DawnL (California)
Posts: 37
Posts: 37
Posted:
Hi all,
Small complex of 12 units, (4 units attached together in each of 3 buildings). Right now the windows are black aluminum,new owner wants to replace all the windows with white framed windows/frames.
Board wants new owners to have "pride of ownership" and white windows would definitely look better. No doubt about that.
Only problem is that most of the owners are completely unable to afford to replace their windows to match, and it's a bad time for special assessments to have the HOA replace ALL windows because we are doing new roofs and we've had several recent foreclosures. (I'm in California)
That means that if we approve these new windows, we're knowingly allowing for the reality that the windows in a single building will NOT match for years to come (or maybe indefinitely, since there are some owners who would NEVER replace their windows.)
Any insights?
Dawn in CA
P.S Our CCR's say "During initial sales, emphasis should be on uniformity of appearance and consistency with developer's original design. . . " then they go on to say, "After initial selloff. . .emphasis should be on preventing anything outlandish, and preventing additions or alterations which would be detrimental to the overall ambiance of the project, or would reasonably affect property values. . . Standards should be established that are reasonable and objective. . .and this does not empower the Board to be capricious or unreasonable in establishing standards. Decisions should be based on what is best for the project as a whole and not what is in the best interests of one member."
