Henrico County, Va., publishes a home-improvement guidebook
Henrico County, Va., residents and prospective homebuyers who want to modernize older homes now have helpful advice from the county. “Homeowner’s Enhancement Guide: Updates for Today’s Lifestyle,” is a recently published handbook that offers ideas, direction and resources for home-improvement projects.
The guide was created to help preserve and revitalize the county’s mature neighborhoods, according to Community Revitalization Director Mark Strickler. Approximately 40 percent of the county’s single-family homes were constructed between 1945 and 1975. The Homeowner’s Enhancement Guide includes general ideas for boosting curb appeal, improving energy efficiency and planning additions, as well as specific suggestions for different architectural styles, such as ranch, Cape Cod and split-level.
The guide also gives tips on enhancing a property’s landscape, incorporating universal design and navigating the permit process for a renovation project. The 138-page handbook features illustrations, diagrams, checklists and additional resources.
The Homeowner’s Enhancement Guide is available free online at www.co.henrico.va.us and can be checked out at all Henrico libraries. It also can be purchased for $10 at the Department of Community Revitalization and permit center locations.