If you are planning a remodel on Hilton Head Island, one of the most important factors to understand early is the role of Architectural Review Boards, commonly referred to as ARBs. These boards exist to protect the character, aesthetics, and long-term value of each community, but they also play a major role in shaping your remodel timeline, design decisions, and overall experience.
Understanding how ARB guidelines work and how they differ from one Hilton Head community to another can help you avoid delays, redesigns, and unexpected costs.
An Architectural Review Board is responsible for reviewing and approving exterior changes to homes within a specific community or plantation. On Hilton Head Island, nearly every neighborhood has its own ARB with distinct rules and expectations.
ARB approval is typically required for projects such as:
Exterior renovations
Additions or expansions
Window and door replacements
Roofing changes
Decks, porches, and outdoor living spaces
Structural changes that impact the exterior appearance
Skipping or misunderstanding this step can stop a project before it ever begins.
One of the most common misconceptions homeowners have is assuming ARB rules are the same across the island. In reality, each plantation and community operates independently.
Some ARBs are strict about exterior colors and materials. Others have detailed requirements for rooflines, trim profiles, drainage, or lot coverage. Meeting schedules and submission requirements also vary widely.
A design approved in one Hilton Head neighborhood may be denied in another. This is why local experience is critical when remodeling on Hilton Head Island.
ARB guidelines affect more than paperwork. They often shape the actual design of your remodel.
These guidelines can influence:
Exterior material selections
Color palettes and finishes
Window styles and sizes
Roof pitch and roofing materials
Setbacks and lot coverage
Drainage and grading plans
When ARB requirements are considered early, the design process is smoother and far less likely to require revisions later.
Even well-planned remodels can run into challenges during the ARB review process. Many delays or rejections stem from a few common issues that are often avoidable with proper planning and local expertise.
The Design Does Not Align With ARB Guidelines
Each Hilton Head community has specific standards for exterior changes, materials, and overall design intent. If a proposed remodel does not clearly align with those guidelines, the ARB may require revisions or deny the application outright.
Designing with ARB standards in mind from the beginning helps prevent unnecessary redesigns and delays.
A Required Variance Has Not Been Granted
Some remodels require a variance due to setbacks, lot coverage, or zoning limitations. Submitting a project to the ARB without an approved variance can halt the review process entirely.
Variances often require additional documentation, approvals, and time. Identifying this early allows the project schedule to account for it properly.
Impervious Square Footage Exceeds Allowed Limits
Impervious coverage is a major consideration for ARBs on Hilton Head Island. Additions, patios, hardscaping, and roof expansions all contribute to impervious square footage.
If a design exceeds the permitted amount, the ARB may require changes to reduce impact, adjust drainage plans, or redesign portions of the project before approval.
The Addition Does Not Match the Home or Neighborhood Aesthetic
ARB boards closely evaluate how a remodel fits within the existing home and surrounding neighborhood. Additions or exterior changes that feel out of scale or inconsistent with nearby homes are frequently flagged.
Successful remodels maintain architectural continuity and respect the established character of the community while still allowing for thoughtful updates.
ARB approval is not immediate. Depending on the community, approvals can take several weeks or longer.
Timeline factors often include:
Monthly or bi-monthly ARB meetings
Requests for revisions or additional documentation
Engineering or survey requirements
Coordination between ARB approval and permitting
Without proactive planning, ARB timing can become one of the biggest causes of project delays.
Navigating ARB guidelines is one of the most complex parts of remodeling on Hilton Head Island. A builder with local experience brings insight that out-of-area contractors simply do not have.
A local Hilton Head remodeling contractor understands:
How different ARBs interpret their guidelines
How to anticipate common concerns before submission
How to align design, ARB approval, and permitting
How to minimize revisions and delays
This experience saves time, reduces stress, and protects your investment.
At HHI Builders, we have extensive experience working within the ARB guidelines of Hilton Head Island’s many communities. We design with ARB requirements in mind from the start and prepare thorough, accurate submissions that help projects move forward efficiently.
Our team supports clients by:
Identifying potential ARB challenges early
Designing within known community standards
Preparing clear and complete ARB submissions
Coordinating approvals with permitting and construction
Our goal is to make the remodeling process as seamless as possible while maintaining the integrity of your home and neighborhood.
ARB guidelines are an essential part of remodeling on Hilton Head Island. While they can feel overwhelming, they exist to preserve the beauty and value of the island’s communities.
With the right planning and a builder who understands the local ARB landscape, approvals do not have to slow your project down.
If you are considering a remodel and want guidance through the ARB process, working with an experienced local team can make all the difference.
Ready to start planning your Hilton Head remodel?
Contact HHI Builders to schedule a consultation HERE and learn how we guide projects from ARB approval through construction.
If you are planning a remodel on Hilton Head, these related posts are great places to start:
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Hilton Head Island Home Remodel
Top Whole House Remodeling Strategies for Sophisticated Living
Project Spotlight: A Calming, Spa-Like Bathroom Remodel on Hilton Head Island