Design-Build on the Main Line
Main Line projects often answer to two reviews: historic or design review, then the Lower Merion, Radnor or Tredyffrin building permit. Design-build lets one team draw for both and keep the schedule moving. We handle the drawings, the local permits and the build, and price your project at a free on-site walkthrough.
Build your estimateDesign-build projects for Main Line homes
Main Line homes are often 1900s–1940s stone colonials, Tudors and estates with plaster walls and deep stone foundations.
- Exterior drawings prepared with historic review in mind, not retrofitted after comments.
- Tree protection and grading shown on the plan where mature trees or slopes are involved.
What affects projects on the Main Line
- Several Main Line neighborhoods fall under historic review, which can add a design approval step before the building permit.
- Mature trees and steep lots often bring tree protection and grading review into the plan.
Additions that read as original
Main Line architecture is unforgiving — Tudor half-timbering, Colonial Revival cornices, Wissahickon schist, slate roofs, and true divided-light windows. A new wing that misses the brick coursing, the mortar color, or the roof pitch announces itself forever. We source matching stone and millwork, replicate trim profiles, and detail the transition so the addition is invisible from the street.
Permits & local rules on the Main Line
Plans are reviewed by the Lower Merion, Radnor or Tredyffrin code office, depending on your address. We file and track every permit for you.
- Step 1. Zoning review: setbacks, lot coverage and height limits set by the Main Line's local zoning rules.
- Step 2. Building permit filed with the township or borough code office serving the Main Line (Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code), using our in-house drawings.
- Step 3. One set of drawings covers zoning, building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical review.
- Step 4. Historic district or HOA approval, if your street falls under one.
- Step 5. Staged inspections from footings through final.
Exact requirements depend on your property. We confirm them with the local office at your walkthrough.
How your design-build project gets built
Every step, start to finish, handled by one design-build crew.
- 1Week 1
Walkthrough & scope
We walk the whole house, note structure, systems, and what you want changed.
- 2Weeks 2–6
Drawings & permits
In-house plans, engineering where needed, and township permit filing.
- 3Weeks 6–10
Demo & structure
Protected work zones, selective demolition, framing and structural repairs.
- 4Weeks 10–14
Systems rough-in
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation, inspected before walls close.
- 5Weeks 14–22
Finishes
Drywall, flooring, millwork, cabinetry, tile, and paint.
- 6Final week
Final walkthrough
Punch list, final inspections, and a clean handoff.
Build your design-build project estimate on the Main Line
Your project scope and material selections help us prepare for your free on-site walkthrough.