Why So Many Philly Homes Are Poorly Renovated — and How We’re Changing the Standard
Philadelphia has some of the most beautiful housing stock in the country — and some of the most poorly renovated homes. Over the past decade, developers have flipped properties at lightning speed, using low-quality work to maximize short-term profit. The problem isn’t just cosmetic; it affects safety, affordability, and trust.
Why It Happens
Many flips are investor-led, not builder-led. With little construction knowledge, decisions get made based on cost and timeline, not quality. Combine that with cheap labor, minimal oversight, and quick turnaround expectations, and you get the “Philly flip” so many buyers complain about.
The Ripple Effects
Bad renovations drive up prices without adding long-term value. They create unsafe living conditions, frustrate homeowners, burden first-time buyers, and damage neighborhood trust.
How We’re Changing the Standard
At birch & beam co., we do the work ourselves. We slow down. We open walls. We fix what needs fixing — even when no one will ever see it. We use durable materials, prioritize safety, and preserve the history built into these rowhomes. Our goal is simple: create homes that last, not homes that just sell.
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