Exterior Lighting Hodgepodge

Started by KM1 • 6 replies • 1244 views

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KM1 (FL)
Posts: 62

Posted:

All,

Our townhome neighborhood was built in several phases by different builders over a 15 year span. Exterior lighting throughout is haphazard and the BOD would like to now implement a standard. (Current ACC standards only address exterior paint colors at most.) Upon reviewing the exterior lighting we've determined the most common color and globe shape both in the neighborhood, which is widely available in home improvement stores, and would like to incorporate the standard from now on.

Surely it is easiest to implement from this day forward, but how best to address those existing that do not fall under the new standard? I empathize with others that over the previous years the lighting hasn't been enforced, but we've got to start somewhere with the brass, bronze, silver, square, round, etc. hodgepodge! What is reasonable?

Thanks for your ideas and insight!

JonD1
Posts: 2,350

Posted:

KM:

Just curious, how many lights are we talking about??? How many would need to be replaced that don't conform to your proposed standard?

And each light costs how much per unit????????

IF this issue is something you feel the need to take action on, two options come to mind.

1) You could require any light replacement from this point on be done with the conforming style light.

If this does not address the change over fast enough:

2) You could offer to pay a part (parts or labor) or all of the cost to those who need the fixture replaced depending on the cost, the numbers of units needing replacement, and the willingness of the property owners to abide by these new standards.

Good luck

KM1 (FL)
Posts: 62

Posted:

JonD,

Good question. I should get a firm number to see how many out of the 80+ would need changes, in order to provide thorough understanding.

I was leaning on your option 1 mostly...this was brought to the BOD attention when a [rare] homeowner submitted an ACC request to approve their lighting. It presented a dilemma for the committee to review/approve since there is no documented standard, thus they asked the BOD to set one.

With such a variety, it would be difficult to pinpoint any mismatches from this point on. We would need to document the current non-standard lights. It would be challenging to spot a new after-the-fact light installation, as many homeowners would probably proceed without requesting ACC approval.

JonD1
Posts: 2,350

Posted:

So you now have 80 lights.

How many would not be conforming you need to determine.

Over time these fixtures will need to be replaced if you go with option #1. But it might take some time for 100% compliance.

Home Depot has a warehouse supply branch where many items come at discounted pricing if you buy in quantity. 1-5 5-10 10-20 30-60

You might cut your costs by buying in bulk.

If you have a specific fixture in mind you might research what they might cost per unit just to make a decision based on all the required information.

I woul suggest if and when a standard is set a notice be sent out to all owners that there now exists a light standard and requires this style to be used only.
Would put the homeowners on notice before they make a decision on their own.

KM1 (FL)
Posts: 62

Posted:

Thanks for the advice! Once a standard is set, I plan on putting in our next newsletter. I understand it will take time, and I will be patient. I'm happy to cross one more thing of the BOD to-do list so future BOD and ACC will know what to do, hence an expedient response to homeowners.

Good tips - thanks again.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KM1 on 06/15/2010 7:51 PM
Thanks for the advice! Once a standard is set, I plan on putting in our next newsletter. I understand it will take time, and I will be patient. I'm happy to cross one more thing of the BOD to-do list so future BOD and ACC will know what to do, hence an expedient response to homeowners.

Good tips - thanks again.

KM, now that you have the lighting under control, I would suggest you also do the same with paint colors. A previous Board here found out the hard way that "Antique White" by one paint company is not necessarily the same as that of another company.

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

KM1 (FL)
Posts: 62

Posted:

Thanks GlenL!

I was lucky to find some ACC standards in the official records that stated out paint colors are made by Benjamin Moore. If it isn't widely available, hopefully the mix-it guys at the hardware store can get something close!

KM

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