October - December 2008
It's been a busy summer! Many of you took advantage of the warm weather to replace fences, repair woodwork, put in new windows, or paint. So far, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has processed almost 120 applications this year. In general, the community is looking pretty good, no doubt contributing to the fact that Daventry remains one of the better re-sale markets in Fairfax County.
New Members: We have two new representatives on the ARC: Mr. Tom Conaway joins his wife Karen in representing Neighborhood II (Belleflower, Mallow, Camus, Spring Beauty, and Vervain), and Mr. Gary Gurnicz has replaced Mr. Felix Gonzales in Neighborhood V (Asterella). Their contact information is at the right, and I encourage you to make good use of their talents. We still need volunteers in Neighborhood I (Earthstar and Gromwell), Neighborhood V (Rockledge Ct.) and Neighborhood VII (Ramblewood).
Home Fair: We spoke with many homeowners this summer on ways that we can improve the processes, documentation, and consistency of the ARC in monitoring and enforcing the Architectural Rules in Daventry. We thank all of you for your input, and accept the challenge to make the ARC a greater resource for all. We continue to work to improve our responsiveness to your requests and our ability to collaborate with all our fellow homeowners on projects and issues. Over the winter, we will examine the possibility of sponsoring a "Home Fair" at the Community Center in the early Spring, featuring ARC members and other experts on home improvements and maintenance. Additionally, while we cannot endorse any individual contractor, we have access to an extensive database of accredited and screened bidders for a wide variety of work. If we can help match your project needs to providers of those services, you need only ask.
Fence Survey: A survey of fences throughout all of Daventry has been completed, and we will shortly send out letters to those homeowners whose fences need cleaning, repairs, or possible replacement. Fences are not cheap, so we want you to have enough time to consider what needs to be done and plan for the work. Cleaning can be done any time the weather is good, and so can many repairs, but putting in a new fence takes time, planning, and good weather.
Get Ready for Winter: As Autumn settles in, it's time to make sure our homes are ready for Winter. It may already be too late in the year to repaint, but if you have exposed wood that is beginning to peel or flake, that process will accelerate during the cold months. Damaged or crumbling concrete stoops and sidewalks also deteriorate quickly in colder weather. Take a good look around your house and be sure you are aware of any spots that may need attention in the Spring. Paints, capping, and seals that are beginning to fail, and then endure another Winter, can deteriorate quickly once the warm weather returns. Save yourself a greater expense later by making certain you catch these things early.
We're here to help. When you see us walking around, feel free to ask questions. As always, call us early, call us often, and let us give your project the attention it deserves.
All the best,
Dave Aland
Chairman |
