There are both advantages and disadvantages to living in a homeowner’s association (HOA) community. Most HOA’s do have rules and guidelines when it comes to home renovations, particularly on the exterior. However, just because you live in an HOA, it does not mean that you cannot make updates or renovations to the house to get the look you desire. Your house can still be unique and different from other houses in the community even if you live in an association.

A homeowner’s association is an organization in a planned community that has a set of rules for properties within the community. A HOA is governed by a board that is made of nominated and elected homeowners who help to create rules. Most HOA’s are mandatory for those that own homes within the community.

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Living in an HOA comes with several benefits including that many enforce maintenance and upkeep on their homes, provide landscaping and snow removal services, and may have a communal pool, gym, and social events. Each HOA offers its own set of amenities. However, there are also rules that can make renovations difficult. In fact, an HOA may fine you for noncompliance with the rules or make you change remodels and renovations that do not fit the rules.

Every HOA has a set of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) that must be followed. The CC&R is like a handbook of what is allowed and what is not. The goals of the HOA and CC&Rs are to make sure the area remains a clean, attractive, and safe community so that property values are maintained.

Some HOA’s do not have restrictions for exterior changes such as landscaping or renovations but most require you to get the HOA’s board approval for moderate to major changes. Some common covenants regulate fences, building materials, or even the shade of color of your front door. Changes to the roof, gutters, and exterior paint may also If you plan to make any changes to the outside of your home, you should follow the process that the HOA has set forth. To get a new project approved you need to be familiar with and understand the approval process. This is a case where it is best to get permission than to ask forgiveness later.

While every homeowner’s association is different, there are some property changes that are pre-approved and do not need additional approval. If you are changing the exterior from one color to a pre-approved color, no additional approval may be needed. Then there is a list of home improvements that do need approval. If you are proposing changes outside the rules, you may have to make a case to the board for approval, which can be a long and involved process. However, working within the channels of the HOA will give you a better chance that your project will be approved.

Say you have a renovation idea that does not conform to the rules and regulations of your HOA. Are you destined to a cookie cutter house that looks like everyone else’s? Not necessarily. There are options that you have that can help work around some of the rules and regulations. Using Dzinly.com to show the board the changes in a realistic image will give you an advantage to getting it approved. Many times, the proposed changes cannot be visualized and therefore denied.

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Get the List: As mentioned before, getting a list of all approved colors and choices will allow you to understand exactly what your options are. If there is a color that is close to an approved color that you would like to use, point out that it is similar but not quite the same.

Work Within the Rules: If there are pre-approved renovations that will still give your house some individuality, make those changes first. For example, if there is a house color that is approved but not as many neighbors have used it, choose that one if you love it.

Little Details: Don’t discount the impact of small details. You may find that simple changes that don’t need approval like certain landscaping or hardscaping make a huge difference in the appearance of your home. Exterior home changes like trim work, garage door style, new front door, new windows and window trim can all make a big impact on how a house looks.

Change the Rules: If you vote, you can change the HOA rules. Homeowners do have a say in how the HOA is run and you are able to vote for members who have your values or priorities. Therefore, if the HOA is currently very strict with property modifications, perhaps a change in members will help loosen the rules. Being active in the HOA can help bring to light changes that will benefit all homeowners. Sometimes the rules are written and stay the same for years, but they can be changed and updated as house styles evolve and change.

Even if you live in an HOA community your house can still have unique qualities.

Exterior Finish: There are several reasons why you might want to replace the exterior finish of your home, particularly if your home has a material that is outdated, worn, or damaged. Rendering external walls and repainting is one option. To give your home a brand new, modern appearance, new siding will make a dramatic difference. Another option that is popular now is adding texture to the home’s exterior, for example, a brick or stone accent wall, or cedar-looking shingles to a home. Modern-style homes can add architectural wall panels or corrugated metal panels.

Front Porch: The addition of a front porch can be a focal feature for the house, especially if other homes in the neighborhood do not have one. Plus, it will increase the home’s value and function at the same time. Front porches can be outfitted with seating arrangements, fans, and plants and flowers. Keep in mind that a new front porch should be constructed to suit the original architecture and be in proportion with the rest of the house.

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Roof: The roof is a dominant feature of a house. Changing its shape or exterior covering can have a big impact and transform your entire home. If you are removing the entire roof to replace it, it is a good time to add additional roof lights, which can bring in substantial natural light to your interior. Architectural roof shingles have more dimension than traditional asphalt shingles and can help reflect UV rays, which keeps the house cooler. For contemporary homes, a standing seam metal roof in a lighter color is on trend.

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Windows: Changing the windows can alter the entire look of the house, especially when done with an overall redesign. To make a house look modern, consider a lighter siding color with black window frames. If the entire exterior is being redone, enlarging the windows will add dimension to the exterior as well as additional light into the house.

Paint: A coat of paint changes everything. Even paint that is not peeling can look dull over time but choosing a new color can brighten it up. Updating the color of the exterior finish, front door, or garage can make a house look different from the rest. The color should pair well with the architectural style of the house. One of the trends for this year on home exteriors is bold colored accents on the front door, shutters, or trim.

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Driveway: The driveway provides another opportunity to make your house unique. Most homes have a macadam driveway, but permeable driver pavers, stamped concrete pavers, or bricks can add to your home’s curb appeal. While you are reconsidering the driveway, make the walkway leading to the front door just as welcoming.

Garage Doors: Stock garage doors function but they will not alter your home’s appearance or make it unique. Old and outdated garage doors are probably due for an upgrade. Barn-door style, carved doors, or sleek, modern ones give a fresh look to this area of your home.

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Making changes to your property through an HOA can be a difficult process and tough to navigate, however, if you want your house to be unique, you will be more likely to succeed if you follow the HOA regulations. When considering proposed changes, the HOA will always be concerned with how it affects the property values of the neighborhood. If you can show how a property change will benefit the HOA’s home values, it will be easier to get approval.

Providing all the information on the proposed changes will also make the process faster and easier for the HOA board to make a decision. Dzinly.com gives you the ability to show the HOA board exactly what your proposed renovations will look like. We enable you to bring your ideas to life on your existing home, which will increase the chance for success in any approval processes through an HOA.