--- title: "Remodeling Ideas for Anne Arundel County House Types | TBG" description: "Ramblers, split-levels, colonials, Cape Cods, waterfront cottages and historic Annapolis homes: the remodels that work best for each and the local rules." url: https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/remodeling-anne-arundel-house-types/ last_updated: 2026-10-13 --- [TBG](https://thebrettgroup.com/) / [Home Remodeling](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/) / House types guide Local guide · Anne Arundel County · October 2026 # Remodeling ideas for Anne Arundel County's most common house types Most of the county's homes fall into a handful of types, and each one has a remodel that pays off and a trap to avoid. Find yours below, then see what local rules apply where you live. Get matched with a builder who knows this - **6**: House types covered - **Up**: Often the best way to add space near the water - **1964**: Crofton founded as a planned community - **COA**: Needed for exterior changes in the Annapolis historic district Across Anne Arundel County you'll find a few house types again and again: one-story ramblers, split-levels, two-story colonials, Cape Cods, converted waterfront cottages and, in Annapolis, historic homes. Here is what usually works for each, plus the local rule that most often changes the plan. ## 1. Ramblers (one-story ranch homes) **Common issues:** closed-off kitchens, small baths, low ceilings and limited storage. **Remodels that work:** opening the kitchen to the living area (check which walls carry the roof), a primary suite carved from two small bedrooms, or vaulting ceilings where the roof framing allows. **Adding space:** a second story is a big structural project, so have an engineer check the foundation and walls first. **Local twist:** near the water, going up adds space without adding [Critical Area lot coverage](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/building-near-the-water-critical-area/). ## 2. Split-levels **Common issues:** chopped-up half-floors, dark entries and a lower level that feels like a basement. **Remodels that work:** opening the main-level kitchen toward the living room, reworking the stairs and railings to brighten the entry, and finishing the lower level as a family room, office or guest suite with egress windows. **Watch for:** moisture in the lower level; fix drainage and grading before finishing it. ## 3. Two-story colonials Common in planned communities such as Crofton (founded in 1964) and across Severna Park, Gambrills and Odenton. **Common issues:** a formal living and dining room that goes unused, and a kitchen cut off from the family room. **Remodels that work:** merging the kitchen, dining and family room into one space, converting the formal living room into an office, a primary-suite addition over the garage, and a finished basement. **Local twist:** many neighborhoods have community covenants; check before changing the exterior. ## 4. Cape Cods **Common issues:** cramped upstairs rooms under sloped ceilings and a single bath. **Remodels that work:** a shed or gable dormer to turn the upper floor into full-height bedrooms and a second bath, plus insulating the knee walls and roof properly while it's open. Dormers add space without adding to the footprint. ## 5. Waterfront cottages Many waterfront communities, such as Mayo and Shady Side, began as summer cottages that have since been winterized. **Common issues:** shallow or pier foundations, undersized framing, old wiring and low floors near the flood level. **Remodels that work:** often a staged rebuild rather than a cosmetic update. **Local twist:** check the [50% flood rule](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/flood-zone-renovation-anne-arundel/) before pricing a big renovation, and plan around Critical Area and septic limits. ## 6. Historic homes in Annapolis **Common issues:** old structure and systems behind facades that must be preserved. **Remodels that work:** modern kitchens and baths inside, sensitive rear additions, and restoring rather than replacing original windows. **Local twist:** inside the Annapolis historic district every exterior change needs a Certificate of Approval from the Historic Preservation Commission; see our [Annapolis historic district guide](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/annapolis-historic-district-renovation/). ## For every house type Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, and contractors who disturb painted surfaces must be certified for lead-safe work. Older homes often hide outdated wiring or plumbing, so keep a contingency in the budget. And whatever the house, hire a contractor licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission; our [hiring checklist](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/hiring-a-contractor-maryland/) covers what to check. ## Where this comes up most [Severna Park →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/severna-park/) · [Glen Burnie →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/glen-burnie/) · [Crofton →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/crofton/) · [Pasadena →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/pasadena/) · [Annapolis →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/annapolis/) · [Linthicum →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/linthicum/) ## Projects we match - [Kitchen remodels](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/kitchen/anne-arundel/): Layouts, cabinets, counters and full gut renovations. - [Additions](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/additions/anne-arundel/): Bump-outs, second stories and in-law suites. - [Basement finishing](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/basement/anne-arundel/): Living space, egress, bathrooms and waterproofing. - [Bathroom remodels](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/bathroom/anne-arundel/): Primary baths, hall baths and accessibility upgrades. ## Common questions ### What is the best remodel for a split-level home? Opening the main-level kitchen toward the living area and reworking the entry stairs usually make the biggest difference, followed by finishing the lower level once any moisture problems are fixed. ### Can I add a second story to my rambler? Often, but the existing foundation and walls must be able to carry it, so start with an engineer's review. Near the water it can be the best way to add space because it does not add Critical Area lot coverage. ### How do I get more space in a Cape Cod? A shed or gable dormer turns cramped upstairs rooms into full-height space and makes room for a second bath without enlarging the footprint. ### Do I need approval to change the outside of my Annapolis historic home? Yes. Inside the Annapolis local historic district, every exterior change needs a Certificate of Approval from the Historic Preservation Commission before work starts. ## Official sources [Crofton, Maryland (history)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crofton,_Maryland) · [EPA: Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule](https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program) · [Anne Arundel County: Permits](https://www.aacounty.org/inspections-and-permits/permits) This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules and maps change; confirm the requirements for your property with the permit office before you design or sign a contract. ## More local guides [Renovating or adding on in a flood zone in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/flood-zone-renovation-anne-arundel/) · [Building or adding on near the water: the Critical Area explained](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/building-near-the-water-critical-area/) · [Materials that hold up near the Chesapeake](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/chesapeake-coastal-building-materials/) · [Septic upgrades and Bay Restoration Fund grants in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/septic-upgrades-bay-restoration-fund/) · [Deck permits in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/deck-permits-anne-arundel/) · [In-law suites and accessory dwelling units in Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/in-law-suites-adu-anne-arundel/) · [Energy rebates for Maryland home remodels in 2026](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/energy-rebates-maryland-remodel/) · [Renovating a home in the Annapolis historic district](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/annapolis-historic-district-renovation/) · [Remodeling permits in Anne Arundel County and Annapolis](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/permits-anne-arundel-annapolis/) · [How to hire a home improvement contractor in Maryland](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/hiring-a-contractor-maryland/)