How to Ask for HOA Approval to Paint Your House: A Comprehensive Guide
If you're among the 40.5% of Colorado residents who live in an HOA (Home Owners Association), particularly in the Denver area and throughout the Front Range, you probably already know the HOA requires owners to comply with specific guidelines and rules. Most HOAs have rules and restrictions as to how to paint the exterior of your home. To stay in compliance and avoid fines, owners usually need to get HOA approval before starting a painting project.
If you're worrying about how to ask for HOA approval, follow our comprehensive guide to navigate the process with ease. Our guide covers the importance of getting HOA approval, the HOA approval process, tips and steps for obtaining approval efficiently, and how long you can expect approval to take.
Understanding the Importance of HOA Approval
Most HOAs operate under CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) that enforce the standards of the community. These rules are established to maintain a certain standard of use, curb appeal, and home value.
When you take ownership of your house in an HOA, you sign a document indicating you've read and agree to the CC&Rs. Your signature legally binds you to adhere to these rules. If you do not receive HOA approval, the result may be a hefty fine and headache, especially in the highly regulated communities of the Denver metro area.
In addition to the CC&Rs, most HOAs have architectural guidelines that help homeowners adhere to the community aesthetics and standards. The ACC (Architectural Control Committee), sometimes called the DRC (Design Review Committee), enforces the design standards you'll need to follow, such as the specific paint colors you can use that reflect the unique landscape and architectural heritage of the Front Range.
The HOA Approval Process for Painting
Although varying between HOAs, this is the basic process for obtaining painting approval:
Locate the painting application form. Go to the client portal on your HOA website, or if your HOA doesn't maintain a website, call or visit the office for the application form specific to Denver and Front Range communities.
Complete your form with all required details. Some HOAs require a paint swatch of your chosen color. Either mail, email, or drop off your application to the HOA office.
Wait for approval. If you don't receive approval, you'll need to start the process over again. Rejection is usually due to an incomplete form or an unacceptable paint color.
Tips for Obtaining HOA Approval Efficiently
The following tried-and-true tips will help you obtain HOA approval efficiently:
Study your CC&R's and ACC's painting requirements.
Log onto the HOA website, or call your HOA representative and ask for a list of requirements for painting approval.
Follow their directions explicitly.
Ask for a list of pre-approved colors.
To expedite approval, choose colors from the HOA's pre-approved color list.
If you're unsure about color tints or variations, be sure to ask for HOA guidance.
Ask questions if you don't understand.
Seek clear communication between the HOA board, the association's property manager, and your fellow homeowners.
Clear communication avoids misunderstandings and shows you support a cohesive, neighborly community.
Avoid matching your neighbor's exact color. Most HOAs work with a palette that gives homes a coordinated appearance within a color theme. You may not get approval if your color choice matches your neighbor's.
Plan for sufficient time to get approval.
Don't wait! As soon as you know you want to paint, apply for approval.
Advise your painting contractor that you've started the approval process.
Get approval before you start your project.
Starting a paint project before approval will be a costly, stressful mistake.
Without approval, the project could be shut down and you could be charged a significant fine.
If choosing colors is daunting – even with the pre-approved list – a color consultant can provide expert advice that will save you time and stress.
Expert Painters Just a Click Away – Get a Quote from Singletrack Painting Today!
How Long Does HOA Approval for Painting Take?
Approval can take from several weeks up to several months. On average, consider getting approval within 2 to 6 weeks. Some factors that affect the timing include:
The HOA board has a heavy workload. Most Colorado HOA's have an average of 225 residents, but larger HOAs are often backlogged with approval requests. This is especially common in the densely populated areas of Denver and the broader Front Range.
Some HOA guidelines restrict painting to certain times of year. If you apply off-season, your application may be put on hold.
The application form is incomplete and must be resubmitted.
Steps to Getting HOA Approval for Your House Painting Project
These 8 steps and procedures will help you get HOA approval to paint your home's exterior:
Familiarize yourself with the CC&Rs related to exterior painting and the approval process. Obtain a list of acceptable colors.
Locate any forms that your HOA requires to be submitted for approval. Forms may be obtained from your HOA website or the HOA office.
Complete the form by including:
details about your proposed color scheme, paint manufacturer, and finish.
color swatches for siding, trim, and front door; manufacturer's name, paint quality, and sheen.
the project timeline with the proposed start and completion dates. Your painting contractor can help you determine the timeline dates.
Write a brief statement of intent that emphasizes your desire to cooperate with the HOA board and CC&Rs. Mention how the paint job will enhance the overall aesthetic of the community.
Acknowledge concerns. Be aware of any concerns the HOA may have and mention them in your letter. If you're asking for approval for a color that isn't typically accepted, explain why you've chosen it and how it can improve or add to the community aesthetic.
Sign the form. All names on the property deed should sign the application form. This will confirm to the HOA that all co-owners are in agreement of the request.
Make copies of the signed forms and all attached documents.
Submit the fully completed and signed application with any required fees.
Need a Helping Hand With HOA-Friendly Painting?
Professional painters are well-informed about Denver's HOA practices and will make sure to follow all painting regulations as a part of their service. Singletrack Painting has decades of experience and expertise working with Denver's various HOA regulations. Our expert exterior painting services will ensure that you comply with your CC&Rs and will provide you with a durable, beautiful paint job you'll be proud of for many years.
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