HOA Home Renovations: The Association’s Role
First of all, what is a homeowners association anyway
? Simply put, a homeowners association is a
private association or governing body that manages a residential development or community. It is
governed by a set of board members, known as the HOA Board of Directors, elected into
position by fellow homeowners.
Members who live within the HOA community are required to pay regular dues. In turn, the HOA
uses these funds for the community’s maintenance and upkeep.
An HOA’s main function is to maintain and improve the property values of the homes in the
community. To do this, homeowners must abide by a set of covenants and rules that dictate how
they can and cannot behave. It also includes restrictions on what you can and cannot do with
your property.
If you plan on renovating your home in the near future, there is a good chance you must seek
approval from your HOA first. Since restrictions can vary from HOA to HOA, it is best to refer to
your community’s own governing documents — usually the CC&Rs — to learn what provisions
you must follow.
What HOA Home Renovations Require Approval?
Although not all HOAs have the same restrictive covenants in place, most associations share
certain commonalities. This includes needing to obtain approval from the HOA board or the
Architectural Review Committee for certain changes to your property.
It is important to remember that part of improving property values is maintaining curb appeal.
Homeowners associations accomplish this by ensuring that all properties in the community look
attractive and conform to the standards set by the HOA. This could mean barring you from
painting the exterior of your house a certain color or preventing you from cutting down certain
trees.
But, HOA approval is not limited to changes to the exterior of your property. There are also HOAs
that require homeowners to seek approval for interior renovation projects. This is due to the fact
that some interior improvements can affect other homeowners. For instance, retiling a bathroom
might have an effect on the room’s waterproofing and, therefore, lead to flooding.
Other examples of renovation projects, both exterior and interior, that typically require approval
from the association include:
- Rewiring
- Flooring
- Exterior painting
- Ceiling replacements
- Roof replacements or additions
- Gutters
- Front door replacements
- Landscaping
- Wall removal
- Room additions
- Plumbing
- Kitchen renovations
- Other major renovations
What HOA Home Renovations Do Not Require Approval?
On the other hand, homeowners can usually perform minor renovations or repairs without the
need for HOA approval. This includes changing light bulbs or lighting fixtures (such as switches
and electrical outlets), changing bathroom fixtures such as sinks and showers, and changing the
trim in your interior. Again, it differs from community to community. Therefore, it is best for you to
check with your HOA first to determine which projects you can undertake without approval.
How to Get Approval from Your HOA
As with restrictive covenants
, the specific procedure for how to get HOA approval for renovation
projects varies from association to association. Generally speaking, though, the process usually
requires you to fill out an application form consisting of the renovation project’s details. It is worth
noting that having an expert help you accomplish the form will boost the likelihood of receiving
approval from the HOA.
When it comes to renovation applications, it is best to provide the HOA with as much information
as possible. This way, the HOA Board or the ARC can assess the application with complete
details. A typical application form will ask you for the following information:
- The project’s timeline (including start date, completion date, and hours of the day the
renovation will take place)
- The type of renovation you plan to do and how it will affect common property
- Any common areas that you will use for the project
- Types of materials you will use in the renovation
- A list of contractors, tradespeople, and workers involved in the project as well as their
licenses
Some HOAs will provide you with a list of pre-approved licensed contractors. Otherwise, you will
need to look for one yourself. Contractors must be fully licensed and insured as well as have all
the required permits to work on your renovation project.
After filling out the proposal, you will then need to submit it to the appropriate governing body.
That is either the HOA Board or the ARC. They will then need time to examine your proposal.
Sometimes, the approval process will take longer than expected because of certain procedures
such as verification of the contractor’s license and insurance. Usually, though, you will need to
wait 14 to 30 days.
What Happens If You Don’t Get HOA Approval?
Some homeowners choose to go behind their association’s back and proceed with a renovation
project without approval. This, however, only spells disaster. If you decide to start HOA home
renovations without approval, the HOA will likely direct you to halt the project. The HOA may also
ask you to redo the project from start to finish if it does not meet the association’s standards.
Remember to always seek approval so that you do not waste time and money.
Working on the Renovation Project
After receiving approval for your proposal, you can start the actual renovation process. Keep in
mind that renovations can create a lot of noise and disrupt peace in the neighborhood.
Therefore, you must schedule work within the construction hours the HOA approved. This is
typically between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends.
It is also a good idea to notify your neighbors of the impending work. Let them know how long
the project is expected to last and other pertinent information. Your neighbors will likely have
questions or even some grievances, so prepare yourself. Knowing the answers to all the
important questions will help you minimize conflict.
Additionally, you must make sure to follow the requirements set forth by the HOA. Store the work
materials in the proper place and dispose of construction debris in the right way. Sanitation
haulers do not allow homeowners to throw any construction materials in the trash receptacles.
You must also see to it that all construction materials and garbage are properly disposed of after
the completion of the project.
The Bottom Line
Many homeowners find it tricky to navigate through the requirements of HOA home renovations.
But, as long as you familiarize yourself with the community’s CC&Rs and follow the rules
religiously, you will not have a problem.