Screened Porch on Townhouse Deck

[msque]

Has anyone submitted a request to the modifications committee for a screened porch on a townhouse deck? If so, what was the outcome? I have seen this in other communities, but I have not seen it in the Broadlands?

[mmalocu]

no i haven't seen one either and i'm interesting in doing that myself. please post if you find out anything about a screened porch. thanks

michelle malocu

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by mmalocu

no i haven't seen one either and i'm interesting in doing that myself. please post if you find out anything about a screened porch. thanks

michelle malocu


None have been authorized to date.

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[boomertsfx]

i've seen a few along ashburn rd near the school and they look great. Wonder why our HOA doesn't like it...

[hornerjo]

Do they not like it? Have any even been submitted? I've never heard of any.

---------------
Got Broadband?

[boomertsfx]

I assumed neilz meant that some were applied for, but not authorized.

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by boomertsfx

I assumed neilz meant that some were applied for, but not authorized.



exactly

Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[msque]

Thanks all. I applied for one and it was denied: "additions/alterations to attached housing shall be limited to the options available in accordance with approved project standards established by the builder." I guess that means if the builder didn't offer it, then the HOA will not approved it. I am seriously considering writing to the Board of Directors. I think the HOA is a little to restrictive with modifications. If the HOA denies my request to put a shed in my fenced back yard, then I will write the Board of Directors. Although, I am sure it won't help, but I can try it.

[marielaveau]

Can someone articulate as to why just because it wasn't offered by the builder it is verboten? Just because the builder didn't offer it doesn't mean its a bad idea or will be executed poorly.

[JenCo]

And not only that..just because the builder didn't offer it w/your section of houses, perhaps they will w/the new round of houses.

Case in point: The new townhomes in Southern Walk being built by Van Metre show the option of building an arbor type roof on the deck (not a far cry from screened in). Those townhomes aren't THAT much different (slightly bigger, of course more expensive) than mine. So if they can have that, why can't I?

Besides the builders are so wishy washy w/options (yes, we offer that; oh, I mean no we don't) that it shouldn't matter what they did/didn't offer. They're outta here soon!

[flynnibus]

for comparison to SouthernWalk.. remember its not just 'broadlands' as a whole.. but your section as well. There are look/consistancy type arguements too.

Personally I think these are very bad ideas for townhomes. Building such a large structure would certainly impeed upon your neighbors and their decks or ability to have a deck to their liking.

-Steve

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by flynnibus

for comparison to SouthernWalk.. remember its not just 'broadlands' as a whole.. but your section as well. There are look/consistancy type arguements too.

Personally I think these are very bad ideas for townhomes. Building such a large structure would certainly impeed upon your neighbors and their decks or ability to have a deck to their liking.

-Steve


Steve is exactly correct, each townhouse area has its own rules based on what the builder offers IN THAT SECTION. For instance, the Miller and Smith townhouses along Claiborne, have different options than the Miller and Smith townhouses in southern walk.

There are look and consistancy requirements, take a good look at the back of the townhouses. Each one is staggered about 5 to 10 feet (depending on the section) from the others. If your neighbor builds a large screen porch on his deck, a deck which begins 5 or 10 feet further forward than the end of your sunroom. His screen porch will cover that whole section of your townhouse, and you wouldn't be able to access it for any repairs, etc. That is an impact on your neighbor's property. There is a one foot offset required, but I can't see any carpenter squeezing between that screen porch and the side of the next townhouse to fix anything !!

If you look at the townhouses as mentioned above at Farmwell Hunt, the back of the townhouses are all aligned, no stagger, no impact on the neighbor.


Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[Carol Al-Ajroush]

I'm sympathetic to those who are in a TH and unable to have a screened in deck due to HOA requirements. Can there be any compromise such as a partial screened in deck, ie, not have the entire deck screened in but partially? I wonder if that would make a difference on the part of the HOA? Alternatively, is it possible and permissible to screen in the bottom rather than the deck itself? I've seen TH's which immediately under the deck have sliding doors and an outside patio area. Just thoughts for consideration here...

[flynnibus]

carol.. I guess the best way to answer that is to submit it for review. All of these type decisions are made by a committee reviewing each submission with guidelines.. its a human process, not a checklist.

IMO.. a 'partial' screened in area would be too small to be practical.. and any screened area that isn't screened all the way around is of course pointless :)

The lower level thing is interesting.. but has the same issues.. you are obstructing your neighbor's views and accessibility. Just a different part of their house..

And on Neil's comment.. I still think they impact the neighbor even without stagger. I mean.. now my deck has a MUCH smaller view and 'tunnel' view vs open.

-Steve

[Carol Al-Ajroush]

Steve,

Actually I'm not in a TH but trying to offer some ideas since I can understand how one would like a screened in porch and trying to offer some possible alternatives. Which reminds me, one day while walking through the development I noticed that one single family home rather than having a screened in deck, got one of those tent like structures and had it on their deck giving an illusion of being screened in. Although it did not provide shelter from rain, since it was screened on all sides it would provide shelter from bugs and gave some shelter from the sun shining directly overhead.

[msque]

I do not think that building a screened porch on a townhouse deck impacts neighboring townhouses enough that they should not be allowed; of course, that is not the reason porches are not allowed, but I just don't think the impact is that great. Townhome residents must deal with "community" issues as does any other homeowner.

To a certain degree, how does a screened porch affect a neighboring house any more than a lattice? My neighbor's house sits inward of my house, so my lattices blocks one side of his deck. I believe his neighbor's house on the other side is the same as mine. So, I guess, my neighbor has "tunnel" view. Should lattices be disallowed? If a new community building will block a homeowners view of the sun, do we not allow the building to be built? I guess I do not understand how my building a screened porch on my deck will not allow my neighbor to have a deck built his way.

I am a private person, so a "tunnel" view does not bother me at all.

[GCyr]

I don't live in a TH but have been at THs with decks, so I know that one person's deck usually butts against the other person's deck.

If your neighbor builds a screen porch on his/her deck, how would you be able to build one on yours? That is, how do the nails or screws get attached on the outside of your screened porch if his/her screened porch is in the way? Or, because he/she builds one first, do you have to pass on your desire to build a screened porch?

Maybe that's why they aren't allowed. [?]


quote:Originally posted by msque
I guess I do not understand how my building a screened porch on my deck will not allow my neighbor to have a deck built his way.

[msque]

GCyr,

Thanks for your point; I understand a little better. However, I do not want to get into the mechanics of building a screened porch, mainly because I do not know how to do so.
:-) I can only speak to what I have seen.

I do not think that the decks should touch one another because there is a 1-foot or 2-feet restriction.

I have seen two screened porches right next to one another. I do not know the difficulty of building them. Nor do I know which came first, etc. Nonetheless, it was done.

[GCyr]

I'm not a builder and I don't play one at home, so maybe it can be done.[8D]

quote:Originally posted by msque

GCyr,

Thanks for your point; I understand a little better. However, I do not want to get into the mechanics of building a screened porch, mainly because I do not know how to do so.
:-) I can only speak to what I have seen.

I do not think that the decks should touch one another because there is a 1-foot or 2-feet restriction.

I have seen two screened porches right next to one another. I do not know the difficulty of building them. Nor do I know which came first, etc. Nonetheless, it was done.

[msque]

GCyr,

I definitely appreciate your point of view because just recently I totally overlooked the fact that a builder would need two feet of space [on all sides] in order to build me a shed in my back yard. Knowing that bit of information, the size of the shed would be considerably smaller. Now, I am wondering if it is really worth it. But, that is another request that I have to submit to the Committee.

So, in my quest to renovate my home, I have to keep in mind the amount of space it would take to do the renovation.

[latka]

I think many of these restrictions are excessive. I understand the need to keep the neighborhood attractive but fail to see the harm of a screened porch on a townhouse. Unfortunatly, the ability to buy a home in a good school district without being ruled by an association is darn near impossible without substantial wealth. The American of true home ownership is dead to most.

lyo

[GCyr]

Well, what you think is attractive or for that matter what I think is attractive, may not be attractive to someone else, such as our next door neighbors. Or, maybe you don't see anything wrong in rebuilding your or your buddy's car engine in your driveway for a month or so. No one forced us to live in an HOA community, but when we do, we have rules to follow, rules that we should have been aware of before moving in.

quote:Originally posted by latka

I think many of these restrictions are excessive. I understand the need to keep the neighborhood attractive but fail to see the harm of a screened porch on a townhouse. Unfortunatly, the ability to buy a home in a good school district without being ruled by an association is darn near impossible without substantial wealth. The American of true home ownership is dead to most.

lyo

[sasha_j]

quote:Originally posted by latka

Unfortunatly, the ability to buy a home in a good school district without being ruled by an association is darn near impossible without substantial wealth. The American of true home ownership is dead to most.

With that kind of feeling, I think Sterling Park might be a good option to consider. No HOA and my understanding is that Park View HS is well ranked.

[GCyr]

And, much of the area looks pretty rank with no HOA...:D

quote:Originally posted by sasha_j
With that kind of feeling, I think Sterling Park might be a good option to consider. No HOA and my understanding is that Park View HS is well ranked.

[latka]

quote:Originally posted by sasha_j

quote:Originally posted by latka

Unfortunatly, the ability to buy a home in a good school district without being ruled by an association is darn near impossible without substantial wealth. The American of true home ownership is dead to most.

With that kind of feeling, I think Sterling Park might be a good option to consider. No HOA and my understanding is that Park View HS is well ranked.



Really? Thanks for your advice, I guess if I want to decide how tall the fence should be in my own yard I should try Sterling Park.;)

lyo

[msque]

Having to choose the lesser of two evils, I definitely opt to live in an HOA community. I may have to ask permission (and be denied) to renovate MY house, but at least there is a slim to no chance of me living next to "the Junksters." [:o)] However, I still think that the Broadlands is too restrictive when it comes to home modification.

Sterling Park? Never. [V]

quote:Originally posted by latka

quote:Originally posted by sasha_j

quote:Originally posted by latka

Unfortunatly, the ability to buy a home in a good school district without being ruled by an association is darn near impossible without substantial wealth. The American of true home ownership is dead to most.

With that kind of feeling, I think Sterling Park might be a good option to consider. No HOA and my understanding is that Park View HS is well ranked.



Really? Thanks for your advice, I guess if I want to decide how tall the fence should be in my own yard I should try Sterling Park.;)

lyo

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by msque

Having to choose the lesser of two evils, I definitely opt to live in an HOA community. I may have to ask permission (and be denied) to renovate MY house, but at least there is a slim to no chance of me living next to "the Junksters." [:o)] However, I still think that the Broadlands is too restrictive when it comes to home modification.




Actually, we're on a par (if not more liberal) than Ashburn Farm in many areas.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[Zansu]

Whenever they seem too restrictive, I just think of that electric blue house with the hot pink shutters and purple trim on Muncaster Mill Rd near where I used to live in Montgomery county. restrictions can be a pain, but when you put this many people from such diverse backgrounds and cultures in this close a proximity, a set of rules can REALLY help keep the peace. We can all complain about the HOA together, instead of fighting our neighbors.

[msque]

quote:Originally posted by Zansu

Whenever they seem too restrictive, I just think of that electric blue house with the hot pink shutters and purple trim on Muncaster Mill Rd near where I used to live in Montgomery county. restrictions can be a pain, but when you put this many people from such diverse backgrounds and cultures in this close a proximity, a set of rules can REALLY help keep the peace. We can all complain about the HOA together, instead of fighting our neighbors.


I'll toast to that: complain about HOA instead of fighting the neighbors! "Electric blue house with hot pink shutters?" Oh, my! [:0]

[latka]

Yes, I agree...restrictions against garish colors are reasonable. That is not the only type restrictions we have. We have numerous pety restrictions that cause our neighborhood to lack character.Yes I know that other neighborhoods have the same over reaching associations and I know I can move to Sterling park if I want freedom. I agreed to move here and I willingly submit to the CCR's but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

lyo

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by latka

Yes, I agree...restrictions against garish colors are reasonable. That is not the only type restrictions we have. We have numerous pety restrictions that cause our neighborhood to lack character.Yes I know that other neighborhoods have the same over reaching associations and I know I can move to Sterling park if I want freedom. I agreed to move here and I willingly submit to the CCR's but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

lyo


If you could explain by what you mean as 'lacking character' ??



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[T8erman]

Probably means "cooker cutter" since alot of the houses look alike and also have similar landscapping. Southern Walk certainly fits this description.

[neilz]

Well ... since they're mostly Van Metre that's probably why. However, it may be because many buyers would rather buy a clone of the model house, including exterior trim, than go with an elevation they can only visualize from drawings.

That said, there are many other ways to make a house be distinctive: landscaping and/or deck treatments. I have to say that my house is one of Van Metre's Parkside models, a Winterset. We didn't do much with the exterior, in fact, we went with the vinyl. However, we live in the interior of the home, and that's where we did some things different.

Two years ago, we were ready to do a backyard treatment, again, we did something that is pleasing to us, but does give the house some distinctive touches.

We have a deck, with a screen room underneath the deck. The room has a regular roof, so all we need to do is add glass to the openings, and we have a three season porch. It has a separate entrance directly into the house that replaced a window that opened into the basement.

Then we added a new stone patio, walk, and stacked stnoe wall to replace a very steep slope. We added a water feature and lights. The backyard in summer looks gorgeous ... and its something you won't see from the front.




Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[Carol Al-Ajroush]

I can definitely say that although I have been inside models which are the same as mine, while they may resemble one another from the outside, all of us (at least the ones I've been in) have done such unique and distinctive decorating and customizing that I've never felt like I'm in a "clone" of my home! Additionally I think with all the landscape options you can pretty much change the exterior as well when you think about it...patios versus decks...small ponds or fountain in the back..gazebo...etc... (okay...soapbox mode off!)

[marielaveau]

I guess for single family homes that is true, unfortunatly with townhomes your choices for customization are very limited (on the exterior). Since this thread was started about a townhome customization, my guess is the frustrations are more about them then the singles.

[latka]

My frustration comes from a strong libertarian streak. The idea that I need to ask permission to put a trampoline or flag pole in my own yard just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry that's just me.

lyo

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by latka

My frustration comes from a strong libertarian streak. The idea that I need to ask permission to put a trampoline or flag pole in my own yard just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry that's just me.

lyo


To ride on that thought .. you didn't ask anyone's permission to buy in the Broadlands. However, once you did, you signed up to abide by the rules of the HOA ... ergo, you did it to yourself.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[neilz]

quote:Originally posted by marielaveau

I guess for single family homes that is true, unfortunatly with townhomes your choices for customization are very limited (on the exterior). Since this thread was started about a townhome customization, my guess is the frustrations are more about them then the singles.


True ... but townhouses can easily be affected (both visually, and in value) by someone not following the rules, as the offender would stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

[latka]

quote:Originally posted by neilz

quote:Originally posted by latka

My frustration comes from a strong libertarian streak. The idea that I need to ask permission to put a trampoline or flag pole in my own yard just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry that's just me.

lyo


To ride on that thought .. you didn't ask anyone's permission to buy in the Broadlands. However, once you did, you signed up to abide by the rules of the HOA ... ergo, you did it to yourself.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999


Which is what I said in an earlier post.

lyo