To keep Ledgemere's buildings uniform and watertight, most changes to the outside of a home need written approval from the Board of Governors before any work begins. This includes both new installations and replacements.
How the process works
- Pick the right form below and fill it out completely. Include make, model, color and photos where the form asks for them.
- Gather your contractor's paperwork. Most projects need a licensed installer, and their insurance certificate must name the association as an additional insured (see below).
- Pay any fee listed on the form ($35 per garage door, door or window).
- Submit everything as an "Architectural Modification" request on the Resident Portal.
- Wait for written approval. The Board may ask to meet with you and the site superintendent about placement. It may approve, add conditions, or deny a request it finds unsightly or incompatible.
- Do the work, following the approved specs and any required Town building permits.
- Final inspection is done by the Board, the managing agent or the site superintendent.
Your account must be current on fees, fines and assessments before you submit a request. Don't start work before you have written approval.
Contractor insurance requirements
Unless a form says otherwise, installers must carry:
- Workers' compensation insurance, and
- General liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.
The certificate of insurance must list as additional insured:
Ledgemere Country Condominium Association
c/o FirstService Residential
3000 Davenport Ave, Suite 201
Canton, MA 02021
c/o FirstService Residential
3000 Davenport Ave, Suite 201
Canton, MA 02021
Submit a copy of the installer's license and insurance certificate with your form.
Things to know before you start
- The owner pays all costs, including any damage caused by the work, now and in the future, along with later owners of the unit.
- Upgraded areas remain common areas. The owner is responsible for any building damage or air or water leaks caused by the installation.
- If an installation becomes unsightly or stops working, the Board may require the owner to remove it and restore the area.
- Owners may not paint garage doors, entry doors, storm doors or windows themselves. The association paints them on its rotating schedule, which is what the $35 fees cover. The fee is waived if your building is scheduled for painting later in the same year. Ask management for the painting schedule.
- Replacing glass only, in an existing window frame, does not need a request.
- Interior changes such as kitchens, flooring and bathrooms don't need Board approval. You must still protect the building's structure and integrity and follow the community rules. Structural changes always need approval.
- EV chargers inside your own garage don't need approval. Any charger on the common elements, such as an exterior wall or near a parking space, does.
Forms and key requirements
Windows & Skylights
- Must match the existing size and style. No style changes (for example, no switching to awning or casement).
- Non-wood (aluminum or vinyl exterior) with a nailing flange all around.
- Exterior color Aztec Bronze or similar to the existing color.
- A Town building permit is required. The installer gets it, and a copy goes with your request.
- The installer must follow the flashing and trim specs on the form, and sign the contractor page.
- Fee: $35 per window.
Entry, Storm & Sliding Doors
- Must match the existing size and style unless the Board approves otherwise.
- Entry doors must be full-light (full glass).
- Pre-painted storm doors and door trim must be Aztec Bronze or similar on the exterior.
- Licensed installer, built to Town and State code.
- Submit make, model, color, and photos or an invoice.
- Fee: $35 per door.
Garage Doors
- Must match the existing size and style: flat, no paneling, no windows.
- Licensed professional installer.
- Submit make, model and photos.
- Doors are painted by the association, never by the owner.
- Fee: $35 (waived if your building is being painted later that year).
HVAC & Central Air
- Covers AC condensers, heat pumps and similar units, plus any holes or vents through exterior walls.
- Licensed installer.
- Describe the location of the units and any wall penetrations.
- The Board may ask for a placement meeting first.
EV Charging Stations
- Required for any charger on the common elements, such as an exterior wall or near a parking space. Chargers inside your own garage don't need approval.
- Must be installed by a licensed electrician, to Town and State code.
- An interior shut-off switch or breaker is required.
- Submit copies of permits.
- Call Dig Safe (811) before any trenching.
- The Board may ask for a placement meeting.
Security Cameras
- The owner or a professional may install. A professional must carry the required insurance.
- Location and mounting must be approved and reviewed with the site superintendent.
- The camera's view must stay within your unit's own limited common area, to protect neighbors' privacy.
- Describe whether it's wired or wireless, and any holes drilled.
Deck Gates
- Licensed installer, built to code, with any required permits.
- Pressure-treated wood. Frame at least 3" wide from 5/4 stock. Spindles 1½" wide from 5/4 stock, screwed on, no more than 4" apart.
- Galvanized hinges at least 3½" tall, and a galvanized self-locking latch.
- Corners half-lapped, with screws and exterior glue.
- The owner may be billed for the first painting.
Dumpsters & Storage Pods
- Give management the dumpster or pod company's insurance certificate.
- Your own exclusive-use parking space is strongly preferred. Never block fire lanes or neighbors' driveways and garages.
- Put wooden blocks underneath to protect the pavement.
- 72-hour limit unless you have good cause.
General Building & Landscaping
- For any other change to a building exterior, the common areas or the landscaping, such as paths, retaining walls, raised beds, lighting, or plantings outside the area straight out from your unit's walls (up to 25 feet).
- Describe the work and who will do it. The Board may require a licensed installer.
- See Landscaping & Gardens for what you can plant without approval.
Other rules about exteriors
- Window air conditioners and fans that don't stick out past the window frame don't need approval.
- Satellite dishes (up to 1 meter) may go only within your own deck or patio area. See Living at Ledgemere.
- No awnings, shutters, signs, or deck enclosures.
Forms adopted August 2024. The Board may update its standards from time to time. If you have questions about a project, submit them through the Resident Portal before you hire a contractor.