Homeowners associations are a common way to add amenities and aesthetic appeal to a neighborhood. They can also boost property values.
These associations usually collect periodic dues from homeowners to pay for maintenance, repair, and replacement of general common elements. This includes things like common patio furniture, pool cabanas, and the clubhouse.
Residential Quality
HOA Furniture is a great choice for homeowners and their associations because it’s built to last. While some discount chain stores and drug stores sell residential pool furniture, it’s not designed to handle the rigors of heavy use or harsh weather conditions, making it more likely to break down quickly. It’s also less likely to withstand the impact of an accident, which can significantly increase your association’s liability exposure. To avoid this, you should shop for furniture that has been made with quality materials and meets all of the requirements set by your homeowners association’s governing documents. It may take some time to research and purchase the right piece of pool furniture, but it’s well worth it in the long run. The best thing to do is to consult with a furniture expert who can recommend the right options for your needs.
Warranty
Your HOA may require that you use certain furniture in your pool or deck area. These rules are usually set out in a document called the CC&Rs, which are a part of the bylaws. These documents should be carefully read before you purchase any furniture that is meant to be used in the common areas of the community. You should also check to see if the HOA has placed any restrictions on what types of furniture can be used, as these rules can limit your options.
If you are buying commercial grade furniture for your pool or deck, you should be sure to get a warranty that covers the full life of the furniture. Most residential-quality pool furniture you can find at a neighborhood drug store or discount chain store is not designed for commercial use, and will not stand up to the test of time. Many times, such furniture will not have a commercial warranty or be easy to repair, and if a guest is injured while using the furniture in the common areas of the community, your association may be found liable for the injuries.
You can also consider liability insurance for the association, which is usually available to pay for medical bills and legal expenses if a member of the community is injured while using a shared space. This coverage typically applies to the roof, walls and exterior common areas of the building, as well as pools, playgrounds and gyms.
Having a comprehensive policy is a good idea for any homeowners association. You should have a review of the policy with an experienced insurance agent, to make sure that you have enough coverage to cover any repairs that might be needed in the future. In addition, you should consider Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance to protect your association’s board members from personal liability in the event of a lawsuit.
Installation
Homeowners associations often enforce architectural standards to help keep the community looking cohesive. This might include limiting the types of outdoor furniture that you can place in your yard, as well as keeping lawn areas and flower beds in good shape. This can help keep your neighborhood looking more cohesive, which is important if you’re planning to sell or rent your home in the future.
You might also have to get permission from the HOA to change the appearance of your home, such as painting it or installing solar panels. These changes will normally require a written application to be reviewed by the HOA’s design review committee. If you don’t follow these rules, it might result in you being fined or having to move out of the community.
In addition, some HOAs have strict rules about subletting homes and renting out common areas, such as patios, decks or pools. These regulations are designed to ensure safety and security, as well as protect insurance companies from losing money due to property damage or liability claims. Some HOAs even have policies against putting trash out too early or letting it sit in community dumpsters too long, which can attract pests and detract from the look of the common areas. You’ll need to read the HOA’s bylaws and CC&Rs before you make any decisions about furniture for your property.