Construction & Remodeling Experts in Maryland

It depends on where the property is and what the work involves, because counties and cities issue permits. Annapolis does not require a building permit for non-structural replacement of windows, doors and siding on homes outside its Historic District. Hagerstown lists finish work such as painting, tiling and countertops as exempt. Baltimore says minor repairs usually do not need a permit unless the item is completely replaced or significantly changed, but renovations always do. We confirm the permit need with the local office during planning.

For remodeling, roofing, siding and other work on a home, look up the contractor or salesperson in the Maryland Home Improvement Commission's online search by name, business name, location or license number. For a new home, check the builder in the Attorney General's Home Builder Registration search. Electricians, plumbers and HVACR contractors hold separate licenses from their own state boards, so ask for those license numbers too.

The U.S. Department of Energy lists the 2021 IECC with Maryland amendments, effective May 29, 2023, for homes and commercial buildings. Local jurisdictions may make energy rules stricter but not weaker. Most of Maryland is Climate Zone 4A, and Garrett County is Zone 5A. Cities adopt codes on their own schedule: Frederick applies the 2021 IECC to permits applied for after December 31, 2025, and Annapolis lists the 2021 IECC among its adopted codes.

Land within 1,000 feet of tidal wetlands and the head of tide can fall inside the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. It includes a buffer of at least 100 feet along tidal waters, tidal wetlands and tributary streams, where new structures and new lot coverage generally are not permitted. The Critical Area Commission has a map to check a property. The state's Flood Risk Application shows a property's flood status on the maps Maryland updates with FEMA. In Baltimore, a property in the floodplain is referred for floodplain review as part of the permit.

Often, for exterior work. Baltimore's Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation oversees 38 local historic districts, and a permit filed before its design review is put on hold. Annapolis requires a certificate of approval for all exterior projects in its Historic District, even ones exempt from a building permit. In Montgomery County, substantive exterior changes to a historic site need a Historic Area Work Permit. Planned communities can add another layer; each Columbia village, for example, has architectural covenants.

Rental units built before 1978 fall under Maryland's lead poisoning prevention law. Owners must register them with the Maryland Department of the Environment and pass a lead dust inspection before each change in occupancy, with no defective paint inside or out. Work done to meet the lead standards must be done by MDE-trained or accredited workers and contractors, so plan the scope and schedule around those steps.