Can I build a custom EGStoltzfus home on my own lot?
Absolutely. If you already own land, we can build a custom home on your lot. Our team will assess your property, work within any regulations or restrictions, and create a home suited to your site and specifications. Learn more here.
Can I see examples of your custom homes and client experiences?
Absolutely. We’re extremely proud of the relationships we have with our clients and the exceptional homes we build together. Visit our Why Choose EGStoltzfus and Lookbook pages to read client testimonials and see how we’ve helped families throughout central PA bring their dream homes to life.
Do I need to provide my own home plan, or does EGS offer design options?
We offer both. Our Signature Custom Home Plans are carefully curated floor plans that can be customized to your preferences and can be a great starting point for your design. If you have your own architect or designer, we’re happy to work with your plans. Additionally, we can start from scratch and craft a unique idea together. Whichever path you choose, our design-build team will make sure that every detail reflects your vision.
Do you build custom homes in specific neighborhoods?
Yes, we have custom home neighborhoods where you can build within an established community. These neighborhoods offer the perfect combination of customization freedom and neighborhood amenities, with homesites ready for your unique vision. Look for our custom neighborhoods here.
Do you have custom homesites available for purchase?
Yes, we often have single custom homesites for sale in desirable central PA locations. You can find our current custom homesite lots here.
What does your design-build process look like for custom homes?
Our time-tested design-build process guides each client from their vision to move-in day. At every step of your journey, you’ll have a dedicated team member who listens, provides expert guidance, and keeps you informed at every stage. Learn more about Our Process and how we make custom home building seamless and enjoyable.
How do I submit a service or warranty request?
EGStoltzfus Homes offers warranty check-ins at the 30-day and 11-month timeframes, giving homeowners an opportunity to share any concerns that may have arisen since moving in, ensuring timely review and resolution. For time-sensitive issues, you can submit requests via our contact form for warranties. When submitting a request, please include:
- Your name, address, and lot number
- A detailed description of the issue
- Photos or videos, if possible
How long does it take to schedule a service appointment?
Customers are typically contacted within a few business days. Appointment availability depends on trade partner schedules, parts availability, and nature of the repair. Some repairs may take longer if parts must be ordered or if multiple trades are involved.
What do I do in the event of an emergency?
If an emergency arises during a weekend, holiday, or outside of normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm), please contact the appropriate trade partner directly. Emergency Service Guidelines:
- For plumbing, electrical, or HVAC emergencies, the trade contractor’s contact numbers are located on the hot water heater, electrical panel, and furnace.
- Evaluate the problem carefully before calling for emergency service to determine if it truly warrants immediate attention.
- The guidelines for emergency service are located in this manual and should assist you in determining whether a given problem warrants an emergency service call.
What should I do for maintenance items not covered under warranty?
Routine maintenance is the homeowner’s responsibility. Common examples include:
- Changing furnace and air filters
- Maintaining HVAC and plumbing systems
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts
- Inspecting caulking around windows and doors
When will my warranty coverage begin and what does it include?
Warranty coverage begins warrants and agrees that for a period of one year from the date of occupancy or final settlement, whichever occurs first (and at substantial completion review, SCR, for remodel customers), it will repair or replace, at its expense, any defective materials or workmanship covered by this Limited Warranty using substantially similar materials. Please note that EGStoltzfus is not obligated to repair or replace items where the workmanship or materials meet standard residential construction industry practices.
Can friends/family join me at my appointments?
We know you want to share this exciting experience with your friends and family and get their advice and support. Friends/family members are invited to join you for your Selection Appointment or an Open House event, so together you can enjoy exploring the many included and available personal choices. The Finalization Appointment is strictly reserved for contracted purchasers only. This gives you the opportunity to get advice prior to making decisions, as well as the freedom to make your own decisions without outside interference.
Can I bring my children to my appointments?
Your children’s safety is our priority. The studio contains many heavy and potentially sharp objects. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the safety of your children and recommend you make childcare arrangements. Further, you’ll be making important decisions at the studio that will affect you and your family for years to come. Think of this as a special day out and come prepared to fully focus and enjoy this unique experience. You’ll be glad you did!
Can I bring my pets to my appointments?
For the safety of your pets, visitors, and our team, we cannot accommodate pets. There are many heavy and potentially sharp objects in the studio which could jeopardize your pet and others. Service animals are permitted.
Can I bring my Realtor to my appointments?
Your Realtor is invited to join you for your Selection Appointment or an Open House event, so together you can enjoy exploring the many included and available personal choices. The Finalization Appointment is strictly reserved for contracted purchasers only. This gives you the opportunity to get advice prior to making decisions, as well as the freedom to make your own decisions without outside interference.
Can I see my choices before I sign a contract?
Absolutely! Once you’re under contract with us you’ll have two private, in-person design studio appointments – your Selection Appointment and your Finalization Appointment.
Do I have to make an additional deposit if I add options?
Yes. At your Finalization Appointment, we’ll collect 25% of any additional options you choose to add.
Do you have the products I want?
We have a large selection of included and available colors and materials to choose from. We work closely with our trade partners, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure we’re offering a wide range of the most requested, reputable design elements for your new home – and we’re always researching and introducing new products! For a sample of what we offer, explore our online catalog.
How can I be sure I’ll create a home I love – and how do you make it fun?!
Buying a new home is a fun and exciting time, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming! We take a lot of that stress away by creating a personalized Design Concept based on the information we collect about your lifestyle, design taste, personalization goals, and target investment range. This preliminary concept gives us a good jumping off point to discuss color and how items interact with one another. From there, it only gets easier!
How do I make my Design Studio appointment?
Once you’re signed up to build with us, our team will send instructions on how to schedule your appointments using our online booking system. You can choose the length of your Selection Appointment – we offer 1-hour, 2-hour, or 3-hour time slots.
How do you help me stay within my target investment range?
During your Welcome Call, we’ll also discuss your target investment range. This helps us understand the types of options to explore at your appointment and helps guide you to options that keep you within that comfortable range.
How long do I have to think about my preliminary choices?
We generally recommend scheduling your Finalization Appointment 1-2 weeks after your Selection Appointment. This gives you ample time to consider your choices.
What are your hours?
Appointment hours are 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Monday-Friday. We do not offer weekend appointments.
What happens if I don’t love the selections I have made?
No stress if you change your mind after your first appointment, it can happen! We can make changes and tweaks to the design of your home through the end of your Finalization Appointment. Once you authorize your Addendum, any modifications are subject to our Late Change Request procedure.
What should I expect during my Finalization Appointment?
You’re in the home stretch now! We start this appointment by addressing any electrical questions or additions based on the consideration list provided at your Selection Appointment. We’ll review each design selection and color and collect a 25% deposit on anything you do choose to add through the Design Studio.
What should I expect during my Selection Appointment?
In our opinion, this is the best part! We’ll start by reviewing your Authorization Plans and giving a quick orientation on electrical considerations to work on ahead of your Finalization Appointment. We’ll review the Design Concept we prepared based on discussions from our Welcome Call. You’ll share feedback on your Design Concept and we’ll explore alternate options as needed – making changes in real time based on the direction you take us! You’ll leave this appointment with a very good sense of what your new home will look like, and a list of preliminary selections and corresponding investment levels.
What should I expect during the Welcome Call?
The Welcome Call is an informal conversation and opportunity for us to introduce ourselves and get to know you better! We’ll ask questions about your lifestyle, design style, and personalization goals. Based on your feedback, we’ll create a Design Concept to use as a baseline for your first in-person studio appointment, the Selection Appointment.
What’s next after my Design Studio Experience?
After your Design Studio Experience, there may be a short waiting period…but don’t worry! Our team is hard at work securing permits, scheduling labor, ordering materials, and more. Your Neighborhood Sales Specialist will touch base to schedule your Mechanical Orientation once your home is framed and under roof.
When do I start the Design Studio Experience?
After you sign your Agreement of Sale with your New Home Sales Specialist, you’ll be issued a Home Start Date. Your Selection Appointment will be held 12-16 business days from that date. Prior to that appointment, we’ll connect with you for a 30-minute Welcome Call. Your Finalization Appointment will be held within 12 business days of your Selection Appointment.
When will I know my settlement date?
This is a great question and most new home builders don’t issue a settlement until 4 weeks prior! After completing your Design Studio Addendum, we’re able to provide you with a 4-week settlement date range. Settlements always take place on Fridays. You’ll know the exact date around the time of your Mechanical Orientation, which is roughly 6-8 weeks advance notice!
Where is the Design Studio located?
We’re located at 1549 Manheim Pike, Lancaster PA. There is no overhead building sign but we’re located between Miracle Ear and Lancaster Home Brew. Look for the sign on our front door!
Who will I work with at the Design Studio?
Katie and Stephanie work as a team so you’ll have not one, but TWO great certified design consultants helping you create the home of your dreams! That means double the attention to detail, double the suggestions, and double the amount of expert advice.
Will there be surprise costs?
We have lots of tools available to help you be as prepared as possible – including our online video series, the online catalog, and our Open House events. Using these tools along with the General Description of Materials and Specifications will help you understand the included features for your new home and the options that are available through the Design Studio.
Do you have preferred lenders you work with?
Our preferred financing partners, LMC Home Loans and Ephrata National Bank, offer competitive rates and local service! Premier Home Settlements is our preferred partner for title insurance and settlements. You may qualify for additional savings by using our preferred partners. Find out more.
Do you require that I obtain a construction loan to begin building my house?
EGStoltzfus does not require construction loans. We simply require that you obtain a mortgage or an end loan paid at the time of settlement. Find out more.
I’d like to get pre-qualified for a new home mortgage. Where should I start?
Before you begin your homebuilding journey, we highly recommend contacting one of our preferred lending partners to start the pre-qualification process. Get started here.
I’m considering a home renovation. What are my financing options?
Design-build renovations require thoughtful financial planning. The good news is there are many different financing options to choose from, such as a cash-out refinance, a construction renovation loan, or a home equity loan. Learn more here.
Do you offer finished rooms over garages (FROGs)?
Finished rooms over garages (FROGs) are available in certain floor plans including the Cambridge, Rockford, and Magnolia. Take a virtual tour of these home plans.
Do you use 2x4s for wall construction?
Most interior and exterior walls are built with 2x4s. Our exterior wall system uses 16” on center 2×4 with a 1” foam insulation sheathing, creating a continuous thermal break for a highly energy efficient and structurally sound wall. However, for below-ground structures, we use custom-manufactured, pre-insulated, precast foundations made by Weaver Superior Walls. They’re delivered by truck to your home site, and they’re the top choice for durability and energy efficiency.
Do your communities have Homeowner Associations (HOAs)?
Yes. All our communities have Homeowners Associations, or HOAs, that address community concerns. HOA dues vary by community and included amenities are also dependent on the neighborhood. Dues are set by the organizations but are generally minimal. Consult your New Home Sales Specialist for more information.
Do your homes have second-floor laundries?
Yes! Many of our home plans allow inclusion of a second-floor laundry. If you’re interested in this feature, check out the Glen Mary, Danbury, Essington, Edison, Hartman, Cambridge, Lawrenceville, and the Rockford. Take a virtual tour of these home plans.
Does EGStoltzfus offer 9-foot ceilings?
We do! There are 9-foot ceilings included on the first floor of our townhomes and carriage homes, and they are optional for first floors on our single-family homes.
How long does the construction process take?
We typically complete construction 6 or 7 months after the home start date on your agreement of sale. Your New Home Sales Specialist will be able to verify your home start date once you’ve indicated that you’re ready to sign up to build.
Is a finished basement included?
While we do offer the option to finish your basement, we don’t include a finished basement in our base price, since there are many different potential uses that can vary widely in cost. Plus, many new owners prefer to live in their home for a few years before deciding how they’d like to use the space, so they choose to defer a basement project until later.
What flooring materials are included?
Depending on the community, the base price includes Mohawk polyester-fiber carpet and sheet vinyl. Some communities also have engineered hardwood in the foyer. Additional flooring options include ceramic tile, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
When will I know my closing or settlement date?
Most new home builders don’t issue a settlement until only 4 weeks prior! At the time of your contract signing, we’re able to provide a 4-week window for your expected settlement date! You’ll find out the exact day around the time of your mechanical orientation which is roughly 6-weeks to 8-weeks advance notice.
Do you have client testimonials I can read?
Absolutely. Our client-centric approach delivers an experience that turns clients into raving fans – in fact, 96% would recommend us! Visit our Why Choose EGStoltzfus page to hear directly from clients about their EGStoltzfus experience.
How long has EGStoltzfus been in the remodeling business?
EGStoltzfus has completed over 2,000 renovation projects of all scopes and budgets, with many satisfied clients. In fact, many are repeat clients who return for new projects time and again.
I’d like to learn more about working with EGS for my remodeling project. What’s the best way to connect with you?
You can reach out to us on our contact form. Our Custom Homes & Remodeling Operations and Selections Manager will be in touch to learn more about your project and discuss next steps.
What kind of process do you follow for remodeling projects?
We follow the same proven five-step design-build process for remodeling as we do for our custom homes, working closely with you from concept to completion. You’ll always know your project status, upcoming milestones, and timeline – giving you peace of mind throughout your entire renovation journey.
Where can I view your completed remodeling projects?
Browse our Lookbook to see our most recent work and get inspired.
