A Complete Gut Rehabilitation of a Distressed Property in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Project Overview
This project is a full-scale revival of a distressed duplex located on Griffith Street in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. The property was acquired years ago in a severely deteriorated condition and is ready to undergo a complete gut rehabilitation with a total renovation budget of $150,000.
The goal of this project is simple and ambitious:
to take a neglected structure that has reached the end of its useful life and rebuild it into two modern, safe, efficient, and comfortable homes—while documenting the entire process transparently.
This is not a cosmetic flip.
This is a from-the-ground-up rebuild.
Existing Conditions (Before)
When work began, the duplex presented many of the challenges common to aging housing stock in the region:
- Foundation Issue
- Property stripped to the studs
- Structural and foundation concerns
- Roof failure and exterior envelope issues
- Obsolete electrical and plumbing systems
- No usable HVAC system
- Interior finishes beyond repair
The house was functionally uninhabitable and required a complete systems reset.
The Scope of the Renovation
This project is being executed as a true gut rehab, meaning every major system is being rebuilt or replaced.
Structural & Exterior
- Foundation stabilization and repair
- Structural framing corrections
- Brand-new roofing system
- New windows and exterior doors
- Updated siding, trim, and exterior finishes
- Concrete and curb appeal improvements
Mechanical Systems
- Entirely new electrical systems
- Full plumbing replacement
- New HVAC systems
- Proper insulation throughout
Interior Transformation
- New drywall, paint, and finishes
- Updated trim and millwork
- Modern kitchens and bathrooms
- Durable, modern flooring
- Clean, efficient layouts
The Finished Vision
Once completed, the duplex will feature:
- Two spacious 2-bedroom / 1-bath units
- Efficient, modern floor plans
- Brand-new mechanical systems throughout
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms
- Durable, low-maintenance finishes
- Safe, code-compliant construction
- Clean, modern design suited for long-term living
This renovation is designed to create homes that feel new, not patched together. With modern finishes, and energy efficiency at the forefront. There are many forces at play here. Saving a home that needs more work than the ARV would dictate as a solid investment. ARV will ne in the $150,000 range max, fingers crossed, on a good day. Our goal is to beat that… The skilled trades people we work with as second chance employers helps us to teach the trades while focusing on personal development and providing opportunity. This community needs safe, afforable housing with home ownership as the anchor of the community.
Interior Design Direction (Conceptual)
While the structure is historic, the interiors will reflect modern expectations for comfort and livability, including:
- Open, functional kitchen layouts
- Neutral color palettes with warm accents
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Contemporary fixtures and finishes
- Easy-to-maintain surfaces with granite counters
The intent is to strike a balance between practical durability and modern appeal, making these homes suitable for real-world use—not showroom-only finishes.
Why This Project Matters
Aliquippa—and many communities like it—are full of homes that have good bones but have been left behind by time, deferred maintenance, and economic shifts.
This project is about:
- Demonstrating what it actually takes to bring a distressed property back
- Showing transparent renovation costs and decision-making
- Preserving housing while improving quality
- Creating real, livable spaces—not speculation
- Using Creative financing Social Media and Community Involvement to Save a Home, twice
- Training the nxt generation on skilled trades people in the field
This renovation will be documented step by step to show what responsible redevelopment looks like in practice. With dozen of renovations we are making special plans for this project. So if you read this far follow along becuase we have something exciting in the works!
Follow the Build
This project will be shared publicly as it progresses, including:
- Structural repairs
- Systems installation
- Design decisions
- Budget transparency
- Before-and-after transformations
If you’re interested in renovation, real estate, construction, or community revitalization, this project will serve as a real-world case study from start to finish.
About the Dream
This renovation is being led by Geiser Home Buyers, a locally rooted operation focused on distressed properties, redevelopment, and long-term housing solutions.
The work reflects years of hands-on experience in construction, renovation, and real estate—not theory, not trends, and not shortcuts. This is an effort to show the process and the outcome. We have completed dozens of projects. Our mission now is to create more home owners.
We Buy Houses in any condition. Please call me at 412-401-5883 if you have a property you’d like to sell, need advice on, or just want to talk REI.
What’s Next
As construction progresses, this page will evolve with updates, photos, and insights from the field.
This is the beginning of the story.
Stay tuned, more to come.
