Our ProcessWith You At Every Step
Whether you’re building a new neighborhood home or designing a custom build from the ground up, we’re with you from start to finish. Our time-tested processes will guide you through every milestone – from initial vision and selections to construction and beyond – making your EGS journey simple, transparent, and most of all enjoyable.
Step 1Initial Home Selections, Financing & Agreement
- Choose your homesite, plan, and architectural options
- Meet with our preferred lender and secure your financing
- Sign your agreement of sale documents
Step 2Design Studio Selections & Authorizations
- Make your preliminary design selections at your selection appointment
- During your finalization appointment, you’ll finalize and complete your design
- Authorize your design studio addendum and home plan prints
Step 3Building Your Home
- Before groundbreaking, your pre-construction team mobilizes behind the scenes
- Watch your new EGS home comes to life
- Visit for a progress update at your mechanical orientation
Step 4Your New Story Begins
- See your completed home at your new home orientation
- Get the keys to your new home at closing
- Submit your customer satisfaction survey
- End your EGS homeownership journey with a one-year homeowner follow-up
Gate 1Discovery
You Give Us: Your vision and goals for your project
We Give You: A sketch & ballpark budget number
- You’ll meet with a Design-Build Specialist to share your vision for your project
- Our team will create a preliminary sketch plan of the project so you have a visual of what we’ve discussed
- We’ll also get you a feasibility budget so you have a ballpark range of what this project investment level would look like
Gate 2Design & Evaluation
You Give Us: The initial investment and go-ahead to start dialing in your vision
We Give You: A 3D model and proposal
Phase I
- We develop your sketch into a 3D model with the goal of designing both the flow and function of your project
Phase II
- Once that model is in place, you’ll work with our design professionals to select all the unique design elements of your project such as fixtures, flooring, cabinets, and countertops
- When you’re finished with those selections, we can present a proposal and finished design plan that shows all the elements and features we collaborated on
Note: Once you have the estimate and design plans, you can confidently plan your financial strategy. If you’re working with a lender, now is a great time to contact our preferred mortgage partner to help with pre-qualification.
Gate 3Agreement
You Give Us: The initial investment and go-ahead to start dialing in your vision
We Give You: A 3D model and proposal
- In this phase, we’ll get your sign-off on build plans, specifications, selection catalog, and construction agreement. We’ll also submit permit applications.
- With your financial plan in place, we’ll begin ordering components and materials
- We’ll also start scheduling resources for your project
Gate 4Construction
We Give You: Regular updates and milestone check-ins as we move through the project
You Give Us: Confirmation we’re on the same page as we move through the stages of construction
- Before we get started, we’ll have a pre-construction meeting where you’ll meet your Site Manager to go over expectations and project logistics
- The first major checkpoint will be the pre-mechanical meeting – At this meeting, we’ll go over the planned locations for electrical, plumbing and HVAC to make sure it aligns with your expectations before we get things installed
- The next big step is the close-in walkthrough – Before we “close in” your ceilings and walls, the Site Manager will walk through the home with you to assure that devices, fixtures and lights are properly located
- The final step is the pre-finish meeting – At this meeting, you’ll review all the final aesthetic choices such as flooring, cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, paint, and trim. We’ll confirm all details to ensure proper installation.
Gate 5Project Completion
We Give You: Your finished project and orientation information for your new space
You Give Us: Your feedback on the project
- Your house has passed final inspection and your home is now ready for a Substantial Completion Review
- You’ll tour the new space with your Site Manager and review the features and any maintenance requirements you’ll need to know about
- After you’ve had time to settle in, we’ll visit with you to celebrate your completed project
- About 60 days after completion, we’ll send you a survey to get your feedback on the project as a whole
- Our Customer Service Team will be available to you for any questions that arise and will send a reminder before your one-year warranty expires
Frequently Asked QuestionsNeighborhood Homes
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.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCustom Homes Design & Build
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.