Bland subdivision house needs HOA-friendly makeover

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I was planning to buy an old mansion in an up and coming neighborhood. The deal fell through. I ended up buying in a newer subdivision as options close to my job and in my budget were limited. I don't usually like cookie cutter homes, but for a first-time buy, I don't think I did to bad. Now, I want to tweek the house a bit to have some character that will not be to offensive to my neighbors who appear to have embraced the cookie cutter look. I am planning to paint the door a light teal/turquoise color. I really like the modern style and also like rustic or modern farmhouse. I have already changed the door handle to a lever in oil-rubbed bronze and have a matching kick plate. I would appreciate any suggestions on adding character. Thank you.

Featured Answer

functionthenlook

8 years ago

HOA cookie cutter neighborhoods is the land where imagination and individuality goes to die. I be surprised if they let you change the door to teal. Sorry, but you don't sound like a cookie cutter type. You are just have to accept their idiotic rules for the right location and price.

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Comments (10)

miss lindsey (She/Her)
8 years ago
You mentioned an HOA. What kind of limitations will they put on any changes? It's possible that rather than embracing the aesthetic, your neighbours in fact have no choice in the matter!
decoenthusiaste
8 years ago
Let's see the HOA list of "rules" first.
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cwestover
8 years ago
Right. Your HOA probably won't approve a turquoise door either.
Woods Family
Original Author
8 years ago
I checked it before the purchase. It mostly relates to parking rvs and trash cans. The neighbors have complained that we pay $280/year to get reminders about trash cans and subdivision sign. However, we are near a military base so there is a great deal of turnover. I think that is the primary reason no one has changed things much. There are a few doors that are painted. 5 of the 50 houses I have seen. There is a house with a red door and some other changes that are very well done.
decoenthusiaste
8 years ago
Will they let you take the shutters off the double window? Are your house numbers out by the street?
suezbell
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Slightly wider natural wood shutters with wood finish on the upstairs windows to match the natural wood finish on your new natural wood finish garage door.

http://polrestadepok.info/house-shutters-wood/house-shutters-wood-faux-wood-garage-door-matching-window-shutters-red-brick-house-with-wood-shutters/

Paint your front door your favorite bold attention getting color.
tatts
8 years ago
First things first: plants. I'd yank that forlorn little shrub (rose?) out of the middle of the yard and replace it with a nice clump of white birch trees. That will give you nice dappled shade in a few years. Put a few more in so that the house doesn't look so bleak and sun-beaten. No big oaks or maples or dense trees; keep it open.

No matter what you do about painting, etc., to the house, it will still look bleak without some trees.

It's the wrong time of year to plant trees in most places, but the minute you get a chance...
functionthenlook
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Sounds like a very laid back HOA. I hear so many horror stories about Nazi controlled HOAs. Go crazy!. Paint your door turquoise and upgrade your landscaping. Some flower boxes on the top windows. A couple bright color planters on your front porch. And a couple more large planters at the end of your driveway. Have fun. Maybe you will set a trend in the neighborhood to spice up their properties.
hellumme
8 years ago
Definite yes to the teal door and adding colorful plantings. I would also recommend darkening your garage door. Having it light like that gives your home a very visible split: left half brown, right half white.