Home Improvement in Allentown
Allentown's housing stock is wonderfully varied. Center City and Old Allentown feature historic brick rowhomes with original woodwork, the West End offers stately early twentieth century homes, and suburbs like South Whitehall and Lower Macungie are filled with newer construction. Many homes need updates to roofing, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and energy efficiency, and rising home values have encouraged owners to invest in renovations.
Choosing the right contractor is essential. The best companies are licensed, insured, communicative, and committed to quality. Pennsylvania requires most home improvement contractors to register with the Attorney General's office under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, an important first check. Here are ten top contractors and home improvement brands serving the Allentown area.
1. Power Home Remodeling
Power Home Remodeling, headquartered in Chester, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest exterior remodelers in the country. It specializes in windows, siding, roofing, doors, and solar. Its in-house installation teams and strong warranties make it a popular choice for Allentown homeowners seeking major exterior upgrades.
2. Mr. Handyman
Mr. Handyman provides professional handyman services for repairs, maintenance, and small remodeling projects. From drywall patches and carpentry to fixture installation and deck repair, its insured technicians handle the many tasks homeowners struggle to find time for.
3. Bath Fitter
Bath Fitter offers quick bathroom remodels using custom-molded acrylic tubs, showers, and walls installed over existing fixtures, often in a single day. Its seamless designs reduce maintenance and are ideal for older Allentown homes where full demolition would be costly and disruptive.
4. Re-Bath
Re-Bath provides complete bathroom remodeling with a focus on design, durability, and accessibility. Its options include walk-in showers, grab bars, and low-threshold entries that support aging in place, an important consideration for many Lehigh Valley residents.
5. Renewal by Andersen
Renewal by Andersen, the replacement window division of Andersen, delivers custom-made windows and patio doors with professional installation. Energy-efficient windows help Allentown homeowners reduce heating bills during cold winters and preserve the character of older homes.
6. Kitchen Tune-Up
Kitchen Tune-Up offers budget-friendly kitchen updates, including cabinet refacing, refinishing, and redooring, along with full cabinet replacement. Its approach lets homeowners refresh dated kitchens without the expense of a complete gut renovation.
7. Window Nation
Window Nation specializes in replacement windows and doors with competitive pricing and financing options. Its focus on energy efficiency and quick installation appeals to homeowners looking for value-driven upgrades.
8. Leaf Home
Leaf Home, known for LeafFilter gutter protection, offers gutter guards, walk-in tubs, stairlifts, and water treatment systems. Its gutter protection is particularly useful in leafy Allentown neighborhoods near parks and tree-lined streets.
9. Five Star Painting
Five Star Painting provides professional interior and exterior painting with detailed preparation and clean job sites. Its crews handle residential and light commercial projects, helping homeowners refresh curb appeal or prepare homes for sale.
10. ServiceMaster Restore
ServiceMaster Restore specializes in disaster restoration, including water, fire, smoke, and mold damage. When a burst pipe during a winter freeze or a basement flood strikes, its emergency response teams help Allentown homeowners recover quickly and work directly with insurance companies.
How to Hire a Contractor in Allentown
Verify Pennsylvania home improvement contractor registration and confirm general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Request multiple written estimates that detail scope, materials, timelines, and payment schedules. Under Pennsylvania law, home improvement contracts must be in writing and include specific consumer protections, including a three-day right to cancel.
Check that the contractor will obtain necessary permits from the City of Allentown or your township. Homes in Allentown's historic districts may require approval for exterior changes, so choose a contractor familiar with local preservation guidelines. Avoid paying large sums upfront, and never pay in full before work is complete.
Renovation Trends in the Lehigh Valley
Energy efficiency is a top priority, with homeowners investing in insulation, high-performance windows, heat pumps, and solar panels. Federal and utility incentives help offset costs. Aging-in-place remodels, including accessible bathrooms and first-floor bedrooms, are growing as residents choose to stay in their homes longer. Outdoor living spaces, home offices, and finished basements also remain popular.
Historic preservation is a special consideration in Allentown. Owners of older rowhomes increasingly seek contractors who can restore original brickwork, slate roofs, and wood trim while discreetly adding modern comforts. Balancing character with efficiency helps protect property values and the unique charm of the city's older neighborhoods.
Planning Your Project Timeline
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons for contractors in the Lehigh Valley, so book exterior projects like roofing, siding, and decks well in advance. Interior remodels can often be scheduled more easily during fall and winter. Building a buffer into your timeline for permit approvals, material deliveries, and weather delays will help keep expectations realistic and the project stress-free.
Communication is the foundation of a successful project. Agree on a single point of contact, schedule regular progress check-ins, and document any change orders in writing. Clear expectations protect both homeowner and contractor and keep budgets on track from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a quick repair or a major remodel, Allentown homeowners have access to experienced, reputable contractors. By verifying credentials, comparing estimates, and choosing a company with strong reviews and clear communication, you can transform your home with confidence.