Chris and Christine Walton, Owners of Renovation Sells Lancaster, knew that renovating this home that hadn't been updated in over 30 years wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. Yet, with their determination and expertise, they were fully prepared to tackle the challenge head-on. In the end, this transformation not only brought a neglected property back to life but also turned it into a desirable home buyers would love, all while earning the seller an incredible $117K profit.

The Challenge

Upon their first walk-through, the extent of decay was overwhelming. The home featured outdated fixtures, deeply stained and dirty carpets—even in the bathroom—and wallpaper that was peeling off the walls. The project was vast: it required gutting and remodeling significant portions of the house while preserving its integrity as a functional space.

Strategic Approach to Renovation

Understanding budget constraints and the home's market potential, Chris and Christine planned their renovations with precision:

• Paint and Wallpaper Removal: They started by removing the old grasscloth wallpaper and addressing the walls that were deteriorating beneath.

• Flooring Overhaul: All carpets were removed, and new flooring was installed to eliminate odors and update the home’s aesthetic.

• Bathroom Updates: Both bathrooms received modest upgrades to modernize them without extensive reconstruction.

• Kitchen Revamp: The kitchen saw the most significant change. While the original cabinets were retained and refinished to save costs, new appliances and countertops were installed to refresh the space thoroughly.

Communication and Management

Throughout the project, maintaining open lines of communication was important, especially given the unique circumstances. The homeowner, suffering from dementia, relied heavily on close friends to oversee the renovation. Chris and Christine ensured they were all kept in the loop at every stage, providing regular updates and involving them in every decision to manage expectations and navigate the challenges with transparency. This approach was crucial in ensuring a smooth process and successful completion of the project.

Project Success

Despite the challenges, the renovation was a triumph. The property was transformed into a clean, modern, and welcoming space. 

Originally on the market for $200K, the home underwent $90K in renovations before being re-listed at $389K. It sold quickly—within just five days—for $406K, netting the sellers a total profit of $117K, highlighting the quality of the renovations and the power of smart strategic improvements.

Watch the full conversation with Chris & Christine here!

About Chris & Christine

Chris and Christine Walton, originally from Bucks County, have been living in Lancaster County since 2015. Both graduates of Penn State, they met in college and got married in 2009. With backgrounds in engineering and health and fitness, Chris and Christine launched Renovation Sells Lancaster as a husband and wife team. They have two kids and love traveling, staying active, going on beach trips, and taking on DIY projects. Additionally, they actively participate in their local community by volunteering for local chapters and charity groups, always seeking opportunities to give back. Click here to learn more and connect with Chris & Christine.