How to create and use a scope of work when undertaking a home remodeling project

(Above) Sweeten homeowner Bellamy + Zak’s renovation. Photos by Kate Glicksberg.

Why is the scope of work important?

“Scope of work” or “scope” is construction lingo for the list of work that needs to be done in a remodeling project. When a contractor asks for your project scope, they’re really asking, “What are all the things you need me to do?” Sweeten breaks it all down below.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

What is the scope of work?

Early in your planning, like when you first post your project on the Sweeten platform or start talking to general contractors, your scope will likely be vague. For example, “I want to renovate the master bathroom, including retiling and replacing cabinets and fixtures.”

Later, when it comes time to ask general contractors for estimates, you’ll work with them to fill in the details. These important details make up the scope of work! The details will cover the exact work that needs to be done, including materials and fixture specifics, and plans drawn for any changes to the layout, pipes, or wiring (see “Renovation scope of work example” below). 

All the specifics need to be in writing by the time you ask for a contract. Once you’ve signed, additional changes to the scope of work are considered “change orders,” and will bring additional costs.

Finessing your budget and scope of work

Often, you won’t be able to move from a general to specific scope until you know the cost of all the options. We suggest making a list of everything you want, divided into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves.” Your general contractor can help you decide on a specific scope that fits your budget, including as many “nice-to-haves” as possible. 

My scope exceeds my budget. Now what?

If your contractor makes an estimate that exceeds your budget, it’s time to negotiate. Please don’t just ask for a discount. General contractors operate on very low margins; you’d be asking them to lose money. Instead, ask questions about how to adjust the scope to fit your budget. You might get some surprising and imaginative ideas. Sweeten general contractors are often wizards at this kind of creative problem-solving to make potential clients happy. 

A remodeling rule-of-thumb: The more rigid your budget, the more flexible your scope should be. 

If a scope of work isn’t possible

Occasionally a general contractor will tell you that something in your scope is impossible. This can be disappointing—but we promise, they’re not just being difficult. Sometimes there will be structural reasons that something can’t be done. Other times there will be strict national or local building codes that have to be obeyed. 

Pro tip: Always ask why something in the scope can’t be done. You might start a conversation with your contractor that leads to ideas that are just as satisfying as the original.

Prep scopes before the estimate

You might want to consider more than one scope. For example, one version might be a kitchen remodel that includes changing the floor plan and opening a wall. Another version could be a simple rip-and-replace of the existing cabinets and finishes. 

It’s fine to present these alternate versions to your general contractor, as long as you do so before asking them to create any estimates. And you should keep it to just two variations. Beyond two, your contractor might ask for an additional deposit—because drawing up detailed estimates is time-consuming work.

Example of a scope of work in construction

• Replace toilet
  
• Replace vanity cabinet
  
• Change out sink
  
• Retile floor
  
• Relocate shower—see plans
  
• Install cement board
  
• Tile shower/tub surround
  
• Replace light fixture
  
• Add outlets—see plans
  
• Paint walls and ceiling

The scope of work, in summary

Start with a general scope, with your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Moving on to your final, detailed scope requires negotiating many variables. Your Sweeten general contractor can be a valuable resource in this process. Be sure to communicate clearly, ask questions, and give as much information as possible before requesting a bid. And remember: the details in a contract finalize your scope. Any additions to the scope after you’ve signed the contract will be considered a change order, which might push you over budget.

Sweeten matches you with vetted general contractors

When you’re ready to get started on your home remodel, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors. You can email our renovation specialists with questions about your scope of work at any time at team@sweeten.com.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Yes, it is possible to live through a kitchen remodel, with a few key remodeling tips in hand

Remodeling your kitchen is a smart move and you’ll be pleased that you took the leap and did it. However, for a short time during the project, you might feel some…frustration, especially if you are accustomed to being at home most days.

It’s all manageable, however, and you’ll do fine if you know what to expect. It’s all about adaptability and making as many choices proactively as possible. Get things set up before it feels like an emergency. You’ll be inconvenienced for several weeks or so, if the project goes as planned. Sweeten outlines how to live through a kitchen remodel below.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

Set up a temporary kitchen

Naturally, you’ll have to feed the family and clean up after meals and snacks, so you’ll need some sort of temporary kitchen. If you have room for a temporary kitchen, old dismantled kitchen cabinets could create a makeshift mini-kitchen space. Even some of the old countertop could be used.

If you don’t have an extra room, where can you carve out some space for, say, 2–4 weeks? You might use the patio/deck and grill for a lot of cooking and the default dining table, if the weather cooperates.

Moving the refrigerator to a space where it’s still usable is typically mandatory. Go over changes like these with the contractor so you don’t block a space they’ll need to access.

You might wonder if the fridge can move to the deck or patio, and it’s possible, but it’ll depend on the weather. Refrigerators have an ambient operating temperature range, and if the outdoor temperature goes below ~40 degrees, the compressor won’t run. If the compressor doesn’t run, then the freezer won’t work. Likewise, avoid setting a refrigerator in full sun. The heat will force the compressor to work much harder and more often, which will shorten its life.

Cooking without a normal kitchen

Cooking is really pretty easy. You can use a camp stove, toaster oven, microwave oven, instant pot, and/or grill for numerous meals. You probably can’t move and use your freestanding range, as they require a 240v outlet and dedicated circuit for power.

Staying at home during a kitchen remodel

If you are accustomed to being at home quite a bit, the process of construction might unnerve you. Naptime for the kids will be tough to keep going, as will any work duties you plan to accomplish. Going to the office a bit more may turn into an attractive option, along with coffee shops and shared office spaces.

Do the daily work hours work for you? Tradespeople often start early and their work is often noisy. If you like to sleep in, you will probably chafe at having workers at the house early in the morning, but that’s what it takes—temporarily.

Talk with your contractor about the daily schedule to set shared expectations. Surprises happen and everyone has to roll with them. An organized and professional contractor will set you up as well as possible.

Living in a hotel during the remodel

Another option that has unique benefits is staying at a hotel. You can choose a standard stay or an extended-stay suite, which may even have a mini-kitchen. These offer clear and compelling advantages: low commitment and high flexibility, as in booking and leaving with little notice.

Cost may seem high but it may be well worth it to avoid the chaos of living in a remodeling zone. You will have to live somewhere during the work, so a hotel could be just part of the project budget.

Create a contingency plan to cover surprises

Finally, have a contingency budget plan of 10-15% if something goes awry. The worst-case scenario would be something like discovering asbestos or mold, which must be professionally remediated. Those professionals are specialty crews, not your contractor or subcontractors. That could stop other work until they are done. There’s no good way to estimate how long that work could take, but your general contractor will know how to find the experts and rearrange the schedule and sequencing.

Other common scenarios are occasional shortages of materials or mistakes in ordering or fulfillment. Special-order items, for example, can be subject to delays. Luckily, a good contractor can peruse your plan and spot potential bottlenecks quickly, but it’s good to be prepared.

There’s a lot to consider for a kitchen remodel, but the hassle is temporary and the benefit is long term. With preparation and a flexible mindset, you’ll be on the way to your dream kitchen.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

The punch list is a final, crucial step of a renovation. Here’s how they work.

(Above) Renovation for Sweeten homeowners Dia + Alex. Photo by Kate Glicksberg for Sweeten.

A punch list is a list of tasks put together by a homeowner that needs to be completed by their contractor. The punch list needs to be done for the project to be completely done. The majority of the work has been finished, but there are details to be resolved. You have one shot to compile your punch list, and once it is completed, the project is officially done! 

What goes on a punch list?

It depends who you ask! This question is often a misunderstanding between a homeowner and a contractor. In construction, there are acceptable quality standards, which are in the form of building codes. Licensed contractors are responsible for abiding by these codes. When a project passes inspection by the codes enforcement official, some contractors consider their work completed. Building codes exist to ensure an acceptable level of quality and ensure that the home is structurally sound. Reputable general contractors will not only meet, but exceed this benchmark.

The goal of a punch list is to address concerns the homeowner may have after inspecting a project. For example, a crooked hinge on a kitchen cabinet door would normally indicate a defect and should appear on your list. Clashing paint colors, however, are usually not the responsibility of the painter, and would not indicate a defect. Even so, the situation needs correcting. Add these concerns to your punch list. You and your contractor will discuss if the task will be fixed by them or the subcontractor. 

How do I start a punch list?

To start a punch list, the easiest way is to have paper and pencil in each room. Notes stay organized and prevent several lists from being created for the same room. Many new homeowners prefer to live in the space for a while. They can relax and use the space in a daily routine. This makes identifying any issues easier. 

When does a rolling punch list happen?

Traditionally, final payment is paid to the contractor at project completion. A walk-through and a punch list happen after the final payment. As any concerns are addressed, the general contractor will often either discuss the concern or agree to correct the issue. 

An alternative punch list solution is referred to as a “rolling punch list”, or a punch list-as-you-go. Instead of inspecting all of the details at the end, the general contractor makes periodic walk-throughs with the homeowner. As concerns are addressed, everyone involved takes a role in resolving the issue. If the subcontractor is still onsite with labor, machines, and materials, it is easier to correct a concern.

Before a project starts, the homeowner and contractor should confirm when the punch list will take place. Each general contractor has their own process for handling punch list items. 

What is the difference between a tweak and a defect?

This question is really at the heart of a punch list. During installation, an issue such as a crooked cabinet hinge will raise concerns immediately for a homeowner. Contractors tend to focus on completing the project even if small adjustments will be required later on. A homeowner may view the crooked cabinet door as a lack of skill or professional ethics. Have an open dialog between the general contractor and homeowner, so both parties can ask questions and set realistic expectations. Ideally, this discussion will be frequent and ongoing throughout the project so that confusion and assumptions are kept to a minimum.

If you are working with a Sweeten contractor, a homeowner may also reach out to Sweeten customer support with questions or clarifications. Email ClientServices@sweeten.com.

Be communicative and flexible

A punch list should be considered a place to answer questions and get questions answered. For the experienced contractor, the positive completion of a punch list is their business card. For a homeowner, it can confirm they are working with a professional.

Finding a true partner in your general contractor

At Sweeten, we appreciate the value of working with the right general contractor—one who understands your vision, comes up with solutions to challenges, involves you in decision-making, and communicates clearly. If you’re looking for an expert contractor near you, look no further! Sweeten matches homeowners with vetted general contractors, offering guidance and financial protection—at no cost to the homeowner. Start by posting your project on Sweeten today. 

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Yes, revised estimates are possible, but be ready to compromise and collaborate

So you’ve received a remodeling estimate from your Sweeten general contractor. What if the total exceeds your budget—can you ask for a revised estimate?

Short answer: Yes, with limitations.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

When can I ask for a lower or revised renovation estimate?

You can generally expect a single round of minor revisions for free. If you need major scope changes or multiple versions of the estimate, expect your contractor to ask for money up-front. This is because calculating estimates requires substantial work. If you hire the contractor, this fee will typically be treated as a deposit and will count toward the total renovation cost. You won’t be out-of-pocket unless you ask a contractor for extensive revisions and then decline to hire them.

What revisions are considered minor? Minor revisions involve eliminating part of the project or making simple substitutions (switching from custom imported tiles to standard subway tiles, etc.).  

When you negotiate for a lower price, you must always think in terms of reduced scope or lower-priced materials. Don’t just ask for a discount! General contractors don’t leave room for discounts in their estimates. 

Definitely ask your contractor for advice on how to meet a lower budget. Their experience can be invaluable in strategizing where to cut costs—and where not to. 

Ballpark quote vs. formal remodeling estimate

Keep in mind the difference between a contractor’s initial ballpark quote and their formal estimate. That first quote may be based on your posted Sweeten project and a brief conversation. The formal estimate will come after a site visit, a longer discussion, and hours of behind-the-scenes research and calculation. 

When you receive your initial quote, this is the time to discuss your budget limits and to be clear about your must-haves vs. your nice-to-haves. Giving your contractor the important information up-front will help you avoid major revisions entirely.

Do:

• Discuss your scope and budget with your contractor before they draft an estimate
• After your site visit, feel free to postpone requesting an estimate. If you need time to think about your budget, ask for it.
• Ask your contractor for advice on reducing the scope to meet your budget
• Expect to pay for major estimate revisions
• Expect to wait a few days for major estimate revisions

Don’t:

• Ask for a discount without a change in scope or materials
• Ask for a formal estimate before you’re clear on your budget
• Expect major revisions for free
• Expect major revisions quickly

Questions? Email clientservices@sweeten.com to schedule a call with a Sweeten renovation specialist.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Providing deposits for contractors is a crucial—and normal—step in starting a renovation

Short answer: Yes. But there are exceptions, and your contractor may have some flexibility. Below, Sweeten outlines the reasons behind upfront payment amounts, and some options for negotiating your deposit for a contractor.

Why do contractors require a deposit?

Deposits for contractors are critical because they essentially allow your project to begin! Your general contractor needs to secure a crew and begin ordering materials right away. They may also need to rent equipment. And your contractor can’t take on all the financial liability for these commitments themself.

How much of a deposit can a contractor ask for?

The exact deposit amount contractors ask for upfront varies and is especially dependent on the size of the project. For relatively small jobs, like a $16,000 bathroom remodel, contractors may ask for a 50% deposit. For large jobs, like a $100,000 full-home renovation, a 10%–20% deposit is more typical. 

Is the deposit for a contractor negotiable?

It might be. In many cases, contractors start with a standardized contract, so some of the terms could be based on a typical job rather than the specifics of yours. You may be able to ask for somewhat lower initial payment or deposit. 

The ideal time to ask is during negotiations (—an important part of the contractor hiring process), before the contractor drafts the contract. But they may be amenable to a minor contract alteration after the fact. Just know that their flexibility may be limited. 

What about the remaining payments?

General contractors use a number of different fee structures. The payment schedule might be based on fixed dates, or on major project milestones. For small jobs, they’ll typically ask for just two payments—one upfront, the other at the end. For larger projects, there may be as many as five scheduled payments.

Most contractors ask for the final payment upon “substantial completion.” This means that everything’s complete except the punch list*, and possibly final work on minor finishes. Occasionally, a contractor will consider a job substantially complete when there’s a single large outstanding item—like an expensive fixture that’s held up by a shipping delay, but which won’t require much labor to install. When you’re ready to begin your home remodel, work with Sweeten to find a vetted and experienced contractor. 

*The punch list is a tally of any minor problems for the contractor to fix—like a paint splatter, a missing drawer pull, a misaligned cabinet hinge, etc.

Points to remember for contractor deposits:

• Expect to pay a deposit for a contractor before work can begin
  
• Expect to pay a higher percentage on a smaller job, and vice-versa
  
• Discuss the contractors’ deposit and payment schedule before they draft the contract
  
• If you’d like to amend the contract, don’t expect the contractor to have unlimited flexibility
  

If you’re planning to start your own home renovation within the next 6 months, it’s time to post your project on Sweeten and start making your vision a reality!

Start your renovation with Sweeten

How does Sweeten connect me with the best general contractors for my remodeling project?

Our purpose at Sweeten is to help homeowners transform their homes as seamlessly as possible — so you can stop living at home, and start thriving! And we’ve helped around 3,000 renovators do just that. Here are some of the ways we bring value to your renovation experience (for free!):

• We only work with thoroughly vetted, trusted general contractors
• We carefully select the best contractors for your unique remodeling projects and connect you with them
• You’ll get a set of competitive bids to ensure fair, market pricing for your project
• You can take advantage of a bid-leveling call with someone from our team to help you through the toughest part of the decision-making process
• Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in renovations, and we’re available to you for support from start to finish!

Updated July 28, 2023

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Want to start a kitchen remodel successfully? Start by gathering details and staying flexible

(Above) Laura + Randy’s Sweeten apartment renovation

Statistically speaking, kitchens are the most remodeled room in a home. This is due to many factors, not the least of which is that few things date a home faster than a kitchen design. Kitchens tend to last a long time. Whether this is your forever home or you plan to move in a few years, you can choose to personalize your kitchen or give it a classic design. Below, Sweeten outlines how to start a kitchen remodel and how the pros put everything back together.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering guidance, tools, and support—for free.

How to start a kitchen remodel: Gather information

To answer that question, you’ll need to answer a few others first. Here are a few:

Are you DIY-ing your kitchen?

To answer the first question, consider not just the money you’ll need, but the time as well. For example, you may have the skills to do some or all of the work yourself. Many homeowners will perform fairly low-skill projects, such as painting and caulking to save money. More experienced do-it-yourselfers can also install trim, insulation, and even floor coverings. However, these projects will take a while, so make sure you have the time to complete them. (We recommend reading about the cons of DIY in home renovation.)

A very common mistake of first-time remodelers is underestimating the time needed to finish a renovation. If you plan to do some of the work yourself, make sure you can complete the project in a timely manner. For example, if you hire contractors, you don’t want to delay them because you didn’t finish your project in a weekend.

How will you communicate with contractors?

If you plan to use contractors, will you be available to answer questions during the day? A good solution is to set up a window of time for communication. For example, make yourself available for a couple of hours each morning to discuss the events of the following day. That way your contractor can meet with you once, instead of playing phone tag throughout the day.

What part of your kitchen remodel is the most important?

This question is probably the most important because it really doesn’t matter how much your project costs, or how long it takes if you don’t like the end result. For instance, in a kitchen remodel, you’ll likely spend most of your budget on the cabinets and the countertops. (Note: this excludes appliances if you plan to replace those as well). Cabinets and counters are typically the first things you see when you enter a kitchen, so most owners want to make a good impression. Know what you care about the most and make sure it’s covered in your budget.

“Must-haves” & “Nice-to-haves”

A great way to stay on track and keep your costs under control is to make two lists. The first should list all of the renovation “must-haves” that are the most important to you. These items are non-negotiable and must be included. The second list will include any “nice-to-have” features. These are things you would like to include if you have the resources available, but not at the expense of your “must-have” list.

Why are you remodeling your kitchen?

Lastly, ask yourself why you want to remodel the space. It may seem like a silly question, but one thing many homeowners fear is over-remodeling. To illustrate, if you plan to live in a home forever, buying exotic wood cabinets or installing customized materials can be very satisfying. However, if you plan to sell the home for a profit in the near future, installing those features could actually lower your home’s value by comparison if few other comparable homes have them as well. A potential buyer may be able to afford your neighborhood, but not share your same taste. They may place very little value on your personalized choice, which affects your return on investment.

Avoid this scenario by deciding upfront what your end goal is and act accordingly. There is nothing wrong with personalizing your home, but it may be useful to know in advance which features will have a good return on the investment and which will not. Asking this one question will often save renovating homeowners thousands of dollars.

What happens if you’re gutting a kitchen?

Generally speaking, in a gut remodel, everything will be removed down to the wall studs. This allows for inspection of the wall cavities and the installation of any fixtures, like a pot filler, while all of the pipes are still accessible. Any new features, such as a window, are also framed at this stage.

Renovations can also be done in phases. For example, it is often convenient to replace light fixtures or add ceiling-mounted speakers before removing cabinets and flooring. As we tend to need our kitchens during a renovation, performing the project in phases can be a welcome option.

Remodel Your Kitchen In the Correct Order and Save Money

Staying code compliant

So now that you have an empty room, what do you do? After gaining access to the wall studs, any insulation, framing, electrical, or plumbing work can be done. If your project will be built in a jurisdiction with code requirements, there will usually be an inspection made by a local codes official to ensure compliance. Any required inspections will need to be made and passed before installing new drywall. An experienced and licensed general contractor will know the code requirements for your municipality and will be responsible for adhering to them. After any new features are installed, inspected, and approved the drywall is then replaced and finished.

Paint and lighting

In many situations, the next step is to paint. This may seem counter-intuitive, but the pros will usually spray on paint, because it is super fast when the room is empty. This prevents the need to stand on a step ladder for hours on end painting around light fixtures and wall switches, saving you money.

Professionals will often install the light fixtures next. Again, this may seem odd, but wall sconces and overhead fixtures need to be in an open space to distribute the light, keeping them out of the way of other projects. Contractors often work in low lighting, because during the beginning phase the space is essentially bare. By installing the lighting first, the need for pole lights and other portable lighting is reduced or eliminated.

Now that the kitchen is painted and well lit, the cabinets are usually installed, followed by the countertops, and finally, the sink. As mentioned earlier, you may also be adding new plumbing fixtures such as a bar sink, or pot filler. These would be installed at this stage, as well as new features such as GFCI outlets or a hot water recirculation pump.

Lay flooring down last

Floor covering such as vinyl or cork can be damaged easily during a remodel. Even durable materials such as porcelain tiles can be broken by a falling tool. Hardwood floors are especially vulnerable, as repairs often involve removing large sections. For this reason, professionals will usually install floor coverings last. This also prevents wasting materials in areas that will never be walked on, such as under cabinetry. At this stage, any trim required, such as the baseboard or casing can be replaced.

Ready to get started?

Remodeling a kitchen can be the most rewarding project a homeowner can take on. It’ll likely pay off with prospective buyers, too, since the kitchen is often considered the most important room in a home. Knowing how to start a kitchen remodel can be simple if you’re prepared with the right details. Remember to do your homework, ask your contractor lots of questions, and stay involved in the process.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

From challenges and solutions to expanding square footage and tips on preparing for the process

The character of Philadelphia is defined by its rowhouse streetscapes. Rowhouses are space-efficient, compact, and often cost-effective. Remodeling a Philadelphia rowhouse comes with its share of joys and challenges. Sweeten lays out what you can expect with renovating these historic buildings.

Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and secure payments—for free.

What is a rowhouse in Philadelphia?

A Philadelphia rowhouse is an urban one-to-four-story house that has a narrow front exterior. Rowhouses are attached to similar rowhouses on both sides.

Philadelphia has more rowhouses than any other type of housing structure. Designed as an inexpensive way to house Philadelphia’s rapidly growing industrial population, rowhouses have become desired, premium properties.

Some Philly rowhouses are quite large. Rittenhouse Square mansions can be as huge as 3,000 to 6,000 square feet. Most Philadelphia rowhouses are small to moderate in size, though. Trinities and Bandboxes (smaller versions of Trinities) can be as tiny as 400 to 600 square feet. Two-story rowhouses in Center City, South and North Philadelphia, and Manayunk can range from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet.

Remodeling a Philadelphia rowhouse: Challenges and solutions

Because Philly rowhouses are unique, renovating them can present challenges. But to an experienced contractor, solving these issues is just a part of the daily work of creativity and flexibility.

Philly-area-based Sweeten contractor John calls his approach “bob and weave,” after a boxer’s split-second, nimble approach to punches that come their way. “Rowhouses don’t always need to be more difficult,” said John, “because we try to be flexible.”

John cites his approach to debris removal as an example. It’s no problem to park rolloff dumpsters in the driveway of a suburban single-family detached house; you just do it. But when a dumpster needs to be parked on a public street, all sorts of permitting issues arise.

John’s solution is to cycle out debris every day. “A hauling company picks up the daily load and some of my guys have trucks, too, so they can move debris.”

Narrow doorways are obstacles to moving in building materials and appliances. Sometimes the old 30-inch doorways have been widened already. When they haven’t, John calls this one of his biggest problems with rowhouse remodels. But he can always find workarounds by temporarily removing door trim or by unboxing appliances.

Ways to increase square footage in rowhouses

Squeezed in on both sides, the average rowhouse is fairly small. So, remodels need to be creative. Some contractors build soffits (or bulkheads) over exposed pipes, wires, and vents. However, doing this reduces space. “We like to avoid building soffits,” says Sweeten contractor Mario, who is based in Philadelphia, “and most homeowners don’t want soffits, either.”

So, Mario finds it worthwhile to reroute pipes and electrical through walls and ceilings. “It gives it a cleaner look and that’s what people want.” In some cases, Mario will push out a wall or ceiling a smidge. “If the ceiling is 10 feet or more, we might drop the ceiling just a little to run services through there.”

For homeowners who want more room, there is always more space to be had in the back or upward. “Pilot houses,” says Mario, referring to rooftop decks, “are one of the most popular ways to expand upward.” Plus, he sees some clients purchasing two adjacent rowhouse units and removing the wall between the two. This effectively doubles the rowhouse square footage.

Permitting and approvals for remodeling a Philadelphia rowhouse

With most substantial Philadelphia rowhouse remodels, you’ll need permits. Any alteration that costs $10,000 or more requires drawings of the proposed construction. These drawings must have the seal or stamp of a licensed architect or engineer.

Sweeten general contractors can refer an architect if the services of one are needed. Having an experienced architect and general contractor by your side will help you move through the permitting process more easily.

Not every Philly rowhouse is a historically designated structure. However, thousands of them are. If yours is one, you’ll need to seek authorization and go through a separate approval process with the Philadelphia Historic Commission.

Check the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places to see if your home is designated as historic.

4 tips for remodeling a Philadelphia rowhouse

1. Be ready for costlier materials
   Renovating a newer home means that you can use a wide range of materials. Many homeowners can find off-the-shelf materials at the local home center to use. But historic Philly rowhouses have masonry, molding, trim, ornamental metals, walls, and ceilings of a more specialized—and costly—nature. Prepare by padding your materials budget.
2. Be available
   Remodeling a Philly rowhouse isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. Be available and responsive to everyone working on your project, including the architect, contractor, or project manager.
3. Predict the unpredictable
   Prepare yourself and your budget for contract change orders (changes that alter the original scope agreed and signed upon). Change orders help your remodel project adapt to unexpected discoveries along the way.
4. Rely on your experts
   Unless your daily job is renovating rowhouses, the experts you’ve hired know more than you do. After all, they do this on a daily basis. You’re not just hiring a pair of hands; you’re taking advantage of years of experience and knowledge.

When you’re ready to get started on your rowhouse or home remodel in Philadelphia, work with Sweeten to renovate with the best contractors.

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

Secure Pay lets you quickly complete your hire and lock in your place on the contractor’s calendar

How to pay your general contractor during a renovation

Sweeten Secure Pay lets you pay your home renovation deposit digitally, right from your Sweeten dashboard. 

Until now, many contractors only accepted cash or paper checks, with all the associated inconveniences and delays—and complete lack of protections. Hiring and materials purchases would often be delayed until the check cleared.

Sweeten Secure pay links to your bank account or credit card. It lets your contractor know immediately when funds are on the way, and completes the transfer in 1–2 business days.

Benefits of Secure Pay:

• Pay for home renovations safely, with confidence. Transfers are handled by our trusted banking partners, Dwolla and Stripe—leaders in the financial industry.
• Pay by credit card or bank transfer (ACH)
• Pay easily, right from your Sweeten dashboard
• Payments clear in 1–2 business days; your contractor sees instantly that funds are on the way. You can quickly make your hire official, and secure your place on the contractor’s calendar.
• Your banking information stays private. Sweeten and your contractor can’t see or store any financial information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget,  and scope. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.