Downtown Charleston Remodeling

If your property is within the Old and Historic District or the Old City District, exterior changes require approval from Charleston's Board of Architectural Review (BAR). Interior renovations generally don't require BAR approval unless they affect the exterior appearance. We handle the full BAR application process including documentation, drawings, and attending hearings on your behalf.

Historic downtown Charleston homes require standard City of Charleston building permits plus potential BAR approval for exterior work. Structural changes, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work all need permits regardless of historic status. The permitting process for historic homes can take 4-8 weeks due to additional review layers. We manage the entire process from application to final inspection.

Yes, historic renovations typically add 2-4 weeks to the timeline compared to standard projects. The additional time accounts for BAR approval (if needed), more careful demolition to preserve original elements, sourcing period-appropriate materials, and addressing unexpected conditions common in older homes such as outdated wiring, lead paint, or structural settling.

We start by documenting all original architectural details worth preserving: heart pine floors, plaster moldings, original trim, mantels, and hardware. Modern updates are designed to complement the home's era rather than compete with it. We source period-appropriate fixtures, use traditional construction methods where visible, and hide modern conveniences like HVAC and wiring behind existing walls. The goal is a renovation that feels like it's always been part of the home.