Why covenants come into a water damage repair
Highlands Ranch is a covenant-controlled community. The Highlands Ranch Community Association administers community-wide design guidelines, and many neighborhoods have their own sub-association with additional rules. Exterior changes such as new siding colors, different window styles, roof material changes or added drainage features commonly require architectural review before work starts.
Water damage repairs that restore exactly what was there may or may not need approval, depending on the rules that apply to your neighborhood. Anything that changes appearance, such as a new window style, a different downspout routing, a regraded side yard or a new window well cover, is more likely to need review. Ask before assuming.
Does this repair likely need review?
This is general guidance only. Your association's current guidelines decide.
- IfEmergency tarp on a roof or boarding a broken windowThenDo it now for safety and protection; notify the association afterward if the rules ask for it.
- IfReplacing siding or trim in the same material and colorThenOften treated as maintenance, but confirm, especially if the original product is discontinued.
- IfChanging window type, color or grid patternThenLikely needs approval before ordering windows.
- IfAdding or relocating downspouts, drains or regradingThenAsk; drainage changes can affect neighbors and may also involve the county.
- IfRepairs to a shared wall or roof in an attached homeThenCheck which association maintains which parts before hiring anyone.
Keeping approval from slowing the repair
- Protect first.Temporary measures to stop more water from entering are rarely an issue. Photograph them.
- Get the current guidelines.Ask the community association and any sub-association for the rules and the application form that apply to your address.
- Submit early with photos.Include photos of the damage, a description of the repair and product specifications.
- Share the timeline with your adjuster.If approval affects when repairs can happen, the adjuster should know, especially if temporary housing is involved.
- Keep the approval letter.File it with your claim records and future sale documents.
Who decides what
- Design and appearance
- Community association and any sub-association
- Building permits
- Douglas County Building Division for unincorporated Highlands Ranch
- Coverage
- Your insurer, under your policy
- Shared structures
- Your townhome or paired-home association documents
Common questions
- Will the insurer pay for a design change the association requires?
- Policies generally pay to restore what was damaged, and some include limited coverage for building code upgrades. Association design requirements are a separate matter. Ask your adjuster before ordering materials that differ from the originals.
General information for Highlands Ranch, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.