Because the TMS Architects team specializes in historic homes, we know what it takes to achieve both energy efficiency and historic integrity. Through experience, we’ve found having these resources “in house” allows for better project cohesion, respects schedules and budgets, and adheres to our clients’ personal needs. When you decide to take a step in renovating a historic home, or including and modern updates, there are a few headaches TMS can help you avoid.

TMS Architects excels in navigating through government historic buildings regulation and ensuring our homes meet coding–and our own–standards. Helping you understand how your home renovations or updates need to comply with state regulations will help expedite the project. In fact, there are even government incentives that will help move your project along! Here are a few key things you should know about historic home renovations and updates in Portsmouth, New Hampshire:

* An application must be submitted to the city to request a building or renovation permit. Fees are required to submit this application for review. This application must be approved prior to project commencement.
* Sets of photographs on the site of the proposed renovation, additions, or changes to the building must be submitted with the application. This allows the commission to understand how the project will impact the public space, as well as identify safety concerns in the surrounding space.

* The Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 PM in the City Council Chambers at the Municipal Complex to review applications and exterior changes to buildings and structures located within the Historic District of Portsmouth.

* The Historic District Commission is comprised of seven members and two alternates.

* Multiple copies of the project plan is also required for taxation purposes.

* Once the building permit application is approved and a permit is issued, Code Enforcement Officers inspects the construction to ensure Building Code compliance.

Interested in learning more? Check out the Historic District Commission for the City of Portsmouth, NH or simply call TMS Architects today and let us take care of it all!