Home projects in Donelson and Hermitage

Donelson and Hermitage grew up in the decades after World War II, when ranch houses, split-levels and brick traditionals spread east from the city along Lebanon Pike and toward the lakes. The housing is solid and mostly single-story, the lots are generous, and the neighborhoods are mature. What sets this part of the county apart is that a large share of it was rebuilt, at least in part, after one night in 2020.

March 3, 2020

The National Weather Service's survey of the March 3, 2020 tornado traces it across the Cumberland into Donelson, where it weakened over the Donelson Hills and Lincoya Hills neighborhoods. It then strengthened again to a strong EF-3 in the Stanford Estates area, where several homes were leveled, and kept causing EF-2 damage across Hermitage before it moved into Wilson County.

Rebuilding happened fast. That means many homes in the path have newer roofs, windows and siding than their age suggests, and a few have repairs that were rushed. If you're buying or remodeling a house in the path:

• Look up permit history. Metro's permit search shows roofing, framing and trade permits issued after the storm. A full rebuild should have them.
• Check the attic. Look for new sheathing nailed to old rafters that were cracked or twisted, missing hurricane ties, or mismatched trusses.
• Ask about the windows and doors. Replacement units installed in a hurry sometimes skipped flashing. Water stains under sills are the tell.
• Inspect the chimney. Masonry chimneys are often the weakest point in high winds.

Not every repair is a problem, but a good inspector who knows what to look for is worth the fee.

Storm-ready upgrades

Middle Tennessee gets severe spring storms and occasional tornadoes, and Donelson and Hermitage were a reminder that even a weaker tornado tears off roofs. Upgrades worth discussing with a roofer or builder:

• Roof-to-wall connections. If the roof is coming off anyway, ask about adding hurricane ties or straps where rafters meet the top plate.
• Better roof decking attachment. Ring-shank nails and closer nailing on new sheathing hold better than what most mid-century roofs used.
• Impact-rated shingles. Class 4 shingles resist hail better. Ask your insurer whether it gives a discount before you pay extra.
• Garage doors. Wind-rated garage doors help keep wind from pressurizing the house.

See roofing and windows for more, and our storm season prep guide.

Permits from Metro Codes

Donelson and Hermitage are under Metro Codes and Building Safety, like the rest of Davidson County outside the satellite cities. Metro requires building permits for re-roofs and new siding, additions, decks and porches, and structural changes like moving partitions. Metro's codes brochure notes that demolition and cleanup after a disaster, such as removing wet drywall and damaged carpet, doesn't need a permit, but putting drywall back and repairing structure does.

Owner-occupants can pull self permits. Otherwise, the contractor needs Metro licensing and bonding plus the right state license: a Home Improvement license for $3,000 to $24,999 remodels in Davidson County, and a contractor's license at $25,000 and up.

Updating a mid-century ranch

Ranch houses are easy to work on, and the common projects here are predictable.

Kitchen and bath updates. Original layouts often have closed kitchens. Opening the wall to the living room is the classic project, and it usually involves a beam if the wall is load-bearing. See kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling.

HVAC replacement. Many ranches have ductwork in a crawl space or attic. A properly sized heat pump with sealed ducts is often the best upgrade. NES delivers TVA EnergyRight programs, which list rebates for heat pumps, duct sealing and heat pump water heaters. Check current terms. See HVAC.

Crawl spaces. Brick ranches on crawl spaces commonly have moisture problems, especially where gutters dump water near the foundation. See basements and crawl spaces.

Siding and trim. Many ranches combine brick with wood or vinyl siding on gables and additions. Replacing rotted trim and painting or replacing the siding is a common exterior project, and siding needs a Metro permit. See siding.

Decks and screened porches. Large backyards make rear decks and screened porches popular. See decks and porches.