Best Neighborhoods to Renovate in Washington DC

Regardless of which neighborhood you live, home renovations in Washington, D.C. are an exercise in patience. Whether you live in a condo that has an HOA with their own sets of rules and regulations or in a single family row house, the District of Columbia building process is strenuous, but not impossible. 

It’s important to understand the limitations before you start down a design path that could not only exceed your budget but also may not be permissible in your neighborhood. Permitting, use of public space, dumpsters, zoning restrictions, property setbacks, and material delivery are all things that can disrupt your plans. Working with a trusted design-build firm early in the process can help prioritize what’s important to your design and the needs of your home. 

Know your value! Each neighborhood in Washington has its own characteristics and charm but some may be more suitable to your lifestyle than others. Renovations can add value to your home but you want to be sure you’re going to be able to get out of it what you’re willing to put into it. Below are just a few things to think about while you’re planning your home (and life) renovation, regardless of your neighborhood in DC.

• Location: Proximity to public transportation, retail, restaurants, and other amenities may mean it’s more expensive to buy, but could be more valuable to renovate, thus increasing the property’s value even more.

• Schools: Good schools in the neighborhood are typically appealing to families and can have a positive impact on property values. These areas can be good candidates for additions and third floor pop-ups to create more space for growing families (or in-laws).



• Historic Preservation: Historic status can be a coveted badge but can also lead to increased renovation costs in addition to a more intensive design review process by the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Historic Preservation Office (HPO). Be sure you have done your research and are willing to comply with historic requirements before buying a house in these areas (as the great philosopher M. Jagger once said, “you can’t always get what you want”).

To find out more about buying and renovating in the District of Columbia, call us today to set up a consultation. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!