County of Henrico Homeowner's Enhancement Guide

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

Henrico County, working with Frazier Associates, developed the Homeowners’ Enhancement Guide as means of maintaining the stability and desirability of its mature neighborhoods. Like many urbanizing counties, Henrico has neighborhoods of older houses in need of modernization and rehabilitation. These neighborhoods provide quality, affordable housing for working families, and the county is dedicated to their preservation and revitalization. The Guide is for homeowners and prospective purchasers of these mature homes. Elements of the Guide are of value for newer homes as well. The Guide contains photographs of different styles of homes that exist in Henrico County and shows how improvements can enhance the appearance of the home. Individual chapters focus on improvements to the most popular styles found in Henrico County: Ranch, Cape Cod, Split Level, Colonial Revival, and Bungalow. Examples of exterior improvements include such things as new windows and doors, dormers, front porches, decks, additions, garages, landscaping and lighting. Interior improvements include illustrations of renovations, floor plans for opening up rooms and placement of additions, and improvements to facilitate aging in place. Written sections include information on energy efficient and green renovation concepts, landscaping and lawn care, financing of improvements, selecting a contractor, building permits, zoning and other renovation and remodeling .