Resources
Planning a remodel, repair, or renovation often involves more than choosing materials and deciding how you want the finished space to look. Depending on your project and where your home is located, you may also need to consider permits, contractor licensing, historic preservation requirements, home safety, and energy efficiency.
Villa Silva Home Improvements has put together these helpful resources for homeowners in Annapolis and throughout the surrounding area. The links below connect you directly with official local, state, and federal organizations where you can find additional information before beginning your next home improvement project.
Remodeling Permits & Local Requirements
Permit requirements can vary depending on your location and the type of work being completed. Before starting a major renovation, structural change, deck project, plumbing improvement, or other home improvement, homeowners should verify which local requirements apply to their property.
City of Annapolis Building Permit Information
The City of Annapolis provides information about when permits are required, required inspections, residential building permit documents, and other requirements for construction and renovation projects within city limits.
Homeowners planning structural work, alterations, plumbing, electrical, mechanical work, demolition, or other improvements can use this resource to better understand the City’s permitting process.
Anne Arundel County Residential Permits
For properties located outside Annapolis city limits but within Anne Arundel County, the county provides information about residential permits and requirements for a variety of home improvement projects.
This resource can help homeowners find information about residential construction, accessory structures, waterproofing, solar projects, and other permit types.
City of Annapolis Licenses & Permits
The City of Annapolis Licenses & Permits Division provides additional information about building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fence, and related applications.
Homeowners can also find access to the City’s online permitting and licensing system along with contact information for permitting questions.
Maryland Home Improvement Commission
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission, or MHIC, regulates home improvement contractors and salespeople throughout Maryland.
Homeowners can use the Maryland Department of Labor’s MHIC resources to learn about contractor licensing, check the license status of a contractor, review consumer information, and learn more about Maryland home improvement requirements.
Resources for Historic Annapolis Homes
Annapolis is known for its historic architecture, and homeowners within the Annapolis Historic District may have additional requirements to consider when altering the exterior of a property.
Annapolis Historic Preservation Division
The City of Annapolis Historic Preservation Division reviews exterior changes within the Annapolis Historic District and provides guidance to property owners planning improvements to historic properties.
If your property is located within the Historic District, this is an important resource to review before beginning exterior renovations. The division recommends that property owners seek guidance and apply for necessary approvals before work begins.
Maryland Historic Homeowner Tax Credit
Owners of qualifying historic residences may be eligible for Maryland’s Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program when completing certain approved rehabilitation projects.
The Maryland Historical Trust provides information about property eligibility, qualifying expenses, application requirements, and the approval process. Homeowners interested in the program should review the requirements before beginning work, since qualifying work generally requires prior approval.
Home Remodeling Safety & Efficiency Resources
Older materials, energy use, and other considerations can affect how a renovation should be approached. These federal resources offer additional guidance homeowners can review while planning improvements.
EPA Lead-Safe Renovation Information
Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Renovation, repair, demolition, sanding, cutting, and painting activities can disturb painted surfaces and create potentially hazardous lead dust.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides homeowners with information about its Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, lead-safe work practices, and what to know when hiring a contractor for work involving an older home.
ENERGY STAR Home Improvement Resources
A remodeling project can also be an opportunity to improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR provides guidance for homeowners considering improvements such as insulation, windows, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters, and other energy-efficient upgrades.
Homeowners can also explore ENERGY STAR resources for qualifying products, available incentives, and ways different home improvements can work together to reduce energy use.
Have Questions About Your Home Improvement Project?
Online resources are a great place to start, but every home and remodeling project is different. Villa Silva Home Improvements helps Annapolis-area homeowners plan and complete home improvements ranging from individual repairs and upgrades to larger remodeling and renovation projects.
If you have a project in mind, contact our team to discuss what you’d like to accomplish and schedule a free estimate.