Planning a Home Project in Hearthstone? Submit Your Architectural Application Before Work Begins
A new roof, a fresh coat of paint, a patio extension or even a landscaping project can make a home feel more personal and better suited to a family’s needs. But for Hearthstone homeowners, there is an important step that should come before the contractor arrives or materials are ordered: architectural approval.
Hearthstone’s governing restrictions require homeowners to receive written approval from the Architectural Control Committee before beginning projects that affect the exterior of a home or property. That includes a wide range of improvements, from painting and remodeling to concrete work, walkways, landscaping and other exterior changes.
The good news is that the process can be handled online through the Inframark homeowner portal at https://home.inframark.com/public, giving Hearthstone residents one central place to submit their application and supporting documents.
When should a Hearthstone homeowner submit an architectural application?
The simplest rule is this: submit the application before the project begins.
Hearthstone’s architectural application states that homeowners considering an improvement or property change that would affect the exterior appearance of their home must submit the request for review before starting the planned work. Homeowners are also instructed not to begin improvements until they receive approval from the Architectural Review Committee.
That makes early planning especially helpful. Homeowners preparing for a roof replacement, exterior painting, fencing, a patio or pergola, driveway work, landscaping, a pool, solar panels, windows or another exterior project should build architectural review into the project timeline rather than treating it as a final step.
Submitting early also gives homeowners time to provide additional information if the committee needs clarification before making a decision.
Where to submit a Hearthstone architectural request
Hearthstone homeowners can submit architectural applications through Inframark’s online homeowner portal.
After logging in at https://home.inframark.com/public, homeowners should open the “Requests” section from the menu on the homeowner dashboard. From there, select “ARC Request.”
The portal also provides access to the Architectural Application PDF for homeowners who have not already completed one. Applicants then enter the requested project information, choose the appropriate “Area of Work,” and upload the completed application along with supporting documents using the file-upload section. Once everything is ready, selecting “Submit Form” sends the application for review.
The online process looks like this:
- Log in to the Inframark homeowner portal.
- Select Requests.
- Choose ARC Request.
- Download and complete the Architectural Application if needed.
- Select the appropriate Area of Work.
- Enter the requested project details.
- Upload the application and all supporting documents.
- Select Submit Form to send the request for review.
What kinds of Hearthstone home projects may need approval?
The range is broader than some homeowners may realize.
Hearthstone architectural materials identify projects including landscaping, French drains, irrigation, doors, gutters, cameras, mailboxes, windows, fences, exterior lighting, paint, roof replacement, generators, solar panels, garage doors, walkways, patio covers, patio extensions, storage buildings, swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, gazebos, pergolas, driveway extensions and room additions, among others.
The community’s summarized restrictions go even further, specifically reminding homeowners that approval is required before beginning projects involving painting, remodeling, concrete, drives, walkways, planting and landscaping.
Because every project is different, homeowners who are unsure whether a planned improvement requires approval are better served by checking before work begins.
A complete application can help prevent delays
One of the most useful things Hearthstone homeowners can do is submit enough detail the first time.
Depending on the project, the Architectural Review Committee may need a lot survey showing where the improvement will be located, dimensions, materials, drawings, photographs, manufacturer information or color samples. Hearthstone’s application specifically calls for color samples for projects involving paint, window or screen tint, roofing materials, brick or siding.
Structures such as patio covers, arbors, gazebos, sheds and room additions may require plan and elevation drawings showing dimensions, height, colors, materials and roofing. Pools and spas require detailed plans and placement information, while fencing applications should identify the proposed height, materials and location.
Incomplete information can slow the process. Hearthstone’s architectural instructions note that applications missing required materials may be returned or delayed until the necessary information is provided.
For homeowners coordinating contractors, deliveries and construction schedules, getting those details together before submitting the request can make the process much easier.
Why architectural approval matters in Hearthstone
Architectural review is more than another box to check before a home improvement project.
The process is intended to help protect individual homeowners’ rights and property values while reviewing proposed improvements for factors such as workmanship, materials, exterior design and placement. Hearthstone’s governing documents give the Architectural Control Committee responsibility for reviewing changes before they are made.
That shared process also matters on a neighborhood level. Homes change over time, families renovate, roofs eventually need replacing and outdoor spaces evolve. Architectural guidelines provide a consistent framework for allowing those changes while helping preserve the established appearance and character homeowners expect in Hearthstone.
There is also a practical reason not to skip the process. Hearthstone’s application warns that if a change is made without approval, the committee may require the homeowner to remove the improvement.
A few minutes spent checking the requirements before signing a construction contract can therefore prevent a much larger headache later.
Before starting that next Hearthstone project
For homeowners thinking about improving their property, the safest order is straightforward: plan the project, gather the details, submit the architectural application, receive written approval and then begin work.
Residents can start through the Inframark homeowner portal at https://home.inframark.com/public.
Home improvements are part of the natural life of any established neighborhood. Taking care of the architectural review first helps Hearthstone homeowners move forward with a clearer understanding of the rules and fewer surprises once the project is underway.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more Hearthstone homeowner information, community reminders and neighborhood updates.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.Do you own a business?
