Architectural Guidelines

APPROVAL

• If the requested new work is “already existing”, the Architectural Committee Chairperson can approve.
• All other requests will be discussed by the Architectural Committee after application is submitted.
• All change specifications should accompany the application request.
• Committee will decide by a majority vote and will pass the decision along to the full Board with recommendations to approve or not.

COMPLIANCE REVIEW

• The Compliance Committee will conduct semi-annual “walks” of the Talcott Woods property, reviewing all exteriors and exterior property for compliance with Association By-Laws, Protective Covenants, Architectural Guidelines and the Compliance Plan (all available for viewing on the website).
• Walks will include visual inspection of: exterior siding, gutters & downspouts, front/side/garage doors, roof shingles, solar panels, driveways, decks, windows, trim, fascias, and front/back/side yards.
• The Committee will send emails to homeowners semi-annually to notify specific homeowners if there is a “perceived” need for repair, replacement, re-painting, re-staining or removal of anything considered “on the exterior”.
• Homes purchased with “already-existing” non-compliance issues will have to be rectified and Board-approved within 24 months of purchase date.
• Compliance violations could result in the suspension of Association services to the property and/or monthly fines to the homeowner until the issue is resolved.

SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

Fascias, Window & All Door Trim

• Should be painted to match the color of the exterior siding.
• Requests can be made to paint with an approved accent color.

Decks

• Should be painted on all sides to match the color of the exterior siding.
• Wood or Trex are approved construction materials.
• Metal and redwood decks are not approved.
• Non-wood and non-Trex rails, posts, and balusters must be pre-approved by the Architectural Committee.

Gutters & Downspouts

• Should be painted to match the color of the exterior siding. Metal primer may be necessary.
• Requests can be made to paint with an approved accent color.

Doors

• Garage door replacement requires pre-approval by the Architectural Committee.
• Garage door trim may be painted in an approved accent color.

Window/Trim Replacement

• Although most window factory-installed trim is typically either dark brown or white, there are variations; all window replacements need Committee pre-approval with specifications submitted in advance.

Roof Shingles

• Replacement should be either brownish-red or gray, and in all cases, must be pre-approved by the Committee for shape and color.
• When being replaced, algae resistant shingles are suggested to avoid future mold and discoloration.
• All solar shingle replacement must be pre-approved by the Committee.

Stucco Foundations

• Painting of the foundation is currently not required, however, if the homeowner chooses to do so, it is recommended that the color should match the color of the exterior siding or be done in Maritime White.
• At a minimum, foundations should be kept clean and mold-free in order to present a “clean condition” to the Community.

Oil Tank Replacement

In the event that the oil tank is going to be replaced outside & above-ground, the following is required:

• Oil tank should not be readily visible from the street
• Consideration should be given to neighbors’ sight-lines on both sides relative to placement of new tank
• New tank must be screened off by lattice, fencing or evergreens
• New tank should be painted to match the siding exterior where possible

EXTERIOR PAINTING/STAINING

• We recommend Benjamin Moore Exterior Siding Paint and/or Cabot Solid Color Exterior Stain.
• Talcott’s approved color palette samples can be obtained by contacting the Architectural Committee Chairperson.
• Sample color palette boards are also available upon request by emailing: talcottwoods@live.com
• “Exact” color re-painting/re-staining doesn’t require any Committee approval, however the homeowner should email the Board of the intention to do so.

Approved color palettes:*

*HOMES MAY HAVE ONE SIDING COLOR ONLY AND ONE ACCESSORY ACCENT COLOR ONLY.

SIDING “SUGGESTIONS

• Benjamin Obdyke Cedar Breather can be used in between cedar siding and exterior sheeting to provide a space for continuous airflow.
• “Back priming” is also recommend to prevent early rotting.