For homeowners in Colorado Springs, selecting a new exterior paint color often requires more than a trip to the hardware store. In communities governed by homeowners associations, covenants and design guidelines can dictate everything from color palettes to paint finishes, making approval a critical first step before any work begins. According to The Colorado Division of Real Estate's 2024 HOA Information and Resource Center Annual Report, there are 8,362 active common interest community registrations in Colorado, and approximately 2.7 million people—about 46 percent of the state's population—live in such communities. That means nearly half of all Coloradans are subject to HOA rules, including those governing exterior appearance.
The report also highlights the potential for conflict: The Division of Real Estate states that its HOA Center received 3,811 inquiries and complaints from 300 individuals in 2024. Among the complaint categories, improper or selective enforcement of covenants and not following governing documents each appeared 67 times. However, the state office has limited authority; it does not mediate or arbitrate disputes, nor does it investigate or intervene between homeowners and associations. This leaves homeowners to navigate the rules themselves, making it essential to review governing documents before undertaking any exterior project.
Tom Reber, founder of Simplify Painting, a Colorado Springs company serving the area since 2015, sees this issue frequently. "In a lot of the communities we work in, the color question gets answered by the HOA before it gets answered by the homeowner," Reber said. "We'd much rather see the approved palette at the first walkthrough than find out after the first coat is on." Simplify Painting, one of the painting companies colorado springs residents have relied on, emphasizes the importance of obtaining HOA approval before scheduling exterior work. Their exterior painters colorado springs crews coordinate schedules around association approvals to avoid costly repaints.
"My advice to a neighbor is to pull the design guidelines and submit the request before booking a painter," Reber said. "A few weeks of approval time is a lot easier to plan around than repainting a house twice." While exterior projects often require HOA review, interior work typically does not. Homeowners waiting on approval can proceed with colorado springs interior painting in the meantime. Similarly, cabinet painting colorado springs projects can move forward without association interference, allowing homeowners to refresh their kitchens while exterior plans are under review.
The implications for homeowners are clear: understanding HOA covenants is not just a formality but a necessary step to avoid delays, extra costs, and potential disputes. With nearly half of Coloradans living in HOA communities, the need for awareness is widespread. For painting contractors, this means guiding clients through the approval process and adjusting schedules accordingly. Simplify Painting's approach—requesting approved palettes early and offering complimentary estimates—reflects a proactive strategy that could serve as a model for others in the industry. As HOA regulations continue to shape exterior modifications, homeowners and service providers alike must prioritize compliance to ensure projects proceed smoothly.
