If you've been considering renovating your historic home in Charlotte, NC, you might feel daunted by zoning and paperwork challenges. By partnering with Hopedale Builders, you can preserve a piece of history, comply with all rules and regulations, and update your home.
We will explore the role of the Charlotte Historic District Commission (HDC), factors to consider and rules to follow when remodeling a historic home, and just how Hopedale Builders is strategically invested in the future of Charlotte's historic district.
What is the Charlotte Historic District Commission (HDC)?
The Charlotte Historic District Commission (HDC) is a key player in historic district renovations. The HDC is tasked with preserving Charlotte's historic districts' architectural history and integrity. Any exterior modifications or restorations of properties within these districts (including window replacements) require approval from the HDC.
Certificate of Appropriateness
The Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is the official stamp of approval from the HDC. Before any work can commence, you must apply for a COA, presenting their renovation plans for review and approval. The HDC evaluates these plans to ensure they align with the district's historical character and standards.
Remodeling in the Charlotte Historic District Tips
Owning a property in a local historic district, such as Charlotte, NC, historic district, comes with its responsibilities and privileges. Sometimes, homeowners only know they own property in the historic district once they begin remodeling or try to replace something minor on their home's exterior. Ownership in the historic district also means adhering to strict guidelines to preserve the neighborhood's historical integrity.
Hiring a Knowledgeable Builder
If you own a home within the Charlotte historic district, you are a steward of its heritage. However, you don’t have to go at it alone. By hiring an experienced builder with proven experience, you have a guide for navigating the guidelines that often dictate the materials used, architectural styles, and even color schemes suitable for exterior renovations. It's not our first rodeo (or historic home).
Is It Worth Restoring an Old House?
Restoring an old house doesn’t go by in one HGTV episode. Restoring your old home in Charlotte is a significant investment in time, money, and headache medicine.
However, it is also a labor of love that can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does restoration preserve a piece of history, but it can also significantly increase the property’s value. However, restoration requires careful planning and adherence to the rules and guidelines set by the HDC.
Renovate or Tear Down and Rebuild?
Long before the excavators are started, anyone wanting to tear down a structure in the Charlotte Historic District must undergo stringent procedures and obtain rare approvals. However, for structures that can be repaired, renovations or rebuilding are an excellent option that Hopedale Builders can guide you through.
Rules for Historic Districts in Charlotte, NC
There’s no constant in the world besides death and taxes, but rules for historic remodeling are a close third. The rules for renovating the historic districts of Charlotte, NC, are designed to maintain the architectural integrity of these areas. Some of the key rules include:
- Maintain Historical Features
- All exterior changes require a COA, including additions, demolition, and significant landscaping.
- Window and door replacements must match the historical character in material, design, and other visual aspects.
- Specific roofing materials and paint colors must be approved to ensure they fit within the historic palette and materials appropriate for the home's era.
- Avoid damaging treatments like sandblasting
- Protect significant archaeological resources
- New additions should allow future removal without impairment
Navigating the zoning and regulatory challenges of renovating a historic home in Charlotte can be daunting. However, with a clear understanding of the requirements set by the Charlotte Historic District Commission and partnering with the right company, it is possible to enhance and preserve historic properties' unique qualities successfully.
Common Mistakes in the Charlotte, NC, Historic District
No one wants to break the rules. Still, HDC rule violations sometimes happen when you do small projects at home without consulting an experienced professional or following the HDC rules and regulations guide. One of the most common violations occurs when homeowners undertake small projects like replacing windows, fences, or sheds without realizing they need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). When making minor updates, these modifications must comply with the strict historic home renovation rules that are often forgotten or completely unknown.
Why We Are Dedicated to Preserving Your Historic Home
Our Role on the Historic Commission Board
For Hopedale Builders, our commitment to renovating homes in Charlotte's Historic District is personal. Not only are we invested in remodeling historic homes in Charlotte into updated spaces that still reflect the history of our beautiful area, but our founder, Brett Taylor, is serving on the Charlotte Historic Commission Board. Our dedication and focus on preserving Charlotte's history and remodeling homes that reflect our city's culture cannot be understated. As your remodeling partner, we lend our expertise to renovating your home in a way that respects its history while reflecting modern upgrades. Historic home renovation rules can feel daunting. But with Hopedale Builders on your team, you can successfully work through the process, resulting in an updated, historic home for your family.
Your Charlotte Historic Home Remodeling Experts
Hopedale Builders understands the weighty responsibility of renovating a home in Charlotte, NC's historic district. Our team of experts carefully works through the paperwork of Charlotte's building permits and HDC requirements and obtains the necessary certificates of appropriateness. We hope this empowers you to make more knowledgeable decisions and perhaps even look into if you live in a Charlotte Historic District.
If you're ready to begin remodeling a home in the Charlotte Historic District, don't trust your home, finances, and your project's success to any contractor. Instead, turn to the Charlotte historic home remodeling experts.
Contact Hopedale Builders today if you're ready to remodel your Charlotte historic home!
