Looking for a reliable handyman in Philadelphia? Home Exchange is a family-run home improvement company based right here at 4651 Frankford Ave. We have been in the building trades since 1986, first in New York, then in New Jersey, and serving Philadelphia since around 2005. Today we help homeowners across the city and nearby suburbs with everyday repairs, bigger remodels and roofing.
Philadelphia homes have a character all their own, and they come with their own set of quirks. We know them well because we work in them every week, from Northeast Philly and Mayfair to Fishtown, Kensington and Port Richmond.
Philadelphia Housing and the Repairs It Needs
Much of the city is made up of brick rowhomes and twins built in the early to mid 1900s, plus older stone homes in neighborhoods like Germantown and parts of the Northwest. These houses are solid, but age, shared walls and our weather add up over time.
Plaster walls and ceilings
Many older Philly homes still have original plaster over lath. It is durable, but it cracks as houses settle, and patching it with the wrong material leads to bulges and repeat cracks. Our drywall and ceiling work covers plaster patching, skim coating and, where it makes sense, replacing damaged sections with drywall so the finish blends in.
Flat roofs on rowhomes
Most rowhomes have low-slope or flat roofs, often shared at the edges with the houses next door. Ponding water, worn seams, and failing flashing around chimneys and skylights are the usual causes of leaks. For leaks, flashing and gutter issues, see our roof repair service. If the roof is worn out, our full roofing team handles replacements and inspections.
Damp basements
Philadelphia basements are often old, unfinished and prone to moisture, especially after heavy spring rain. Stone foundations and older block walls let water in through gaps and failing mortar. We help with basement repairs and improvements, and our masonry work covers repointing, step repairs and brick fixes that keep water where it belongs.
Seasonal Issues We See in Philadelphia
Our climate puts homes through a lot in a single year. Humid summers, freeze-thaw cycles in winter and heavy storms in between all leave their mark.
- Winter: Freezing temperatures can split pipes in exterior walls and unheated basements. Ice and snow also stress gutters and roof edges.
- Spring: Heavy rain shows where roofs, windows and foundations are letting water in. It is a good time to check basements and downspouts.
- Summer: Humidity swells doors and windows, and older HVAC systems work overtime. Window units and central systems both benefit from a check.
- Fall: The right time to clean gutters, seal drafty windows and tune up heat before the cold arrives.
Our plumbing, windows and HVAC services cover most of these seasonal jobs, and our maintenance visits help you stay ahead of them.
Common Handyman Jobs in Philadelphia Homes
Beyond the repairs that come with older houses, Philadelphia homeowners call us for updates that make daily life easier. Narrow rowhome kitchens and small bathrooms are some of the most common projects, since a smart layout makes a big difference in tight spaces. Our kitchen and bathroom teams handle everything from new fixtures and tile to complete makeovers.
Other frequent jobs include refinishing or replacing floors, hanging new doors, painting, building or repairing back decks and patios, and turning unused basements into usable space. For larger projects, our remodeling service brings the planning experience we built doing full building renovations in New York.
Serving the City and the Suburbs
While our office is in Frankford, we work well beyond the Northeast. We serve neighborhoods across Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs in Bucks, Montgomery and Delaware counties. Suburban homes tend to be newer and larger, so the jobs shift toward decks, garages, attics and exterior upkeep, but the approach is the same.
For landlords and investors, we also offer property management, including maintenance, emergency repairs, cleaning, and snow and leaf removal. And if your project involves digging, we offer excavator rental from $99 per hour in Philadelphia and Camden.
Why Philadelphia Homeowners Choose Home Exchange
We are a family business led by CEO Ramiz Duka, who has more than 30 years in construction. Our background in large building renovations means we plan, schedule and manage projects carefully, even small ones. We show up with the tools and materials the job needs, respect your schedule, and leave the space clean.
Every job is backed by our Done Right Promise: we aim to do the work right the first time. We are listed on Angi (formerly HomeAdvisor) as screened and approved, with Top Rated and Elite Service recognition.
Ready to get started on your Philadelphia home? Request a quote or contact us and tell us what you need. If you also own property across the river, we work throughout South Jersey too.