Living in a community with a homeowners association (HOA) means you have to follow certain regulations. One of them involves rules pertaining to exterior renovations, including siding replacement. Before you proceed with this project, you first have to secure approval from the HOA board. Otherwise, they may force you to stop the installation, fine you for not complying with the covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) or even both. This is no different when it comes to a siding replacement project within an HOA Community
To ensure a successful siding replacement project, here are some of the do’s and don’ts you need to remember.
Siding Replacement in an HOA Community Do’s
- Read the CC&Rs. Make sure to read the CC&Rs of your HOA. The documents should also be up-to-date. If the one you have isn’t, you can ask the board to give you the latest version. Don’t hesitate to ask an HOA board member if you have questions or clarifications about any renovation guidelines, including the recommended siding type, color, profile and texture.
- Get pre-approval. Your HOA board may require you to submit all forms and documents pertaining to your siding replacement project. The members may either approve your project as it is or do so with conditions in place. Ask a board member beforehand so you can be prepared.
- Hire only qualified professionals. Like any home improvement project, the people in charge of replacing your siding should only be qualified professionals. Make sure that the contractor you hire is licensed and insured, especially if it is required by the HOA.
- Acquire permits. The HOA board isn’t the only one you need to ask permission for your siding replacement. You need to also obtain the necessary permits from your local building government. This is to ensure that the project is completed and up to code.
Siding Replacement Don’ts
- Don’t assume that the first contractor you see is qualified. When vetting prospective siding contractors, make sure to check if they are licensed, insured and certified by the top manufacturers in the industry. It’s also good to look at its recent reviews and past projects from other homeowners.
- Don’t rely on someone else to understand your HOA’s requirements. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to make sure that the siding replacement is following the HOA rules and regulations. Even if your siding contractor is aware of the CC&Rs, you should still make sure that the project is always compliant.
- Don’t forget to notify your HOA of the project’s completion. Let the board know about the completed siding project. Clear any recorded liens that may have been placed on your home as well.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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