When it comes to making changes to your living space, there are two types of agreements that you may encounter: alteration agreements and decorating agreements. While these can sound similar, they actually refer to two very different things. In this article, we`ll explain the differences between the two and what they mean for homeowners.
What is an Alteration Agreement?
An alteration agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions that must be met in order to make significant changes to a property. This could include anything from adding an extension to the house to reconfiguring the layout of a room. Essentially, any changes that would affect the structure or functionality of the property would fall under this category.
One of the primary purposes of an alteration agreement is to protect the property owner and the homeowner`s association (HOA) from any liability issues that may arise from the alteration. For example, if a homeowner wanted to add an outdoor patio and failed to obtain an alteration agreement, they would be liable for any accidents that occurred on the patio.
What is a Decorating Agreement?
A decorating agreement, on the other hand, is a document that outlines the terms and conditions that must be met when making cosmetic changes to a property. These could include things like painting the walls, changing the carpets, or swapping out light fixtures. Essentially, any changes that would not affect the structure or functionality of the property would fall under this category.
While a decorating agreement may seem less serious than an alteration agreement, it`s still an important legal document that should not be ignored. Failing to obtain a decorating agreement could result in fines or other penalties from the HOA.
The Differences Between Alteration and Decorating Agreements
The primary difference between alteration and decorating agreements is the scope of the changes being made. Alteration agreements cover significant changes to a property, while decorating agreements cover more minor cosmetic changes. Additionally, the consequences of failing to obtain these agreements can vary. Failing to obtain an alteration agreement could result in serious liability issues, while failing to obtain a decorating agreement could result in fines or other penalties.
Conclusion
Whether you`re planning on making significant alterations to your property or simply sprucing things up with a fresh coat of paint, it`s important to be aware of the legal requirements for doing so. Depending on the changes you`re making, you may need to obtain an alteration agreement, a decorating agreement, or both. By doing so, you`ll protect yourself and your HOA from any potential liability issues and ensure that your changes are made legally and in compliance with all regulations.