Full rehab guidance for independent landlords
Full rehab, planned right.
Plan and execute a complete renovation with expert guidance on scope, budget, and timeline — before you swing the first hammer.
Philly Metro
guidance tuned to your region
15–20%
contingency you should budget
Vetted GCs
with proven Philly track records
Before you swing the first hammer
Get a professional scope of work
Before requesting bids
Budget 15–20% contingency
Major rehabs always surprise you
Don't start demo without permits — L&I fines and stop-work orders are real.
What You Need to Know
Learn How to Plan a Full Rehab
A full rehab is a complex project. Get the scope, permits, GC selection, and budget right - and finish on time, on budget and with a resilient rent-ready property.
Scope of work
Create a detailed, professional scope before requesting bids so every estimate is for the same job. The bidding contractor should not create the scope.
Permit process
Navigate Philly L&I permitting, inspections, and zoning — what you need, when you need it, and what happens if you skip it.
GC selection
The right GC is critical to the success of your project. Check references, licensing, insurance and get a good understanding of how they manage projects - from change orders to communications to handling the inevitable challenges that will arise. Beware of "too good to be true".
Budgeting & contingency
Build a realistic budget with a 15–20% contingency. Know where costs creep and how to keep them controlled.
Timeline planning
Set realistic timelines that account for inspections, weather, and supply chain disruptions. Do not count on best-case scenarios.
End-state rental strategy
Plan the rental outcome before starting the rehab — unit count, rent targets, and the cash flow the project needs to deliver.
Avoid These
Mistakes that cost landlords
! Starting demo without permits
Philly L&I can fine you, issue stop-work orders, and delay the project. Make your risk-reward calculations.
! Hiring the lowest-bid GC
A low bid often means change orders, delays, and cost overruns you didn't budget for. It is one of the most common reasons projects run into problems.
! Underestimating timelines
Philly inspections, weather, and supply chain add weeks. Build realistic timelines, not wishful ones.
! No contingency budget
Major rehabs always have surprises behind walls. Without a 15–20% contingency, you'll stall or cut corners.
! Skipping architectural planning
Structural changes need plans. Without them, you risk failed inspections, rework, and safety issues.
We Can Help
Guidance first, then the right pros
Tell us about the project
Share the property, your vision, budget range, and timeline expectations.
We review the submission
We quickly identify a GC for your specific project.
Connect with a pro
Get matched with vetted pros who have proven track records on Philly rehabs.
Get the Right Pro for the Job
Don't gamble on who works on your rental.
We help you take the guesswork out of full rehabs. Real Landlording connects you with reliable pros who understand rental properties, investor budgets, and the urgency of getting the job done right.
From landlords who stopped guessing
"Shout out to Sheryl and her amazing referral program!!"
Dana F.
Philadelphia, PA
"I've been quite happy with the connection made for apartment turnovers through Real Landlording Philly."
Adrienne H.
Philadelphia, PA
"The Real Landlording roofer did a great job of saving my roof. It's been over 2 years since he repaired it and no issues so far. Very timely and efficient."
Ashley L.
Philadelphia, PA