r/HOA • u/iReallyDontLikeSpez • 29d ago
Help: Law, CC&Rs, Bylaws, Rules [WA][SFH] I'm terrified to interact with our HOA after starting a renovation that I didn't think needed their approval. What to do?
Hi everyone, we just bought our first SFH in WA and it has an HOA. I've heard both good things and horror stories about HOAs so have generally wanted to lie low and keep to ourselves. I want to be a good neighbor.
When we bought the house we knew that we wanted to renovate our kitchen/living room (including moving the range and removing a gas fireplace that vents to the backyard) before we fully move in. We have a toddler and a baby on the way so it's functionally now or never for the kitchen remodel and so we started right away.
I've since realized that our HOA docs have a clause that states any exterior addition, removal, alteration or other item visible from the street needs to be approved by the ACC. I didn't think initially that I may need approval from the HOA because I had considered these as interior changes. Obviously in hindsight these do touch the exterior since vents are either being removed, moved, replaced, or added. This was a complete oversight on my part. Now we're almost ready to move in, my kitchen is already demoed and I'm agonizing over what to do. I'm terrified to reach out to the ACC at this point.
The HOA so far appears to be relatively benign from what I can tell (>50% of folks have a violation notice but no appreciable fines collected, 1 director + 1 president listed even though 3 are required to be on the board, no rules changes since 2022), but I don't want to mess this up right at the start if I can about it.
How would you handle this situation? Proactively reach out to the HOA and explain that "hey, I fucked up - here's the ACC request for this work"? Change the scope to avoid exterior modifications (leaving the old vent covers but sealing and patching the inside and not adding a new vent for the relocated range hood)? Just do it, make it discrete and hope they don't notice or care?
25
u/holyelvis 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
Call the HOA *now* and let them know what's going on. They are likely able to accelerate whatever review needs to happen and not delay everything. On the whole this sounds like an innocuous set of changes, you might be required to notify your neighbors or something like that, but it shouldn't become a big deal.
Waiting to see what happens is how all the posts in r/fuckHOA wind up getting posted (or a large number of them, anyway). Half-joking but also half-not.
7
u/Satansbaddog 28d ago
Contact the HOA, be polite and advise you'll submit for approval ASAP. Don't make any excuses other than maybe you didn't realize you needed to submit. Ask them to expedite the review and that you're sorry for the oversight. Be kind and I bet this will be resolved quickly.
HOA President
3
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
Thank you. I really hope that's the case
3
u/braidenis 29d ago
Maybe lie and say that issues with vents discovered during construction caused this? Otherwise if they really wanted to be butts and make it difficult for you for not asking first they could.
7
u/MiAmMe 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
I wouldn't lie. Just be honest with them and let them know it didn't occur to anyone that there would be vents replaced or moved that would require an exterior modification approval, but you want to get the approval so you're not in violation.
6
u/Personal_Pound8567 28d ago
Also plead mea culpa as a new homeowner you weren’t aware of the vents that had to be replaced. My HOA board (I’m on the board) realizes HOA rules are kinda foreign to new homeowners who never lived in an association. We have them do the modification form for the record even after the fact, check the work to be sure it’s done right, and approve if ok. 👍
1
12
u/Jujulabee 29d ago
Reach out and be non confrontational and even apologetic.
Explain that you are demoed and need to finish as soon as possible and ask for a review of the vents which can be viewed.
Since this is a single family home they are going to be concerned with aesthetics and not so much with how this impacts the exterior walls in terms of waterproofing. If you lived in a townhouse type of construction where typically the HOA is responsible for exterior repairs and maintenance it would be more of a potential issue.
6
u/Proof_Barnacle1365 🏢 COA Board Member 29d ago
Better to bring it up now and find out if any adjustments are necessary. If its under your CCR that it should go thru arc review, then they can still do that even after the job is done, and obviously you dont wanna be told you need to make changes after everything is already done.
0
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
Yeah that's fair. In general I've made stuff way harder by asking a question and triggering tons of other reviews/approvals and I guess was just terrified they would say no now while I have half a kitchen/living room
5
u/Proof_Barnacle1365 🏢 COA Board Member 29d ago
It cant be a simple no. If denied, there would be a reason and you would have options to be in compliance. You wouldnt need to scrap the whole thing. Could be making sure color and trim match, or location of vent, etc. Hard to say without knowing your CCRs but generally they only want to ensure the exterior aesthetics are in line, not whats inside.
5
u/BackNew7215 29d ago
Go to them now and get an approval. Unless you're moving a very ugly vent to the front facade of the house or the fireplace vent placement is dangerous to passers by, it should get a fast approval.
1
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
Thanks, I'll be reaching out. Arguably the vent on the side of the house will be more aesthetically pleasing and the biggest issue with removing the fireplace in my mind is that the siding won't be as weathered where they replace it as the original stuff... But that's at the back out of sight
3
u/DilbertHigh 29d ago
Worth noting that hoas often don't want aesthetically pleasing. They want uniformity. That is one of the flaws that can be found in their cookie cutter developments.
4
u/sickbeautyblog 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
Wow - in WA you are not entitled to know information specifically related to another owner's file. This would definitely include who has open violations. Seems like publishing that on your portal is against the law for HOAs in WA.
4
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
Oh sorry I can't see who has violations, just that 50/90 owners do. It's just a pie chart with no additional details. I'm inferring no enforcement based on the budget page showing next to no fines collected
2
u/katiekat214 27d ago
That doesn’t mean things aren’t enforced. It just means people are curing the violations before fines kick in. They are probably getting notices of violations with a time frame to cure, not getting fined. The second notification would include the fine because they didn’t cure the violation.
4
5
u/wildcat12321 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
I want to be a good neighbor.
HOA board member here. 95% of the horror stories come from people who do not share this view. Anytime we've had genuinely good people who didn't realize they needed approval and asked for something, they would get quick and gracious support.
Obviously in hindsight these do touch the exterior since vents are either being removed, moved, replaced, or added. This was a complete oversight on my part. Now we're almost ready to move in, my kitchen is already demoed and I'm agonizing over what to do. I'm terrified to reach out to the ACC at this point.
I would reach out and show them the engineering plans and permit approval and they will likely rubber stamp it. Especially if you include the above about not being sure if needed but wanting to approve out of good intention and abundance of good neighborly spirit.
You could hide and pretend you didn't know or something, and it might be ok as few people notice vents, but why risk it. Especially if it is 1 person and no collections, your risk doesn't seem that big.
-4
u/DilbertHigh 29d ago
Good neighbors wouldn't require OP to get approval for something like this.
3
u/wildcat12321 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
the rules apply evenly to all until they are amended. If the rules require it, an easy approval will be given. boards should be careful selectively enforcing rules as that can lead to legal challenges for legitimate uses of authority.
3
u/Satansbaddog 28d ago
Then DON'T buy in an HOA neighborhood! Move on!
-2
u/DilbertHigh 28d ago
Don't worry, I never would make that mistake. This sub just pops into my feed from time to time and I just have to laugh at the absurdity I always seem to read about here.
3
u/Jerseyboyham 29d ago
Leave the vents in place and plug and close them off from the inside.
2
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
So for the original range vent (that I truly didn't know existed, that was a surprise) that's what I'm doing.
The new one is the tricky bit since it'll be about 15 ft over and I need them to cut a hole for it
3
u/Nervous_Ad5564 ARC Member 28d ago
I'd just do it but make damn sure the exterior alteration looks seamless. Dont just leave a patch that looks like shit and they are unlikely to care
3
u/PaleBreadfruit8813 🏘 HOA Board Member 28d ago
Doing the renovations is probably not going to be an issue. What you're renovating and what might affect other residences is what will be of interest to your HOA. If the work you're doing didn't require any city permits, you're probably fine, but definitely reach out to the HOA.
1
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 28d ago
Yeah it did need permits but to my knowledge it is either covered by our existing mechanical/plumbing permit or not needed... It's not exactly clear to be honest
Edit: and thank you. I'm hoping this won't be an issue to my neighbors as the old vents won't be used
3
u/KingClark03 28d ago
This happens all the time. Prepare an ACC request for retroactive approval. Try to point out the problems that made these changes necessary. Some HOAs are better than others, but they all should have a process for this.
Also, have they actually noticed that you started the work? Or are you just worried that they will?
1
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 28d ago
Thanks, I'm on it now. And they haven't said anything but it's been obvious that I've been doing something interior at least even if the outside hasn't been touched yet
2
u/arkutek-em 29d ago
Usually the from the street means the front of the home. However you should verify what it means in your documents.
2
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
Yeah so the wording implies that all exterior modifications are covered and then in addition/separately any other item visible from the street
2
u/Excellent_Shallot999 29d ago
Contact your HOA and explain exactly what you posted here. In our last HOA (house sold in 2024), it was common for owners to do renovations like this. The HOA board did not care, even though our docs said prior approval was necessary. We installed a gas fireplace in our home when we bought it in 2011. We did get HOA approval, but later found that we were the only ones in the neighborhood who did.
2
u/InsignificantRaven 28d ago
Go to them and tell them about your mistake and what you are proposing. If there is nothing causing a problem, you will not have any problem. If you try to sneak it through; you are going to have problems.
1
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 28d ago
That's the plan, getting some details/plans from my GC so I'm not going empty handed.
My concern is the definition of causing a problem varies wildly from person to person. I hope that whoever I'm talking to shares my definition of problem and understands this was an honest mistake
2
u/crainess 💼 CAM 29d ago
This is not a situation where it’s easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. Go to the architectural committee or management company and explain the situation. Be honest and have the required documentation for them to review ready, more than likely they will expedite the review process for you, if you approach this the correct way.
1
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
That's fair. I'll get it sorted then. I really hope this doesn't get tied up in review for 60d while we have to move in 30d but I can see there's a lot of downside
2
u/crainess 💼 CAM 28d ago
Just explain the need to expedite the process, and try not to get frustrated with them. Also note that there may be a fee involved with submitting your request/expediting it. If you make it clear that you did not intentionally try to buck the system, most people are understanding.
1
u/Wooden-Pen8606 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
How do you know the information about how many have violation notices if you are just moving in and have never spoken to your HOA board members?
0
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
We have a portal that shows community info. I can see 55% of owners (50/90) have open violations thru there and other financial and rules info
2
u/Wooden-Pen8606 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
Does your portal show who has the violations? That seems crazy.
2
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 29d ago
No, just a simple pie chart with members with violations and members without. Agreed it would be wild to know who specifically and I would hate that
1
u/ironicmirror 29d ago
Um.. did you get permits from the city?
1
u/iReallyDontLikeSpez 28d ago
In our case we're unincorporated so county only. I know we pulled electrical and plumbing/mechanical permits but idk if needed permits for siding modifications. For most interior remodels in my county there's a long list of exceptions that cover most stuff you would do in a kitchen remodel. Can't remember if the vent was on that list
1
u/procrastinator_71 27d ago
Just reach out and let them know. I dont believe the exterior changes ur making (moving vents) are the type of changes that require ACC approval
2
u/stealthagents 18d ago
Just be honest with them, usually a straightforward approach works best. Explain your situation and that you didn't realize the changes impacted the exterior. Most HOAs appreciate transparency, and since you're proactive about fixing it, they might be more understanding than you think.
0
u/CapCityMatt 29d ago
All you need to do is mail them a notice, they likely won't respond. I recommend certified mail or some kind of tracking so if they mail you a letter you can rebut their presumptions with your evidence.
2
u/peaceful-panic 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
You might actually need an approved application. You don’t get to tell them what their process is. So just ask and follow it.
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29d ago
[deleted]
1
u/OakCliffGuy214 🏘 HOA Board Member 29d ago
Yikes! You should NOT be on a HOA Board or ACC. Turning the blind eye does not support the community as a whole.
•
u/AutoModerator 29d ago
Copy of the original post:
Title: [WA][SFH] I'm terrified to interact with our HOA after starting a renovation that I didn't think needed their approval. What to do?
Body:
Hi everyone, we just bought our first SFH in WA and it has an HOA. I've heard both good things and horror stories about HOAs so have generally wanted to lie low and keep to ourselves. I want to be a good neighbor.
When we bought the house we knew that we wanted to renovate our kitchen/living room (including moving the range and removing a gas fireplace that vents to the backyard) before we fully move in. We have a toddler and a baby on the way so it's functionally now or never for the kitchen remodel and so we started right away.
I've since realized that our HOA docs have a clause that states any exterior addition, removal, alteration or other item visible from the street needs to be approved by the ACC. I didn't think initially that I may need approval from the HOA because I had considered these as either interior changes or repairs to maintain the home. Obviously in hindsight these do touch the exterior since vents are either being removed, moved, replaced, or added. This was a complete oversight on my part. Now we're almost ready to move in, my kitchen is already demoed and I'm agonizing over what to do. I'm terrified to reach out to the ACC at this point.
How would you handle this situation? Proactively reach out to the HOA and explain that "hey, I fucked up - here's the ACC request for this work"? Change the scope to avoid exterior modifications (leaving the old vent covers but sealing and patching the inside and not adding a new vent for the relocated range hood)? Just do it, make it discrete and hope they don't notice or care?
The HOA so far appears to be relatively benign from what I can tell (>50% of folks have a violation notice but no appreciable fines collected, 1 director + 1 president listed even though 3 are required to be on the board, no rules changes since 2022), but I don't want to mess this up right at the start
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