If you live in a community with a homeowners association (HOA), you already know how powerful these organizations can be when it comes to maintaining the look and feel of your neighborhood. In Maryland and Virginia, HOAs are particularly common — especially in newer planned communities and luxury developments — and they play a major role in any home renovation or outdoor living project.

From decks and screened porches to outdoor kitchens and pergolas, homeowners often find that getting HOA approval is one of the most time-consuming and confusing parts of the process. At Design Builders, we’ve guided hundreds of homeowners through the maze of HOA submissions, architectural reviews, and design modifications — and we’ve seen firsthand the most common pitfalls that can slow down or derail a project.

Let’s take a closer look at how HOAs work in Maryland and Virginia, and then break down the top five mistakes homeowners make when starting a renovation project in an HOA community.

How HOAs Work in Maryland and Virginia

In both Maryland and Virginia, HOAs are established as private, nonprofit corporations that oversee common areas and enforce neighborhood standards. Their power comes from the community’s governing documents — typically a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) — which homeowners agree to follow when they purchase their property.

These documents often outline everything from fence height and paint colors to the materials you can use for your deck or the design of your screened porch. While the intent is to preserve neighborhood consistency and protect property values, the approval process can feel overly rigid or bureaucratic, particularly when it comes to outdoor construction.

Here’s how it usually works:

1. You submit plans to the HOA’s architectural review board (ARB), often including drawings, materials lists, and color samples.

2. The ARB reviews for compliance with community standards and may request changes.

3. Once HOA approval is granted, you can move on to county permitting and construction.

The catch? Many homeowners underestimate how much detail the HOA requires — and how long the review process can take.

Top 5 HOA Pitfalls for Home Renovations

1. Submitting Incomplete or Vague Plans

One of the biggest delays comes from homeowners submitting plans that don’t include enough information. HOAs typically want to see scaled architectural drawings, color and material samples, elevation views, and even landscaping details.
A quick sketch or contractor’s proposal won’t cut it — and each round of review can take weeks.

Pro Tip: Work with a builder who routinely deals with HOA submissions. At Design Builders, we prepare full architectural drawings and detailed material specs to help streamline approval and minimize back-and-forth.

2. Not Accounting for HOA Review Timelines

Even the most efficient HOAs rarely move quickly. Reviews can take anywhere from two to six weeks — and sometimes longer if the board meets only once a month. This means your “spring project” could easily slip into summer if you don’t start early.

Pro Tip: Begin your design and HOA submission process in the off-season (late fall or winter). That way, you’ll be ready to break ground as soon as weather and approvals align.

3. Ignoring HOA Material or Color Restrictions

HOAs often have strict rules about what materials and colors can be used for exterior features. For instance, composite decking in a certain shade might not be allowed, or your screened porch roof may have to match the home’s shingles exactly.
Homeowners who don’t check these details upfront often have to redesign — which means resubmitting and paying extra fees.

Pro Tip: Ask for the Architectural Guidelines or Design Standards Manual before starting your project. Your builder should review them to ensure all materials meet HOA requirements.

4. Confusing HOA Approval with County Permits

Many homeowners think HOA approval means they’re cleared to build — but that’s not the case. Even after your HOA signs off, you still need building permits from the county or municipality.
In Maryland and Virginia, county building codes are separate from HOA regulations, and both must be satisfied before construction can begin.

Pro Tip: A professional design–build firm like Design Builders handles both HOA and county submissions to ensure compliance on all fronts — saving you time, frustration, and costly revisions.

5. Starting Construction Too Soon

It’s tempting to “get a head start” before final approval, especially when the weather’s perfect and your contractor’s ready. But doing so can lead to serious trouble — including fines, stop-work orders, or even being forced to tear down what you’ve already built.

Pro Tip: Wait for written confirmation of approval from both your HOA and your county permit office before ordering materials or beginning work. The short wait is worth avoiding long-term headaches.

Final Thoughts

HOAs aren’t the enemy — they’re designed to protect your neighborhood’s look and property values. But for homeowners eager to enhance their outdoor living spaces, the process can be challenging. The key to success is preparation: knowing your community’s rules, working with an experienced design–build team, and giving yourself plenty of time for approvals.

At Design Builders, we handle the paperwork, drawings, and communications so you can focus on what matters: creating a beautiful, functional outdoor space that enhances your home and your lifestyle.

If you’re ready to start your deck, porch, or outdoor kitchen project — and you want a team that knows how to navigate the HOA process in Maryland and Virginia — schedule your consultation today.

📞 (301) 875-2781
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