A Complete Guide to Handling Your Roof Problems with Your HOA

Living in a neighborhood run by a homeowner’s association (HOA) can come with some fantastic benefits as well as some headaches. Navigating problems and expectations for repairs and improvements, particularly those having to do with roofing, can be a bit tricky; and if one day you receive a letter from your friendly HOA asking for you to invest in an upgrade you will likely find you have many questions before you feel comfortable getting started. Read on for insights into the process, as well as some helpful advice. 

Getting Started (Rules and Communication) 

Whether the HOA is requesting a repair on your home’s roof or if you are wanting to undertake a project on your own, the first crucial step is to keep a line of communication open with your HOA. HOA’s often manage the roofing of the whole community and can be fairly strict when keeping in line with their determined aesthetic; not including them in your decisions can lead to a slew of issues down the road. 

Another incredibly important thing to do right off the bat is to familiarize yourself with the HOA’s responsibilities and rules. Understanding their expectations is a useful tool to have in your back pocket and will make the rest of the process easier and less stressful. This is especially helpful if you find yourself in a position where you will be the one funding the project: knowing what they allow and will not allow ensures you are doing what is required without undertaking unnecessary expense. 

Determine Who Pays 

A roofing repair or replacement can be costly. One of the biggest debates in community maintenance, therefore, is which party will be the one paying for the roofing change – as stated in the previous step, one should first look to the governing documents of your neighborhood to find answers, but if it isn’t clear, here is a quick breakdown of usual situations: 

• Individual/ Single Family Homes: homeowners’ responsibility 
• Shared Community Buildings: HOA’s responsibility 
• Condos: HOA’s responsibility 
• Adjoined Townhouse: homeowners’ responsibility 

In cases where the responsibility is not entirely clear, yet the HOA is requesting you make the investment, it is not unusual to consult a legal professional. This will be helpful in managing unreasonable HOA boards and determining what action can be taken to protect your own interests. 

Talk to a Local Roofing Professional 

At the end of the day, your HOA is just looking out for the quality and integrity of your community; and while they may govern with a strong hand, they are not roofing experts themselves. Once you have begun communicating with the HOA, familiarized yourself with the rules, and have determined who will be paying, the last step is to call a roofing professional to get the job done. 

Getting a roof inspection will be key in starting the process and will give valuable insight into the current state of your roof and will provide informed, impartial advice about what is needed. Giving the opinion of the professional roofing contractor to your HOA board will go a long way in finding a fair path forward. 

Have Questions or Want to Begin Your Project? 

970 Services is your partner for all things roofing. As Northern Colorado specialists, we are consistent and reliable while working across residential, multi-family, and commercial building projects. To get started on your own roofing projects or get the professional advice you need, contact 970 Services today!