Traditional water heaters have an average lifespan of 10 years. Water heaters are the homeowner’s responsibility. Any licensed, insured plumber can replace your water heater. Magnolia water heaters have a power vent to reduce toxins. It is a specialty model so be sure to tell your plumber when scheduling replacement.

Ideal water pressure is 40-60psi. Water pressure is controlled by the Vallecitos Water District, not the HOA. The HOA maintains our backflow system to ensure optimal performance. Each home has a pressure regulator valve which is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. Maintaining the pressure regulator valve may improve water pressure. The average lifespan of a pressure regulator valve is 10 years. Any licensed, insured plumber can replace it.

Heating and cooling systems are the homeowner’s responsibility. Intake air filters should be changed seasonally. Dirty filters impact the performance of your heating and cooling system. Filters can capture everything from dust to viruses depending on the MERV rating.

AC units should be maintained annually, ideally before weather in the spring. Any licensed, insured HVAC contractor can perform maintenance. A well-maintained system can last approx. 15 years.

The average lifespan of a smoke detector is 10 years. Every unit should be replaced at the same time to avoid startling alarms in the middle of the night. Many mistakenly think a smoke detector lasts forever if batteries are changed, which isn’t the case. Magnolia buildings’ fire sprinkler systems are separate from household smoke detectors.

New models have ten year batteries which never need to be changed. Some models can detect the difference between household smoke and smoke from a fire. Smoke detectors should be placed on every level of a home and inside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every level of a home. You can save money by purchasing a combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector. Be sure to purchase hard-wired models.

The physical garage door is the HOA’s responsibility unless damaged by someone or something. Everything inside the door is the homeowner’s responsibility. That includes the track, spring and motor.

Garage door springs have an average lifespan of 7-10 years. A broken spring doesn’t mean the garage door is broken. Usually you hear a loud snap and the door can no longer open. Any licensed, insured garage door contractor can replace the spring, track or motor.

The original model garage door installed by the builder has been discontinued. The model that meets architectural standards for replacement is:

Clopay Classic Steel Value

*shiplap joints

*1-layer construction

*traditional long panel for 16x7 doors w plain long clear windows

*traditional short panel for 8x7 doors w plain short clear windows

*standard white

*24 or 25 gauge steel

CA law now requires motors with DC battery backup in case of a power outage. Even if you’re only replacing the garage door, CA law requires you to install a motor with DC battery backup. Not all garage door contractors are familiar with this new law so you may have to ask to inform them.

The current board and property manager have been busy addressing deferred maintenance and bringing the property into compliance. The HOA Reserve Fund is used to cover the cost of alot of the properties’ seasonal and annual maintenance. Part of our HOA dues are used to fund our Reserves to ensure common areas perform as intended.

Click here for Laurel & Magnolia’s Maintenance Responsibility Matrix. It clarifies what is HOA responsibility and what is homeowners’.