Are you ready to spruce up your home with a renovation this spring or summer? It’s a great way to add space, create custom spaces, or add value to your home.

While home renovations can be a great idea, if you live in an HOA governed community, there are guidelines that you will need to follow.

How to Conduct Home Renovations in an HOA

Ultimately, any home renovations that you make while in an HOA community will be determined by the community’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs).

The CC&Rs inform homeowners on what property changes are allowed and prohibited. You should carefully reread these documents before you begin to plan any home renovations so that you do not run into trouble with non-compliance and have to make changes, start over, or even pay fines and penalties.

Beyond that, there are some basic dos and don’ts you should follow when performing home renovations in an HOA.

Home Renovation Dos

Consult your HOA’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs)

The HOA’s CC&Rs will lay out all of the rules, regulations, and processes related to any home renovations. It is vital to make sure that your projects stay within these guidelines. If you are unsure, check before you move forward.

Get Your Renovations Approved

Most, but not all, HOA’s will require you to get any home renovations pre-approved. This will require sharing plans and filling out a few forms. Even if pre-approval is unnecessary, you may want to check with your HOA to make sure you don’t run into any problems down the road.

Hire Quality Professionals

Ensure any contractors you employ are skilled professionals, so the job is done correctly and does not become an eyesore. Also, be sure anyone you hire is aware of all HOA regulations.

Obtain All Needed Permits

Many home renovations require permits. Check with your local municipality to determine if that is necessary for your specific renovation in your area.

Be Considerate of Others

Do not disturb your neighbors with unnecessary loud noises too late or too early in the day. Ensure your contractors know precisely where they are allowed to be and where they should park any vehicles.

Home Renovation Don’ts

Don’t Assume a Contractor is Experienced and Licensed

Make sure that you are checking references and verifying any credentials or certifications that a contractor tells you they have.

Don’t Accept the First Estimate

You should get several qualified professionals’ estimates to ensure you are not overpaying for a job.

Don’t Start Your Project Before it is Approved

If you start your project before it is approved, you may have to dismantle it or start over. You may also only receive approval with specific changes. If the building has already begun, this will add a lot of time and expense to the project.

Don’t Overflow or Put Construction Items in Common Trash Facilities

If you share dumpsters or trash cans with other residents, do not use them for your construction materials. Not only is it inconsiderate, but some materials may also result in charges from the trash collection company that they may forward back to you.

Don’t Forget to Lock Up

Make sure you are locking up your home or any other additions or buildings and cleaning up any tools and supplies. This prevents theft as well as anyone being accidentally injured.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem complicated at first, figuring out what to do and what not to do isn’t as difficult as it may seem when renovating a home in an HOA. Once this groundwork is established, it’s much easier to get going while still abiding by community guidelines, standards, and regulations.

Following the simple advice outlined above will make your home renovation project and process much easier for you and everyone involved.

AR Management can help boards with property, fiduciary, and decision management. If your HOA is looking for assistance, contact us today.