Don't Forget HOA Approval
*photo by Amber Treese
Ahhh....summer! I love summer! I love wearing flip flops, soaking up the sun, and getting down & dirty with all those household projects we put off the year before. Recently, my husband and I made 4 trips to Lowes for about 40 bags of mulch (yes, lesson learned....next year we will get it by the truck load!), stained our new deck a semi-transparent ginger color, and are working on plans to adding a pool to our back yard - it's HOT here in the RVA! Before we started all of these projects, we sought and gained approval from our HOA.
Why? Well, remember that phone book thick of documents you received when you went under contract to buy your home? That's why! Many people often forget, or don't bother, to read those all important HOA documents. BUT, they are a road map of what is, and what is NOT, acceptable in your community. This can include a host of things such as seeking approval for painting your trim, installing a fence, or even what color blinds you may put up in your home. Each HOA is different, so it is important for you to review the guidelines for YOUR HOA.
What happens if you start and finish a project without consent from your HOA? It depends on your specific community. Some will require you to go back and submit your project for the board to consider. If they find your project is in accordance with the HOA guidelines, they may approve the project and that may be the end of it. If they find your project does not adhere to the rules, they may ask you to amend the project or do away with it all together...an expensive ordeal if you installed a concrete patio that is against policy.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking..."well, I will just leave it. What are they going to do about it?" Plenty. Many HOA's can choose to implement daily fines until you are in accordance. Or, worse yet, they may put a lien on your home! Now is not the time to play chicken with your HOA. The best course of action is to ask questions and when in doubt, submit for approval BEFORE you make any changes to the exterior of your home.
So, as you get out those hammers and rev up those chain saws, remember to check with your HOA for guidelines on exterior changes to your home. It will save you a lot of time, money, and possible heartache!
Ready to explore your housing options in the Henrico County Real Estate or surrounding Richmond Real Estate market? Contact me, your Richmond Realtor, at Home Sweet Henrico with Keller Williams Realty, today and let me light your way to home sweet home!
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