Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Community Policies for Unit Repairs & Reno?

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

> On Jun 1, 2023, at 9:13 AM, Philip Dowds <rpdowds [at] comcast.net> wrote:

> Individual households may occasionally commission private unit repairs and 
> renovations that could have impacts on, and perhaps threaten risks to, 
> adjacent or abutting units, and the commons itself.  Obviously, we all want 
> to allow unit owners to maintain and even alter their units, and do not want 
> to make the repair/renovation process overly complex.  On the other hand, we 
> also want to have adequate protections for the property and interests of 
> abutters and the commons.

We have always had an architectural review policy. Historically the Facilities 
Team has reviewed and approved construction changes. We recently changed it to 
include the Admin Team and if they want to participate, the Community Team. The 
main guidelines have been very simple — plans are reviewed for any changes that 
might affect the structure or adjacent units. There are more paragraphs but 
basically, if you do more than paint the walls, someone should look at it.

Most helpful, as the buildings were constructed two of our founding members 
took videos of each unit before the insulation and wallboard were installed. An 
excellent way to see exactly where the plumbing and fire sprinkler pipes are as 
well as where the wiring is (and where it goes). A new resident had planned to 
install a pocket door in one wall but found that that is where the sprinkler 
pipes are. The construction drawings done before construction was started are 
unreliable.

We recently wrote much more complicated guidelines that I objected to because 
the whole package was 8 pages — intimidating and duplicative more than 
unreasonable. The team decided to just try it out for a while. I’ll send a copy 
to Phil. But 23 years in, we have had recent issues with 1 or 2 residents 
installing new windows without architectural review. Refinishing a deck. 
Replacing exterior light fixtures. Nothing has ever caused a danger but it’s 
scary. And if everyone put in their own exterior lighting fixtures the design 
would start looking iffy.

The primary problem is that people don’t understand the ownership limits in 
condominiums — from the interior wallboard in. Education is what is required.

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org