According to the Foundation for Community Association, approximately 25-27% of the U.S. population live in private communities governed by homeowner associations (HOAs). If you live in an HOA neighborhood in Houston and are planning on making renovations to your home, you need to understand how to communicate with your HOA members and navigate the approval process to avoid potential fees or legal action.
Read on to learn what to expect from your HOA and how to get official permission to replace your windows, doors and siding.
What is an HOA?
A homeowners association is a governing board responsible for overseeing the management of common areas and amenities in a residential community or neighborhood. The board is typically composed of elected residents who enforce rules and regulations to maintain the overall appearance and property value of the community. Most neighborhoods overseen by an HOA require mandatory membership and payment of HOA fees for its residents.
What are the Rules of an HOA?
Every HOA creates and votes on its own bylaws, regulations and fee structure. This allows your HOA to set rules determining what changes you can make to your home to preserve community standards.
Common rules include:
- Architectural controls
- Lawn and holiday decoration restrictions
- Home maintenance standards
- Noise complaint policies
- Home occupancy limits
- Parking rules and guidelines
- Pet size and quantity limits
- Short-term rental restrictions
- Trash and recycling rules
It’s important to follow the rules and regulations of your community in order to avoid warnings, fines, and legal action. For more information about your HOA’s specific rules, restrictions and other guidelines, talk to your board about viewing your governing documents.
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in a Houston HOA Community?
Your HOA strives to create and maintain a positive and vibrant community that benefits everyone. However, you should understand both the advantages and drawbacks of being governed by an HOA.
Pros
- Protection of your property value through strict community standards
- Access to well-kept common areas and amenities
- Maintenance and exterior home repairs like landscaping are covered by HOA
- Impartial mediation with your neighbors over disputes
Cons
- Restrictive rules on exterior design, pets, landscaping and other concerns
- Expensive and mandatory fees that may cover amenities you don’t want
- Fines or legal penalties for violating the HOA rules
How Do You Request HOA Approval for Renovations?
Before making any significant renovations to your home, it’s essential to understand your HOA’s guidelines and obtain the necessary approvals. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to request HOA approval for renovations:
1. Review Your HOA Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the architectural guidelines and documentation provided by your HOA. These guidelines outline the restrictions and requirements for making changes to your property.
2. Create a Detailed Plan
Draw up a detailed plan of the renovations you want to make. Include measurements, specific materials, color schemes and any other relevant details. The more specific and thorough your plan is, the easier it will be for the HOA board to review and evaluate your request.
3. Complete the Application
Obtain the official application form from your HOA, which is usually available on their website or can be obtained in person. Fill out the form completely, providing all the necessary information such as your contact details, the nature of the proposed renovation and any supporting documentation required.
4. Attach Supporting Documents
Depending on the scope of the renovation, you may need to provide additional supporting documents such as architectural drawings, contractor quotes, product samples or color swatches. Ensure that all requested documents are included with your application to avoid any delays in the approval process.
5. Submit the Application
Once you have completed the application and gathered all the necessary supporting documents, submit them to the HOA according to their specified process. Keep a copy of the application for your records and ensure you adhere to any deadlines or submission requirements.
6. Attend the HOA Meeting
It is common for HOAs to review renovation requests during their regular board meetings. Attend the meeting to present your proposal, answer any questions the board may have, and provide any additional information that will assist in their decision-making process.
7. Follow Up
After the HOA meeting, follow up with the board to inquire about the status of your request. If approved, ensure you obtain written confirmation and any necessary permits or documentation required before commencing the renovation.
Tips for a Successful Approval Request
To win over the HOA board, you need to play the game right. This means following all their guidelines to the letter, communicating with them clearly and professionally and being open to suggestions and revisions to ensure your renovation meets their standards.
Which Renovations Require HOA Approval?
Most HOAs have a list of renovations or modifications that require approval. While exact requirements can vary, the following types of renovations typically require HOA approval:
- Exterior changes such as painting, siding, roofing or adding structures like decks or fences
- Adding or modifying landscaping elements in the front or back yard
- Installing or altering exterior lighting fixtures
- Changes to windows, doors or the facade of the house
- Changes to the color or finish of the home’s exterior
Some minor improvements may not require approval, but it’s always best to consult your specific HOA guidelines to ensure you are aware of all potential renovation rules and requirements.
What Happens If You Do Not Request HOA Approval for Renovations?
You may not like all of your HOA’s rules, but you have to live by them. Failure to seek HOA approval for renovations can have serious consequences. The HOA has the authority to enforce compliance with their regulations, and they may take the following steps:
- Issue Violation Notices: If the HOA becomes aware of unauthorized renovations, they may issue violation notices. These notices typically require you to rectify the unauthorized changes and apply for retroactive approval within a specific timeframe.
- Impose Fines: HOAs have the power to levy fines for non-compliance. Fines can escalate if you fail to rectify the violation or seek approval promptly.
- Take Legal Action: In extreme cases, HOAs may pursue legal action for non-compliance. This can result in significant legal costs and potentially lead to a lien on your property.
Failing to secure HOA approval for home renovations can have serious repercussions on both your property value and community relationships. Without approval, the unregulated renovations may clash with your community’s overall design, potentially hurting its curb appeal and overall desirability. Plus, you may strain your relationships with neighbors and especially board members, which will make it harder for you to secure approval in the future.
Consult Your HOA and Start Your Home Renovations With Window World of Houston
Before undertaking any renovations, you must familiarize yourself with your HOA’s guidelines and seek proper approval to avoid unnecessary setbacks and penalties. By following the steps above and maintaining open communication with your HOA, you can ensure a smooth and successful renovation process while keeping your home in harmony with your community’s overall aesthetic and regulations.
At Window World of Houston, we strive to make home renovation projects as fast and easy as possible with beautiful and durable replacement products, affordable financing and fast, expert installation. As soon as you get approval from your HOA, we’ll be ready to upgrade your windows, doors and siding. Simply contact us to request your free estimate.