---
title: "Home Remodeling Contractors in Riva, MD | TBG"
description: "Get matched with a licensed remodeling contractor or home builder in Riva, Maryland. Local permit and planning notes for kitchens, baths, additions and more. Free to homeowners."
url: https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/riva/
last_updated: 2026-10-13
---

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

# Remodeling and building in Riva

Riva sits on the south bank of the South River, just across the Riva Road bridge from Annapolis. Its neighborhoods range from 1970s and '80s subdivisions like Berkshire and Annapolis Landing to waterfront lots and newer, larger homes, so projects run from kitchen updates to full rebuilds.

**At a glance:** ZIP 21140 · Permits: Anne Arundel County · Waterfront (Critical Area) rules · Septic common ·

## Permits in Riva

Riva is unincorporated, so building permits come from Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits, filed online through the county's Land Use Navigator system.

More detail in our [permit guide for Anne Arundel County and Annapolis](https://thebrettgroup.com/guides/permits-anne-arundel-annapolis/).

## What to plan for in Riva

### South River and its creeks

Homes within 1,000 feet of the river or its tidal creeks are in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. Lot coverage limits count driveways, patios and sheds, and work in the 100-foot buffer from the shoreline generally needs a variance.

### Septic near the water

If a home is on septic and sits in the Critical Area, a new or replacement system must be a nitrogen-reducing (BAT) unit, installed by a pre-qualified contractor and inspected yearly. Additions that add bedrooms can also trigger Health Department review.

### 1970s and '80s houses

Many Riva homes are now 40-plus years old. Kitchens, baths, windows and roofs are due, and opening walls in a house this age can turn up wiring or framing that needs updating, so budget a contingency.

## Projects we match in Riva

- [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 Riva?

Anne Arundel County's Department of Inspections and Permits. Riva is unincorporated, and new applications are filed online through the county's Land Use Navigator system.

### 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

[Edgewater →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/edgewater/) · [Annapolis →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/annapolis/) · [Davidsonville →](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/davidsonville/)

[All of Anne Arundel County](https://thebrettgroup.com/remodeling/)

Riva in Anne Arundel County