What can the association do if I install hardwood floors when I’m not allowed to?
I am going to be moving in to my new condo in a 6 story building. They don’t allow hardwood floors, only carpet and tiles. What can they do if I do install hardwood floors? I saw a unit in my building on a higher floor that was for sale which had hardwood floors. They can’t make me remove it, can they? Wouldn’t I just have to pay some sort of fee if they found out? This is in Illinois by the way.
Rules are instated for a reason. What stops you from asking for a waiver? Or, if you talk to the Property Manager/ HOA – you might learn the purpose of the rule. The point is that it’s the Spirit of the Law that dictates what can and can’t be allowed. Boundaries and limitations are laid down to
protect and keep peace. If the objection is about noise, and you live on the bottom flat, perhaps the
"rule" need not pertain to you. If the purpose is safety (as in fire) there may be a laminate or other material you would be allowed to install. If you are upfront and congenial, most people are willing to work with you. If the authorities are resistant when you ask – think how much more miffed they would be (and vengeful) if you do it without permission. It is ALWAYS to your advantage to take the high road..
yes they can make you remove it or remove it themselves,particularly as you are aware of the restriction.
If they remove it you will be billed for te removal cost
Wood floors are not a joy to your neighbor below you.
References :
made the guy above do it
The unit that’s for sale with the hardwood floors may be an indication of what the association will do – make you move. I’m sure the seller will have to have it replaced upon the sale. It may, in fact, be in litigation. If you want hardwood floors, perhaps you should consider another condo community. Remember John Mellencamp’s song – "I fight authority, & authority always wins"??? You might think that the governance of the condo laws is ridiculous (& sometimes they are), but if that’s what you get, that’s what you get…it is what it is.
References :
Interior Designer
Rules are instated for a reason. What stops you from asking for a waiver? Or, if you talk to the Property Manager/ HOA – you might learn the purpose of the rule. The point is that it’s the Spirit of the Law that dictates what can and can’t be allowed. Boundaries and limitations are laid down to
protect and keep peace. If the objection is about noise, and you live on the bottom flat, perhaps the
"rule" need not pertain to you. If the purpose is safety (as in fire) there may be a laminate or other material you would be allowed to install. If you are upfront and congenial, most people are willing to work with you. If the authorities are resistant when you ask – think how much more miffed they would be (and vengeful) if you do it without permission. It is ALWAYS to your advantage to take the high road..
References :
They can make you remove it or pay the costs associated with hiring a company to do the removal. The big reason that they don’t allow them in certain buildings is the complaints from neighbors below you. I think more than likely it would not come to the point of this happening, but it could if the neighbor below you complains about noise. A good option in high rise condos is stained concrete. It is very durable and it looks like marble.
References :
Hardwood Flooring Contractor
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota
http://www.rhodeshardwoodflooring.com
http://www.hardwoodfloorminnesota.com