All Forum Posts by: Neel Patel

Hello,

I'm looking to install pedestal decking on my terrace in Philadelphia. I haven't decided if I'm going to do it myself or hire a contractor to do it. 

I have a 15 ft by 15 ft terrace and would like install either 20"x20", 24"x24" or 24"x48" IPE tiles on pedestals.

A few questions:

1. Does anyone know where I could purchase the materials in Philly? Or even a reputable company nearby? Is it worth it have it shipped?

2. Any recommendations on contractors in Philadelphia that do this type of work?

3. If I do it myself, any advice or pointers?

Thanks!

Thanks guys! That's where my search first took me. I've been shifting through the website. These projects are for my primary residence.

I am looking to finish my basement and finish my terrace (pedestal system with ipe tiles). Do I need to pull permits for this? How and where do I start with pulling the permits in Philly?

Thanks in advance!!

I love Khmer Kitchen! There are some great food options in the area.

Thank you everyone for the welcome and tips! I look forward to learning more from everyone.

Welcome George! I just put money into a new construction deal/property in the Temple area. If you are in the area ever, let me know as I am looking to partner up on deals while learning.

Hello all,

My name is Neel and am located in Philadelphia. I grew up in Bucks County and moved into the city in 2015 after getting married. My wife and I rented in Fairmount Park area for about 1.5 years and then closed on our first home in November 2016 near 4th and Reed (Pennsport area). After the whole process of apartment hunting and then house hunting complete, I began to grow anxious to do something with my time and turned towards REI here in Philly. Earlier this year, we partnered up and bought a property in the Temple area to turn into student housing. Since then, I have been looking at other rental and/or rehab properties around the city.

My biggest obstacles so far have been trying to find the right project and the fact that I am usually limited to Friday, Saturday and Sunday to look at properties as I travel for work. However, I have been a big time lurker on Biggerpockets and reading everything I could, especially any post related to Philadelphia. I'd love to meet some local folks. I've been actively looking at properties for the past couple months to try and find one to experiment/learn with.

Thank you for that information! The property I saw, definitely did not have a back-yard. There is a little alley between the 1-story, back of the house, and the next house. A couple more questions:

• what does open area mean?
• what is good place to understand what can and cannot be done on a lot? I have been using www.phillyzoning.com as a resource.

I 100% agree with you. 

Hello all,

Quick question. I have been seeing large houses in the city where the front half is three stories, quarter of it is two stories and the back quarter is one story. These houses are typically on an RM1 zoned lot. Any idea why and if these houses can be converted to three stories  all throughout? The one that I have been looking has other three-story houses surrounding it as well.

Thanks,

Neel