10 Tips for Philadelphia Row House Renovation

Old houses are full of history and memories of the people who once lived in them. They reflect years of love and life within their walls.  Old houses can also be a source of wealth to their owners and the community.  It is important to protect the historical aesthetics and legacies of these old houses.  When doing Philadelphia row house renovation, keeping the historical look and feel while increasing functionality and adding modern amenities is essential.

Philadelphia has beautiful and lovely row houses whose origins date back to 1690.  These houses can be renovated to make life more comfortable and meet modern standards.  For any renovation project, hiring an experienced general contractor is essential to managing the construction process.  There are three qualities you should look for in a renovation construction contractor:  Transparency, Trust, and Respect.  The contractor should specialize in the type of work you want to be done and have experience with Philadelphia row houses.  Matrix Company Solutions Corp. knows all about Philadelphia row house renovation and will make your project fun and easy.

We have put together a list of our top 10 tips for completing an amazing row house renovation that will add to the history of your old home.  Here is how to make your Philadelphia row house renovation project go smoothly.

1. Expect Unforeseen Situations

Renovating an old house is a challenging job.  Unexpected situations arise in many renovation projects; these situations are usually found after the project begins.  For this reason, it is impossible to provide a fixed budget before starting the project.  Always expect extra costs when doing a home renovation.  This risk can be reduced by a detailed investigation at the design stage and the careful selection of a contractor.  If a contractor claims to have provided a fixed budget, beware and consider another contractor.

Unexpected situations are the main reason for an increase in the budget.  Things such as opening up old walls and ceilings and finding damaged elements that need to be replaced, identifying moisture or insect damage, and many other problems may not be found until construction starts.  Although not that common, these are serious challenges that must be addressed.  When doing a Philadelphia row house renovation, be prepared for unforeseen situations.

2. Prioritize the Building

Some fundamental renovation upgrades will reduce future costs.  Paying once for these jobs leads to long-term results.  Projects such as water infiltration, foundation cracks, and asbestos removal must be done before anything else since they will impact the remainder of the renovation project.   Keep in mind that Philadelphia row houses are old and there may be issues with the building. You should ensure the building is strong and secure before starting the renovation.  Examples include making sure the foundation is secure, and the joists and carrying beams are intact and able to carry the weight of the structure.

3. Strategically Replace Windows

Row houses typically have a small amount of street frontage.  Because of this, not much natural light comes through the windows. One way to solve this during the renovation process is to maximize street frontage space by replacing small windows with larger ones.  For the back of the house wall, converting it into a wall of windows will also bring in more natural light.  On the top floor, consider adding skylights to increase the amount of light entering the room.  By increasing the natural light that enters the house, the less artificial light you will need thus reducing your energy bill.

Adding these types of renovations can be costly but beneficial.  The biggest benefit is the amount of natural light entering the house and the impact it has on the home’s interior.  The new windows are beautiful and energy-efficient.  Not only will your row house look beautiful but you will save on your energy bills.

4. Build Up for Added Space

You may decide to add extra space to your home for several reasons.  Building out and building up are two ways to accomplish this.  Since row houses are connected by their side walls, you would have to use the backyard space (if you have one) to build out. So if you live in a Philadelphia row house and need extra space, Matrix Company Solutions Corp. recommends building up with a 3rd-floor addition.

A 3rd-floor addition is an excellent way to add more space to your row house.  The extra space can be used for an additional bedroom, home office, children’s play area, or any other way you wish.  You can even add a rooftop deck for gathering with family and friends.  By building up you will not only add additional space to your house but you will add additional value to the property.  For more information about our 3rd-floor addition services click here.

5. Consider an Open Floor Plan

A row house has a smaller footprint than a traditional dwelling.  The most effective way to make optimal use of the space in these types of houses is to have an open floor plan.  An open floor plan is an architectural living area design that favors open spaces with fewer separations between the main rooms.  An open floor plan promotes a sense of openness and improves traffic flow.  Instead of using walls, you can use different floor levels or timber beams to divide zones.  Additionally, large furniture such as consoles, sofas, and decorative screens can help convey a sense of division.

Remember, when you do a row house renovation, you will change its look and feel forever.  Keep in mind that an open floor plan will give you a more modern look.  Keeping some of the original components of the house, such as the window trim or fireplace, will maintain its historic feel.  Also, furniture and fabric choices can add to the home’s original charm.

6. Use the Right Materials

When choosing new materials for your old row house renovation, matching them as close as possible to the originals will help maintain the historic feel of the house.  Material selections such as colors, textures, and style can maintain your home’s character and feel.  Also when choosing materials, be sure to avoid materials such as cement, impermeable membranes, vinyl paints, and vapor tight insulations as these could cause long-term moisture issues resulting in damage and mold growth.

7. Be Careful about Water

The brick exteriors of historic Philadelphia row homes are one of the most attractive characteristics of these houses.  Preserving the brick is essential to prevent water damage.  Never use non-breathable paint on brick as water may freeze in low temperatures and produce cracks because it can not escape from the wall and evaporate.  Brick is made to keep water away through evaporation.

Water may enter through tiny holes or gaps in the house.  Any water that enters the house or building can cause damage leading to serious and costly problems in the future.  Be sure to inspect the roof, windows, and siding joints as possible entry points for water.  Consider replacing or repairing these areas to prevent further damage.  During the renovation process, pay close attention to areas in the house where water exists such as the bathroom and kitchen; making sure to prevent water-related damage.

8. Check Plumbing and Wiring

Old homes usually have copper or galvanized steel pipes which may corrode over time.  During the row house renovation process, upgrading the pipes and plumbing is a major part of the project.  Generally, the old systems will be removed and replaced with new ones.

Old homes usually have old wiring.  Keep in mind that modern home amenities such as air conditioners, refrigerators, microwaves, and other electric appliances will put a strain on an old electrical system.  To bring the electrical system up to modern standards, it is recommended that the electrical panel and outlets be replaced.  Always hire a professional electrical contractor since working with electricity can be dangerous.

Plumbing and electrical services need regular maintenance and inspection therefore you should try to make these services easy to reach and locate.

9. Historic Regulations

Philadelphia’s Historical Commission has strict procedures if you purchase a property that is on the Designated Historic Property list.  If the property is designated historic or is located in a historic area, the commission will regulate any changes you wish to make.  For example, any changes that require a permit or any alterations to the outside of the building will require approval from the Historical Commission.  It is important to check in advance if your property is designated historic to determine if the changes you wish to make will be approved.

10. Hire the Right Contractor

Most importantly, hire the right contractor. Your contractor should know old buildings, and Philadelphia row houses, and have experience working on historic properties. Matrix Company Solutions Corp. is a Philadelphia certified 203(k) contractor who has experience with all types of Philadelphia area properties.  We maintain continual communication by taking you step by step through the renovation process. From putting together a schematic design to obtaining necessary permits, our goal is to save you both time and money.  Our priority is your satisfaction with your row house renovation.

Contact us today via our FREE Consultation Service.