Top 5 remodeling projects in Philadelphia

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.

Regardless of whether you have a city home from the late 1800s or a suburban home built in 1980, a home renovation is a chance to make your home reflect you, while also maintaining some of its original character. We know it sometimes helps to have a bit of inspiration so we put together 5 trends other homeowners remodeling Philadelphia have loved to help inspire you and your own project.

Rehabbed Original Floors

Homeowners love their wood floors. And in Philly, many of them are taking advantage of the fact that older Philly homes have awesome old wood flooring. You may have to strip away a few layers on top of that wood, but keep searching and see what you find! Even if it is a little more costly, more people are choosing to refinish rather than replace with lower-cost options such as wood laminate.

Mixed Material Kitchen

So long subtle kitchen decor. Matching is out and mixing is in. From two-toned cabinets with a contrasting center island to mixed metal faucets, custom-colored appliances, bold backsplashes and decorative sink panels, the more patterns, the better. Plus, multi-functional islands featuring seating, storage, beverage fridges and more are pushing the “bigger is better” mantra harder than ever.

Maintaining the Entrance Vestibule

While some entrance vestibules need a little modernization, others are just too cool to change. With funky tile or unique industrial vibe, this space merges outdoor and indoor elements to be inviting, yet practical throughout the seasons. Some homeowners will pay big bucks to add a vestibule to their entry, but many older Philly homes already enjoy the luxury - and just need a little refresh.

New Mudroom Addition

From the occasional snow-filled Philly winters to muddy playdates in the spring and summer, most busy households are opting for a place for kids to take off their shoes, store their outerwear, and clean up before dinner. With popular trends like built-in storage cabinets and cubby holes, comfortable sitting areas, even tiled pet showers or sinks, these rooms are not only super functional but also more stylish than ever.

Bold Bathroom Upgrades

Both minimalist and statement-making all at the same time, stones like concrete and marble are taking over as a top bathroom trend. From subtle countertops to dramatic full-wall replacements mixed with wood, tile, and other elements, it brings a luxe feel to any bathroom. More homeowners are also heading to the dark side with moody, ultra-dark color palettes. Not to mention, showers themselves are getting bolder, taking over half the square footage with walk-in and sit-in features.

Exposing Brick Walls

Another fun perk of an older Philly home is the brick walls you’ll often find hidden below the surface. Exposing these walls is particularly popular with city homes as they provide a visual texture that exudes a warmer feel. There’s nothing quite like the original clay-and-mortar structure to recall the history of a home - whether bare or painted. This is a particularly popular feature with some RenoFi clients.

A Little Inspiration Can Go a Long Way

A little inspiration can go a long way. To make your home a unique reflection of your family, check out the Before & After stories of other RenoFi homeowners for some more ideas — see the story of Katie and Ken in Ardmore and DJ and Vanessa of Villanova PA, or Justin and Nicki out in West Chester.

Starting Your Renovation Process

Now that you’re starting to feel inspired about what your renovation may look like, you’ll be even more motivated to get started by knowing you’ve also found the smartest way to pay for it. Introducing RenoFi loans.

Our renovation loans offer the perks of a construction loan without all the long, tedious draws, inspections, and paperwork along the way. So what does that look like? Well, it means you get to borrow based on the POST-renovation value of your home instead of its current value, which can increase your loan amount up to 3x — seriously, just check out our monthly payment calculator to instantly see what this looks like for your renovation.

Oh, and you also get to enjoy that extra borrowing power at the lowest rates possible. So you’re all set to get that luxury master bedroom and bathroom or that open floor plan with perfect sightlines from the kitchen to the family room without sacrificing anything on your wish list.

Here are three simple steps to getting started.

1. Get Pre-Qualified

If you’re ready to get rolling, contact us to chat with our dedicated, licensed RenoFi Advisor. By chatting with our advisor, about your specific financial situation and goals for your renovation, they’ll let you know which loan options you qualify for and which are the best fit for you.

Even if you’re not quite ready to start the process right now, our advisor is happy to answer all your questions in the meantime. Just schedule your call today!

2. Prepare for Your Application

Once you’re pre-qualified, you’ll have to select your contractor, finalize your renovation plan, and gather your financial documents.

In terms of choosing your contractor and finalizing your renovation plans, first you must know that your contractor has to be licensed and insured in whatever state you reside. They’ll need to provide you with a detailed estimate, including as much line item information as possible (materials, costs, etc.), as well as a formal contract to proceed any further. These items are required to apply, but they’ll also help you get a comprehensive understanding of the project’s budget in full, so you better eliminate the chance of any surprises from your renovation process.

Next, is gathering some financial documents for your application, such as proof of income and homeowner’s insurance. We’ve created a helpful online checklist so you don’t miss anything.

3. Get Matched with a Lender

Just to be clear, RenoFi is not a lender. But we make finding one easy. So instead of spending weeks contacting countless lenders for countless quotes to compare on your own, we utilize our unique partnerships with the best local credit unions to match homeowners with the right lender for you. It’s our job to find the best lender for your specific situation with the lowest rates and fees, so you can apply directly with them — saving you a lot of valuable time now, and then saving you a lot of money for years to come.

That’s it! All that’s left is the fun part: the renovation! The hammer is officially ready to hit the nail, and since you’re working with RenoFi, you can thoroughly enjoy the process from start to finish knowing you financed it all the smartest way possible.

For more information on remodeling in Philadelphia or how to finance your project, contact us to discuss your renovation goals today!