How deep do you look at ARC

I don't think we've asked for it, as homeowners can't make changes to the common area, such as roofing. For example, homeowners aren't allowed have satellite Tv antenna on the roof because that's common area, so if something happened,we'd argue the worker had no business being there because the homeowner knows the rule and we have signs at the community entrance telling installers they should call our property manager to see where it can be placed. Thankfully, that never happened and hardly anyone has dishes anymore.

In your case, I think I'd look at what's being done. For example if someone's replacing a door or first floor window, the workman's comp issue might not be that important as the worker shouldn't be doing anything that would put him or her in danger, such as climbing a ladder to get to the second floor.

Since the homeowner does the hiring, I would hope his or her individual insurance policy addresses these issues and if there were an incident, the homeowner would be on the hook. Nonetheless, it may be a good idea to run this by your association master insurance and perhaps the association attorney to see if you'll need to tweak the ARC instructions to ensure its not placed at risk.

This is work being done on a condo, right?

In single family communities that would seem over-reach? May vary state by state, as well.

Do your CCRs or architectural control docs allow you to place the HOA between an owner and their contracted employee?

Our covenants state:

Upon request by the Architectural Reviewer, the proposed contractor(s) shall supply a copy of all required business licenses and evidence of insurance with such coverages and amounts as the Architectural Reviewer may reasonable require. Reviews shall be coordinated with required governmental approvals.

we are barely 18 months old as an HOA

We have not done any changes to the covenants, only ARC rules.

Different State. Different laws.

Townhouse community. Owners responsible for all exterior maintenance and repairs.

We require Certificate of Insurance from all outside contractors. Insurance not required for DIY.

We inquired with our insurance agent whether we should be listed as an additional insured on contractors' insurance certificates. He said too much bother for us and no significant benefit.

All contractors must be registered with the township. Permits required for many activities. We maintain close relations with Township inspectors. We work to ensure that permits are obtained and inspectors are satisfied.