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Renovating

Tips and advice from the experts on everything related to home improvement projects, from the best renovation apps to easy DIY projects.

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Following in Frank’s footsteps

How a Philly couple discovered the modern architect Frank Weise through his plans

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How to renovate a 19th-century shotgun home

Five tips from an expert

How to save on utility bills

Reduce your carbon footprint and increase your savings with these tips from the pros.

18 renovation apps to know for your next project

Embarking on a home renovation project is no easy feat, but thanks to today's advances in internet technology, there is probably a stellar app out there ready to assist with every part of the process.

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From rubble to reuse: The long transformation of a Fishtown carriage house

The DIY project uncovered historic details and an overlooked beauty

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Renovated 19th century Victorian asks $1.3M

It’s a grand, six-bed home

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Plans revealed for 133 apartments in former Red Bell Brewery

Graffiti from the long-vacant space will remain

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Checking in on The Bourse renovations

The $40 million renovations have completely changed the space

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In Fairmount, home in 19th-century church asks $390K

It’s the second church to drop on the market this week.

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In Norris Square, renovated home with rustic feel wants $470K

The home has seen a total interior change, with more exposed brick and beam.

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Condo in early-1900s Narberth church wants $835K

The church has four homes and features original windows and beams.

8 tips for renovating a small space

Interior designer Jessica Helgerson, tiny home designer and inhabitant, shares her time-tested strategies.

Best products to use for a green remodel

We assembled a cheat sheet for purchasing more eco-friendly building materials and finishes.

Looking to renovate? Here’s what to DIY and what to leave to the pros

Taking a renovation into your own hands may seem like a great idea, but is it realistic?

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In Kensington, a once run-down playground gets new life

The first phase of renovations for the Waterloo Playground in West Kensington is opening this month

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Point Breeze home lists for $253K after top-to-bottom renovation

It’s a cozy two-story charmer.

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Condo project in Frank Furness brownstone nearing completion

The adaptive reuse project at 2110-2108 Walnut Street is wrapping up by the end of the year.

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Rebuild moves forward with rec center project following court ruling

The Rebuild initiative will invest in the Heitzman Recreation Center in Harrowgate.

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Fitler Square garage may be turned into private daycare

The space at 22nd and Pine could be turned into a Goddard School, with illuminated signs—a factor that has some residents concerned.

So you want a kitchen island? Here’s what to consider first

A kitchen island isn’t exactly an one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s what you should consider when planning for one.

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Turning vacant lots into green spaces improves mental health, Penn study finds

Residents reported a decrease in depression when nearby vacant lots were turned into green spaces

8 easy remodeling ideas to revamp your kitchen

Looking to spruce up your kitchen? Try these expert-recommended updates.

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Former first medical college for women becomes luxury apartments

The 131-unit project will go in at the former Woman’s Medical College in East Falls—the first college of its kind for women in the country.

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Renovated Fishtown home offers contemporary character for $575K

The home underwent massive renovations

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The Touraine’s new sleepover suite is a minimalist’s dream

The creative director says it was inspired by Japanese bathing culture

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Contemporary Old City home in converted cigar box factory lists for $3.3M

It even has four-car parking

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Grace Kelly’s childhood home gets restored

The home was brought back to its original glory

Restoring a historic house: 8 tips and tricks before getting started

Restoring a historic house can be one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—experiences. We spoke with interior designer Steven Gambrel about his must-know tips for taking on any project.

What I wish I’d known when budgeting for a renovation

Tips for staying on track, without delays or a ton of expected costs.

6 easy steps to save more water at home

Experts outline six simple actions you can take to stop your home from being a water hog to save money on utility bills and sustain natural resources.

Are you ready to renovate?

Daniel Thomas, CEO of Portland-based Hammer & Hand and a 20-year veteran of the construction industry, offers eight baselines to consider before you embark on a home renovation.

How to turn your home into a smart home

Home technologies can offer unprecedented levels of information and automation, but with so many places to start, it’s hard to know where to start. Tech mavens from Nest, Amazon, and more share their tips for how to make your dumb home smart.

How to install solar panels on the roof of your home

In this new section of the Curbed Handbook, a New York solar pro walks through the process of designing and installing a rooftop solar system in a historic district. Have a closer look.

The truth behind 11 renovation myths

Like relationships and fame, renovations are seemingly made-for-television. We fantasize about them, dreaming of a beautiful home whose transformation is easy, fast, and affordable. According to the pros, the reality can be a lot grittier.

How to Replace Facade Elements on a Historically Protected Building

A New York architect walks through the process of replacing the facade of a townhouse in a historic district.

The Biggest Renovation Mistakes—And How to Avoid Them

Architect Melody Emerick reveals the biggest renovation mistakes, and offers advice on how to make sure they don't happen. Spoiler: Stop worrying so much about who might live in your home next.