What is the ability of the owner to make exterior changes?
It is imperative that owners, prior to purchase, have a clear understanding of what they have purchased. In the case of condominiums, buyers typically purchase and are responsible for what is inside of the four walls. In a condominium community or townhome (or planned) community, the general common area consists of all property, land, buildings and amenities that are owned by all of the members of the Association (either directly or as members of the Association), including parking lots, greenbelts, driveways and recreational amenities. The general common area may not be divided and no person may attempt to partition or separate it from the ownership of a unit in the community. The limited common area, the exterior area appurtenant to a unit, is also typically owned by all members of the Association or the Association itself, but is reserved for use by fewer than all owners. Examples are carports, attic and backyard/patio areas. This fenced-in back yard/patio of each unit may belong to
