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   Frequently Asked Questions

 

Down Button  Q: When is a building permit not required in Maryland?

A: Building permits are generally not required for basic repair work if it does not involve structural changes to the building and for cosmetic work such as interior or exterior painting. If you are remodeling your house in Maryland, and the plans do not involve any structural changes to the existing structure, such as moving walls or creating new windows, you probably will not need a building permit.

Down Button  Q: Does my home improvement contractor need to be licensed in Maryland?

A: The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors, subcontractors and salespersons. Home improvement work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building used as a residence. Home improvement also includes work done on individual condominium units. Home improvement does not include work done on commonly owned areas of condominiums or buildings that contain four or more single-family units. Detail Home Improvements is a icensed Maryland Contractor, MHIC #67076

Down Button  Q: How long does it take to get a building permit in Maryland?

A: The processing time for your permit application depends on the size and complexity of your proposed construction as well as in which county you apply for a permit. For example Anne Arundel County estimates a waiting time of two weeks after the application is submitted. Large projects will usually require the approval of several government offices and agencies, resulting in the processing time being longer the bigger the project. Many times counties have same day services available for small projects where the application can be reviewed and the permit issued over the counter while you wait.
 

Down Button  Q: What are some of the material options for building a deck?

A: Composite decking is a great way to achieve that 'low maintenance' deck so you spend more time enjoying your deck and less time taking care of it. Although there are many different composite decking options available, we also use pressure treated lumber.

Down Button Q: What makes a bathroom remodeling more or less expensive?

A: No single element of a bathroom remodeling comprises a significantly larger portion of the costs than other elements. Cabinets can be be the largest part of the remodeling budget, averaging 34 percent of the cost. So, the type and quality of cabinets you select will affect your total cost.

Not surprisingly, fixtures and fittings account for a high cost percentage in the bathroom. Cost of fixtures and fittings will vary depending on the brand, type of materials, and the variety of products available.

In bathrooms, installation accounts for nearly a quarter of the total cost. This is because the installation work in a bathroom tends to be intricate (for example, tile setting). If you're looking to cut corners, this is probably not the place to do it.


Down Button  Q: What is a kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?

A: The "work triangle" is the kitchen area from the refrigerator to the main cooking area to the main sink. Connect the three and it should form a triangle (unless you have only one wall in your kitchen). The triangle layout is important because at or immediately adjacent to the triangle's points, all key kitchen activities take place from food preparation, cooking, and clean up. The work triangle helps to ensure that your kitchen will be functional. It keeps cooking activities centered in one area, with all the necessities close at hand.