Home Improvements

Permits. Home improvement projects generally require PERMITS*. If in doubt, call the Permit Application Center, 222-0801.

Contractors. To learn if homeowners have filed complaints against a contractor ((216**), call the Department of Consumer Affairs, 222-8435. To learn if a contractor is licensed to perform work in Fairfax County ((207**), call the licensing section of the Department of Environmental Management at 324-1540. Don't deal with unlicensed contractors! Have a written contract for the work to be done.

Recordings issued by Fairfax County on building and house construction: (200** provides a menu of these.

Regulations. The Zoning Ordinance regulates the location and size of home improvements such as garages, storage sheds ((217**), decks ((208**), fences ((211**) and other accessory uses and structures. To obtain a copy, see ZONING ORDINANCE*. For further information, call 222-1082. The covenants of your neighborhood homeowners association may also apply.

Financing. Home improvement loans are offered by all area banks. Most contractors are also familiar with available financing alternatives. For home-owners who are ineligible for commercial loans, a program is offered by the Department of Housing and Community Development. Call 246-5155.