When you own a townhouse, you know that it comes with a lot of benefits, including the ability to keep costs down and limit a lot of the maintenance of a traditional, larger home. Yet, like any other home, there’s an important need to keep up with the maintenance on your property, and that includes the roof. Over time, you will need to replace the roof on a townhouse. Yet, because of how townhouses are structured, it can be hard to know just how to do that.
Start with the Basics
The first step is to know the rules surrounding your townhouse. If you live in a community with an HOA, it is quite important for you to take steps to determine what the rules are. Some townhome HOAs require very specific features, such as the type of roof replacement, color, or even who can do the work on it. If you’re unsure, best check in with the HOA before you make any changes.
Who Needs the Repair?
Next, talk to your neighborhoods. Often, when townhomes are built, they are done in such a way as the same roofing company will install the roof across all properties. Now, these are separate structures, so you are still responsible for your section. However, if your neighbor is also having leaks or needs to consider roof replacement now, it may be more affordable to do the work at the same time.
Consider Ownership
Some townhomes are owned by individuals. Others are owned by property management companies, and the tenants rent them. If you don’t own the townhouse outright, it’s important to work with the property owner or manager to determine how the work needs to be done. If your townhome is connected under one roof, this is likely the step to take.
If your townhome is owned by you and is under one roof, meaning it’s not the same roof across all of the townhome structures in the community, chances are good you’re responsible for the repairs to it.
Know the Difference between Townhomes and Condos
The term townhouse may be used rather freely, but there is a difference between a townhome and a condo. In a condo community, the owner owns what’s inside the building, such as the interior, and is typically responsible for all interior repairs. However, most condo buildings are owned by an association. That organization handles the repairs to the condo’s structure. That includes the roof replacement. Typically, if you have an HOA in a condo community, you’re paying into a fund to help with these types of repairs.
By contrast, a townhome is a single-unit home. You own the building and the land it is on. If you have an HOA in a townhome, those fees typically go towards maintaining publicly shared assets like the community pool. They do not cover repairs to your structure.
It’s always a good idea to know the terms and conditions of any HOA. You also want to learn about any type of restrictions that may be in place on you from those organizations.
How to Schedule Roof Replacement in a Townhome
Now that you have an idea of who needs to get the repair work done, and it seems to have fallen on your shoulders, it’s time to get the work scheduled. You can call a roofing technician to come out for a full inspection as a first step. During this process, you’ll learn more about the condition of the roof and determine if a replacement is necessary.
If the damage is on more than one townhome in the community, it may be a good idea to discuss the project with your neighbors to find out if they are considering it as well. If so, the roofing contractor can provide you with more insight into how the entire project could be priced out. Since most townhomes are built at the same time, if your roof is aging and showing signs of the need of repair, their roof probably is as well.
Will homeowners insurance cover the roof replacement?
If you have damage to your roof brought on by a storm, such as from hail damage, and you can show that it is not related to normal wear and tear, it may be possible to file a claim with your home insurance company for the repairs or replacement. Your roof replacement contractor can help give you an idea of why your roof is failing, such as whether or not it is related to storm damage. Remember, home insurance will not cover the cost of normal wear and tear or repairs needed due to home maintenance issues.
What If the HOA Is a Part of the Process?
In some situations, HOAs can make the entire process of tasks like a roof replacement complicated. Even if you own your home, they may require that you follow their rules and procedures based on what they believe is best for the entire community. What does that mean to you?
- You may have to have the material choice approved by the HOA before the repairs can get underway.
- You may be required to use a licensed, insured, and bonded company, which is a good idea in most cases anyway.
- There are some situations where you need to have an inspection after the work is done.
HOA rules don’t have to be hard to follow, and your roofing contractor is likely well aware that there are needs to be met. Still, you don’t want to leave the repair waiting too long as that could cause a significant problem, too. If you have damage to your roof or even a few missing shingles, the HOA could come after you for that, too.
Getting a roof inspection is the first step
If you need roof replacement for a townhouse, reach out to a contractor to request an inspection. This will break down what type of repairs are needed and how to get the process started. You’ll also get a quote for the work you need completed.
