3 minute read
From Your Architectural Liaison
By Diane Botica SRCA Architectural Liaison
What’s in? What’s out?
I’m sure you are seeing some changes happening around your community. There are a lot of people making improvements to their homes right now. Due to the amount of time we’re spending at home these days not traveling AND being at home looking at that yard, those walls, the lack of private space for you in the house are just a few reasons that so much construction activity is taking place. Don’t forget the homes are 30+ years old and a little facelift might be a nice thing to completely change your environment.
What’s the trend you ask? Light bright houses with dark trim (only allowed if you have wood trim under your roof eaves and if allowed in your community color palettes) is very popular. Tie that together with dark window frames (if it is allowed in your community) and dark light fixtures and you have completion. Don’t forget this requires approval before you start.
Dress up your home with pavers instead of concrete walkways and driveways. Using pavers with colors that compliment your home and work with the style of your home is a win - win. Don’t forget this requires approval before you start.
How can I open up the back of my house to the garden? Accordion doors, multi-fold doors, folding doors… there are many ways to describe these gorgeous doors the open up your living space to the beautiful blue sky. Don’t forget this requires approval before you start.
Many people are closing in their covered patios these days and claiming that space for more indoor living area. How does one do that? Well, it’s the same way some are bringing the outside in. You can add the same wall of sliding doors to serve the purpose of closing in the covered patio and still open up the house to the outside. Don’t forget this requires approval before you start.
Landscaping is a tough topic as it’s very individual. Some people are opting for a combination green space and Xeriscape. Xeriscape is a landscaped area done in a style which requires little or no irrigation. Yes, we do live in the desert and water is a commodity. For this reason, you will see many municipalities embracing this style as we have to think toward the future in the desert. If you work with a landscaper and draw out your plans, you can complete a full Xeriscape or combination look beautifully. It takes some planning, but it is worth it. Don’t forget this requires approval before you start.
Remember, I am here as your liaison to work with you and answer any questions you might have. Why did I repeat myself to remind you to apply before starting your project, I want to save you a minimum of a $250 fine being assessed to your account.
Lake Dredging on Lake Serena
Back in February and March, you may have noticed dredging on Lake Serena.
Arrowhead Environmental, LLC was hired to dredge sections of the lake cove area to remove some of the sedimentation build up in the areas where we receive significant run off during storms. The sedimentation was removed through a dredge barge and syphoned to a collection bag located in the wash area. The bags are designed to allow the water to drain back into the lake just leaving the sludge which was then hauled off. The entire process typically takes about 4 – 6 weeks.
