You’ve been dreaming about that bigger kitchen, a larger bedroom, or finally opening up that small floor plan. But when it comes to starting a home renovation, the process can definitely feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

The answer is simpler than you might think, and it starts long before you pick out tile samples or light fixtures.

Is This Article for You?

If you’re considering a home renovation but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. This article is for homeowners who want to better understand how to define their vision, set a realistic budget based on local market conditions, and choose a design-build firm that will align their goals with their investment, from day one.

3 Steps to Planning a Home Remodel

Starting with these simple steps will move you closer to making your home remodel a reality, without it feeling overwhelming.

Step 1: Define Your Vision and Goals

Before you think about budgets or timing, get clear on your “why.”

Do you want to add space for a growing family? Create a first-floor primary suite for aging in place? Modernize a layout that no longer suits your day-to-day living? Having a clear understanding of your reasons will help guide every decision that follows.

Step 2: Establish a Budget Range

In the Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg markets, renovation costs will vary significantly based on scope of work, materials, and site conditions. But it’s always helpful to have a preliminary budget range in mind.

Once you meet with an EGS Design-Build Specialist and share your vision and goals for your project, we establish a feasibility budget so you have a ballpark range of what your investment level will look like. Learn more about the EGS Design-Build process.

For a deeper dive into financing strategies, check out our guide to finding the best financial strategy for a home renovation.

Step 3: Choose Your Partner Wisely

Talk to neighbors, friends, and family who have been through home renovations. And look beyond online reviews – meet with different remodeling firms to understand their communication style, what their remodeling process looks like, and how they stand behind their work.

Most importantly, understand the difference between a traditional general contractor and the design-build remodeling process.

With design-build, one team handles both design and construction. This means your vision, budget, and project execution stay aligned from the first sketch to project completion. This integrated approach also helps identify any potential challenges early, like zoning restrictions or historical considerations that could derail a project down the road.

Real-World Inspiration: 3 EGS Renovation Success Stories

Every home renovation tells a story! Here are 3 recent EGS projects that show how the design-build process turns homeowner dreams into reality.

From 1,700 to 3,167 Square Feet Without Losing Historical Character (Lititz, PA)

The homeowners of a 1920s gable-front home in downtown Lititz, Pennsylvania needed more space, but they didn’t want to sacrifice the neighborhood’s historic charm.

The EGS team added 1,467 sq. ft. of finished space – transforming a 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home into a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence that feels brand new inside and still honors its century-old exterior.

The project included an expanded kitchen, a first-floor family room, a spacious new primary suite on the second floor, and a fourth bedroom on the third floor.

But the real story? The property had zoning complications the owners weren’t aware of when they purchased. The house encroached into side-yard setbacks, and the detached garage held historical significance.

EGS navigated the variance process, worked with the zoning hearing board, and found solutions that satisfied both the homeowner’s vision and local requirements.

Complete Curb Appeal Transformation (York, PA)

Sometimes a home just needs a fresh face. This Colonial-style home in York, Pennsylvania received a full exterior renovation.

Project work included a new full-width front porch with a metal roof and wood-wrapped posts and beams, stone veneer replaced with classic brick, plus new roofing, siding, soffit, fascia, and gutters throughout.

The result is a stunning home that’s fitting for a magazine cover, and with the structural protection to match its new curb appeal.

Opening Up a 1920s Floor Plan for Modern Living (Lancaster, PA)

This Lancaster City brick row home had good bones but a choppy layout that didn’t fit today’s open-concept living.

By removing a non-bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding a bar top with storage below, EGS created a connected living space that feels twice as large.

Updated lighting, new flooring, an insulated exterior door, and a reconfigured powder room were the finishing touches that completed this home renovation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovations

Q: Can I stay in my home during a renovation?

Most often, yes – but it all depends on the scope. Minor kitchen or bathroom remodels often allows you to stay; you might just need some patience with dust and minor disruptions. Whole-house renovations may require temporary housing for at least part of the project. Your design-build team will set expectations early on so you’re fully prepared for what’s to come.

Q: How long does a whole-house remodel take?

A whole-house renovation timeline may take several months from groundbreaking to completion. Permitting, weather, and unforeseen conditions (like hidden structural issues) can sometimes extend timelines. But working with an experienced design-build partners help minimize the unexpected and keeps the project timeline on track.

Q: What if my property has zoning issues I didn’t know about?

It can happen, especially with older homes. The Lititz project above is a prime example. A skilled design-build firm knows how to navigate variance applications, work with local zoning boards, and find creative solutions that keep your project moving forward.

Q: What financing options are available for home remodels?

Homeowners will typically use home equity loans, construction loans, cash savings, or a combination of options.

The right strategy depends on your equity position, project scope, and financial goals. For more guidance on how to best manage home remodeling costs in Lancaster, PA or another part of south central PA, read our article about home renovation financing options.

Ready to Reimagine Your Space?

With over 2,000 completed projects under our belt, EGStoltzfus Custom Homes & Remodeling has helped homeowners across Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, and Mechanicsburg turn renovation dreams into reality.

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, a whole-house transformation, or something in between, our design-build team is here to guide you from start to finish.

Explore our Lookbook for inspiration, or contact our team to start the conversation about your project.