Painting Inside the Lines of Your HOA

It’s that time of year again, maybe you noticed some peeling paint and it’s been several years since you have had your home’s exterior painted. You already know before even surveying that this year is probably going to be the year you have to repaint your home’s exterior.

But you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association. So this adds a whole new dimension to your HOA painting project.

When you’re part of an HOA, proper compliance is key. The state of your home’s exterior (among many other things) plays a major role in maintaining said compliance.
How to stay compliant with your HOA when painting your home’s exterior

The first step in remaining compliant with your HOA is knowing all the rules and regulations. All HOAs are different, but with most HOAs you can find all the necessary information in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) within your HOA agreement.

You signed these documents, agreeing to all of its terms and conditions when you joined your HOA. There will be a section within your agreement that states home maintenance requirements and specific rules. Within this document of home maintenance requirements, there will be specific rules for exterior home painting.

Your neighborhood’s HOA might deem it necessary for you to receive approval from them before making any significant changes to your home’s exterior. So, if you’re thinking about changing your home’s color, and adding a new coat of paint, you may need to get the stamp of approval from your HOA before you begin. Failing to do so may result in hefty fines or other penalties.

Your CC&R may also clearly indicate your responsibilities as a homeowner to make certain repairs and touch-ups, which may or may not require approval from the HOA. For instance, you may be responsible for touching up small areas of your home’s exterior paint job to maintain its appearance. This is another reason to use a painting company you can count on to make sure the job is done correctly and follows the rules to stay within your HOAs restrictions.

Your HOA will also have certain restrictions on types of exterior paint & colors. This is typically an attempt to unify the neighborhood’s aesthetic. They also may have specific guidelines on the quality, brand, and/or composition of the paint you use on the exterior of your home. These rules may also apply to the brands and colors you use on the interior of your home too.

If you wish to paint your home with a color that is not approved or listed in your CC&R, you will have to request approval from your HOA. So, do your due diligence because your request may be denied.

Your HOA may also limit the times of day and/or year during which it is acceptable for exterior home painting to take place (as well as other home renovations). Going outside of these scheduling parameters will result in your non-compliance, so make sure you’re properly planning the timing of your home improvements.

Lastly, you might not have your pick when it comes to hiring exterior painting services. Some HOAs are more or less strict than others when it comes to this matter. For instance, your HOA might recommend various professional exterior house painters but not restrict your decision as long as your contractors are licensed, insured, and able to meet all other compliance requirements — in this way, the vendor acts as a third party. Another HOA might have a handful of specific contractors you must pick from.

The various types of guidelines listed above may seem over-the-top and induce some headaches. However, as previously mentioned, every HOA has its own set of rules and perks, and for some, the benefits outweigh the restrictions.

Whatever the case may be, if you’re part of an HOA, you have to remain compliant, and the experts at CertaPro painters can help you do just that. We understand the local HOAs in our local area. If we are not on your neighborhood’s preferred contractor list, let us know. We are the best professional painters in the local area and are happy to serve any and all HOAs in the area.

Have an HOA & a painting project you need help with today? Schedule a free estimate online with CertaPro Painters® of Phoenix today!