Have you been considering a home remodel for quite awhile and finally decided to take the plunge and add on an addition, renovate your home, remodel your kitchen, or finally have the master bath and bedroom you have been dreaming of You have done your homework and picked out the major design elements, hired a licensed Atlanta contractor and you are ready to go. Then you discover the few extra feet you are adding to the foot print of your home is going to require approval from your neighborhood preservation and historical society.
Perhaps you know that Atlanta requires permits when remodeling and renovating your home and your contractor had informed you that he or she was going to pull the permit and make sure the inspections went smoothly. However it can come as a surprise to learn that your plans will need to go before a historical committee to be given permission of whether or not you can remodel your home. Bummer.
Do not despair, in most cases it is a matter of formality. Certificates of appropriateness are required in many in town Atlanta area neighborhoods such as Druid Hills, Oakhurst, Chelsea heights and for property that in under Atlanta historic preservation ordinance. You will not be given your permit without the certificate of appropriateness from the committee or other similar permission such as from the Atlanta Urban Design Commission.
What the committee will object to is any design that is not congruent with the historical nature of the neighborhoods. As long as the materials and the design are similar to what the historical committee has been created to preserve you will most likely pass. Pay attention to window replacements; objections will be towards cheap vinyl window replacements and styles of windows that do not have the look and feel of the particular historical charm of your neighborhood. In some cases you may need to go back to your architect to redraw your plans with the committee in mind. Take pictures of various homes that appear to be well preserved to present to your architect and also to take to your meeting to prove that your design is congruent with the neighborhood homes.
The key to a good renovation project is planning. You will save time and money with a well prepared design. Once you have your certificate of appropriateness you are allowed to obtain your building permit and are ready to start your renovation.
One side benefit from your renovation project is improved building standards for your new addition. When you remodel an older home you will be required to build according to the current codes. Codes have improved over the years in home building. Your electrical system will now need to be up to current standards as will certain requirements that are protective in fire hazards and safety.
Remodeling a home in a historic neighborhood requires extra planning and an extra step in the permit process. Once underway the renovation of your home is similar to any remodeling project. Having a cost conscious remodeling contractor who will help you stick to your budget will increase your rate of return on your remodeling dollars. Adding value to your home is always a welcome feature when deciding to remodel any part of your home. Being able to sell your home quickly if needed is also a plus. Perhaps the best feature of remodeling is the comfort and joy that your home supplies with completing a rewarding home renovation.
Tags: atlanta urban design, cheap vinyl, chelsea heights, druid hills, historical committee, home remodel, home remodeling, neighborhood preservation, renovating your home, vinyl window replacements