Mailbox Replacement / Upgrade Program

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*Actual mailbox is slightly different from the above picture.  You can see an actual version of the mailbox currently installed at over 241 homes in Waterside.

Call 770-436-6198 to order.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  The original date to replace your mailbox was December 31, 2015.  Due to a vast amount of feedback from homeowners who recognized the value this program has on our neighborhood, we amended the date to December 31, 2014.  At the time of our decision, 209 homeowners (75% of neighborhood) had already converted to the new mailbox and constant feedback implored the board to act to move this program along faster.  As a result, we communicated a change in date in April 2014 and offered another discount off the purchase price at the same time.  Read below for details that lead to the creation of this program.

Program Information

Mailboxes are a key architectural element of a community. Poorly maintained mailboxes, or mismatched mailboxes, lower home values and steer potential residents away from properties, even if the homes are stunning!  Well-kept mailboxes say “stop and look.” Everyone in the community benefits from this simple upgrade.

We had 5 styles of mailboxes in Waterside.  These mailboxes were all installed during original construction by two different builders over 10 phases of construction, some dating back 15 years (Yes, the first phase of our neighborhood was started in 1997!).   And, as most of you have noticed, the vast majority of our mailboxes are in bad shape.  Many are missing numbers, have deteriorating exteriors, and/or have broken latches, doors, and flags.  (Many of you have received violation notices related to these issues and have found the mailboxes expensive to repair.)  We have also had numerous homeowners ask to upgrade their mailboxes over the past 14 years due to these ongoing maintenance issues and high repair costs but they have been denied because the covenants require us to maintain a neighborhood standard.

Issues with our current mailboxes include:

  • 5 different styles
  • poor installation leading to different heights and leaning
  • single piece welded construction – making our current mailboxes extremely expensive to repair (~$280 or more per incident)
  • tarnished, non reflective, numbering that is near impossible to read at night. A FACT POINTED OUT BY THE MILTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
  • a style inconsistent with a neighborhood where homes average $425,000 in value (with values once again nearing $500,000)
  • mailbox grade intended to last 10 years – we’re up to 17 yours old for some homes as of 2014
  • no warranty

To address these issues, the HOA Board has selected a new mailbox system to be the community standard (pictured above). All residents will have until December 31, 2014 to replace their existing mailbox system with the new community standard.

The newly selected mailbox features:

  • Powder casting for superior look and durability, practically zero maintenance
  • Strong manufacturer warranty
  • Rust free aluminum with stainless steel hardware
  • Solid aluminum posts
  • Bolt together construction makes for easy, affordable repair
  • 3M DOT grade vinyl numbering – highly reflective and extremely durable
  • locking door option
  • Style that ties into potential future upgrades to street and traffic signs, further enhancing the look and value of our neighborhood (should the neighborhood wish to pursue these upgrades)

Addresses of Distinction
We have selected Addresses of Distinction to handle this program. AoD has a long history of successful replacement programs with large and small neighborhoods all around our area. Once an order is placed, AoD will take care of everything quickly, neatly, and professionally. You will receive an order confirmation and a call the day prior to your installation. Be sure to notify AoD of any special needs prior to their arrival. They will make every effort to work around whatever landscaping you have installed but please understand that they can’t install a new mailbox without disturbing the immediate area.  Installation will take between one and three weeks, depending on inventory on hand.

Cost

The retail price of the mailbox is currently $595 including installation.

SPECIAL PRICING THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2014 ***THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE LAST DISCOUNT BEING OFFERED***  If you order on or after September 1, 2014, the price will be a minimum of $595. 

The special pricing effective through August 21, 2014 is:
$425 standard mailbox
$475 mailbox with locking door option

All prices include taxes, removal of old mailbox, and installation of new mailbox!

 

Ordering

Call 770-436-6198 to order.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace my mailbox?
Yes, all residents are required to replace their existing mailbox with the new community standard.

When do I have to have this completed?
You must complete the replacement by 12/31/2014.

Where can I see the mailbox?
New mailboxes have been installed at over 240 homes in Waterside as of July 1, 2014.  The new mailbox system is also pictured above (the numbering is slightly different).

How much does this cost?
The retail price of the mailbox is currently $595 including installation.

SPECIAL PRICING THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2014 ***THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE LAST DISCOUNT BEING OFFERED***  If you order on or after September 1, 2014, you will pay a minimum of $595. 

The special pricing effective through August 21, 2014 is:
$425 standard mailbox
$475 mailbox with locking door option
All prices include taxes, removal of old mailbox, and installation of new mailbox!

Why is powder coating better than the enamel coating we have on our mailboxes today?
Powder coating is the longest lasting and most color-durable finish available. Powder coated surfaces are more resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and wearing than any other finish. UV resistance keeps color bright and vibrant longer.

Is there a locking door?
There is the option to order a locking door. It includes a 6 inch by 2 inch mail slot and a high quality stainless steel cylinder lock with two keys. The cost is $50. This option can also be self installed at a later time if you do not order it with the initial order.

Is the new mailbox USPS approved?
Yes, the chosen mailbox passed rigorous requirements of the Postmaster General, including: 7,500 openings and closings, temperatures from -65 to 140 degrees, complete water tightness (no water can enter the box after 15 minutes of rain testing), and zero tolerance for corrosion.

Will I be able to order replacement parts for this new mailbox?
YES! Parts for your mailbox are guaranteed to be in stock at Addresses of Distinction and will typically ship out in the same day.

Birds seems to love leaving droppings on our mailboxes, will the new mailbox help?
Probably not. There are several products on the market that claim to repel birds.  We are currently testing these and if we find something that works, we’ll publish the product name and where to get it.  If you know of anything, please share!

I heard some homeowners are selling their existing mailbox to make back some cash – true?
Yes!  It would seem there is a market for your existing mailbox.  If you would like, once you place your order, notify Addresses of Distinction to not haul away your existing mailbox.  Homeowners have reported success selling them on Craigslist and at garage sales for upwards of $65.

What is the warranty?
One year parts and service.

Who do I call if something breaks?
Addresses of Distinction at 770-436-6198

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