Remodeling FAQs: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Whether you're planning your first remodel or you've been through the process before, it's normal to have questions. At McLennan Contracting, we want you to feel confident, informed, and excited about your remodeling journey. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions homeowners ask before starting a remodel.

If you’re wondering about cost, timeline, design decisions, or what makes Design-Build different, you’re in the right place.

1. What services do you provide?

We specialize in interior home remodeling in Lancaster County, PA. This includes:

• Kitchen remodeling
• Bathroom remodeling
• Basement finishing and remodeling
• Whole-home remodeling
• Smaller updates like hardware replacement or cosmetic refreshes

Whether your project is a simple refresh or a full redesign, we’re here to help you transform your space.

2. What locations do you service?

Our remodeling service area includes most of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, within a 30-minute drive of our office. This works best for our Design-Build process because it minimizes travel time for our team and enables us to work with our trusted trade partners and suppliers. Some of the most common areas we work in include:

• Lititz
• Manheim Township
• Manheim
• Leola
• Landisville
• Millersville

If you're just outside of this area, feel free to reach out! Depending on our availability, we may be able to accommodate your project.

3. What is Design-Build remodeling?

Design-build is a remodeling approach where the design, planning, and construction all happen under one roof. Instead of coordinating between different companies, you’ll work with a single, cohesive team from start to finish.

Benefits of the Design-Build model include:

• One point of contact
• Streamlined communication
• Better cost control
• Detailed planning before construction begins

This approach allows us to create a smooth, low-stress experience centered around your goals and budget.

4. How much will my remodel cost?

Remodeling costs vary based on scope, selections, layout changes, and structural/mechanical needs. All of these are figured out during the pre-project planning phase, where you can get a better idea of how much your project will cost. Here's what you can expect based on typical project types:

Average Kitchen Remodel Cost

There is so much that goes into a kitchen remodel; mechanicals, accessibility, code requirements, project scope, and project finishes. All of these can determine your kitchen's final cost.

• Kitchen refresh : $20,000–$60,000
• Midrange kitchen: $65,000–$120,000
• High-end kitchen: $160,000+

Average Bathroom Remodel Cost

The average bathroom remodel cost can vary immensely. The age of the home can be a big contributing factor to a bathroom remodel due to all the mechanicals and plumbing factors that go into it. Cleanliness, water damage, mold, and asbestos are also common factors in bathrooms that contribute to the cost.

Unfortunately, a common misconception is that the smaller the bathroom the smaller the cost, but that is not always the case. Like any other project, it all comes down to the individual factors at play.

• Standard bathroom: $29,000–$90,000
• High-end bathroom: $120,000+

Average Basement Remodel Cost

Just like kitchens and bathrooms, the cost of a basement remodel can vary. A lot depends on what you want to do with the space and what the existing conditions are. A basement can be anything from finished storage to a complete guest suite. 

• Finished storage: $27,000–$50,000
• Home gym/rec room: $45,000–$75,000
• Entertainment space: $75,000–$150,000
• Guest suite with bathroom: $100,000–$200,000

Your choices, space, and selections all help to determine the final cost of your remodeling project.

5. Do all projects need to go through the design phase?

Yes—because every project needs a plan. The design phase allows us to clarify:

• Layout and space planning
• Selections and finishes
• Budget and investment goals

Some projects (like a simple refresh) have a short design phase. Others, like a full kitchen or whole-home remodel, require more time. We guide you through it at a pace that matches your decision-making style.

6. What is Preliminary Design?

Preliminary Design (also called Conceptual Design or Feasibility Study) is the first step for projects that involve:

• Changing the layout
• Moving walls or plumbing
• Navigating structural or code considerations

This sets the groundwork for the next stage (the really fun part)—making the aesthetic decisions! It’s essential groundwork that sets your project up for success.

7. How long will my remodel take?

Remodeling project timelines are dependent on a variety of factors. For that reason, it's hard to answer this question until we have worked through the pre-project planning phase. Remodel timelines vary depending on:

• Project complexity
• Material lead times
• Homeowner availability
• Seasonal scheduling

Here’s a general idea:

• Design Phase: 4–12 weeks
• Pre-Production: 4–8 weeks (permits, scheduling, material ordering)
• Construction Phase:
  
  
  • Kitchen/bath/basement: 4–8 weeks

• • Larger projects: 8–12+ weeks

Total journey: 2.5–8 months from start to finish

8. How can I speed up the remodeling process?

Three key ways to keep your project moving:

1. Be flexible with scheduling – Showroom hours and availability can cause delays if options are limited.
2. Make decisions promptly – Selections are a major factor in your project’s momentum.
3. Have financing in place early – This gives you flexibility and prevents delays due to budget revisions.

9. Do I have to choose from a set list of finishes?

Not at all! As a Design-Build firm, we don’t limit you to predefined selections. Instead, we help you:

• Choose materials that match your style
• Align selections with your investment range
• Explore creative and functional options

You’ll work closely with our design team to make decisions that reflect your goals and personal aesthetic.

10. Can meetings be scheduled on evenings or weekends?

While we do our best to accommodate busy schedules, most design meetings and showroom visits happen during standard business hours.

That said, we know life is full—so we’ll work together to create a flexible schedule that honors both your availability and our team’s well-being.

11. Can I make changes after signing the contract?

The Design-Build process is intended to nail down all the details of your project up front. This makes the production phase of your project more efficient, cost-effective, and predictable. However, we want you to have the flexibility to make adjustments even after the contract is signed.

If you decide to adjust something during production, we’ll:

• Write up a detailed change order
• Outline any cost differences or timeline impacts
• Get your approval before moving forward

This ensures transparency and flexibility without derailing your project.

12.  Do I need to be present during the remodel?

Not usually! One of the benefits of our planning process is that it minimizes the need for you to be on-site while your project is being built. You’ll need to be on-site for:

• The pre-project walkthrough
• Countertop templating (if applicable)

Other than that, our team uses detailed plans created during design to keep your project moving while you go about your life.

13. What payment options do you offer?

We offer a variety of payment options to ensure that the process of transforming your home is as stress-free and convenient as possible. 

We accept:

• Most major credit cards
• ACH bank transfers
• Paper checks

We also partner with Acorn Finance to offer convenient home improvement loan options, so you can explore financing with flexible terms and quick pre-qualification.

At McLennan Contracting, we understand that your home remodeling project is a significant investment. If you have any questions about our payment options, please feel free to ask. We're here to help make your home remodeling project a success!

Still have questions?

We’re here to help! If you’re considering a remodeling project and want to speak with an expert, schedule a consultation or visit out Homeowner Resources page to learn more about what to expect.