Check with your City Building department before starting your project.
Home improvement means many things to many different people. Your home improvement project may be considered a home remodeling job by your local city building inspector. To save your self a lot of headaches and money at some point in the future, call or visit you city's building department before undertaking any major home improvement.
If you live in an historic neighborhood, there may be regulations regarding the types of materials you must use and how the improvement must be accomplished. Many neighborhood improvement districts also dictate what you can and can not do to your home. This includes the color of paint you use and the style and height of your fence.
You can add value to your home and retain the neighborhood character by following a few basic rules. You may also find that there are home owners' grants to complete the work.
Take the time to talk with your city building department before you embark on your project. It is better to be fully informed than start a project only to have it closed down.