A house is one huge investment that most people aspire to attain in their lives. And when you finally achieve this goal, you will feel excited to personalize it and make it truly your own. However, before you proceed with that renovation plan, check if there are restrictions in your neighborhood.
In Florida, most planned communities are governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA). They implement rules and regulations, ensuring that the neighborhood maintains its quality and value. Understanding the renovation rules enforced by your HOA could save you from a complicated and costly dispute.
Your HOA can require specific aesthetic
One of your HOA’s responsibilities is to maintain the beauty of the neighborhood. Aside from managing communal areas, they can also enforce rules on design standards, particularly on the house exterior, to maintain a certain aesthetic in the community. Their design standards could affect your planned renovation in terms of materials used, colors or placement of specific elements, such as fences and solar panels.
Your HOA can impose construction restrictions
Aside from the design, your HOA can offer opinions on the construction process. They can reject contractors and recommend trusted contractors. They can also implement construction hours during your project to prevent neighborhood disturbances.
Your HOA must approve your renovation
As a homeowner, you need to seek the approval of your HOA when you plan to renovate your house. In the process, you must submit documentation, including your planned design and target timeline. Your HOA would have a set standard and guidelines when approving renovation requests. Thus, they cannot deny your request unreasonably.
If you believe that you have met the HOA standards and feel like your request was denied unfairly, it might be valuable to seek the guidance and support of a real estate attorney. Their professional knowledge of HOA regulations and disputes arising from them could help you ensure that your renovation plans comply with HOA rules and challenge your HOA’s decision, if necessary.
