The POA Code Enforcement Team would like to thank our owners who continue to take pride in keeping the Daniel Island community wide standard in place. During neighborhood inspections, it has been noticed that many owners have been performing home improvement projects and updates, creating a fresh look. It is apparent that many of our owners take great pride in keeping the community standard up. However, there are those who have allowed their upkeep to fall below that standard needing to devote more attention to the exterior maintenance of their home or unit. Below are a few reminders regarding exterior maintenance standards and expectations.
The Daniel Island Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (governing documents) and the Daniel Island ARB Design Guidelines reference that each owner shall maintain the exterior of their home or unit in a manner that it is consistent with the community wide standard. Owner’s responsibilities include maintaining their home or unit, and all structures, parking areas, driveways, walkways, lawns, landscaping, trees, fences, mailboxes, and other exterior features. The owner shall keep and maintain the exterior of and all improvements in a neat, attractive, and safe condition. All exterior elements must be maintained in good condition and not in need of any visible repair. Surfaces which are painted or stained should be well painted or stained and not displaying signs of peeling or missing paint and should be free of any stains, mildew, organic growth, rotten wood, or loose or ill-fitting elements. Windows, screens, and shutters should not be broken, cracked, missing or otherwise in disrepair. Roofs should have no loose or missing shingles. Fences should be in good condition with no rust, missing or faded paint, broken pickets, or in need of repair.
In order to provide some guidelines for our owners, the following community standards are the responsibility of all owners as it relates to exterior maintenance.
Exterior Maintenance Standards
- All owners should routinely assess all facades, driveways, fences, garages, mailboxes, and other exterior elements comprising the home or unit to make sure they are consistent in keeping with the Community-Wide Standard, regardless of whether the unit or property is vacant or occupied.
- Such maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, painting, repairing, replacing and care for roofs, porches/shutters, gutters, down spouts, exterior surfaces, fences, garages, and other exterior elements.
- The exterior shall be maintained in a neat, attractive, and safe condition.
- Pursuit of hobbies or other activities which tend to cause an unclean, unhealthy, untidy, condition to exist outside of enclosed structures on home or unit, including excess clutter or an unsightly condition are not allowed except that which is of a temporary nature and specific to an on-going and active improvement project.
- If there are areas of the home that need attention such as on the façade of home or unit, fence, or garage, inspect for mold, mildew, algae, and dirt and tackle those conditions when you see them. You will quickly be able to determine whether to perform these yourself or enlist the services of a contractor.
- When power washing, pay close attention to how it is performed to lessen the possibility of damage to siding if too much pressure is applied. For those who prefer more ecologically friendly or “green” products, there are commercial products available as well.
- As a reminder, all cleaning products should first be checked for content and Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be adhered to along with using Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety.
- After thoroughly cleaning the home, fence, and garage, should you determine that repainting is necessary, mildew resistant paints should be used. These include exterior enamels or paints containing a Mildewcide. Stained or naturally weathered wood siding can be protected by use of a water-repellent finish.
The governing documents do address what happens should an owner fail to properly perform their maintenance responsibility. The Association may perform such maintenance responsibilities and assess all costs incurred by the Association against the Unit and the Owner. The Association shall afford the Owner reasonable notice and an opportunity to cure the problem prior to entry, except when entry is required due to an emergency situation. Entry by the Association or its designee shall not constitute a trespass.
If you wish to re-paint your home or fence or make landscape or structural modifications, these must be approved by the DI ARB before beginning the work. Please click the links below to view the Modification Application Form and Exterior Colors and Materials Review Form to submit for changes.
- https://dicommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DI-ARB-Modification-Application-2019-REVISIONS.pdf
- https://dicommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/New-Construction-Exterior-Color-and-Materials-Review-Form-2017.pdf
By performing regular exterior home inspections and addressing problems quickly, you will preserve the desired look and property value of your home for many years to come.
