An HOA inspection examines a community’s common areas and the exterior of individual properties to certify they meet established standards. The community manager or a board-appointed inspector usually does this.
Some boards may know every resident in their community, which can cause a conflict of interest when a member receives a violation. Many communities utilize a management company to perform their inspections to avoid this. Contact SB 326 Inspection for professional help.
HOA inspections should include a review of the foundation and walls of each unit, including any wood decking. These parts of the property are at risk for mold, termite infestations, and other issues that could lead to expensive repairs. Some associations may even require regular maintenance for these structures.
During an HOA inspection, board members should also look at the plumbing and electrical boxes for each unit. They should ensure there is nothing that poses a threat to the community and that all equipment is functioning properly.
Another area that needs to be inspected is the roof. HOAs should ensure that any roofing problems are addressed immediately to prevent leaks or damage to other units. If the roof is in need of repair, the association should contact an experienced contractor to make the necessary repairs.
Depending on the CC&R’s and other legal documents, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for handling what kinds of issues. However, certain norms have developed over time that can help simplify matters.
For instance, the general consensus is that homeowners handle interior repairs, while the association handles exterior maintenance and repairs. Generally, if an issue is caused by the negligence of a homeowner (such as leaving a stove on), the cost of repairing it will fall on that individual. This is a good reason why it is important for homeowners to follow the CC&R’s and other guidelines carefully.
The same goes for structural damage to a condominium’s foundation and concrete floor. Unless the condo’s governing documents (CC&R’s and Bylaws) stipulate otherwise, these elements are common elements and thus the responsibility of the HOA to maintain and repair.
The best way to ensure that all aspects of the community are inspected is by hiring an expert property management company. A professional will provide organized protocols that can keep HOA inspections organized and on schedule. They will also be detail oriented and ensure that the community’s Bylaws and CC&R’s are being upheld. This can give residents peace of mind and help to save the community money on more costly repair bills in the future.
Windows and Vents
The exterior walls and siding protect the inner structure of a home from weather damage and other problems that can affect the quality of living inside. That means the HOA is responsible for keeping them in good condition, and regular inspections can help identify issues that might need attention.
HOAs also often have specific rules on the style, type and color of windows that homeowners may purchase for their homes. Those regulations are meant to ensure that the windows match with the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood. So, if you’re planning to have replacement windows installed, it’s important that you understand your community’s rules before you request estimates from certified window dealers.
Similarly, many HOAs have rules about what types of air vents residents can install. The goal here is to keep the neighborhood looking neat and tidy. Vents should be kept free of debris, and the inside of the vent should be brushed clean to prevent clogs.
While this may seem like a minor detail, it’s worth mentioning. HOAs also have rules about what types of air conditioning systems homeowners can have. This is because ductwork runs through common areas, and if you have an HVAC system that benefits only your unit but is connected to the ducts of other units in the building, it’s going to need to be repaired or replaced. That’s why it’s so important to read the CC&Rs carefully to determine what elements of a property are considered common.
Other things the HOA may have rules about include paint colors and other exterior design choices that require the prior approval of the board. This is a good way to ensure that the residents aren’t choosing garish hues that don’t fit in with the rest of the community. It’s also a way to enforce noise level restrictions that ensure the safety and comfort of other residents in the neighborhood. If your neighbors are mowing their lawn too early on Saturday or playing basketball until midnight, the HOA can issue warnings and even fines to those who break the rules.
Common Areas
HOAs typically have a wide variety of shared spaces that all dues-paying members can use. This includes park space, beaches, pools, athletic fields and clubhouses. These common areas are crucial for selling the community to new homeowners and keeping existing residents happy. However, they require constant upkeep and monitoring to make sure they are in good condition.
One of the most important steps in this process is a reserve study, which should be conducted by an experienced management or specialty company. This analysis assesses the physical and financial state of a property and makes recommendations about repairs and replacements. If a board feels pressure to keep costs low, it may neglect large maintenance projects over time, leading to expensive surprises down the road.
In addition to inspecting the foundations and walls of buildings, a HOA inspection should include the exteriors of houses. These should be inspected for damage and repainting, as well as for vents that need to be replaced. It is also necessary to check the roofs for signs of damage or leaks.
Another important aspect of this type of preventative maintenance is a check on the landscaping around homes. This includes lawns, gates, and fences, as well as the roads, sidewalks, and parking lots of the community. It is important to keep these trimmed and looking nice, especially since it improves the look of the neighborhood and prevents safety hazards like overgrown branches and shrubs.
It is also a good idea to conduct a survey of the common areas to see how well they are maintained. This can be done by a professional landscaping company or by requesting a list of past or current conflicts and rule violations from the HOA. It is also a good idea to request the name and contact information of any employees or companies the association contracts out to for services.
After the inspections have been conducted, it is essential to document the results of each. A report should be compiled and shared with the board and residents of the community, noting what was found and who is responsible for making the necessary repairs. Documenting these inspections will help to ensure that important information does not get lost or misplaced. An online document repository is a great option for storing HOA inspection checklists so that they can be easily accessed by managers, boards, and residents.
Other Utilities
HOA inspections are important for both the common areas and the exterior of individual homes. When these areas are regularly inspected, homeowners can be confident that they are adhering to the rules and maintaining their homes. It is also important for identifying any problems and scheduling repairs as soon as possible. In addition to routine evaluations, regular maintenance can help reduce the cost of unexpected repairs.
An interior HOA inspection should include everything from examining flooring for cracks to checking all air vents and ceiling fans to ensure they are clean. This is an opportunity to find any problems that might require a professional, such as drywall damage or water leaks. It’s also a good time to check interior plumbing and appliances for signs of trouble, such as clogged drains or electrical issues.
Other utilities are also a part of a HOA inspection checklist, including electrical lines, phone lines, and gas lines. It is important to keep these clear of limbs and other obstructions that can cause them to be damaged or to be out of service. An HVAC system should also be inspected during an HOA inspection to make sure that the air conditioning units are working properly and the heaters are in good condition.
The most obvious advantage of HOA inspections is that they help protect the health and safety of residents by identifying potential problems before they become worse. This prevents accidents and injuries from happening, such as trips or falls over a loose railing. It also helps to maintain property values by ensuring that residents are living in safe and healthy environments.
Many people assume that the right to inspect an owner’s home or unit is limited by governing documents, but it is actually quite broad. An association has the right to enter an owner’s home for a number of reasons, including if it suspects a resident is violating rules such as no-pet policies or smoking restrictions. There are also some statutes that will trump a development’s governing documents on this issue, so it is important to consult an attorney in the area.
