There are many benefits to living in an HOA community. With your monthly dues, you can trust that your sidewalks are cleaned and cleared, home exterior standards are maintained, and your neighborhood is safe from unwelcome visitors. However, when living in an HOA community, exterior home changes may need to be approved by your HOA board.
Beyond approving your window choice, there are a few additional factors you’ll need to consider during window installation in an HOA. Failing to meet your HOA’s standards for installation may result in major fines and problems down the line. Thankfully, a reliable window replacement team should be able to help you navigate this with ease.
If you are preparing for an upcoming window installation in an HOA and want to learn more about how to prepare and what to expect, keep reading.
Start by Reviewing Your HOA’s Window Replacement Requirements
Before you schedule any window installation in an HOA community, it is essential that you take a look at your community’s replacement requirements. HOA communities generally have strict exterior standards. They want the homes in their community to look cohesive, and choosing the wrong window can result in project rejection.
When it comes to window installation in an HOA community, the standards for your new windows include matching the following:
- Style
- Color
- Material
- Grid Pattern
- Glass Tint
- Security Bars
By double-checking the community’s window replacement standards, you can ensure the installation goes as smoothly as possible. It is crucial that you do not skip this step. Your HOA will not be lenient in this regard, and it can result in costly replacements and much more significant headaches than you realize.
Get HOA Approval Before Scheduling Your Window Installation
Before scheduling window installation in an HOA community, you need to receive approval from your board. Even if you have reviewed the community’s window requirements and believe your chosen windows meet every standard, you should never assume approval is automatic. Most communities require you to submit an architectural review request before making changes.
This request may include information about your chosen window style, color, material, grid pattern, and installation plans. Your HOA may also ask for product specifications, photos, or documentation from your window replacement company. Because the approval process can take several days or weeks, it is best to begin this process as early as possible.
Do not schedule installation until you have received written approval from your HOA. Starting a project without permission can result in fines, project delays, or requirements to remove and replace your new windows. Taking the time to secure approval beforehand helps protect your investment.
How to Prepare Your Greenville Home Before Installation Day
While it is important that you reach out to your board before window installation in an HOA community, there are also things you need to do to prepare your home. There are expectations held by your board, but you also want to ensure the interior of your home is protected before this project begins.
If you want to keep your home, belongings, children, and pets safe before your window installation project, do the following:
- Remove any large, bulky furniture that is located beneath or within 6 feet of your windows that may compromise installation.
- Disconnect any major appliances or arrange for professional help disconnecting gas lines and hardwired dishwashers.
- Take down any fragile wall hangings and store valuable belongings that may otherwise be damaged during your installation.
- Make a plan for your pets and children, as they may otherwise be exposed to loud, disruptive tools, work, and installation teams.
- Ensure your team has clear, unobstructed access to your home through your driveway
What to Expect While Your New Windows Are Being Installed
Once installation day arrives, there are still going to be a few expectations put in place for you and your installation team. Window installation in an HOA includes ensuring your installation team removes the windows without damaging surrounding vinyl siding, flashing, trim, landscaping, and other properties.
They will need to promptly haul away old window frames, glass, and packing materials. Beyond this, your team also needs to ensure common spaces, including sidewalks, are free from any debris that may make navigation difficult or impossible. This can result in major fines from your HOA community, which can make a costly project even more expensive.
When you are partnered with a reliable window replacement team, you shouldn’t have to worry about anything during installation. They should have experience with window installation in an HOA community, and understand the expectations from the board. With their support, you can trust that you’ll have new windows without much hassle.
Final Inspections, Cleanup, and What Happens After the Completion
Before your window installation team leaves, they should perform a final inspection on your windows. They will ensure that your windows operate properly, lock as expected, and aren’t damaged in any way. If problems arise during this inspection, they will need to be addressed before they leave to ensure your home is protected from potential problems down the road.
They will also need to perform comprehensive cleanup. If your team doesn’t perform proper post-project cleanup, you may open the door up to major fines from your HOA. This cleanup should include exterior debris sweeps, magnetic sweeps, and the removal of tarps, tools, and ladders from walkways and shared lawns.
Any major debris should be disposed of in appropriate dumpsters. Shared community dumpsters shouldn’t be used for waste removal unless you’ve received permission from your HOA board. You’ll also need to submit proof of compliance to your HOA and clear any architectural review requirements to complete your project.
Schedule Window Installation in an HOA with Surface Bella
Window installation in an HOA isn’t as straightforward as in other neighborhoods. However, if you partner with a reliable window replacement team, like our team at Surface Bella, you can avoid major obstacles. Our team will work closely with you and your HOA board to ensure everything meets community standards and expectations. You can avoid hefty fines, major replacement costs, and legal battles with your HOA when you partner with our experts on this upcoming installation.
If you would like to schedule window installation in an HOA community in the Greater Greenville area, please contact our team today.