---
title: "Home Remodeling Contractors in Columbia, MD | TBG"
description: "Licensed remodeling contractors and home builders in Columbia, MD, plus local permit and planning notes for kitchens, baths and additions. Free matching."
url: https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/columbia/
last_updated: 2026-10-14
---

[TBG](https://thebrettgroup.com/) / [Home Remodeling](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/) / Columbia

# Remodeling and building in Columbia

Columbia is a planned community of ten villages, and most homes pay Columbia Association assessments. Exterior projects here usually need two approvals: the village's architectural committee and Howard County's permit office.

**At a glance:** ZIP 21044, 21045, 21046 · Permits: Howard County · Association approval ·

## Permits in Columbia

Building permits come from Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, filed through the county's online Citizens Access Portal. A county permit does not replace village covenant approval.

More detail in our [Howard County permit guide](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/howard-county-building-permits/).

## What to plan for in Columbia

### Village approval

Additions, decks and other exterior changes on property under Columbia Association covenants may need approval from your village's Architectural Committee. Apply through the village Covenant Advisor; review usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

### Approval before work

Work started before covenant approval is at your own risk and may have to be removed, so put the village review on the schedule ahead of construction.

### What the county exempts

Under Howard County's 2021 code amendments, siding, a roof covering with minor sheathing repair, same-size windows and one-story sheds under 200 square feet don't need a building permit. Most decks, additions and basement finishing do.

## Projects we match in Columbia

- [Kitchen remodels](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/kitchen/anne-arundel/): Layouts, cabinets, counters and full gut renovations.
- [Bathroom remodels](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/bathroom/anne-arundel/): Primary baths, hall baths and accessibility upgrades.
- [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.
- [New custom homes](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/custom-homes/anne-arundel/): Build on your lot with a registered Maryland home builder.
- [Decks & exteriors](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/decks-exteriors/anne-arundel/): Decks, porches, siding, windows and roofing.

## Common questions

### Who issues building permits in Columbia?

Howard County's Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP), through the county's online Citizens Access Portal. Exterior changes may also need your Columbia village's covenant approval.

### Who does the work?

An independently owned contractor licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (and, for new homes, registered as a Maryland home builder). TBG makes the introduction; you contract directly with the builder.

### Does matching cost anything?

No. It is free to homeowners. TBG is paid by its partner contractors.

### How much of a deposit can a contractor take?

Under Maryland law, a home improvement contractor can collect no more than one-third of the contract price when the contract is signed.

## Nearby

[Ellicott City →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/ellicott-city/) · [Elkridge →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/elkridge/) · [Odenton →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/odenton/)

[All areas we serve](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/#areas)