Paint Brand Requirement

We are in Arizona and our HOA requires homeowners to paint their homes with a specific brand of paint. Other brands may be less expensive. Is this legal.

Probably OK. The HOA doesn't want owners to use el-cheapo paint and, depending on the governing documents, that's a perfectly valid concern and they do have the authority to require certain brands and colors.

If the color was not deemed identical the association could order you to repaint. Are you crying over a few bucks a gallon? Do not be penny wise and pound foolish.

We have the people who are going to paint to bring the paint to us before they start painting. We also have it set up at like Sherwin Williams a list of our approved paint colors. I'd suggest seeing if your local Home Depot/Lowes/Ace/Sherwin Williams etc.. will do the same. Prices may vary from store to store. Give an opportunity for one to take advantage of a sale. That is if they all share the same brand paint.

I'm impressed that you have that level of control over your homeowners. We certainly don't.
Do you also have an inspection station where you measure how much water they add when they're actually painting?

And how did you keep people from watering down the paint?

We didn't stop anyone from watering down paint. It also depends on the contractor the person hired and equipment they used. You do water down paint when you put it into a sprayer. Otherwise it will clog it up often. However, spray application you should know the quality/job your getting. It doesn't stay as long and is more water downed.

Now you can use roller to apply or brush. That usually costs more money. It lasts a bit longer, looks better, and can cover better. Although roller one has to come back to get the under edges of the boards.

Our concern is that you bought the right brand and color. How you apply it is your business.

BTW: I am very familiar with the practice of watering down paint and using cheap paints. The ex-president was notorious for doing this. He decided to get into the paint contracting business after I cut him off from not using him till he was licensed/insured. Another scam operation of his... Another headache had to deal with when it came to him...

Bill,

You chose to move into this community because it is appealing to you. Why, after you move in, do you wish circumvent the processes that created a community that appeals to you? Buy the darn paint they want you to buy....it will feature a life-span that's predictable and is likely the "chosen" brand for time-tested reasons. Less expensive paint is cheaper for a reason and a paint project isn't worth being "that guy."

Maintain the community you chose to join for the very reasons that are supported by the HOA rules and policies. You will diminish the quality of the community in a very miniscule way.