GARAGE DOOR COMPLIANCE WITH HOA RULES

Garage Door Doctor frequently helps residents living in homeowner associations (HOAs) with garage door repairs and replacements. While repairs such as spring, cable, or opener replacement can be straightforward, replacing garage door panels or an entire garage door can be tricky due HOA rules.

 

WHAT IS AN HOA?

At its most basic level, an HOA oversees the management – including the enforcement of rules and regulations – of a planned residential community.  HOAs rules and regulations, generally referred to as covenants, are spelled out in a legal document called a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R).  Residents of HOAs are provided with a copy of the CC&R at closing and the document is also on file in the registry of deeds in the county where the community is located.  Residents purchasing a home in an HOA automatically become members of the community – there is no opting out.

 

GARAGE DOORS AND HOA COMPLIANCE

In North Carolina alone there are over 14,000 HOAs encompassing more than a million homes.  It is no surprise that many residents in and around Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Fort Mill live in an HOA.  Regardless of where you live though, one of the major roles an HOA plays is ensuring homes within a community are maintained to a certain level and the community keeps its cohesive appearance.

Garage door compliance is one aspect that is likely regulated by an HOA as garage doors are often a highly visible part of a home’s design.  Issues we tend to see residents of HOAs get into hot water with include not repairing damaged doors, incorrectly repairing and repainting doors, and installing replacement doors that do not comply with community design standards.

Based on our experience, here are some recommendations to consider regarding garage doors and HOA compliance:

1. Review HOA Documents and Ask Questions:
  • Carefully read through your HOA’s governing documents, especially the CC&R. Look for any specific guidelines or rules related to garage doors. Pay attention to details such as color, style, size, and maintenance requirements.
  • If you have any questions or need clarification on the garage door rules, reach out to the HOA directly. Contact the HOA board or the architectural review committee (ARC) to inquire about specific requirements and procedures for compliance.
2. Design and Appearance:
  • Color and Material: HOAs may have guidelines specifying the acceptable colors and materials for garage doors. This is to ensure a cohesive look throughout the neighborhood.
  • Style: The architectural style of the garage door may also be regulated to maintain a consistent aesthetic. 
  • Height and Width: In some cases, an HOA might regulate the size and dimensions of garage doors to maintain a uniform look throughout the community.
  • Windows: If garage doors have windows, there may be regulations on the type, size, tint, or location of these windows.
3. Installation and Alterations:
  • Approval Process: If you plan to make changes to your garage door, such as installing a new one or making alterations, follow the proper procedures outlined in the HOA documents. Typically, this involves submitting a request for approval to the ARC or another designated authority within the HOA.  Professional garage door installers, such as Garage Door Doctor, can help you select a design that complies with your community’s requirements.
  • Architectural Review Committee (ARC): Some HOAs have an ARC responsible for reviewing and approving architectural changes, including garage doors. This ensures that any changes align with community standards.
4. Maintenance:
  • Condition: HOAs may require that garage doors be kept in good condition to prevent an unsightly appearance. Peeling paint, rust, rot, dents, or other signs of neglect may be subject to violation notices.
  • Comply with Design Guidelines: Adhere to the guidelines related to color, material, style, and any other design elements specified by the HOA. If you need to repaint or make adjustments, make sure your choices align with the approved standards.
5. Be Responsive to Violation Notices:
  • If you receive a violation notice from the HOA, respond promptly and take corrective action. Ignoring or neglecting to address violations can lead to fines or other consequences.
  • North Carolina law gives HOAs a tremendous amount of power as recently discussed on Charlotte’s NPR 90.7 WFAE.  Residents violating HOA rules can expect fines for non-compliance, possible revocation of community privileges, and potentially liens being filed on the property.  A copy of North Carolina HOA laws can be accessed here and South Carolina’s here.

Remember that compliance with HOA rules is essential for maintaining a harmonious community – likely one of the reasons you chose the live in the community to begin with.  If you have concerns or disagreements with specific rules, it’s advisable to work with the HOA and follow their established procedures for addressing such issues. Open communication and cooperation with the HOA can help ensure a positive living environment for everyone in the community.

 

HOW YOUR GARAGE DOOR COMPANY CAN HELP

Protect yourself by maintaining your garage door and having it periodically serviced by a professional garage door company.  Plans like Garage Door Doctor’s Garage Door Wellness Plan provide scheduled maintenance solutions that will help your door run smoothly – and avoid the ire of your HOA.

Share your HOA guidelines with your garage door company before replacing your door or changing out garage door panels.  You don’t want to order a beautiful new door that does not company with your community’s rules.  Professional firms, like Garage Door Doctor, have experience reviewing HOA convents and can help ensure any changes you make to your door comply with your community’s rules.

 

ABOUT GARAGE DOOR DOCTOR

Garage Door Doctor is a locally-owned, full-service garage door installation, repair and maintenance company serving homeowners and businesses in Charlotte, Belmont, Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Fort Mill, Gastonia, Harrisburg, Huntersville, Indian Trail, Kannapolis, Lake Norman, Marvin, Matthews,  Mint Hill, Monroe, Mooresville, Mount Holly, Pineville, Rock Hill, Tega Cay, Waxhaw, Wesley Chapel, Weddington.

We provide free estimates and offer Saturday service calls at standard rates. To schedule a service call or inquire a about a new garage door, please contact us at 704-705-8444.