1. Please submit a complete package to the New Construction Committee.
2. Make sure that you have consent from the New Construction Committee before you start your home.
3. You may have to conduct a tree survey before starting your home, depending on which neighborhood you are building in.
4. Make sure your builder consults the neighborhood guidelines to determine how high your home must sit above the street curb. The elevation is determined by using the curb directly in front of your house. Each neighborhood may be different and it is imperative to establish the correct elevation for your slab.
5. Make sure that the builder has verified that the forms are set in accordance with the set back requirements for your neighborhood.
6. Make sure that the New Construction Committee approves the windows before they are ordered. Some builders have changed windows because of price but then realize that they do not meet Graywood Specifications.
7. All stacks and vents must be painted to match the color of your roof unless copper is used.
8. Once your construction is underway, if any changes are contemplated please present them to Mike Schultz (337-602-6153) for approval.
9. The Homeowner is responsible for replacing any sidewalks that are damaged during your home construction. If you have your contractor locate where your driveway is going, then limit access to that area, you should not have to repair damaged sidewalks.
10. The landscaping is very important at Graywood. Please follow the guidelines when submitting your landscape plan. Please submit a professionally drawn landscape plan to scale and please provide all of the information that we request. We must have it before approving your home.

The small hooded exterior spot light must be used. No exceptions are allowed.

The committee strongly recommends that the window trim be at least 4 inches measured from the inside edge of the brick or siding trim to the glass edge as illustrated. This picture shows a piece of brick mould trim added to the window at the factory to achieve the 4 inch dimension. The committee has adopted an absolute minimum standard of 3 inches in width.

Exterior shutters must be equal to one half the window width and equal to the window height. Tie back hardware is required regardless if the shutters are operable or stationary. Some neighborhood guidelines may require that the shutters be operable. Please check your neighborhood guidelines for compliance.

Chimneys must be treated in brick or stucco. Arched copper chimney covers and/or brick that matches the rest of the house is preferred. Please refer to the chimney section of the guidelines for more information. The use of siding of any kind is not permitted.

The use of concrete columns is strongly recommended. Wood or stucco columns are allowed. Beam wraps should be constructed of either hardy board or real wood. Stucco, vinyl or metal is not allowed on beams.

These photos represent the preferred construction of a courtyard fence or wall. Fountains are allowed but must be concealed from view from the street by a solid wall or fence. Fountains placed in the back yard must be screened by full size landscaping. All fountains must be submitted for approval and their location reflected on the landscape plan. Please review the landscape section of the guidelines for more information.

Landscape beds must be curved and the A/C unit well screened with plants.

The following list summarizes those design elements which the New Construction Committee (NCC) requires:

1. Preservation of the natural character of the site.
2. Use of certified professionals, when possible, qualified in the fields of planning, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, surveying, and construction.
3. Emphasis on thoughtful architectural designs that exude warmth, artistic taste, and foster indigenous Southwest Louisiana design concepts to enhance a harmonious blend between the man-made environment and the natural character of Graywood.
4. Architectural elements that complement and reinforce the natural characteristics of the site including steeply pitched roofs of varying heights with large overhangs, window openings, porches, and patios. An abundant use of glass, including dormers, clerestory windows, bay and bow windows. Careful and sensitive detailing on entrances, fascias, soffits, gable ends, above doors and windows is desired. Finally, an emphasis on materials such as brick, stone, stucco or wood, and overall, high-grade, quality construction.

Limitations of Responsibilities

The primary goal of the NCC is to review the application, plans, specifications, contractors, materials, and samples submitted and to determine if the proposition conforms in appearance and construction criteria with the standards and policy as set forth by the NCC. The NCC does not assume responsibility for the following:

1. The structural adequacy, capacity or safety features of the proposed improvement or structure.
2. Soil erosion, uncompactable or unstable soil conditions, or site/drainage elevations.
3. Compliance with any or all building codes, safety requirements, governmental laws, regulations or ordinances.
4. Performance or quality of work of any contractor.

1. The NCC will evaluate each of the housing units submitted by an Owner on adherence to the design criteria and performance and quality standards set forth in the Design Guidelines and compatibility of the design with the adjoining sites and common spaces.
2. The NCC will interpret the standards at the request of the Owners. If conflicts arise in meeting these standards, the NCC will review and evaluate the conditions.
3. The NCC has the right to grant variances from the Design Guidelines in accordance with the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions.
4. The NCC shall have the right to monitor and overview the design and construction process in order to ensure conformance with the approved documents and the standards set forth in these Design Guidelines.
5. The NCC shall review each submittal and respond, authorizing the continuation through the next phase of the review process. Unapproved submissions shall be revised and resubmitted for review and approval. Approval will be in writing and shall in no way relieve the Owner of his responsibility and liability for adherence to any applicable ordinances and codes.
6. The NCC will have approval rights of all builders
7. The NCC may, at its own discretion, approve or disapprove any proposal based on the projects appropriateness to the Graywood community.
8. The NCC has the sole right to determine compliance with the Guidelines during the review and construction process. If, in the opinion of the NCC, an owner is not abiding by the guidelines as set forth herein, the NCC shall have the right to make corrective measures using the deposit monies set forth.