Hi everyone! I recently bought a condo and was told by my HOA that I need to install internal grids on my replacement sliding glass door. The installer mentioned that these grids could hinder energy efficiency, which has me worried. I specifically chose this condo for the beautiful view from that door, and I really don't want to spend upwards of $10K to block that view with grids. I wasn't aware of this requirement when I purchased the place since I didn't have access to the HOA documents beforehand. What can I do about this situation?
3 Answers
First, check the HOA documents you should have gotten at closing. If they specify that all replacements need grids, unfortunately, you might be stuck with that rule. It's also worth noting that many people feel that internal grids don't significantly affect energy efficiency, but they can definitely change the look of your views, so you might want to gather some opinions from your neighbors about how integral the grids really are to maintaining property value. You might find there’s some flexibility in how the rules are enforced.
You might also want to explore temporary solutions, like peel-and-stick grid kits available online for about $20. They could be a good way to appease the HOA while you figure out your next steps. Just remember, pushing back against HOA rules can be tough, so weigh your options carefully!
If your HOA's rules are as strict as they seem, you may want to consider getting involved in the HOA meetings or even run for a board position. Change often happens from the inside out, and if enough homeowners come together, you could propose a change to this grid requirement. Also, talking to neighbors might reveal that others feel the same way or don't have grids, which would strengthen your case.