HOA Hardwood Floors

Started by JaredW • 7 replies • 1717 views

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JaredW (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

I know this topic has been discussed in depth but what I haven't been able to find is really anyone that has won this fight to allow hardwood floors on second floor unit. If anyone can offer assistance I would apprecaite it.

I have a meeting with my HOA next month to discuss hardwood or pergo floooring on second floor units and am trying to collect any supporting documentation that will help my case. I have approval from downstairs neighbor already.

thanks!

DonO1 (Florida)
Posts: 6

Posted:

Jared, I would gather facts that the underlaying of a rubberized buffer significantly reduces noise transfer more so than the standard foam used under carpets. I am willing to bet that there is no rule depicting the type and quality of foam under a rug so if you provide proof, and google is a great place to start, that the rubberized underlay is much quieter, you may be able to sway the board. If I was on the board, I know I would listen to your proposal.

FredS7 (Arizona)
Posts: 927

Posted:

When you say "win the fight" I hope you mean "convince the board that your proposed installation will not make the noise worse on the first floor."

Because that is the standard the board should apply. If there is a rule requiring carpeting it is there to preserve the quality of life for those below. And freedom from noise is certainly part of that.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

If it is a rule, then the Board may have the power to grant you a variance. If it is a Covenant then IMO they do not have the power to grant you a variance and the Covenant would need to be amended to allow it. If they do allow it get their answer in writing and keep it forever.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

JaredW (Florida)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Thanks for the replies. They made this a part of the covenant so it would have to be amended I guess. That means a 2/3 vote which I'm not sure I can get. Anyone have any further info that might assist me?

CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563

Posted:

Say, Jared, how did "they" make it a part of the covenant? Who is "they"? Generally, only the owners can vote to add something (amend) to the covenants.

JH3 (Maryland)
Posts: 67

Posted:

To explain what Carol is asking:

The declarant writes the covenant, the owners amend it with a 2/3 vote.

The board has nothing to do with it, except enforcing it.

If you want this changed, you need 2/3s of the homeowners to vote. This does not mean 2/3 to vote in your favor. Typically this means 51% of 2/3's to vote in your favor. Most people miss that little fact. Your docs will spell everything out exactly.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

From a "home flipper" point of view, your idea of putting wood floors in may not pay off. Making certain improvements does not mean increase in value or sales price. I would venture to say that your wood floor may even just be a wash in the area of money making. That being that when one remodels a home, you do NOT make it better than the houses around you. EXAMPLE: You do NOT add granite counter tops, special flooring, or custom cabinetry to a home where the basic materials are formica counter tops, carpet, and out of the box cabinets. You won't get your money out of it. You only improve to the similar materials of the other homes selling in the area.

The adding of wood floors does not mean your going to get paid back for this investment. It may make the home more ATTRACTIVE to potential buyers. However, the home isn't going to sell more than what other homes in the area have sold for in the last 6 months once that appraiser steps in. Do a bit of research before deciding what type of improvements/materials to use.

I personally would be against one putting in wood flooring on a second floor. It's really bad for the first floor tenants. If the place was never designed to support wood flooring, there is never enough modifications you could ever do to make it work. Proper wood flooring on another level starts in the actual "bones" of the structure. Retrofitting doesn't seem to accomplish lessening the sound issues they would cause.

Former HOA President

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