The HOA Perspectives Common Areas look book offers streamlined amenity guidelines for development teams managing project creation, design and implementation. Review this book prior to the design phase of a community as well as during construction. Rely on your division’s HOA manager to answer questions and provide input during the process.
Common Areas HOA PERSPECTIVES
Carillon Manor, Texas
Forestar develops places people are proud to call home . Forestar implements amenities that attract homebuyers to communities nationwide. From a classic pool to a visually stunning butterfly garden, this land development company ensures amenities are engaging and pristine. The HOA Perspectives Common Areas look book offers streamlined amenity guidelines for development teams managing project creation, design and implementation. Review this book prior to the design phase of a community as well as during construction. Rely on your division’s HOA manager to answer questions and provide input during the process.
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Plants screen a chain link fence surrounding a lift station. The colors draw the eye. Landscape Design
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Access plant hardiness interactive zone map at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
Strive to establish value-based maintenance through:
• Plant material consistency during each project phase • Thoughtful use of native grass areas • Thoughtful use of plant hardiness zones • Deer-tolerant plantings
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Drip indicators and tree bubblers support proper watering and ease of repairs.
Irrigation
All sod requires irrigation.
Installation diagrams, warranty and manufacture information are provided to the HOA at turnover.
5 Spray-to-spray coverage supports green grass throughout.
The Canopies New Caney, Texas
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Fountains and Ponds Fountains and aerators of wet ponds support water movement and lower the number of mosquitoes and pests. Fountains should winterize easily.
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Storm Water Ponds • Ponds should be landscaped appropriately with plant materials around the perimeter of the fence. • Long-term maintenance of the pond (de-mucking) should be budgeted and planned. • Ease of access to the pond should be considered. • Ponds should be enclosed with fencing and locks added to the fence gate. Removal of erosion and sediment control BMPs in a timely manner supports drive-through views and lessens resident complaints. 8
• Lit monuments, whether through uplighting or backlighting monument letters, support ease of finding the community at night. • Monument lighting needs to be installed in pine straw, not in the sod. • GFCI plugs support seasonal décor displays. Walls, Monuments and Fencing
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Secondary entrances may have a smaller column or monument.
Statham, Georgia
Painted and sealed monument lettering prevents rusting, corroding and bleeding on the monument walls, unless intentional as a design feature.
Lawrenceville, Georgia
• Walls and fences look best when consistently stained or painted, and have little to no warping or cracking. • Common stain/paint brands and colors make for easier future maintenance. • Continuing the same fence style throughout the project is recommended.
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Mail Kiosks
• Mail kiosks should be covered and provide auto dusk/dawn lighting. • Kiosks should be accessible from all sides for safety. • The design should match the
aesthetic of the clubhouse and other amenity features in all phases.
• Add mailbox mapping and addresses for the HOA.
Hardscape Striping is best done after construction work is completed so it looks new at transfer.
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Water Oak Estates Lawrenceville, Georgia Archers Mill Ormond Beach, Florida
Clubhouses and Cabanas • Paint schemes should be similar to the community home schemes . Color information will be provided to the HOA. • Doors should be locked and secured by access control , preferably Brivo. • No fireplaces. • Microwaves should be installed under the counter, not on the counter. • Add screens to windows if possible.
• Restrooms need heat . Add ventilation if there is no AC. • Exterior fans and porch lights should be on timers. • Gutters are needed but not required. • HVAC should be in a discrete location , not in the pool area. • No landscaping inside the pool deck. • Outdoor drinking fountains need winterization access. • Equipment warranty information must be provided to the HOA.
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• All lights and fans should have a motion sensor or be on a timer in all common areas, especially in restrooms. • Custodian closets are necessary in restrooms for the cleaning staff. Ensure floor-level sinks with drains are installed to assist with washing mops. Include plungers and stall trash cans. Restrooms
• Floor drains are required in restrooms. • Don’t forget the signage. • More stalls = happier residents. At least two per gender is preferred. • Provide adequate ventilation in pool restrooms. They tend to get humid and stuffy in the summer.
THINK HANDS FREE
• Auto off/on faucets will prevent water from running unattended. • Auto soap dispensers will prevent spillage on the counters and looks more professional. • Auto hand dryers will reduce purchasing waste and keep the restrooms clean. • Shatter-proof glass in the mirrors is a must.
Dog Parks • Dog stations promote walking and create an active and clean environment. • Schedule services to clean the lawn area, empty trash cans and replenish baggies. • Dog stations, benches, and mailboxes look great when selected site furnishings are consistent over a whole project. • Benches and bonnet-covered trash cans should be mounted/secured. • Double gates are recommended at the entrance to a dog park area. • When possible, provide distance between the playground features and dog park areas. • Signage is important.
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Splash Pad and Pools • All splash equipment should be operated by twist-on timers. • Be mindful of drought restrictions for splash pads and pools.
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Pool Decks
Rosewood Farms Acworth, Georgia
Larger pool decks can increase the bather load. International Swimming Pool and Spa Code states: • Pools with minimum deck area = 15 square feet per user in the shallow area • Pools with deck twice the size of water surface area = 8 square feet per user • Providing shade to residents by adding a porch
on the bathhouse/clubhouse is helpful. • Pool tables should have L-brackets. • Self-closing gates are required.
Water Oak Estates Lawrenceville, Georgia
Pool Maintenance and Equipment • Pools need curing and maintenance (approximately 3 months) until the HOA company assumes responsibility. • Auto fill lines must work at all times. • VGB serial numbers are needed with locations mapped.
• Chemical storage and janitorial supply storage should be separate from pool equipment to avoid equipment corrosion. • Pool equipment in a room supports longer usable life. • A pool equipment room should be well ventilated. • The pool equipment door should have exterior, commercial grade quality and have a ventilated grate.
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Access Systems and Telecommunication
• Amenity centers, clubhouses and pools work best with electronic remote control access systems. Brivo works from all cell phones, reduces key fobs and provides immediate access and shut off. • Gate card access into the pool pump room reduces the need for keys. • For the pool gates, hydraulic closers and Kant Slams work better and last longer than a simple spring load for gates.*
• The KingsIII Red phone is preferred for emergency pool phones.* It prevents confusion for younger children and prevents handsets from being vandalized. • An electric outlet is needed for installation. • Signage noting the location of the pool phone is required.
*Your HOA division manager can help set up this account.
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• Pool furniture gets a lot of wear, tear and movement from residents. Commercial grade furniture is key for longevity. • Identify a storage area for pool furniture. Pool Furniture
Harrington Trails at the Canopies New Caney, Texas
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Avenida Converse, Texas
• Shade benches provide year-round comfort for parents and grandparents. Shade sails are a great option. • Mounted, bonnet-lidded, trash cans provide clean areas. • Benches and picnic tables should always be secured to the ground. • Post playground rules. • Play-safe certified mulch is recommended. • Playgrounds should be fenced, away from streets and from dog parks. • Keeping playgrounds hazard and trash-free make them ready for play. • Consider porter services to maintain trash. • To reduce liability, schedule routine inspections to keep equipment in working order. • No swings are preferred. If swings are chosen, ensure there is adequate fall zone. Playgrounds Fairwater Montgomery, Texas Poplar Preserve Newnan, Georgia
Presswoods Splendora, Texas
Harrington Trails at the Canopies New Caney, Texas
• Courts require fencing and self-closing, locking gates. • The new digital cell phone code system, Brivo, is preferred. • Cabanas and clubhouses should have fob systems. • A punch-coded system is acceptable if no internet for fob systems are available. • Courts require timers for lighting. • Mounted/secured trash cans are recommended. • Signage of court rules is recommended. • If providing tennis courts but no pickleball courts, add additional pickleball lines in alternate colors. • Windscreens are not required. Tennis and Pickleball
Preserve at Dove Creek Statham, Georgia
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• Alternative sports fields should have sitting areas that are shaded for viewing and enjoyment. • Signage explaining the nature of the field and instructions on playing or a QR code is recommended. • Sturdy bocce, horseshoes, and wiffle ball boxes can be secured under the instructional signage with supplies provide by the HOA. Sports Fields
Avenida Converse, Texas
Westland Ranch League City, Texas
Archers Mill Ormond Beach, Florida
Estates at Deer Hollow Grovetown, Georgia
Grand Hollow Huntsville, Alabama
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The Canopies New Caney, Texas
Creative Amenity Options • Wildflower patches are an
• Butterfly gardens with signage create an interesting focal point. • Provide kayak launch signage if a waterfront feature is available to the property. • Adding dog-walk stations to boulevards or long stretches of sidewalk can activate a passive
area and encourage homeowner activity.
affordable way to create a spot of beauty. Use signage and thin ropes to designate the area. Do not mow. Purchase deer- tolerant seed varieties. Water regularly and re-seed three times.
• Dog stations, benches, and mailboxes look great when selected site furnishings are
consistent over a whole project.
Avenida Converse, Texas
The Canopies New Caney, Texas
Ocala Preserve Ocala, Florida
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Independence Loganville, Georgia (Above, Bottom Right)
• If fire pits are installed, build stone seating around it or secure chairs to the ground. • Rock or concrete should be installed below grills. Avoid pine straw or grass. • Add signage that includes rules
for grills, metal canisters to dispose of charcoal. • Park benches, picnic tables, and exterior chairs should be commercial grade. Resin is preferred.
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Carillon Manor, Texas
Consider these creative amenity options: • Sand volleyball
• Frisbee/disc golf baskets • Concrete cornhole boards • Concrete ping pong tables • Commercially installed hammocks • Walking trails • A sloped amenity can become an amphitheater; consider adding stone benches into the side of the hill for seating • Food truck parking - stripe parking spaces wider and add signage
HOA Transfer • Budget for all utilities until the HOA company takes over. • All manuals, warranties and amenity instructions (including HVAC, pool equipment, playgrounds, clubhouse, etc.) must be delivered to the HOA company.
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Avenida Converse, Texas
Spring Hills Brandywine, Maryland
Poplar Preserve Newnan, Georgia
Westland Ranch League City, Texas
Independence Loganville, Georgia
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