A Solution-Based Approach to Design Review

PROBLEM:  IT TAKES TOO LONG
The average elapsed time for Preliminary and Final Plan Approval is 2 to 3 months. Schedules are typically determined by the HOA’s reviewing architect with no written agreement specifying timetables or peformance.

OUR SOLUTION: A pool of architects honoring a written commitment to turn around every set of plans within 10 days of receipt.  The entire Plan Review process is compressed to 6 weeks or less.

PROBLEM:  IT’S ASSUMED TO BE AN HOA EXPENSE
Plan approval and construction compliance are two sides of the same coin. While these services are obligations of the HOA, they are not meant to be, nor should they ever be an HOA expense.

OUR SOLUTION: We collect a single fee from the end-user when preliminary plans are submitted. That fee covers all costs including the reviewing architect, record keeping & correspondence, and monthly compliance inspections until the home is completed. There are no invoices and no additional charges.

PROBLEM:  IT’S NOT A FUNCTION OF HOA MANAGEMENT
The review process for custom home construction is beyond the scope of  standard HOA management agreements. Management is a budgeted HOA expense. If design review becomes a function of management, the HOA is subsidizing the effort.

OUR SOLUTION: Outsource the entire process to an independent value-added service provider who represents the interests of the HOA, but is paid by the end-user. Virtually all HOA Boards have the authority in their governing documents to retain third party professionals.

PROBLEM:  IT’S FRAUGHT WITH LEGAL LIABILITY
Enforcement of architectural standards is the leading cause of D&O Insurance claims against HOA boards and developers. Six Appeals Court Decisions have been handed down on HOA Architectural issues since April 2007, in Arizona alone.   As one case,  a developer’s failure to properly enforce his own design standards was deemed “Construction Fraud” with significant damages awarded.

OUR SOLUTION: Hire a certified, credentialed professional with more than 20 years of experience, who has taken more than 450 custom homes from the plan review stage all the way to Certificate of Occupancy… someone who is able to understand, anticipate and navigate the pit-falls and minefields of the entire process.

Click here to view a comprehensive list of challenges that can derail your design review process.

“Design Review Administrators has saved us uncompensated time with custom home clients and delivers a level of service that is much-needed in the HOA industry. Keep doing the fine job that you’re doing!”
Bill Maguire – Owner, A Different Association Management Company / Tucson, AZ