Many people live in homes that are part of a Homeowners Association (HOA). If you do and are considering adding or renovating an outdoor living space, then it is important to review your HOA covenants in order to find out what needs to be approved by an Architectural Review Committee (or similar name) and how. While this is certainly true for decks, porches, or patios, it may also apply to other types of outdoor structures and accessories, such as a gazebo, pergola, hot tub, windows, fence, substantial landscape changes, or awnings.
Archadeck Can Help Navigate the HOA Approval Process
If you are working with Archadeck of Raleigh-Durham and the Greater Triangle to renovate or build a new outdoor living space, we can help you navigate the HOA approval process. Because we have been through similar situations with many of our clients, we are familiar with the process and know it can sometimes be confusing or frustrating.
HOA architectural guidelines can vary widely from one neighborhood to another. No matter what common sense tells you, even if you can’t imagine that the guidelines would affect you, you will need to find out for sure. Where some neighborhoods simply want a say over significant changes or additions visible from the street, others may require that even small changes such as color choices or adding windows to a screened-in porch be approved first. Your HOA’s guidelines and regulations will explain what needs to be approved and the process to do so.
What Information Will the HOA Architectural Review Committee Require?
An HOA usually requires that you fill out an application describing the project you are proposing and submit a detailed description of the building plans. This may include a request for details such as proposed building materials, paint or stain colors, sketches of lighting fixtures, and more. We will help you complete the application and can provide the building plans and any additional details that the HOA requires.
How Does Obtaining HOA Approval Affect My Project Timeline?
Your HOA bylaws will state the timeline allotted for the architectural review process. For example, some HOAs require 30 days, while others may be shorter or longer. Please keep this in mind as it will affect the timeline of your Archadeck pre-construction process.
Please note that, if HOA approval is required for your project, the city or county will not issue a building permit until you receive HOA approval. If you skip HOA approval or permitting, you could be forced to remove the project in question – a risk not worth taking. Even if you find the process cumbersome, you’ll need to go through the architectural review steps to get your application approved.
Seeking HOA Approval: We’ll Get Through This Together
While the HOA regulations and process may seem inconvenient, they are in place to protect all of the associations’ homeowners. Luckily, you don’t have to face this hurdle alone. Having Archadeck as your Raleigh-area deck and porch builder means you’ll have a partner every step of the way – including the HOA approval hurdle. If you have questions or are ready, to begin with, a design consultation, call us today: (919) 446-5585. We look forward to working with you!
Check out related content:
Eze-Breeze 3-Seaon Room and Paver Patio Combination
