Living in a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA) has its perks (think… well-kept lawns, beautiful landscaping, parks, community pools, and enhanced property value). However, with those perks also come some rules that homeowners have to follow, especially when it comes to painting in an HOA neighborhood. If you’re wondering, “can you paint your house in an HOA?”, the answer is yes – but only if you follow the HOA painting guidelines. In this blog post, we’ll help you learn how to navigate these guidelines and rules so you can get approval for your house painting, stay in good standing with your HOA, and avoid fines, delays, or costly repainting.
In This Post
Why HOA Painting Guidelines Exist
HOA painting guidelines are designed to maintain a cohesive, up-kept look throughout the community. While HOA rules might seem restrictive, they serve to help protect your home’s value and the curb appeal of the entire neighborhood. While every community is different and the rules vary, all homeowners within the neighborhood are held to the same standards and must follow the same guidelines. This keeps things consistent, attractive, and fair.
If you’re looking to paint your home in an HOA community, such as our local neighborhood in Fuquay-Varina, NC, it’s important to understand your HOA’s specific guidelines for painting, seek their approval for your chosen exterior color scheme, and ensure your work meets their standards. This will ensure you avoid fines, penalties, and costly repainting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting in an HOA Neighborhood
Read the HOA Painting Guidelines/Rules First
Before you choose a paint color scheme or book a professional painter, carefully read through your local HOA painting guidelines and rules first. These are typically outlined in the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) or the homeowner’s handbook. These documents outline everything from approved paint colors to where and when work can be performed.
Determine What Paint Colors Are Allowed
Some HOA communities have pre-approved color palettes and paint finishes, which help maintain a uniform look between all of the homes in the community. A lot of the colors depend on the “vibe” of the community. In a lot of the historical districts, art districts, or more Charleston-vibe neighborhoods, they encourage uniqueness and brighter colors. In more traditional neighborhoods, neutral color palettes are often required. In some HOA communities, accent colors are allowed only on front doors and shutters.
Some other common HOA painting guidelines are:
- Gutters and downspouts will be black or bronze while the trim is white.
- Color changes must get HOA approval.
- Painting brick usually requires a detailed review and HOA approval.
Note: If you are repainting your home in the same color scheme as the original, or doing minor touch-ups to exterior areas, HOA approval isn’t typically required.
Submit a Painting Request
Before you start your exterior paint project, you’ll likely need to inform your HOA of your intention to paint, provide them with details about the project (including the color scheme, paint brand, and area to be painted), and complete a formal request or application. You must get their approval before you begin painting. You may need to submit paint samples or swatches for them to review, which will help the HOA ensure your colors fit the approved palette.
Wait for Approval
After submitting your request, your HOA will review your proposal and make a decision. In the meantime, we advise you to not start your project or purchase your paint. This can save you from a lot of expenses and potential fines if you don’t get approved.
Be Mindful of Scheduling Restrictions
Some HOAs have rules about when home improvement projects such as painting your exterior can be done. These might include restrictions on the time of day, season, or day of the week.
Maintain Community Standards
Sloppy or incomplete paint jobs can also lead to big problems with your HOA. Some HOAs can require repainting if the job doesn’t meet their standards for quality and consistency. Make sure your painting project complies with HOA painting guidelines and standards for workmanship and quality.
Hire a Professional
When painting in an HOA neighborhood, we highly recommend hiring a professional paint company with experience working within HOA guidelines to help you through the process. This will ensure the job is done right with adequate preparation, high quality workmanship, and proper painting techniques.
Ready to Get HOA Approval For House Painting?
If you’re ready to paint your house in an HOA neighborhood, Oak City Coatings specializes in working with HOA communities in Raleigh and surrounding areas. We’ll help you ensure you get HOA approval for house painting with the proper techniques, approved paint colors, and a high-quality paint job.
Curious what it’s like to work with us? Learn more about our team, paint process, and read real customer reviews here.
Ready to get the paint process started? We’d be thrilled to bring you a beautifully refreshed exterior that meets your HOA’s standards!
Visit our contact page to book your estimate today!
