Get HOA Approval for Your Kitchen Remodel
If you live in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), condo association, or co-op board, you may need approval before starting your kitchen remodel. Understanding your HOA's requirements and following their process prevents delays, fines, and potential conflicts with neighbors and management.
Quick Summary
2-6 weeks
$0-500
Condos, Townhomes
Fines, forced removal
Does Your HOA Require Approval?
Not all kitchen remodels require HOA approval. The requirements depend on your community type and the scope of your project.
Single-Family Home HOAs
Most single-family HOAs focus on exterior appearance and don't regulate interior changes. However, there are exceptions:
Usually No Approval Needed
- Interior layout changes
- Cabinet replacement
- Appliance upgrades
- Flooring and countertops
May Require Approval
- Window changes visible from street
- Exterior vent additions
- Additions or bump-outs
- Significant structural changes
Condominiums and Townhomes
Condo and townhome associations typically have stricter requirements because units share walls, floors, ceilings, and building systems.
Common Requirements
- Plumbing changes: Almost always require approval due to shared pipes and potential water damage to neighbors
- Electrical work: Often requires approval, especially if affecting shared circuits or panels
- Flooring replacement: Many condos require specific sound ratings for hard flooring
- HVAC modifications: May affect building systems or require exterior venting
- Wall removal: Requires engineering review to confirm walls aren't structural to the building
Best practice: In condos and townhomes, assume you need approval and verify rather than assume you don't.
Co-ops
Co-op boards typically have the strictest requirements. Because you own shares in the building rather than your unit directly, the board has significant control over modifications.
Important: Most co-ops require approval for nearly any renovation work, and the review process can be extensive. Plan for longer timelines (sometimes 2-3 months) and be prepared to work with the building's designated professionals.
How to Get HOA Approval
Review Your Governing Documents
Start by reading your CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) and any architectural guidelines. These documents outline what requires approval and the process to obtain it.
Where to find them: You should have received these when you purchased your home. If not, request copies from your HOA management company or board.
Contact HOA Management
Reach out to your property management company or board representative before submitting anything. They can tell you exactly what's required for your specific project and may save you time on unnecessary paperwork.
Questions to ask:
- Does my project require architectural review approval?
- What forms and documentation do I need to submit?
- Are there specific contractor or insurance requirements?
- What is the typical review timeline?
- When does the review committee meet?
Prepare Your Application
Complete the required forms and gather all supporting documentation. Common requirements include:
- Project description: Detailed explanation of all work to be performed
- Floor plans: Before and after drawings showing changes
- Contractor information: License, insurance, and contact details
- Project timeline: Start and estimated completion dates
- Material specifications: Flooring sound ratings, appliance details, etc.
- Engineering reports: For structural work or work affecting building systems
Submit Application and Fee
Submit your complete application with any required fee. Some HOAs charge application fees ranging from $50-500, while others have no fee.
Tip: Submit well before your planned start date to account for review time. If your HOA's board meets monthly, time your submission to catch the next meeting.
Wait for Review and Respond to Questions
Your application will be reviewed by the architectural committee or board. They may request additional information or modifications to your plans.
Pro Tip: Respond promptly and professionally to any requests. Being cooperative and flexible increases your chances of quick approval.
Receive Approval and Begin Work
Once approved, you'll receive written confirmation. Keep this with your permit paperwork. Your approval may include conditions such as:
- Work hours restrictions (e.g., 8am-6pm weekdays only)
- Requirements to notify neighbors before noisy work
- Use of specific elevators or entrances for materials
- Deposits for common area protection
Common Reasons for Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)
Understanding why HOAs reject applications helps you submit a complete, approvable request the first time.
Incomplete Application
Missing documents, unsigned forms, or inadequate project descriptions are the most common reasons for rejection.
Solution: Double-check all requirements and include everything requested. When in doubt, provide more information rather than less.
Contractor Doesn't Meet Requirements
Many HOAs require contractors to carry specific insurance minimums (often $1-2 million liability) and valid licenses.
Solution: Verify your contractor meets all HOA requirements before selecting them. Ask for current certificates of insurance naming the HOA as additional insured if required.
Work Affects Building Systems Without Proper Engineering
In condos and townhomes, work affecting shared systems often requires engineering review to ensure building integrity.
Solution: If your project involves structural changes, plumbing modifications, or HVAC work, have an engineer review the plans before submitting to the HOA.
Flooring Doesn't Meet Sound Requirements
Many condos require specific Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) ratings for hard flooring.
Solution: Check your HOA's sound rating requirements before selecting flooring. Include sound ratings in your application along with underlayment specifications.
Project Scope Is Unclear
Vague project descriptions make it difficult for reviewers to assess the impact and approve the work.
Solution: Provide detailed, specific descriptions of all work. Include what's being removed, what's being installed, and how the work will be performed.
Proposed Work Hours Violate Rules
Most HOAs restrict construction hours to minimize disturbance to neighbors.
Solution: Confirm work hour restrictions and ensure your contractor agrees to comply. Include this acknowledgment in your application.
Timeline Expectations
Note: These timelines assume a complete application. Incomplete submissions or requests for additional information can add weeks to the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need HOA approval for a kitchen remodel?
It depends on your HOA's rules and the scope of your project. Many HOAs don't require approval for purely interior changes that don't affect the building's structure or exterior. However, condos and townhomes often require approval for any work affecting shared systems like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC. Always check your CC&Rs and contact your HOA management to confirm.
How long does HOA approval take?
HOA approval typically takes 2-6 weeks, depending on your association's review process. Some HOAs have monthly board meetings where architectural requests are reviewed, meaning timing depends on when you submit relative to the meeting schedule. Others have dedicated architectural review committees that meet more frequently.
What happens if I remodel without HOA approval?
Remodeling without required HOA approval can result in fines, legal action, and being required to undo the work at your expense. HOAs have the legal authority to enforce their rules, and violations can result in daily fines that accumulate until you come into compliance. This can also create problems when you try to sell your home.
Why would an HOA reject a kitchen remodel request?
Common rejection reasons include: work that affects shared building systems without proper engineering, contractors who aren't licensed or insured per HOA requirements, work hours or noise that violate community rules, inadequate plans or documentation, and projects that could affect neighboring units. Most rejections can be resolved by addressing the HOA's specific concerns.