
- Keep your expectations in check. You’ll likely have some flexibility. But if you want a bright yellow roof in a neighborhood full of grays, you’re not likely to get your wish.
- Submit your plans before you replace or upgrade your roof and be prepared to wait for approval. Include the approval process in your timeline and let your roofer know.
How Can I Get What I Want and Make My HOA Happy?
If you’re planning an upgrade on your own, remember that following HOA guidelines doesn’t mean you don’t have choices. You can still get a look you love within the confines of your HOA covenants. If your HOA requires you to upgrade, use it as a chance to add attractive, low maintenance roofing and siding. Here are some areas where most HOAs offer some flexibility:
- Underlayment is the water-resistant layer between your roof decking and shingles. In the past, an asphalt-saturated felt layer was standard. But now we have terrific new synthetic materials. It’s a great chance to add an upgraded layer of protection to your home.
- High-quality roof decking provides a layer of stability for the shingles on top. Talk with your roofer about choosing Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or plywood sheathing.
- Homeowners have more choices than ever when it comes to shingles. One trend is architectural shingles that come in a range of shapes and offer a textured, dimensional appearance. These can add a bit of flair to your roof while meeting HOA guidelines.
What Are Some Tips for HOA Compliance That Also Add Value to My Home?
If your HOA requires you to make an upgrade, it’s not always a negative. While a roof or siding replacement can be costly, it can be a chance to add value to your home. Here are some upgrades that can offer a terrific return on investment.
- Weather-resistant roofing is a new requirement for many HOAs as communities seek to avoid unattractive hail and storm damage. New technology in shingles can give you a look you love and save money on repairs long-term.
- An HOA requirement to replace aging vinyl siding can be a blessing in disguise. Vinyl siding has come a long way in appearance, durability, and protection from the elements. Studies have shown that new siding almost always pays for itself in terms of resale value.
- Improved energy efficiency: upgrading your roof and siding with new materials can mean significant savings in energy costs.
Working With Your HOA: Find the Right Roofing Contractor
The HOA isn’t always the bad guy. We all want to live in attractive communities with high standards. Hiring an experienced roofing contractor who understands how HOAs operate can take the bumps out of the process. DryHome Roofing & Siding has been working with Northern Virginia HOAs for decades. We know the ins and outs of covenants. We have a proven track record of helping clients achieve their goals while working with HOA guidelines. It’s a win-win and can add value to your home and give you a look you love.
