Do’s and Don’ts of Replacing Your Siding in an HOA Community

Living in a community with a homeowner’s association (HOA) can make home renovations a bit trickier. That’s because you’ll likely have to seek approval from the board first, who will then review your project and ensure it adheres to the HOA’s governing documents, also known as covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs0.

While not all renovations require an HOA approval, a siding replacement project does. 

Siding Replacement Needs an HOA Approval

Any repairs or renovations that involve exterior changes require HOA approval, including siding replacement. The approval process may vary in every neighborhood, but it mostly involves writing an application that discusses the details of your siding replacement project. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, such as the timeline of the renovation and if common areas will be used during the project.

During the approval process, the HOA board may implement color and material restrictions. For instance, the board may only want James Hardie® siding for the neighborhood. There may also be a pre-approved siding contractor who’s already familiar with your neighborhood’s CC&Rs. If you go ahead with the renovation without getting approval, the HOA board can force you to stop the work and redo it from the start. Not only that, but you can also be fined for noncompliance. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Siding Replacement in an HOA Community

There are do’s and don’ts you should remember when replacing your siding. We list a few of them here:

• DO get pre-approval for your project. The CC&Rs should tell you about the requirements you need to submit to the board. If not, you can ask a board member. Most HOA boards may require you to submit a project proposal form as well as additional documents.
• DO hire the right siding contractor. Your HOA board may provide you with a list of contractors who had previous experience in your neighborhood. If they don’t give you a list of recommendations, you may have to find the contractors on your own. Remember, if your HOA requires your contractors to be licensed and have insurance, be sure the contractor you choose meets these requirements.
• DON’T rely on your contractor to understand your HOA rules. As a responsible homeowner, you need to understand the rules and regulations of your HOA. This way, you don’t rely on your siding contractor all the time. Even if your contractor is already familiar with the CC&Rs of your neighborhood, it’s your responsibility to ensure the project is compliant.
• DON’T forget to notify the HOA when the project is complete. Once your siding replacement project is finished, be sure to tell your HOA board. You should also clear any recorded liens that may have been placed on your property during the siding replacement.

Whether you need a residential siding expert or a commercial roofing contractor, you can count on the experts at AQ Roofing LLC. Give us a call at (501) 951-1683, or fill out our online contact form to set an appointment.