General Contractor in Old Town, Alexandria
Old Town's historic district is one of the most tightly regulated residential zones in Northern Virginia. Projects visible from the street require Architectural Review Board approval before permits can issue. We know the Old Town review process from both sides — what the ARB is looking at, what materials pass, and how to structure an application that doesn't get continued at the hearing.
Services We Offer in Old Town
Common Projects in Old Town
You want to update your Old Town rowhouse kitchen without losing what makes it worth owning
Old Town kitchens in pre-war rowhouses are often narrow and closed off from the living area — but the bones are genuinely good. Original millwork, plaster walls, and hardwood floors are worth keeping where they can be. A kitchen remodel in Old Town requires a permit regardless of scope, and any exterior penetration — a new range hood vent, for example — needs to be reviewed for visibility and material match. We plan around what's worth preserving and replace what's holding the space back.
Get a free estimateYour Old Town home needs a second bathroom but you're not sure the plumbing can get there
Adding a bathroom to an Old Town rowhouse is a plumbing routing problem as much as a space problem. Most of these homes have main stacks on one side of the structure, and running new drain lines to a second floor or rear addition requires opening walls and floors — work that requires permits and inspection. We've added bathrooms in Old Town homes and know the standard routing constraints. We'll tell you where it can go and what it will cost before you commit.
Get a free estimateYour contractor said they know the Old Town process — but your permit got denied
The ARB and the city building permit office are separate processes with different requirements and different timelines. A contractor who knows construction but doesn't know Old Town's review process can get work started, encounter the ARB, and slow the whole project to a halt. We submit complete applications with the drawings and material specifications the ARB needs upfront — not after the first denial sends us back to the drawing board.
Get a free estimateYou're trying to add a rear addition to your townhouse and the neighbors are watching
Rear additions in Old Town's historic district need to be compatible with the character of the original structure and the block. The ARB looks at massing, setback, fenestration, and material choice — not just whether the work is structurally sound. We've helped Old Town homeowners get additions approved on King Street, Prince Street, and the residential blocks to the west. The key is understanding what the board has approved for comparable properties and presenting the project accordingly.
Get a free estimateFrequently Asked Questions — Old Town
What is the Architectural Review Board and does it affect my project?
The ARB is Alexandria's historic preservation board. In Old Town's Historic District, any exterior work visible from a public way requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from the ARB before a building permit can be issued. Interior renovations and rear work not visible from the street typically go through standard permitting without ARB involvement. We assess your specific project at the estimate and tell you exactly which process applies.
How long does the Old Town permitting process take?
Standard interior permits in Old Town typically take two to four weeks to issue. Projects requiring ARB review add a hearing cycle — typically four to six weeks for a complete application, longer if the application is continued. We factor this into your project timeline from the start so you're not waiting on permits after the crew is scheduled.
Can I install a new window or door in my Old Town rowhouse?
If the opening is on a street-facing or publicly visible elevation, the replacement needs to match the original proportions, materials, and style — typically wood-sash windows and period-appropriate doors. The ARB reviews these changes. Rear and interior work has more flexibility. We've sourced ARB-approved window and door products for Old Town projects and know what the board has historically approved.
Does my Old Town condo or co-op need different permits than a single-family home?
The city permit process is the same, but condos and co-ops have additional layers: most associations require board approval before work begins, and some have rules about contractor hours, elevator protection, and material delivery windows. We coordinate with building management on every Old Town condo project so approvals are in hand before the start date.
What materials are typically approved for Old Town exterior work?
The ARB generally approves natural wood, brick, and masonry that matches the original structure, along with some composite wood products that replicate original profiles. Vinyl siding, aluminum cladding, and non-period roofing materials are typically not approved for visible elevations. We present material specifications with the ARB application so the board is reviewing what will actually be installed — not a generic description.
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