General contractor in Coral Gables, FL

Yes, the Coral Gables Board of Architects reviews exterior changes on all properties in the city, not just designated historic homes. This includes paint color, roofing material, window replacement, additions, fencing, and visible structural changes. For designated historic properties, a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board is also required before the building permit can be issued. The board review adds time to the front end of any exterior project, so building this step into the project schedule from the start is important.

Homes built before 1960 in Coral Gables commonly have galvanized steel water supply lines that corrode from the inside and restrict flow over time, cast iron drain lines that crack and root-intrude, and electrical panels wired with materials that no longer meet current code. Roofing underlayment on clay tile roofs from this era has typically failed even if the tiles themselves look intact, allowing water to reach the roof deck. HVAC systems in older homes were often added after original construction and may not be properly sized or ducted for the current layout. Addressing these systems during a renovation is more cost-effective than returning to a finished space later.

Clay tile replacement in Coral Gables requires matching the existing tile profile, color, and material to satisfy the Board of Architects design review standards. The replacement tiles must also carry a Miami-Dade Notice of Approval for HVHZ wind-uplift compliance, which narrows the product selection to tiles that meet both requirements simultaneously. We identify compliant products before the permit is submitted so the board review and the building department review can proceed with the same product documentation. We also replace the underlayment system beneath the tiles, which is where most water intrusion originates on older Coral Gables roofs.