When it comes to owning a home, one of the most exciting things you can do is take on a home improvement project. Turning your home from what it currently is into what you’ve always wanted it to be is extremely rewarding. While you should be able to enjoy the right to improve your own home, if you’re subject to a homeowner’s association, you may need to get approval. HOA’s are there to protect your property values and set guidelines for everyone in the neighborhood to abide by. However, they can make your life challenging when it comes to a home improvement project. Here are four home improvement projects that may require HOA approval.

Adding On

If you’re planning on adding on space to your home, you should most likely count on having to obtain HOA approval. Many HOA’s have rules about how many square feet each house can be. If you are below or above that range, then you will most likely have to obtain permission from the HOA. In some cases, you simply cannot go above the max square footage number. This could prevent you from being able to add on to the house.

Roofing Replacement

When you’re thinking about getting a new type of roofing on your home, you may need to obtain for this. If you’re just going back with what type of roofing you had before, this may not be an HOA approval issue. However, if you’re changing to a new color or a type of roof that doesn’t match the rest of the neighborhood, you might have to get approval. Good roofers will be able to provide you with the information and assistance that you need to get an HOA approval.

Adding a Pool

Another common home improvement that is often subject to HOA approval is adding a pool. Some HOA’s look favorably upon pools in the back yard, while others frown on it. Check the HOA bylaws and go through the steps to gain approval before breaking ground.

Adding Solar Panels

Saving money on your electric bill with solar is becoming a popular investment for homeowners. However, don’t count on being able to put the panels on the roof without running it by the HOA first.

Overall, it might seem like having an HOA is a pain when you want to improve your home. But when you step back and look at the big picture, they are there for your protection. If you play by the rules, the improvement project will ultimately go a lot smoother.