Building your own home from the ground up seems like a dream come true. You provide your input for the overall design and fine details found around the home. However, you don’t always have complete control over a brand-new home’s construction. In many cases, there’s already an established HOA or homeowner’s association in the neighborhood. You’ll need to contact an HOA as you build your dream home to ensure that you’re working within the parameters of the neighborhood’s rules.
A Growing Development
Your brand-new home’s future location might be within a growing development. In fact, there may be a few homeowners already living in their brand-new homes. It’s possible that an HOA already exists in these situations. Be sure to contact the HOA as your home’s progress moves forward. Any customized requests, such as paint colors, must be approved by the board.
Working with the Builder
Your builder is normally in charge of the home’s overall design. Some companies, like J & N Realty, Inc., are aware of the HOA rules applied to their work, which makes them good resources for your questions. Ask if you can alter a certain construction detail, and the builder will tell you if it’s possible or not.
Keeping Up With Restrictions
The builder cannot alter the home by your request if it goes against the HOA rules. These contractors work hard for their projects so they don’t want to harm any relationships with the HOAs. If your opinion differs with the builder, contact the HOA for an exception to the rule.
Understanding HOA Fees
During the home-construction process, be sure to ask the HOA or builder about the monthly dues. You’ll need to pay these dues so that the neighborhood upkeep can remain steady. Be sure to budget these fees into your finances. They’re required for you to remain in the home. Delinquent fees will be collected through legal pathways if necessary.
Considering Exceptions to the Rule
If you’re building a new house on a rural piece of land that you bought outright, there are probably no HOAs in the immediate area. When you purchased the land itself, the HOA provision would have been part of the agreement. In these cases, the land and home are yours alone to construct and design.
Be aware that HOAs are helpful during your stay in the neighborhood. Your property value should rise as the rules continue to be enforced. If you ever decide to sell, you’ll have bids that meet or exceed your expectations. HOAs continue to be strong forces for real-estate success.