Understanding the Renovation Process
Each Miller’s Hill home has gone through, or will go through, an extensive renovation process that involves the cooperation of many partners. The following is a brief description of the process:
Document the existing condition of the home by a Preservation Consultant, identifying any character-defining features that need to be preserved to comply with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and to be eligible for historic tax credits. This includes documenting the existing conditions with photographs. (Hill Studio)
Complete an exploratory demolition to determine hidden features covered by later modern additions or construction, to establish what should remain or may be changed. (Breakell, Inc. and Hill Studio)
- Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimations to be submitted to the local Architectural Review Board (primarily for exterior features) and the Department of Historic Resources (exterior and Interior features) (Breakell, Inc.; Hill Studio; RRHA)
- Enter submittals and respond to comments by the Architectural Review Board and Virginia Department of Historical Resources for construction plan and specification review. (Breakell, Inc.; Hill Studio; RRHA)
With approvals from the above organizations, apply to the City’s Planning Building & Development Department for the appropriate demolition and/or construction permits. (Breakell, Inc.)
- Complete demolition and construction with proper documentation and monitoring of adherence to the plans, specifications, energy conservation measures, up-dated wiring, plumbing, and heating systems. (Breakell, Inc. and Hill Studio)
- Maintain monitoring by the architectural representative and preservation consultant of the work progression at varying stages of inspection (Hill Studio)
- Obtain certificate of occupancy upon completion of construction (Breakell, Inc.)
- Submit “Request for Certification” to VDHR including photographs of completed work and cost certifications by certified accountant as to items eligible or ineligible for Tax Credits and final cost of construction for tax credit award. (Hill Studio)
Have home evaluated and tested for energy conservation compliance with Energy Star rating system (Breakell, Inc. and NSPECTS, Ltd.)
For more information contact : Local Tax Abatement - City of Roanoke Tax Assessor’s Office, www.roanokegov.com
Local Historic Overlay Guidelines/Architectural Review Board (ARB) – City of Roanoke Planning Office, www.roanokegov.com
State Historic Tax Credits – Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR), www.dhr.virginia.gov
Energy Star Rating Systems – US Environmental Protection Agency, www.energystar.gov
