Many homes today are built in a planned community setting with homes sharing similar design styles, property plans, and community amenities. In order to keep these similarities consistent, that community probably has a Homeowner’s Association or HOA.
So, what is an HOA? A Homeowners Association is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and residents. Those who purchase property within an HOA’s jurisdiction automatically become members and are required to pay dues, known as HOA fees. Some associations can be very restrictive about what members can do with their properties.
An HOA can control everything from lawn care, outside lighting, curb appeal, trash placement, lighting, style/color of exterior doors, style/color of windows, paint color, style of siding/stone exterior, and many other items of your home maintenance. All of these rules are decided by the HOA board and may change over the years as neighborhoods and styles change. The objective is to keep the value of your home higher from year to year. No one wants a neighbor who isn’t keeping up with their home, as it may cause a loss of value of their own home.
In this blog, we want to look at how window replacement and doors can be affected by your HOA rules.
HOA Rules to Know Before Buying Replacement Windows and Doors
Most HOA’s care about window style, type and color when it comes to window replacement. It is your job to know what your HOA will and will not allow when buying the replacement windows and doors. But, why does your HOA care? Well, depending on the community, most window replacement challenges occur when the following happens: your windows do not match the unit or with the aesthetic of the neighborhood, windows do not meet the regulations of the HOA to improve the overall value of your home, or homeowners install partial window replacement when a total replacement is needed.
To avoid these issues, the HOA generally has rules on the style, type, and color of the windows and doors that they will eventually approve. Let’s take a look at the three most common types of HOA rules concerning windows and doors.
Window and Door Style
First, it is imperative to know the style of windows that you currently have and what your HOA will approve. Knowing the basic window style will also help you communicate efficiently with your certified window dealer. There may be an opportunity for you to swap out one window style for another if the exterior aesthetic looks the same. For example, you may be able to replace a fixed window with a new casement window that would allow you additional ventilation. Discussing your needs with Your window professional when considering a change in your window replacement, along with knowing the rules you have to abide by will help you decide if it is worth it to propose a new window style change to your HOA board. These rules also apply to door style as to what your HOA will approve for the exterior of your home.
Window and Door Type
The process becomes a little more technical when you are looking at window and door types. You may find that your HOA will require a specific window or door type, or they may only care about the window style or most importantly the type of installation. There are two types of window installation- replacement style and full new construction style. They both can work in most instances, and the appearances after completion are slight, but based on the HOA- that might be enough differences for them to suggest what they want in there community. No matter the cost difference. Either way when researching window replacement, it’s a good idea to understand the types of windows and doors available and why one may be a better option over another, if your HOA allows changes.
Once you know the rules of your HOA, deciding between vinyl windows, fiberglass or wood is as easy as talking to your certified window dealer to get answers to any additional questions you may have about the ideal replacement windows for your home. When it comes to doors, the biggest concern will be with the framing material, whether it is aluminum,or wood.
Also, be aware that depending on what part of the country you live in, there may be additional window replacement requirements. These requirements could include things like impact-resistant glass in and near hurricane-prone zones. Older communities may require these types of updates for your window replacement projects because local ordinances have changed since the original installation of the windows.
Window and Door Color
If you are interested in colored windows or doors, odds are your HOA will want to have a say in your window replacement. For your HOA, it is essential to have a cohesive neighborhood that is aesthetically consistent. Also, this type of consistency can help increase home resale values when potential buyers can see the uniform quality of each home in the neighborhood. Once you know your options based on your HOA rules, it is an ideal time to talk with your window replacement dealer about possible window colors. Some window colors include white, bronze, bone white, black, clear anodize, mahogany red, walnut brown, and hazelnut brown.
By reaching out to your HOA first, you’ll save yourself time going back to the drawing board if they object to the color you select. You will have the window knowledge you need to share with your window dealer to select the right windows for your home.
Pick the Window Dealer With HOA Experience
At Tom Adams Windows and Carpets, getting everything done right is no accident. Tom Adams will meet with you to review your projects and products to make sure your vision is met while remaining compliant with most standard HOA requirements. With a free in-home consultation, Tom Adams will double-check all sizes and products before everything is ordered before their award-winning installers complete your project to your happiness.
Contact Tom Adams Windows and Doors Today
The professional and experienced team at Tom Adams Windows and Doors wants to help you with your window replacement project. For more information, or to schedule a consultation to speak about your HOA rules and needs for your door or window replacement, contact us today.
