By: The Trailmark HOA Board and the Design Review Committee
The Board and the DRC frequently hear homeowners use the term “like-for-like” when referring to exterior home improvement projects. Some homeowners express the belief that a “like-for-like” repair or replacement does not require DRC approval, and other homeowners who do submit a request for DRC approval use the phrase “like-for-like” instead of providing sufficient detail about their planned project. The Board and DRC want to set the record straight about “like-for-like” exterior projects.
“Like-for-like” exterior projects do require DRC approval. This is true for three reasons. First, with one minor exception noted below, Trailmark’s DRC Guidelines do not exempt “like-for-like” projects from the approval process. Second, despite the DRC’s and Board’s very best efforts, projects do get completed without approval, and those projects may not be compliant with the DRC Guidelines. Any future repair or replacement of that unapproved project must comply with DRC Guidelines, even if the repair or replacement is a “like-for-like.” And finally, Trailmark’s design guidelines change over time. A project that was compliant many years ago may not be compliant under current guidelines. Therefore, even a “like-for-like” repair or replacement may be denied by the DRC if the applicable guidelines have changed.
Also, the phrase “like-for-like” is not a sufficient replacement for a detailed DRC approval request. Despite our DRC members’ diligence and commitment, they often do not know what the exterior project looks like as-is. Therefore, “like-for-like” does not tell the DRC what the project will look like in the future. Photographs, product brochures, drawings, and other details are required. Knowing that a project is “like-for-like” can be helpful in confirming for the DRC that the physical appearance is not changing, but it is not sufficient by itself for DRC approval.
Homeowners will see the phrase “like-for-like” used in the DRC’s Routine Home Maintenance/Repairs guideline. This guideline describes a finite number of very small routine maintenance and repair projects that do not require DRC approval. Any exterior home improvement project not on this list, however, requires DRC approval, even if it is “like-for-like.”
You can find the Trailmark Design Guidelines here, and you can submit a digital improvement request form here.
Homeowners with questions about any aspect of the DRC approval process should contact Westwind Management Company.