Committees You Can Count On: 8 Must-Haves for All HOAs
From hosting exciting events to balancing the budget and paying vendors on time, HOA board members have a lot on their plates. Leading a community is no small feat, and as part-time volunteers, it can be tough for board members to complete every task—there simply aren’t enough hours in the day!
To divide some of the workload, many establish HOA committees. Comprised of groups of residents, committees help with community aspects that may call for extra oversight and planning. Every community has different needs, rules, and requirements for committees, but here's a list of HOA committees you should consider forming right now.
1. Welcome Committee
The welcome committee oversees the meeting and greeting of new homeowners. Providing a warm introduction, committee members welcome new neighbors by stopping by and saying hello, talking about processes, or even sharing a welcome packet filled with important information, like contact phone numbers, nearby restaurants, and event calendars.
First impressions go a long way, and this committee ensures that HOA life starts with a friendly greeting.
2. Social Committee
It’s true: involved homeowners are happier homeowners. But, with so much to do, planning social events isn’t top-of-mind for board members. That’s where a committee comes in.
Social committees take on organizing, promoting, and hosting events like garage sales, block parties, or summer festivals. Their work creates a positive atmosphere, lifts spirits, and builds enthusiasm about the community lifestyle.
Read more: Need-to-Know Lingo HOA Terms Every Resident Should Know
3. Architectural Review Committee
Most HOAs have architectural standards that state what you can and can’t do to the exterior of your home. Outlining limitations on things like roofing materials, paint colors, pool construction, and yard changes, every homeowner agrees to abide by these rules when purchasing a home with an HOA.
The architectural review committee’s role is to interpret, review, and enforce architectural guidelines. Members collaborate to keep your neighborhood beautiful and protect property values so you can be proud of the place you call home.
4. Landscape Committee
Many homeowners choose to live in an HOA because of the clean and attractive aesthetic. A landscape committee guarantees the community’s grounds are cared for and tended to regularly. Member responsibilities could include upkeep of flower beds, lawns, and trees or finding landscaping vendors.
Maintaining a cohesive landscape is a group effort—and thanks to the landscaping committee, achieving a stunning outdoor space is possible.
5. Contract Review Committee
Whether it’s a management company, landscaper, insurance agent, or construction firm, your HOA probably relies on professional vendors to sustain operations. These vendors have contracts that are often complex and difficult to decipher, so boards may need some support in this arena.
The contract review committee assesses vendor contracts to confirm the association is getting what it paid for and is being charged appropriately. It might also solicit bids, connect with the attorney for guidance, and conduct annual performance reviews. This group knows value when it sees it and finds the best people at the right price.
6. Budget Committee
Overseeing the financial health of an association is a massive undertaking and shouldn’t be a solo endeavor. The budget committee lends a hand to the board treasurer by assisting with financials.
Committee members can develop timelines for key action items, like dues communications, budget approvals, notifications, and ratifications. This committee is usually responsible for obtaining estimates, setting goals, evaluating funds, and resolving other financial concerns, too.
If you’re financially savvy, there might be a spot for you on your community’s budgeting committee.
Read more: Ten Frequently Asked Questions About HOAs
7. Neighborhood Watch Committee
Fostering a safe and secure environment should always be a top priority. Focusing on crime observation and awareness, a neighborhood watch committee may patrol the neighborhood, share safety tips, look out for suspicious activity, and contact the local police department to report any possible crimes.
While the committee isn’t a replacement for law enforcement, having one does make homeowners feel safer. In fact, the National Institute of Justice estimates that the presence of a neighborhood watch committee can reduce crime by up to 16%.
8. Homeowner Education Committee
Your HOA experience will be more rewarding when you understand your community, the industry, and your role as a homeowner. The homeowner education committee offers a way for you to get informed.
This group could organize orientations, quarterly informational meetings, or other instructive sessions to help residents become well-versed in the lingo and the ins and outs of HOAs. Knowledge is power, and an educated community can go further with the help of a homeowner education committee.
Leverage Our List of HOA Committees for a Thriving Community
As you can see from our list of HOA committees, managing an HOA is a demanding task for part-time volunteers. To streamline responsibilities, forming committees is crucial. From welcoming new residents to organizing events, enforcing architectural standards, maintaining landscapes, reviewing contracts, overseeing budgets, ensuring security, and promoting homeowner education, these committees play a pivotal role. Their collaborative efforts enhance community cohesion, property values, and resident engagement, making the HOA a more welcoming and enjoyable place to live.