February 2021 | Goodwin & Company

Figure Out What Your Community Needs

Before you even start soliciting bids or even looking at new landscapers, examine your current landscaping and decide on what you want to change going forward. The best way to do this is by asking yourself and your HOA management team the following questions.

What is your total landscaping budget?

What is it that you would like to see improved?

Do you need a total restoration or just someone who can provide upkeep to the landscaping that is currently in place?

Take note of the specific landscaping services you need and create a short-list of five or six specifications and don’t consider a company that can’t provide each one.

For example, if your association needed tree planting, lawn mowing, fertilization, and flower bed creation/maintenance, don’t look beyond these needs for a landscaper that can make your association the best it can be.

Ask Your Management Team for Recommendations

Before you take the time to scour the industry for the perfect landscaper, check with your association management team. Part of a management team’s responsibility is to cultivate healthy relationships with quality vendors.

You may not even have to search at all because your HOA management company has already done the footwork for the right candidate ahead of time.

Do Your Due Diligence

Before you select a landscaping company for your HOA community, make sure you’ve reviewed all of the due diligence essentials:

Do your candidates have enough experience in the industry?

Do they use subcontractors or a hand-picked team?

What is their insurance coverage?

What are their certifications?

Are they licensed?

Do they have references?

A reputable vendor will be able to answer all of these questions for you as well as provide documented proof that they are legally and safely able to carry out their responsibilities as your landscaping team.

Select Vendors That Meet Your Needs with Goodwin & Company

Selecting the right vendor for any association need can be a frustrating experience without the help of a qualified management team on your side.

Goodwin & Company is a team of Dallas professionals that can use our vendor relationships to help your association thrive. We are ready to help you succeed behind the scenes while your board actively leads its community. Contact us today to schedule a meeting with a member of our team or to learn more about our management services.

Spring is just around the corner and many homeowners in HOA communities may have some big renovation plans to spice up the look of their homes. Keep in mind, that even something as seemingly simple as replacing a front yard gate is a renovation that must be well-planned.

Homeowners across the state hear horror stories about working on a large home renovation and mid-way, the HOA board comes calling to shut the unauthorized project down and potentially issue a fine. However, there is always a preferred approach to a project that reduces the risk of violations during the process.

Here’s a look at five actions homeowners can take in order to get their next project off on the right foot.

Read Your HOA CC&Rs

Your association’s CC&Rs are the official guidebook to the rules and regulations that govern your community. An up-to-date document should be able to let you know if your plans fall under the required community standards.

Even if you think you understand the legalities of your planned renovation, it’s always best to reach out to your association’s management team to receive a concrete answer prior to moving forward.

They will be able to help you prepare any required documentation that you’ll need to submit during the official approval process from the board.

Seek Approval Before Starting Your Project

The one item we can’t stress more about is that you should always seek approval before starting a project. Your HOA most likely requires prior approval for the groundbreaking of any renovation.

Failure to seek approval will likely result in a violation notice, fine, or the complete cancellation of your project.

Keep in mind, that there are some projects that don’t always require approval. These can include the following individual property projects:

Interior wall painting
Appliance replacements (i.e. dishwasher, refrigerator)
Updating cabinets and countertops

Once again, your HOA management team can help answer any appropriate questions you may have about the request. The general rule of thumb is to submit a request for any exterior alterations. When in doubt, seek the approval of the HOA.

Obtain Permits

Depending on the extent of your renovations, your association and city may require permits in order for the job to start. HOA approval for a project does not assume approval from the City, so even if you have approval from the HOA, it is your responsibility to make sure you obtain all necessary approvals and permits from your City. Typically, your contractor can handle this requirement or you could leave it with our Project Coordination Experts.

Be a Courteous Neighbor

Finally, please let your neighbors know when your project is slated to start. Sometimes this little act of courtesy can avoid any awkward situations or HOA complaints to the board that could put a stall on your project’s progress.

Goodwin & Company Ensures All Community Renovations Work for Everyone

If your board needs help reviewing and approving owner renovation requests, Goodwin & Company has the tools and experience to speed up the process. We are association management experts who completely understand renovation regulations.

Trust us to serve as a great resource for both the board and homeowners during the development of passion projects. We are ready to help take the stress out of board decisions.