Window installation in Fairmount
Fairmount sits just north of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with blocks of nineteenth century brick rowhouses and a few larger buildings.
The area
Fairmount is home to Eastern State Penitentiary and borders the Philadelphia Museum of Art area and Fairmount Park. Most of the neighborhood is brick rowhouses, including some small trinities and some wider porch-front rows, many with original wood double-hung windows.
Installation notes
- Mixed ownership
- Many houses are renovated and some are rentals. Confirm who owns the property and who authorizes the work.
- Parking limits
- Streets near the Parkway and museums can be crowded on weekends. Ask the crew to schedule on weekdays.
- Historic status
- Parts of the area have local designation, so check the address with the Philadelphia Historical Commission before ordering windows for the street side.
Typical jobs
- New wood-look windows for the front of a renovated rowhouse.
- Replacing mismatched windows from earlier owners.
- Adding a roof deck access door or skylight with the installer's help.
- Updating rear windows for better sound and warmth.
Tips
Because many rowhouses were renovated in stages, windows on one house can be a mix of ages. Photograph each opening before the visit so the installer can tell which ones are original and which are already replacements.
Official local sources
These outside pages are worth a look before you hire anyone for work in Fairmount.
Questions people ask
Are skylights and roof windows included?
They are separate work with different flashing. Mention them in the request.
Do I need the HOA or landlord?
If you rent or the building is a condominium, get written permission first.
Is a permit needed?
It depends on the scope. Confirm with L&I.