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Table Of Contents What Is a Basement Dig Out, Remodel, or Refinish? Should I Renovate my Basement? How Much Does a Basement Dig Out Cost? Do I Need to Move Out During a Basement Dig Out? How Long Does a Basement Dig Out Take? What Permits Are Required for Basement Underpinning in Philadelphia? Your Next Steps Starting the underpinning phase at our 2124 Catharine St Project. What Is a Basement Dig Out, Remodel, or Refinish? If you're a Philadelphia homeowner sitting on a low-c

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that 3rd Story Philly has been recognized in the 2026 Philly’s Favorite Awards! Thanks to your incredible support, votes, and trust in our team, we took home top honors across three major categories this year: 🥇 GOLD – Best Custom Home Builder 🥈 SILVER – Best Homebuilder 🥉 BRONZE – Best Kitchen Remodeler This recognition means the world to us because it comes directly from you—our clients, neighbors, and the amazing Philadelphia commu

A helpful guide to understanding if a rear addition is right for your Philadelphia rowhome.

From permits and structural requirements to design features and project costs, here's everything you need to know before building a roof deck in Philadelphia. Two tier roof deck atop our completed project on Ellsworth Street in Philadelphia. Table of Contents Why Are Roof Decks So Popular in Philadelphia? What Is a Pilot House? How Much Does a Roof Deck Cost in Philadelphia? Can My Philadelphia Home Support a Roof Deck? What Features Should You Include in Your Roof Deck? Do

Thinking about adding a third floor to your Philadelphia rowhome? Here's everything you need to know about costs, timelines, permits, and whether it's right for you. 3rd Story Philly co-founders, Phil Katz (left) and Zach Winters (right), standing on the roof of 2051 Waverly Street in Fitler Square mid-construction on a third story addition + roof deck. Table Of Contents: Where Do I Start? What Is a Third-Story Addition? What Does It Actually Cost? The Timeline: What to Expec

The future of construction starts with curiosity and learning. Recently, 3rd Story Philly brought that spark to the second graders at Fanny Jackson Coppin School in Passyunk Square. These young students have been exploring math concepts in their classroom, and they got a unique chance to see those lessons come alive through a real construction project happening just outside their window. This visit was more than a field trip; it was a hands-on introduction to the world of bui

3rd Story Philly was given the honor of being named Best Contractor by Philadelphia Magazine. Each year, the magazine offers up it's "Best Of Philly" awards and posts them on their website at phillymag.com. This list is eagerly anticipated by the community as a virtual "Who's Who" list of the best our city and surrounding areas have to offer in every category imaginable. We are humbled to have been awarded this! Thank you Philly Mag!

A great article written today by real estate columnist, Inga Saffron, on the growing density of neighborhoods and Philadelphia becoming a "Bedroom City." We were honored to be mentioned in the article with owner, Phil Katz, being quoted as saying... Phil Katz, who owns 3rd Story Philly, a firm that specializes in adding third floors to two-story rowhouses, has seen his business double during the pandemic. People “started throwing in the towel after losing out on multiple hom

Inga Saffron, real estate critic, from The Philadelphia Inquirer, wrote a great story on third story additions in the city. 3rd Story Philly's Phil Katz was interviewed for the piece! "No one in the city has a good handle on how many overbuilds are going up. But Phil Katz, a developer-contractor who named his company 3rd Story Philly, says he is getting three or four requests a week from homeowners. He has overseen about eight additions, including his own in Bella Vista, si