Tips for Working with Your HOA During a Roofing Project

Homeowners’ associations in Pennsylvania are notorious for being difficult to work with, especially on large projects. Every roofing company has a couple of nightmare stories about trying to work with an HOA, but there are some things you can do to make the process easier. We’ve compiled a list of our top HOA roofing tips to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Presenting the Bid

Before presenting your roofing project to the HOA, it’s important to prepare correctly. Your first step should be to suggest a ‘re-roofing committee’ made up of experts from real estate, construction, and building trade professionals. This committee can help defend your proposal and ensure that the HOA understands that the lowest bid isn’t always the best.

HOAs often try to limit costs as much as possible, including balking at ‘extras’ such as full warranties on any work done. A re-roofing committee can bring information and be the voice of reason to convince the HOA that upfront spending now will save significantly more money in the future.

Having an open dialogue with the HOA is essential. Not only should you be talking to the HOA, but also individual residents and the re-roofing committee. Keep this dialogue open throughout the roofing process. If you are presenting a new type of roofing material to the HOA, be sure to make sure the committee understands the long term benefits. Doing so will ensure that everyone is on board and understands what’s going on.

People get resentful if they feel uncertain. Providing everyone with relevant information and keeping lines of communication open helps build up a feeling of trust. This trust can be invaluable as the project proceeds.

After the Bid

Holding a town hall meeting after the bid is an excellent way for fellow residents to raise any concerns about your project. These concerns often involve logistical aspects such as roofing disposal, materials delivery, and workers’ access during the project.

If you can, try to compile a document that addresses the safety and logistical issues and answers as many questions as possible. Distribute this document to the residents and the HOA to ensure that everyone is up to speed.

Handling the Different Parties Involved

The most tricky part of working with an HOA is dealing with the huge array of personalities involved. HOAs are notoriously conservative and require careful handling. They can make your life very difficult, and it’s wise to keep them engaged and on your side.

Remember that the HOA has different priorities and responsibilities than an individual homeowner, so their perspective can be very different from yours.

One factor to play up is the impact of the roofing work on the resale value of the property. Take the time to explain why doing a job right, as opposed to doing it cheaply, has long-reaching benefits. Taking the time to do it right the first time will save plenty of hassle in the future.

Conclusion

HOAs present a unique challenge to Pittsburgh roofing contractors and individual residents alike. Understanding how to work with an HOA will make your life significantly easier. At Gotcha Covered Contracting, we have plenty of experience dealing with HOAs. We’ll ensure your project goes smoothly from start to finish.

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