There are definitely a lot of advantages to living in a community where you don’t have to worry about exterior maintenance and other homeowner responsibilities. Although HOAs tend to get a bad rep, in some instances, they are a necessary evil.
Adding a sunroom, screened porch, patio cover, or custom deck is one of the best ways to truly enjoy the great outdoors without all of the things that aren’t so enjoyable, like bugs and pollen. If you live in a neighborhood that is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), your project might require approval before any construction can begin.
Many homeowners assume obtaining a building permit is enough. In reality, HOA approval and local building permits are two separate requirements. Failing to obtain HOA approval can result in fines, project delays, or even being required to remove completed work.
At Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas, we help homeowners navigate every step of the way from design and planning to permitting and construction. We take the guesswork out of the entire streamlined process.
Why Do HOAs Require Approval?
Homeowners Associations are responsible for maintaining the appearance and architectural consistency of the community. Their goal is to preserve property values by ensuring that exterior improvements meet neighborhood standards as outlined in the bylaws. Depending on your community, approval may be required for:
- Sunrooms
- Screened porches
- Patio covers
- Pergolas
- Decks
- Outdoor kitchens
- Fencing
- Roof changes
- Exterior color changes
Every HOA has its own architectural guidelines, so requirements can vary significantly between neighborhoods, which is why knowing what the guidelines are is so important.
HOA Approval is Different From a Building Permit
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is assuming that a building permit is all they need to pass HOA approval. Many wrongly believe that a county or city building permit automatically exempts them from HOA requirements. Unfortunately, a permit and HOA approval are two entirely different things.
HOA Approval
- Protects neighborhood standardization and appearance
- Reviews aesthetics and community standards
- Issued by your HOA’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
- Building Permit
- Ensures structural safety
- Confirms compliance with local building codes
- Issued by your city or county
For most people living in HOA-governed communities, you need two separate approvals for very different reasons to protect both the individual and the neighborhood.
What Your HOA May Request
Although every HOA is different and operates as its own entity, many HOAs ask homeowners to submit the following:
- Detailed construction drawings
- Site plan showing property lines
- Project dimensions
- Exterior elevations
- Material specifications
- Roofing information
- Paint or finish colors
- Photos of the existing home
- Property survey
- Contractor information
- Estimated construction timeline
Providing the correct and complete documentation required will help speed up the approval process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Common HOA Restrictions
Some communities have very strict architectural requirements in their bylaws, including:
Roof Style
The roof pitch and the type of materials used usually have to match your existing community and home.
Exterior Colors
Many HOAs require additions to match the home’s current siding, trim, windows, and roofing colors.
Setback Requirements
The addition must remain a certain distance from property lines or neighboring homes.
Window Styles
Some HOAs require windows that match the home’s existing architectural style.
Screen Colors
Certain neighborhoods only allow black or charcoal screening because it provides better visibility and maintains a uniform appearance.
Visibility From the Street
Projects visible from the front of the home often receive greater scrutiny than those located in the backyard.
How Long Does HOA Approval Take?
There is no standard timeline for HOAs to approve additions. The approval times vary depending on the community that you live in. Typical review periods include;
- 1-2 weeks
- 30 days
- 45 days
- 60 days
Some HOAs only review applications during scheduled monthly meetings, so it is important to know what the bylaws are and if you need to present it to the board. When you plan, you can reduce delays and headaches.
Tips for Getting Approved Faster
Although HOAs all operate independently, there are some ways that homeowners can often expedite the process by being proactive:
- Reading HOA guidelines before designing the project
- Completing every section of the application, upfront
- Including all required drawings and documents
- Responding promptly to requests for additional information
- Avoiding last-minute design changes
- Hiring an experienced contractor familiar with HOA requirements and idiosyncrasies
- What Happens if You Build Without HOA Approval?
Starting construction without approval isn’t just something that you get a slap on the wrist for. Sometimes there are stiff penalties and serious consequences for not following the rules. Possible outcomes include:
- Stop-work notices
- Daily fines
- Legal action
- Difficulty selling your home
- Mandatory removal of the addition
- Delays in obtaining permits or inspections
Taking the time to secure approval through the appropriate channels first is always the less expensive way than trying to resolve the issues later..
How Express Sunrooms of the Carolinas Helps Simplify the Process
Navigating HOA requirements can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never completed a home improvement project before, and that is where we come in. Our team works with homeowners throughout North and South Carolina to provide the information necessary for both local permitting and HOA approval.
We understand the documentation many communities require and have expertise dealing with HOA boards and communities. Our streamlined process ensures that HOA approval is not a problem by being proactive and having all the documentation available ahead of time. From your initial consultation through final inspection, we are committed to helping you complete the project of your dreams, while also reducing delays, headaches, and hiccups.
Ready to Start Your Outdoor Living Project?
Whether you are planning on a custom sunroom, screened porch, covered patio, retractable awning, or any of our outdoor living space additions, we’ve got you covered. Sunrooms aren’t just a part of our name; they are what we specialize in. It is our commitment to customer service and local knowledge of communities around North and South Carolina that makes us a clear choice for all things outdoor living.
Our mission is to take care of our customers from our first free evaluation to our final walkthrough completion. Whatever it is that you want to build, let’s do it together! Contact us today to get started.
