What counts as a workshop?

Find out who the Property Manager is and contact him or her. It is not uncommon in my area to have rule that states you can't leave the garage door open. Also, can you post exactly what it says?

Ask the seller for a copy of the documents: bylaws dictate how the association is run (e.g. number of board members); CCRs are the covenants, conditions and restrictions that dictate how the common areas can be used, which can include rules prohibiting conversions of the garage into rooms. There may also be regulations and rules that are adopted by the board that flesh out the documents, but cannot override them,such as a collection lil st for assessments.

If you're looking at ANY houses in a HOA, you should always review those documents to see if there are any rules you don't think you can live with. If so, you'll have to consider passing on that house. You don't get to ignore the rules you disagree with because you think they're stupid or outdated. They may be that and more, but to change them may require homeowners to vote on amending the documents. That's a whole 'nother conversation.

If the realtor tries to say, "oh, don't worry, the board doesn't care about that," verify with the owner. Beware of the seller who doesn't seem to know anything thing about how the community is run or current issues. If they seem evasive or flat out refuse to tell you, run and don't look back.

Moreover, many HOAs prohibit home businesses that may interfere with the liveability of the community. For example, it's probably ok to work from home as long as you aren't running a business where people care driving in and out to your home, making noises and monopolizing parking. There may also be zoning laws against certain types of home based businesses, so it wouldn't hurt to check that too.

In fact, Why not discuss this with your realtor, so he or she will know what type of home you want. Hopefully, he or she will know not to show you a home in a community where there are prohibitions like this (and waste everyone's time). Even if you find one, think about what you can do to make sure you don't create a nuisance with your hobby. Good luck!

The best answer is to e-mail the property manager of the association you are looking at.

The more practical answer is that HOAs are really only concerned about three things with regards to workshops, in general:

1) Noise: Will neighbors complain to the HOA about the noise generated by your activity? If not, have at it. (Hint: Christmas gifts made from your workshop given to your neighbors will go a long ways in abating noise complaints)

2) Parking: Will you have to park in the driveway or street as a result of not being able to use your garage for parking?

3) Exterior building appearance: Will you be alterting the exterior appearance of your home to use your garage as a workshop?

Other than those items, I really can't fathom an HOA being concerned about what you do inside your garage.

I don't see the word "garage,"; could this mean using such equipment out in their yards? Does it all mean owners can't do any auto upkeep in their garages? Change a tire? Would you be able to build a workbench in such a garage?

Can you try a different citation that speaks directly to garages?

Yes, you're very wise to inquire from the property manager, if there is one, about such covenants or rules and have the person show them to you.