If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the people you love, dearly, can sometimes drive you up the wall. If you’re looking for a little more space, the folks at Third Story are for you. This team of architects, developers and builders does more than just plop another level on your house; they take the time to learn what makes your home special and incorporate that into the expansion. Read More »
Plaskowitz is much more than a handyman. Take, for example, the historic headquarters of the New Century Guild, which reopened as a tony little boutique inn. Plaskowitz wallpapered each room, restored fireplace mantels, and installed modified doors and hardware. He also restored the building’s original millwork, re-creating missing molding and ornamental pieces. Just think what he can do for your own century-old property. Read More »
If you’ve ever admired a cool design element in Yowie or the Deacon Hotel — powder-coated steel shelves, floating desks, a sculptural foam display case that looks both organic and cutting-edge — chances are Gleeson built it. The contractor and fabricator works on home projects, too, using the same visionary perspective for bars, bathrooms and built-in shelves. Read More »
Want to live in tomorrow’s next hot neighborhood? Jumpstart’s four-week neighborhood-based training programs will teach you how to rehab a house, and they’ll finance your first project if it’s in one of the city neighborhoods in which they operate. Scouting a location outside their established zones? Download Jumpstart’s free workbook and train yourself — or make the case that your block should be next. Read More »
| 215-247-5555 | Website
Any DIY Network star can spruce up a 1970s suburban colonial, but it takes special finesse to rehab a centuries-old city rowhome. Philly Revival host Rachel Street — who’s also a real estate agent — does so using locally made and reclaimed materials whenever possible. Read More »
| 215-625-3650 | Website
AMDG shows up when they say they will, communication is easy and clear, and if there is anything you’re unhappy with—which is highly unlikely—they’ll come back out and deal with it. For work one of our editors needed done, AMDG also offered the lowest estimate by far; the end result, our colleague gushes, is impeccable. Read More »
2377 Haverford Avenue, Ardmore, PA | 484-453-8412 | Website
Mike Quinn has won the devotion of entire neighborhoods in Philly, renovating and upgrading kitchens for one ecstatic client after the next. The appeal is threefold. First: He finishes on time. Second: He finishes at cost. Third: He finishes with no drama. In other words, he's a total pro who expertly deals with the space constraints and quirks in old rowhomes. He does great work with bathrooms, too. Read More »
1026 East Palmer Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-300-5637
This family-owned Fishtown company is a shining light in one of the more, shall we say, challenging industries known to man. To wit: Mr. Contractor won't pull the sort of disappearing act for which industry losers are known; they have 22 staff members to keep your job on track; and a BBB accreditation means you can be sure they'll resolve any problems. There now, isn't that better? Read More »
2634-48 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA | 215-423-5525 | Website
You don't want to call Mike. But when your upstairs toilet overflows into your downstairs living room, you'll be thrilled you can. Based in Delaware County, he's available 24 hours a day (even when he's on vacation!) and knows all the right people. Read More »
3315 Market Street, Aston, PA | 610-494-2986 | Website
Kait Midgett's 20 years of experience and fine-arts background mean creative ideas for incorporating that incredible 100-year-old sink, tried-and-true subcontractors, and legit skills to make it happen. Read More »
1010 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA | 215-280-6031