How Do HOA Rules Affect Your Shower Remodel?

You live in an HOA community, and you’re ready to replace your shower. But you’re not sure whether your HOA’s rules will delay the project or stop it before it starts.

Shugarman’s Bath has completed more than 7,000 tub and shower remodels, including many in San Diego and Orange County HOA communities.

This article covers 5 HOA rules that can affect your shower remodel process.

How Can HOA Rules Affect a Shower Remodel?

HOA rules can affect when you can start a remodel and how long your installation can take. Here are 5 rules we’ve encountered that can affect your shower remodel.

• Architectural approval - Some HOAs require approval before you can begin remodel work. This means your start date has to wait until approval goes through.
  
  
• Drain-size limits - A tub-to-shower conversion changes your drain size by about half an inch. Some HOAs won’t allow that, especially in condos and certain managed communities. If your HOA doesn’t allow that change, they may not approve a tub-to-shower conversion. If you’re planning a conversion, check this rule first.
  
  
• Water shut-off windows - The water is only off for 30 minutes to 2 hours during a shower remodel. Some HOAs only allow shut-offs at certain times. Your crew will need to plan the shut-off around those hours.
  

• Work hour limits - Set work hours keep early mornings and evenings quiet. While these rules are meant to limit noise in the community, they can also stretch out the job. A tile demo that normally takes 1 full day could run into the morning of a second day if the crew has to start at 9 a.m. and stop at 4 p.m. That’s more likely if repairs are needed behind the walls.
  

• Equipment setup limits - Some HOAs limit where crews can set up equipment. If your building has no common area, crews may have to cut materials inside your home. In some cases, they set up off the property, which means installers walk farther between the saw and your bathroom.

How Can You Plan Around HOA Rules?

Ask your contractor how they handle HOA communications. Some companies have a team that manages communications so you don’t have to act as a middleman for your HOA and contractor.

HOA rules are only one thing that can delay your project. Next, read our article on other factors that can affect your remodel timeline.

For questions about HOA communications with a remodel or general remodeling inquiries, contact Shugarman’s Bath to speak with one of our experts.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.