Gutters

Why You Might Need Your HOA’s Approval For Your New Gutters

If your home isn’t under any part of a homeowner association, then it’s easy to plan out remodeling projects. Whether you need to update your interiors or install a new metal roofing system, the sky’s the limit in how you want to renovate your home. But if you do live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you’ll most likely need approval first.

Even if it’s just a simple trim replacement job or shingle installation, you’ll still need to get it approved by your local homeowners’ association. And if you think that you only need approval on external remodeling projects, you need to check first whether they have rules about interior renovations. Otherwise, you may be forced to redo your whole project!

If you’re planning to replace the gutter of your metal roofing system, you can expect that you’ll need approval from your local HOA board. However, keep in mind that the procedures for approval can differ for each homeowners association. STARR Roofing & Gutters shares their insight:

What Are the HOA’s Responsibilities?

Also known as a homeowner’s association, your local HOA is responsible for the management of a residential community. A board of directors is elected to run the association, with the local community paying them monthly, quarterly, or annual fees to manage the daily operations of the community. This means they maintain shared areas such as the gym, pool, or playground.

Most local homeowner associations aim to improve and uphold the property values of the community. They’re responsible for establishing and enforcing rules and regulations of your neighborhood, which is implemented by ensuring each home abides by the same set of standards as outlined in their CC&Rs, or a set of rules and regulations. That means the overall design of your home will have to follow certain design restrictions on what you can renovate. This includes the material, pattern, color, or any other type of remodeling, including replacing the gutters of your residential roofing system. 

Understanding the CC&Rs of Your HOA

Every homeowner association has a set of governing documents known as CC&Rs. Short for covenants, conditions & restrictions, the CC&Rs can vary across different HOAs, so it’s important to read the ones implemented by your local association. Here’s what you can typically expect:

What Needs Approval

  • Full kitchen, bathroom, or any other interior remodel (including remodeling the current plumbing and electrical wiring)
  • Updating your home’s exterior trim
  • Installing new tiles or hardwood floors
  • having your walls rewired for lighting or sound system

What Doesn’t Need Approval

  • Gardening in your backyard (if it’s fenced)
  • Updating the interior trim such as crown molding or baseboards
  • Replacing appliances, sink, or countertops
  • Interior painting and wallpaper
  • New floor coverings or carpeting
  • Replacing any existing bathroom fixture, tub, or sink

What Happens If You Don’t Seek Approval?

Depending on the type of project you’re planning, it may be necessary to have it go through your local HOA first. There will be procedures to follow even for most types of renovation or home improvement projects, and that includes replacing the gutters of your residential roofing system. If you choose to go ahead and replace your gutters, the HOA might send you a notice ordering you to stop the installation process even if it’s still ongoing. They can also charge a fine or take legal action depending on your unapproved project!

Why You Should Follow the Rules

Your HOA’s rules and regulations are legally binding. They’re required to uphold the rules and regulations of the community as well, which means the CC&Rs are tied to state statutory laws. They’re incorporated that way to provide your local HOA legal protection. This is also why the rules and regulations set by the HOA board should be in line with their CC&R as they’re the authoritative force that governs the association.

It’s also better to follow the rules of Your local HOA because they’re there to ensure the property value doesn’t get affected. They also help make the community a safer and better place to live in, which makes it easier for you to go about your daily activities. So, if you’re to renovate a certain part of your home such as your gutters and you haven’t asked for approval before, make sure to do it right the first time!

How to Ask For Approval

Most types of home improvement projects are usually approved by their respective HOAs so long as the project doesn’t affect the visual aesthetics or other CC&Rs. But even if it’s just replacing your gutters, they’re still considered as an exterior home improvement project. That means they’ll undergo the usual process of approval by the board. That’s why it helps to read your local association’s CC&Rs to know how you can start the process for your replacement project. Getting the approval will vary for each type of project, which can even involve roof inspections depending on the process for each HOA. 

The first thing you can do is to inform a representative from the local HOA about your gutter replacement and ask how you can seek approval. Most communities will need the gutter project to be completed by a professional roofer who has a good reputation in the area. You’ll also need to get the required building permits for your project, but this is usually taken care of by your hired contractor.

You might also need to present other details of your replacement project. This usually includes a timeline of when it should be completed and a project proposal form that provides pictures and other details of what’s to be replaced. Make sure to provide the required information to your HOA so that the approval process goes by smoothly. They’ll base the information you provide on their decision to approve or deny your project. They can also conditionally approve your project, which means they’ll give restrictions on color or material choices.

If you’re looking for a trusted professional in gutter installation and roof inspections, you can count on STARR Roofing & Gutters to get the job done. Call us at (512) 736-6539 and we’ll talk about your next project today! You can also fill out our contact form

Pete Reed

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