There are many benefits of living in a community with a homeowners association (HOA). However, it can make renovating your property a bit confusing. Before renovating your home, you may have to get approval from the HOA board first. This way, the HOA board will make sure that your renovation adheres to the community’s governing documents, commonly referred to as the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs).
The CC&Rs serve as the neighborhood handbook and contain what’s allowed in the community. Common regulations that an HOA would include in its CC&R may deal with parking, paint color, outdoor decorations, and even noise levels. If you fail to cooperate with the CC&R, the HOA board may fine you and force you to make changes in your home.
While not all renovations require an HOA approval, those involving changes to home exteriors do, including siding installation projects. If you live within an HOA community, read on as Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. explains why you need to get approval from your HOA board before you replace your exterior cladding.
Why Do You Need Approval When Renovating in an HOA Community?
Renovations can be a source of conflict within the community – they can be noisy and dusty. Construction materials and equipment may lie around everywhere, irritating neighbors and causing tensions to rise. To prevent these conflicts, the HOA board regulates the renovations and ensures that homeowners are following the guidelines.
Before everything else, you need to get in touch with the board about your exterior renovation plans. During this stage, the board can review your project and make sure it adheres to the CC&Rs. This gives everyone involved the chance to prepare. You may be tempted to proceed with the renovations without informing your HOA board, but this is a bad idea. The board can put a stop to your renovation and force the homeowner to start from scratch. In the worst-case scenario, they may even give you a fine for noncompliance.
For these reasons, you need to get your renovation approved by your HOA board before you start making changes to your exterior cladding. The board may provide color and material restrictions. They may only want James Hardie® material for the neighborhood, for example. Not only that, but the board may also suggest a pre-approved contractor who has previous experience working in the community.
How Can You Get an HOA Approval?
The approval process may vary by homeowner’s association. Nevertheless, you likely have to fill out an application that details your project. Depending on your project, you may have a professional contractor work on a blueprint or drawing that can strengthen the chances of your approval. Remember, the more information you provide, the better your chances of getting your project approved.
You may also want to include additional information such as the timeline of the renovations and how long you will use common areas. Once you have submitted all the documents, the HOA board will review them and ensure they follow the guidelines of the community. In the event your siding replacement gets denied, they may ask you to change a few things to comply with the CC&Rs and the HOA rules. After making the changes, the board will approve your renovation.
If you have close neighbors, be sure to discuss the details of the renovations with them. Keep in mind that they may be affected by your project. After all, it can be noisy and disruptive. By keeping them informed, you avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
What Are the Dos and Don’ts to Remember?
To guide you in your project, we list a few dos and don’ts to remember:
- DO read your CC&Rs. The CC&Rs may be different for every HOA, so you need to read the documents for your community. If you need clarification about any rules, you can always ask a board member to explain. Since the CC&Rs are regularly updated, make sure you’re reading the current version.
- DON’T begin work without getting an HOA approval. As previously mentioned, don’t start the siding installation without getting an HOA approval. The board may put a stop to your project, fine you, or even file a lawsuit against you for breaking the contract.
- DO hire professionals. Once the HOA board approves your project, the next thing to do is hire the right contractor for the job. Your HOA may provide you with a list of contractors who have already worked in your community. If your HOA requires contractors to be licensed and have insurance, be sure that the contractor you hire meets these requirements.
- DON’T assume your contractor is qualified. Evaluate your potential contractors carefully. You can also check their website and read online reviews from previous clients. For best results, collect at least three estimates and choose the one that offers the best expertise and value.
- DO ensure your contractor understands the HOA rules. The ideal contractor should have experience working in an HOA. If they are not, discuss the rules and regulations before the project begins. Remind them about the project timeline and where the materials and equipment can be placed outside your home. This way, you avoid any complications in the long run.
- DON’T rely on your contractor to know everything. Even if your contractor understands and reads your CC&Rs from cover to cover, don’t rely on your contractor to know about the rules. At the end of the day, it’s still your responsibility to make sure the project is compliant. If your neighborhood requires James Hardie products, for instance, be sure to follow the rules.
- DO get the necessary permits. Some cities or municipalities may require permits before you start with the renovation. If they do, the CC&Rs should state whether you or your contractor needs to get these permits. In some cases, you may have to submit these permits to the HOA board before the project.
- DON’T forget to notify the HOA after the renovation is complete. Once your contractor finishes replacing your exterior cladding, you can inform your HOA board that the renovation is complete. Additionally, clear any recorded liens that may have been placed on your home for the project.
- DO inform your neighbor. Before the project begins, explain to your neighbors how long you expect the work to last. If they have any questions or concerns, tell them to contact you right away. This prevents any conflicts during your renovation that may reach your HOA board.
For your siding installation needs, turn to Peninsula Siding Company, Inc. Our specialists have worked with homeowners living in HOA communities. When you work with us, you can be sure your project adheres to your HOA’s guidelines. Call us today at (650) 287-4208, or fill out our online contact form to request a quote.