Tight on square footage in your DC rowhouse or condo? You are not alone. Narrow footprints, tall stairs, and compact rooms can make every inch count. The good news is you can unlock real space and serious livability with smart planning and a few targeted upgrades. This guide walks you through proven strategies for DC homes, what approvals to expect, and how to budget so you avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.

Plan for DC’s rules first

Before you sketch ideas, map out approvals. Many interior changes that touch plumbing, gas, electrical, structure, or egress need a permit from the DC Department of Buildings. Review the city’s permit steps using the official guidance on how to get a permit with DOB.

If your home is in a historic district, exterior changes like visible skylights, dormers, or roof decks often need review. Read what work typically triggers HPRB or HPO review so you can plan your timeline.

In a condo, your governing documents control what you can change. Most buildings require written approval if your work could affect common elements or systems. See how courts treat declarations and bylaws as binding rules in this overview of condo declarations and alteration approvals.

High‑impact space savers by room

Kitchens that work harder

Rowhouse kitchens are often narrow, so layout is everything. A galley or linear plan with tall cabinets to the ceiling, integrated pantry towers, and pull‑outs can add real storage without widening the room. If you want an island, consider a compact or mobile version that doubles as prep and storage.

Follow planning norms so the kitchen stays functional. NKBA guidance suggests minimum walkway widths and work aisle clearances. Review these small‑kitchen guidelines summarized here: NKBA space planning recommendations.

If you move plumbing, gas, or electrical, expect a permit. Structural wall removals also need engineered plans. Check DOB requirements before you start using the permit guidance.

Bathrooms that feel bigger

Swap a tub for a curbless or corner shower, choose a wall‑hung vanity and toilet, and add a pocket door to free swing space. Recessed niches and full‑height medicine cabinets add hidden storage without crowding the room.

Any new plumbing rough‑ins or venting will require permits. Start with the DOB permitting steps so inspections are built into your schedule.

Bedrooms and flex rooms

Multifunction is your friend. Murphy beds and sofa beds reclaim daytime floor space. Built‑in closets, under‑bed drawers, and window seats with lift storage keep clutter off the floor. A fold‑down desk or closet office lets a guest room double as a work zone.

If you are creating a new sleeping room in a basement, egress rules apply. Learn what emergency escape openings typically require in this summary of basement egress standards.

Stairs and vertical space

Use the void under stairs for drawers, pull‑outs, or a compact closet. If headroom allows, a small lofted storage area can help, but structural changes and egress must be reviewed. Structural or stair alterations nearly always need permits. Start with DOB’s permit page to confirm scope.

Basements and English basements

Finishing a basement can meaningfully expand living area. Plan early for daylight, egress windows or wells, and waterproofing. For inspiration and common pitfalls, see these local basement transformation examples.

Egress work is a common cost driver. National summaries put egress window installations in the several‑thousand‑dollar range per opening, with total basement finishes varying widely by scope. Get a feel for typical ranges in this overview of egress window costs.

Built‑ins and micro‑storage

This is often the highest return for small DC homes. Floor‑to‑ceiling shelving, recessed pantries and medicine cabinets, banquette seating with storage, and tall narrow pantries in hallways reclaim dead zones. A shallow closet can become a tidy “mudroom” with shelves, hooks, and bins.

Light and finishes that expand space

Continuous flooring and a consistent light palette make rooms read larger. Mirrors opposite windows and integrated lighting, like under‑cabinet LEDs, boost perceived volume. Interior paint and finishes are usually cosmetic, but in historic districts some exterior color changes may need review. Check what work may qualify for HPO review before you book painters for exterior elements.

Budget, timeline, and who to hire

• Who to involve: For small projects, licensed trades and a contractor familiar with DC permits are essential. For structural work or historic submissions, bring in a licensed architect and structural engineer to prepare drawings and handle plan review using the DOB process.
• Extra costs to plan for: Egress windows or wells can add several thousand dollars per opening. Basement finishes often run tens of thousands depending on waterproofing and mechanical upgrades. See a national overview of egress window cost factors.
• Timeline: Simple interior permits can move quickly. Historic approvals or structural work can add weeks or months. Review current steps with the city’s permit guidance and add buffer time.

Quick checklist before you demo

• Confirm if your property is designated or inside a historic district and what that means for exterior‑visible changes using the city’s HPRB/HPO guidance.
• List any plumbing, gas, electrical, structural, or egress changes. Most trigger permits. Start with DOB’s permit page.
• If you are in a condo, read your declaration and rules, and get written board approval for any work affecting common elements or systems. Here is a helpful overview of why bylaws control alterations.
• Planning a basement bedroom or rental? Verify feasibility and cost for egress windows and wells with this egress checklist.

When remodels help your sale

Buyers respond to homes that live larger than the square footage suggests. Space‑savvy kitchens, updated baths, built‑ins, and bright finishes help listings show well and photograph better. If you plan to sell, a targeted pre‑listing remodel paired with staging can boost appeal and speed. With a curated vendor network and marketing tools like Compass Concierge, you can prepare strategically and stay on budget.

If you want a plan tailored to your DC rowhouse or condo, reach out. You will get clear next steps, trusted local resources, and a timeline that fits your goals. Connect with Stephanie Bredahl to get started.

FAQs

Do you need a permit to remove a wall in a DC rowhouse?

• If the wall is structural or contains plumbing, gas, or electrical, a building permit and engineered plans are typically required; review DOB’s steps to get a permit.

What about adding a skylight or roof deck in a DC historic district?

• Exterior‑visible changes usually require HPRB or HPO review, and some small items may qualify for expedited clearance; see what work commonly requires HPRB/HPO review.

How do condo renovation approvals work in DC?

• Most condo declarations and rules require owners to submit an alteration application for work affecting common elements or building systems; declarations and bylaws govern as binding documents, as summarized in this condo case overview.

What does a basement bedroom require for safety and code in DC?

• Emergency escape openings with specific size and height clearances are commonly required, along with window‑well and ladder rules; see this summary of egress requirements.

Which space‑saving upgrades deliver strong value in small DC homes?

• Full‑height built‑ins, pocket doors, light finishes with better lighting, and multifunctional furniture typically add the most usable space for the cost; use kitchen planning norms like the NKBA guidelines to keep tight layouts efficient.