Building a home at Melrose can be a rewarding experience if you follow the rules. The Architectural Review Board and its Administrator are here to help you.

The first thing to do is read the Guidelines, Rules and Procedures for Design and Construction or Alteration of Single Family Residence , which are available by clicking here : Part 1 (3.5 MB), Part 2 (8.6 MB) Part 3 (0.5 MB) , but don't be overwhelmed by them. Contact an architect who is licensed in South Carolina. The ARB can provide you with names of approved architects who have experience designing homes at Melrose. Send a sketch of your proposed home to the ARB for a preliminary approval. Houses should have a Southern low country look rather than a contemporary design. If your rendering is approved, then proceed to develop the detailed plans.

The ARB Administrator also can provide a list of approved builders. You will find that the cost of building on Daufuskie is higher than on the mainland due to the expense of barging all building materials. Modular homes are allowed but the barging costs are significant and the ARB requires specific road use fees to be paid as we have experienced road damage from the transportation of modules.

You can contact the Chairman of the ARB, Andy Mason, at amason5@hargray.com or by phone at 843-842-3441. His mailing address is 10 Rosebud Lane, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915.

You also may send your questions or concerns via the Contact Us link on
this web site.

For the list of approved architects and builders click here.