Wondering how to choose the perfect paint colors for your home while staying within HOA guidelines? While selecting a fresh new shade for your exterior is exciting, it can feel like a challenge when you’re limited to HOA-Approved Paint Colors. This guide will walk you through the process of selecting HOA-approved paint colors, covering key steps like understanding HOA guidelines, exploring color options within their guidelines, and working with your association.
This article covers the steps our house painting company has walked many homeowners through to find colors that both you and your HOA will love, ensuring a smooth approval process and a beautiful exterior for your home.
1. Know Your HOA Rules about House Color
Homeowners must familiarize themselves with their HOA’s rules before picking paint colors. These guidelines often specify approved color palettes and restrictions on certain shades or finishes. Not every HOA has the same rules or the same shades. The HOA in Hamilton Grove has drastically different rules to the Poston Community on Rutledge Avenue. And those are very different from what is approved in the East Bay Area on East Bay Street and King Street.
HOAs typically consider the community’s overall aesthetic, including the landscape and architectural style. They aim to maintain a cohesive look that enhances property values and curb appeal.
Residents should obtain a copy of the HOA’s color guidelines or covenants. These documents outline the approved color choices and any specific requirements for exterior paint:
- Approved color palette
- Trim and accent color restrictions
- The application process for color approval
- Maintenance requirements
If uncertain about the rules, homeowners can contact their HOA board or architectural review committee (ARC) for clarification. This proactive approach helps avoid potential conflicts and costly repainting.
In Charleston, South Carolina, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) helps preserve the city’s historic look by reviewing changes to historic properties and new buildings. The BAR follows the Charleston Standards when making decisions.
For homeowners in historic districts, the Colors of Historic Charleston™ palette reflects the city’s classic architectural style. This collection highlights the era’s beautiful buildings and gardens.
When choosing paint colors, homeowners should note that bright or dark accent colors are usually only allowed on front doors and shutters. Bold colors like fluorescent shades, hot pink, orange, and lime green are not allowed.
Before painting, you must get approval for exterior colors. Also, no two homes next to each other can have the same color scheme.
2. Explore Your Options
Once familiar with HOA-approved paint colors, homeowners can explore approved exterior paint options. Many HOAs provide a color palette or list of pre-approved colors to choose from.
Homeowners can request paint swatches or samples from local painting companies to visualize colors on their home’s exterior. This helps ensure the chosen color enhances curb appeal and complements the neighborhood aesthetic.
Some HOAs may require residents to submit a color request form before painting. This form typically includes details such as the proposed colors, paint brand, and application areas:
- Main body color
- Trim color
- Accent colors (doors, shutters)
- Paint brand and finish
Homeowners in certain zip codes may have access to online tools or apps that allow them to virtually test approved colors on their home’s exterior. These tools can be valuable for visualizing the final result before committing to a color scheme.
In Charleston, all exterior colors must be submitted and approved before house painting, and no two adjacent homes are allowed to have the same color scheme. This ensures the preservation of the city’s unique and elegant style.
3. Gather Samples and Info
Homeowners should collect paint samples and color swatches for their preferred HOA-approved options. These samples help visualize how colors will look on the home’s exterior, considering its architecture and the surrounding community.
Documenting the chosen colors is crucial for HOA approval. Homeowners should prepare a detailed proposal including the selected paint brand, color names, and codes for the main body, trim, and accent areas.
Attention to lighting conditions is critical when evaluating paint samples. Colors can appear dramatically different under various light sources and at different times of the day. To ensure the best choice for the home’s exterior beauty:
- Test samples in natural light, which provides the best gauge of a color’s true qualities.
- Consider the direction of light. Northern light may bring out cooler tones, while southern exposure tends to offer warmer hues.
- Evaluate colors at different times of the day. Morning daylight can make cool colors appear warmer, while strong midday light might wash out colors.
To accurately test paint samples without painting directly on walls, homeowners can create movable swatches using foam core poster boards. This method allows for:
- Easy comparison of colors in different parts of the exterior
- Observation of how colors change under various lighting conditions
- Minimal mess and easier cleanup
Colors can appear different under various light sources, so testing samples at different times of day ensures the best choice for the home’s exterior beauty.
Gathering opinions from neighbors or the HOA board can provide valuable insight. This feedback helps homeowners select colors that enhance both their property and the overall community aesthetic.
4. Stay in Touch with Your HOA
Maintaining open communication with the HOA is crucial when selecting exterior paint colors. Homeowners should regularly update the board on their progress and seek clarification on any uncertainties regarding color choices or application processes.
Submitting a detailed color proposal to the HOA ensures compliance with community guidelines. This proposal should include paint brand information, color names, and codes for the main body, trim, and accent areas to maintain harmony within the neighborhood.
Homeowners may need to provide additional information about their home’s exterior materials, such as stucco or siding, to ensure proper paint selection. The HOA can offer guidance on suitable paint types and finishes for different surfaces, promoting longevity and aesthetic appeal:
| Exterior Material | Recommended Paint Type | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Stucco | Elastomeric | Flat or Eggshell |
| Wood Siding | Acrylic Latex | Satin or Semi-Gloss |
| Brick | Masonry Paint | Flat or Matte |
By working closely with the HOA throughout the color selection process, homeowners demonstrate their commitment to community pride and property value preservation. This collaborative approach ensures a smooth approval process and contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.
In Charleston, some minor requests, such as painting and color changes, can be approved by the BAR staff without requiring a full Board review. However, it’s important to note that these staff approvals can take up to 30 business days, depending on backlogs.
5. Be Open to Feedback
Homeowners should welcome feedback from their HOA regarding exterior paint color choices. This openness demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the community’s aesthetic standards and can lead to smoother approval processes.
The HOA may suggest alternative colors that better complement the property’s architectural style or surrounding homes. Considering these recommendations can help homeowners achieve a cohesive look that enhances their home’s exterior and overall neighborhood appeal.
If the HOA rejects initial color selections, homeowners should request specific reasons for the denial. This information can guide them in selecting more appropriate colors for their home’s siding and trim, ensuring compliance with community guidelines.
Collaborating with the HOA throughout the color selection process can result in a mutually satisfactory outcome. This approach often leads to exterior paint choices that not only meet HOA standards but also enhance the property’s curb appeal and value.
6. Hire Professionals
When it comes to hiring professionals, it’s crucial to choose a painting contractor who understands HOA guidelines and has experience working within these parameters. Some HOAs may have a list of approved contractors, so it’s worth checking with your association before making a selection. A professional painter can help ensure that the project adheres to all HOA requirements, including color selection, application techniques, and scheduling restrictions.
Do you need help choosing the perfect HOA-approved paint colors? Call Wade Paint Co.
Navigating HOA rules can feel overwhelming, but we make it easy. At Wade Paint Co., we specialize in helping homeowners select and apply colors that comply with HOA guidelines while enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Our experienced team understands Charleston’s communities and delivers flawless results every time.
For a stress-free process and a professional finish, trust Wade Paint Co.—Charleston’s top-rated painting experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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