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HOA neighborhoods are well-known for two things: tight neighborly bonds and a high standard of living, aesthetically speaking. Indeed, these communities are most often gorgeous, with homes epitomizing style, grace, and beauty.
Many HOAs maintain these gorgeous looks (and their correspondingly high property values) by declaring regulations about what homeowners can and cannot do to their homes. However, these regulations can also make many homeowners nervous about renovating their home, which includes installing new flooring.
While you probably are excited to put your own stamp on your HOA home, you might be concerned that your flooring type of choice, be it vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, or even something in between, could violate community standards. If you’re in this boat, there’s no need to fear; E Hardwoods & Flooring is here to set the records straight about HOAs and flooring.
The short answer: Sometimes. It all depends on your HOA’s rules, your location, and what kind of building you happen to live in (a condo or a standard home). Always check with your board before planning a flooring renovation, no matter if you’re interested in engineered hardwood flooring, waterproof flooring, or something else entirely.
Generally speaking, there should be regulations already set in place about what you can and cannot do. Usually, you’ll file a request with the architectural committee, then await approval before beginning your renovation. Some HOAs have no such committee and instead default to board member authority.
What else should you know before launching a flooring renovation in your HOA home?
This is to ensure that whatever job is done is done to a high caliber. They also might want to check the project over when it is finished to make sure it stands up to community standards.
For example, some HOAs might require that you submit a proposed timeline and fill out a form about your potential flooring project, while others are more lenient or don’t have many regulations about flooring. Are you not sure what you need to do? Ask a board member or the architectural committee if applicable.
To help avoid sound complaints from your HOA neighbors, choose a flooring that doesn’t create much noise when tapped, such as luxury vinyl flooring. We also cover a few of our top choices for condo floors in our blog!
Thinking about going behind the architectural committee’s back? Not so fast; it’s just not worth it. According to HOA Management, an HOA advertising company, “The HOA may order you to stop the work or redo the project if you don’t seek approval even when you have complied with its rules. As such, it is imperative to seek approval before starting the project to avoid wasting time and resources.”
In other words: even if you’ve complied with the neighborhood’s regulations, if you fail to do the proper paperwork and notify the proper people, you might get told to start all over. Just comply with the neighborhood rules; it’s easier for everyone involved, and you’ll be able to look forward to your completed renovation with excitement instead of stress that you’ll get caught.
It’s a possibility. Every HOA works differently. According to Homelight, a site that connects realtors with potential homebuyers and more, quite a bit could happen when you break a rule. “Depending on the development, as well as state and federal laws, an HOA could slap you with warnings, fines, and potentially even put a lien on your home — providing they are within their legal rights to do so and they follow the correct procedures.”
Again: every HOA works differently. The best way to find this information is in your community’s governing documents or to ask a member of the architectural committee. Broadly speaking, though, you’ll be safe with
No matter your board’s regulations, our vast stock surely contains something to meet them. With any questions about our products, give us a call now at 651-401-4500.
