What If Your Rowhome Doesn't Have An Alley?

Many Philadelphia rowhouses have a narrow alley that runs along the side of the house. The second floor may cantilever over it, and sometimes it is shared between adjacent homes. These can be useful for bringing in trash cans, wheeling bikes, or schlepping plants and soil to the rear yard.

“Hollywood” style front door in South Philly

But what if your home only has a front door and a back door - with no alley to perform these important functions? Here are some tips:

1: Maximize the size of your front door. This can be tricky because often these homes were built with doors smaller than the 36 inches recommended these days. A custom door may be necessary to fit your homes unique sizing. A remodeler experienced with city homes will have confronted the challenges that come with an install like this before. The last thing you want is to be without a front door if someone isn’t prepared.

2. Install a durable floor covering in the vestibule. Tile is a great choice for keeping the high traffic area at your front door in good shape.

3. Purchase a wheeled trashcan that will fit through that front door. Get one with a built-in lid and you won’t be searching your block for the lid that blew away.

4. Install a bike rack that gets bikes up off the floor and minimizes the space they take up.

Bike rack to keep the bikes off those beautifully restored floors with mahogany inlays.

5. Stock up on the big blue Ikea bags. These are great for carrying loads through the house without a mess. Firewood, plants, or a gaggle of kid toys you need to move.