You are ready to tackle the exterior your house. You've been watching some DIY shows, reading through home and garden magazines and creating virtual bulletin boards of all the things you'd love to do to the outside of your home. You know what you want and you've got the budget to do it. But there may be a catch and that catch may just be your Homeowner Association. Sure, they keep the neighborhood looking nice. No one is allowed to let their lawn die or park 5 cars in the street or put a chain link fence around their yard. But chances are there is also a list of rules for home improvements. There are some things they may not allow. Many HOAs have strict guidelines and you might be surprised at what some of them include.

Paint Color

If you have dreams of a bright yellow house, you may have to rethink that dream. Your HOA may well have a list of pre-approved colors you can choose from, and not just for the main part of your home either. The HOA may also have a list of approved trim colors. Beyond that, some HOAs will have approved combinations of base and trim paint in an effort to ensure a uniform look throughout the community. It's best to check your rules and regulations to see if such a list exists. 

Enhancements

Were you considering adding some outside shutters? Maybe some masonry? Better double check with the HOA. Even something as simple as running some extra concrete around your home can be a no-no with the HOA. And most any improvement you wish to do needs to go to the Homeowner Association board for approval. If what you are imagining isn't even within the guidelines of the HOA, then you will likely be struck down. Be sure to read up on what is, and is not, allowed.

Play Structures

You probably aren't planning on sticking your kids' play structure in the front yard, but even in the backyard, you may need to get HOA approval. Why? It probably sticks up above the fence line, making it visible to the entire neighborhood. So while you may feel you are improving the enjoyment in your yard, the HOA may feel you are ruining other people's aesthetic enjoyment of the community. 

Plants and Trees

Yes, your HOA will probably allow plants and trees, but there may be lists of approved plants and trees. That's right. There may be a foliage file you are required to stick to. So before you go planting a Japanese Maple in your front yard, make sure it's on the list, or you'll just end up digging it back out.

Garden Decor

You may think a few pink flamingos are amusing. Your HOA may not. Typically, tasteful garden decor, like decorative rock, small statues or garden flags, are fine by HOAs. However, if you put up anything the HOA or one of your complaining neighbors considers an eyesore, be prepared to take it down. 

House Numbers

You may have imagined some fun or funky house numbers in place of standard issue light-box with black numbers on them, but your HOA may have other ideas. While it's true the light-box number make it easy for emergency services to find your home, your HOA may also point out that uniformity makes a neighborhood attractive and that new house numbers break that carefully created mold.

The bottom line is that HOAs can keep your neighborhood looking very tidy and orderly, but may not allow for much individuality. Before you run out and spend your money, make sure your improvements will pass muster with your HOA or you are going to spend your time, and more money, undoing all your hard work.