Updating your New Jersey or New York Metropolitan area home when you live in a housing development governed by Home Owner Association (HOA) covenants isn’t always easy. If you are considering installing replacement windows, we can help you achieve your vision without getting in trouble with the board.
In exchange for giving up some of your rights as a homeowner, you gain some benefits via the HOA. Usually, the monthly or annual dues cover thing like property and liability insurance for common areas, lawn care, access to community recreational facilities, and occasionally, group pricing for utilities, cable and security services.
One of the downsides of living in a covenanted neighborhood, however, is that you may have to stifle personal creativity and visual expression to ensure the area maintains prescribed appearance mandates. For example, you may not be able to paint the exterior of your home purple – not that many people do – or even replace the brick with stucco or vinyl siding.
Before initiating any home improvement project, talk to a member of the board about your plans.
Homeowners facing a meeting with the board must be focused, detail-oriented and organized. Your first step is reading the bylaws and covenants provided when you purchased your home. After a careful review, create a detailed summary of your remodel plans, including specifics about colors, building materials, an anticipated work schedule (including a beginning and ending date for your project) and anything else you can think of that may intersect with HOA rules and regulations.
The Renewal by Andersen brand has helped homeowners all across the United States achieve their personal goals, while keeping their HOA happy. In our area, that often means explaining that our patented Fibrex frame material is guaranteed to maintain its original shape, finish and color, even when subjected to our harsh winters and scorching hot summers.
Although it sometimes doesn’t seem that way, the board doesn’t create rules just to frustrate homeowners. The rules are intended to preserve an attractive presentation for residents and guests. If your association is hesitant to approve your replacement window project, we are happy to provide a copy of our exclusive 20/2/10 warranty that clearly details product performance and longevity – something that tends to impress the powers-that-be if they were expecting vinyl to be on the menu.
During your personal in-home consultation with a replacement window specialist, you (and your spouse or significant other) and the representative will discuss design features for your new windows. Sometimes frame color is a factor of contention between board members and homeowners, especially for historic districts and areas where older homes dictate style and architecture.
One thing that shouldn’t be an issue is replacement window size, since every unit is precision crafted to fit into the opening let when we remove your existing home windows. Replacing a 4′ X 8′ picture window with a 4′ X 8′ sliding window will not significantly change the exterior appearance, unless you modify the grille pattern, install patterned glass or switch to a more vibrant color. Replacing the same picture window with a bay or bow on the other hand, could dramatically transform the appearance. However, as long as the placement doesn’t negatively change the overall “integrity” of the neighborhood, most HOAs will approve diverse styles that boost property value.
You and your window consultant will discuss the important design features listed below. Follow the links for more information.
Our primary focus at Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro is to give you what you need to bring your vision to life. We proudly offer low-maintenance replacement windows that practically clean themselves with glass coatings activated by the sun that minimize water spots. If your HOA is reluctant to approve your remodel plan, simply fill in the form on this page or call us at (866) 609-5033 and we’ll help you create a plan for success.
Check out this post for more information on replacement windows for different home architectural styles.