For those of you who live in Philadelphia, you know our city is comprised of a diverse group of neighborhoods. There are 12 sections total, including Center City, South Philadelphia, Roxborough-Manayunk, Germantown-Chestnut Hill, etc., not to mention the several smaller neighborhoods within them like Fairmount or Fishtown. But the cool part about being a homeowner here is that so many of these neighborhoods contain unique building and architectural styles that you can’t find anywhere else. It offers the perfect canvas for an awesome renovation project, but it also means that Philadelphians need to take these types of building structures into consideration when embarking on a remodel or home improvement project.

If you’re one of the many homeowners looking to upgrade your bathroom this year, it’s hard to know where to start. There are so many decisions you’ll have to make, from tile, to appliances, to walls, to floors, to cabinets, and more. It can be overwhelming!

As 2021 comes to a close, it feels like trends are shifting more quickly than ever. 

According to Gen Z, side parts are out and middle parts are in. Skinny jeans are so 2020 - and we’re even seeing low rise pant styles creeping back onto fashion models. 

We learn from experience. Sometimes that means learning the hard way, but other times, we may be lucky enough to reap the benefits of someone else’s experience. This is one of those times.

Daydreaming about exposed brick, hardwood floors, and open-concept kitchen and living areas? So are we. Here are some of the blogs, publications and websites we’re checking out to stay in-the-know on home remodeling. 

In all the excitement of creating a home customized to your unique style, it’s important to remember some key rules and regulations everyone must follow. And the town ordinances will vary across every city and state, so ask yourself how well you really know your neighborhood.

Before you decide to get started on that addition on your property, you must adhere to local building codes and ordinances that determine where and what you can build, add, or change on your property to make sure there won’t be any problems with your remodel. Any big structural changes to your house will need approval within your specific home remodel permit requirements, so make sure your contractor checks with your local municipality BEFORE any work starts. First is knowing for sure where your property line is. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know.

Just like no two general contractors are exactly the same, and neither are their contracts or proposals. And at RenoFi, we’ve seen them all. But in order for us to help put you on the best path to a home you love, there are a few submission requirements necessary in every contract and every proposal/detailed estimate from your contractor that you should know.

While there may not be a secret to making your home renovation stress free, there are certainly ways to make it go more smoothly. One of these methods is planning your “pre-model,” essentially, your cleaning session before the renovation. 

Barring another once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, there’s usually a standard flow to the pace of a year when it comes to renovations. 

Summer is the most common time of year for home remodeling, and it’s pretty clear why. The weather is good, the kids are off school, and timing-wise it provides a nice buffer between the renovation and the winter holidays.