How to Prepare for Your Home Remodel in Philadelphia

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Successful Renovation

Whether you’re renovating a Rittenhouse condo, a Passyunk rowhome, or a Fairmount townhome, preparing for a home remodel in Philadelphia requires careful planning and a solid understanding of what to expect. With older housing stock, complex permitting rules, and unique neighborhood quirks, Philly homeowners need a tailored approach to remodeling.

Lapstone has helped hundreds of homeowners across the city modernize their homes — and we’ve found that the most successful renovations start long before demolition day.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare:

1. Define Your Goals (and Budget)

Start by identifying your renovation priorities. Are you upgrading a kitchen for resale value? Expanding living space for a growing family? Improving energy efficiency?

Once goals are clear, set a realistic budget. In Philadelphia, average kitchen remodels range from $30,000–$75,000+, and whole-home renovations can exceed $200,000 depending on size and scope. Be sure to factor in contingency funds (typically 10–15%).

✔ Lapstone Tip: During our initial consultations, we help Philly homeowners match their goals to real-world cost estimates — with transparency from day one.

2. Research Philadelphia Zoning and Permitting

Every renovation in Philadelphia must comply with city codes. If your project involves moving walls, adding square footage, or modifying exterior elements, you’ll likely need permits from the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I). Historic districts (like Society Hill or Queen Village) may also require review from the Historical Commission.

✔ Bonus: Lapstone manages permitting for all clients — ensuring compliance while avoiding delays and costly rework.

3. Choose the Right Contractor

Philadelphia is filled with contractors, but not all have experience with local code, older home infrastructure, or full design-build services. Ask for portfolios, client reviews, and references. Be wary of any contractor who offers vague pricing or avoids documentation.

✔ Related Read: How to Choose the Right Contractor in Philadelphia.

4. Prepare for Disruption

A major remodel can mean weeks (or months) of noise, dust, and limited access to parts of your home. Depending on the scope, you may need to relocate temporarily.

✔ Lapstone clients receive a personalized project timeline and logistics plan — including dust control, work hours, and temporary utilities.

5. Plan Your Design — But Stay Flexible

Work with your contractor or designer to finalize material selections, layouts, and finishes. But know that in older Philly homes, surprises behind the walls are common — like knob-and-tube wiring, cracked joists, or undocumented plumbing.

✔ Our in-house design team helps clients build stylish, functional designs — with backup plans ready for older-home curveballs.

6. Communicate Clearly and Often

Frequent check-ins help projects stay on schedule and minimize stress. Look for a contractor with a dedicated project manager and clear communication tools (email summaries, online portals, etc.).

✔ Lapstone’s cloud-based project tracking keeps clients updated with photos, timelines, and real-time updates.

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Let Lapstone Simplify Your Renovation

From historic brownstones to modern condos, Lapstone has helped Philadelphia homeowners remodel with confidence. Our full-service design-build approach means less stress, clearer budgets, and better outcomes — all tailored to Philly’s housing stock and codes.

📞 Ready to start your renovation journey? Contact Lapstone to schedule a free consultation and planning session.