For most people, a home is the biggest purchase of their lives. Before you make that investment, make sure you know the parameters of any restrictive covenants to your new property. A restrictive covenant is an agreement, usually set forth in the deed, that limits how you can and can't use your property.

• Are you restricted in the types of materials you may use to build a fence, chimney, addition, outbuilding, or roof?



• What color are you allowed to paint your house?



• Is day care allowed on the premises? Are there restrictions about swing sets or other children's play equipment?



• Must you submit building plans to your municipality or development association for approval before you build?



• Is there a height limitation imposed on your property in order to protect your neighbors' view?



• Are you prohibited from storing "junk" in your yard? What is the definition of "junk"?



• Do you need a permit before you add-on or re-roof?



• Are you allowed to have a clothesline?



• Is there a restriction regarding installation of air conditioning units?



• If you want to install a pool, are you allowed to choose to put it above-ground or in-ground? If it is above-ground pool, are you required to surround it with a certain type of fence?



• Are you allowed to dig a well for irrigation purposes?



• Are you responsible for controlling weeds, mowing your lawn, and landscaping according to certain standards?



• How many cats or dogs is too many? Are you allowed to keep pets other than cats and dogs?



• Is your home office allowed? Are there restrictions about the kind of home-based business you may have?



• When is a property considered "blighted"?



• Are you prohibited from erecting signs in your yard, or are signs allowed within certain size and subject restrictions?



• Is there a prohibition against storing motor vehicles on your property?



• Is there a restriction governing antennas and satellite dishes?



• Does a covenant restrict your right to cut down trees in your yard?



• Is there a start-to-finish limit on the length of time of your construction project?



• What restrictions are there, if any, on prefabricated, modular, motor, mobile, or manufactured housing?



• What kind of outside window treatments are permitted or prohibited?



• Are there any utility or maintenance assessments charged to your property?



• What does your deed say about driveways, garages, and parking spaces?