Philadelphia rowhomes are iconic but come with unique design challenges. From maximizing narrow spaces to enhancing natural light, a thoughtful floor plan ensures functionality while preserving historic charm. Whether renovating for family living, entertaining, or working from home, these tips will help you transform your rowhome into a timeless, modern space.

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Philadelphia's booming construction is revitalizing neighborhoods but endangering its historic rowhomes. With over half of the city’s 450,000 rowhouses over 90 years old, improper construction practices—like foundation disturbances, vibration damage, and inadequate bracing—threaten these structures. Compliance with safety codes and expert oversight, like JaneDrawsPlans offers, is essential to safeguarding Philadelphia's architectural heritage.

Navigating construction plans for hard money projects requires a blend of precision, speed, and strategic planning. For real estate investors and developers, accurate and comprehensive construction plans are essential to maximize profit and minimize risk. Hard money loans come with high interest rates and short terms, making it vital to avoid delays or costly errors. This guide covers crucial elements like floor plans, structural details, and MEP layouts, alongside tips for working effectively with design professionals. With well-prepared plans, you can ensure smoother permitting, cost control, and compliance, setting your hard money project up for success from start to finish.

Planning to build a deck in Philadelphia? Understanding the permit requirements is key. This guide explains which types of decks qualify for an EZ Permit—ideal for smaller, ground-level decks—and which require more detailed plans and permits. Featuring insights from permit expeditor Ian Kosten, you'll learn about the specific limitations of EZ Deck Permits and the more rigorous process for larger or roof decks. Whether you're aiming for a quick approval or a complex project, this article covers the essentials. Plus, discover how to book a site visit with Jane Draws Plans for professional deck design services.

Compliance with Section 803.2 of the 2018 IEBC is essential for ensuring fire safety in buildings undergoing Level 2 alterations. This section mandates automatic sprinkler systems in specific conditions, such as high occupant loads and certain building types. The City of Philadelphia requires several permits, including a Fire Suppression Systems Permit, to install these systems. For buildings not requiring sprinklers, other fire safety measures like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire-resistant materials must be implemented. Proper understanding and adherence to these guidelines create safer environments for all occupants.

Adding a basement to your Philadelphia home can expand your living space and boost property value. This step-by-step guide covers planning, permits, excavation, and finishing touches, ensuring a successful project. Discover essential tips and expert advice to create a functional and beautiful basement with Jane Draws Plans.

When planning construction or renovation projects, understanding structural vs. non-structural plans is crucial. Structural plans focus on the building's framework and load-bearing elements, ensuring stability and safety, and are essential for new constructions, major renovations, and structural repairs. Non-structural plans address aesthetic and functional aspects, like interior partitions, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, and are needed for interior remodels and cosmetic upgrades. Adhering to building codes and obtaining necessary permits are vital steps to ensure project success. Learn more about when each type of plan is required to make your construction projects safe and efficient at JaneDrawsPlans.com.

Navigating Philadelphia's property regulations, especially concerning the Certificate of Occupancy (CO), is essential for property owners and real estate investors. Understanding the CO's importance can streamline your projects and ensure compliance with local laws. A CO certifies that a building meets all building codes and zoning laws, making it safe for occupancy. Key scenarios requiring a CO include changing a building's use, acquiring a rental license, or opening a new business. Jane Draws Plans offers tailored architectural services to simplify this process, providing quick and compliant project approvals. Contact us today to ensure your project meets all CO requirements smoothly.

Open floor plans can maximize space and foster a sense of connectedness in small homes, but they also come with challenges such as defining spaces and creating privacy. Before embarking on an open floor plan renovation in Philadelphia, it's crucial to navigate practical considerations and code requirements to ensure a safe and compliant living space.

Philadelphia's construction process is exciting, but with big projects come big risks. Avoid costly delays with preconstruction surveys and monitoring plans - essential for any project impacting neighboring properties. Learn more about these crucial steps and ensure your project's success.

If you're planning to build or renovate a property in Philadelphia, you might be wondering if you really need detailed building plans. After all, isn't the purpose of building plans just to get building permits? If not, what is the purpose of a floor plan? While building permits are certainly important, building plans can serve a variety of other purposes that can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.

An EZ Building Permit is a type of permit issued by the City of Philadelphia which allows a particular construction project to be completed without submitting plans or obtaining a full renovation permit. In theory it should be an "easy permit" to obtain to address "ez properties". EZ permits make building in Philadelphia a snap, while still maintaining PA building permits rules and guidelines. 

If you live in Philadelphia, and have received a property violation of "unsafe" or "dangerous" you may be wondering what to do next, or how to address this issue of unsafe construction. We are here to walk you through how to obtain a make safe permit, how to obtain a building permit, and following proper procedure.