Kitchen Remodeling: What Not To Do

February 22nd, 2012

In our previous kitchen remodeling blogs, we have already explained the numerous benefits of remodeling a kitchen, what you can do to remodel a kitchen on a budget, and how to choose a kitchen remodeler. We have given you the tools to make informed decisions and begin your journey to your dream kitchen. But we need to impart one more piece of wisdom…

What Not to do When Remodeling a Kitchen

1. Don’t be Unprepared: Know what you want to do and how much you have to spend. The key to any successful kitchen remodeling project is in-depth planning.

2. Don’t Wing It: If you are unsure how to do something, don’t do it. While a do-it-yourself kitchen remodel (DIY kitchen remodel) may seem like a great way to save money, it may cost you even more in the long run when you have to call in a professional kitchen remodeling contractor to fix your mistakes.

3. Don’t Forget the Paperwork: Permits aren’t necessary, right? Wrong! It is also extremely important to check into your local building codes.

4. Don’t Bypass Small Details: While they seem tiny, small details can make or break your kitchen remodel. Plan out every little detail.

5. Don’t Do Anything Without CC.Dietz: Break free of that old, unsightly kitchen and begin 2012 with a newly remodeled kitchen from York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted kitchen remodeler – C.C. Dietz!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to home additions and newly constructed homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

Kitchen Remodels Do’s and Don’ts

Bathroom Remodeling: What Not To Do

February 15th, 2012

If you have read any of our previous blogs, then you know that bathroom remodeling can be overwhelming. It takes a great deal of time and planning (especially budgeting). Still, people make the same remodeling mistakes over and over and over…

What NOT to do When Remodeling a Bathroom

1. Do Not Wing It: This is one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make for several reasons. For starters, bathroom remodels are expensive. And “winging it” can result in you spending more money than is necessary. Secondly, bathrooms are more intricate than many people expect. Between the plumbing and trying to fit everything you want in such a small room, you can run into several problems.

So before you begin any remodeling project…especially bathroom remodels…be sure to meticulously plan out the entire endeavor.

2. Impulse Buying is a No-No: As we have already said, planning is the key to any successful bathroom remodeling project. Instead of buying the first thing you see, you should…

  • Shop Around: Even if you find a vanity, sink, or other object that you like, do your research. See if you can find the same bathroom furnishing or something similar for a cheaper price.
  • Draw it Out: Have you laid out your dream bathroom in your mind? Then put it on paper. Will this new bathroom furnishing even fit into your décor? Before you buy anything, sit down and map out your desired bathroom. This will give you an idea of what you need and what will fit.
  • Measure: Have you adequately measured your bathroom? If not, how can you be sure that your new vanity or sink will fit?

3. Do You Know How To Install That? If Not, Don’t Try: Many homeowners attempt do-it-yourself (DIY) bathroom remodels with the best intentions. It seems like a great way to save money, right? Well, that is true…if you know what you are doing. If you do not know anything about plumbing or construction, then you may do more harm than good – costing yourself even more money in the long run.

Now that you know what not to do, let us give you one more piece of advice. If you have your heart set on a newly remodeled bathroom, give York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted bathroom remodeler – C.C. Dietz – a call!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to home additions and new homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

Bathroom Remodeling Don’ts – What NOT To Do

How to Remodel a Kitchen on a Budget

February 8th, 2012

You want a new kitchen. No…you NEED a new kitchen. But you just cannot afford a completely remodeled kitchen. So what are your options? Well, there are several ways to save money on your remodeling project, while still getting the kitchen you want.

Remodeling a Kitchen on a Budget

  1. Size Doesn’t Matter: What you need is a more efficient kitchen, not a larger kitchen. So focus on adding more storage and counter space, while eliminating space killing shelves. This could save as much as $60,000.
  2. No Need for New Windows: Instead of punching holes in your home, consider a less invasive and less expensive option – a light tube.
  3. DIY Demo: While you should leave the actually remodeling to a professional remodeling contractor, some do-it-yourself demolition is well within your skill set. And it could save you as much as $500.
  4. Consider Long-Term Costs, Not Short Term: Even if a certain project may cost more initially, it may be cheaper in the long run. So do your research. Saving a few dollars now may actually cost you significantly more in the long run.
  5. One Man’s Trash: Before ponying up the dough for brand new floors, ask your home improvement contractor if he has odds-and-ends stock left over from another job. This could save you big bucks.

Of course, these are just a few of the many ways you can save thousands of dollars on your next kitchen remodel. To learn more, contact your local kitchen remodeling contractor.

What are you waiting for? Break free of that old, unsightly kitchen and begin 2012 with a newly remodeled kitchen from York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted kitchen remodeler – C.C. Dietz!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to home additions and newly constructed homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

21 Ways to Save on Your Remodel

Budgeting for a Bathroom Remodel in York County, Pennsylvania

February 1st, 2012

Any major remodeling project requires a substantial initial investment. Fortunately, if you choose the right home improvement project, it can provide a fairly high return on investment. Bathroom remodeling, for example, has an ROI between 70% and 80%.

Still, despite the high ROI, it is tough to come up with the initial capital to start a major home improvement project. One way to make this process a little easier is to budget for your bathroom remodel. Below you will find a step-by-step guide to budgeting for a bathroom remodeling project.

Crunch the Numbers: The national average for any bathroom remodel is between $16 and $52 thousand, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value report. To find out how much your project will run, compile a list of your wants and needs. Also, don’t forget to budget for labor, which usually accounts for approximately a third of a project’s cost. Then take a look at your personal finances. How does your desired bathroom compare to your current finances?

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers a budgeting worksheet that makes this comparison easy to do.

Figure Out What You NEED: Does your budget need a bit of a trim? The first thing to do is cut the extras. Separate your “wants” from your “needs.”

Plan for the Unforeseen: Make sure your budget is not too tight. You need a little wiggle room for those unforeseen setbacks and last-minute changes. To cover these extra costs, we recommend setting aside 10 percent of whatever number has been budgeted for labor costs.

Staying on Budget: You have gone through all the work to form a budget; don’t forget about it once the project actually begins. Use your budget as a guide throughout the entire remodel.

Now that you know how to plan for a new bathroom, what are you waiting for? Break free of that boring bathroom and begin 2012 with a newly remodeled bathroom from York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted bathroom remodeler – C.C. Dietz!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to home additions and new homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

Plan Your Total Bathroom Remodel Budget

Choosing a Kitchen Remodeler in York County, Pennsylvania

January 24th, 2012

Finding a kitchen remodeling contractor in York County, Pennsylvania may not be as easy as you think. In fact, locating a qualified and reliable home improvement contractor can be downright difficult. But, as with many things, if you put in the time and effort, you will come away with exactly what you are looking for.

So let’s begin!

Step 1: Create a budget for yourself and have a rough kitchen design prepared

Step 2: Gather referrals and begin the search for a qualified kitchen contractor

Step 3: Use the referrals to narrow down your search

Step 4: Begin interviewing kitchen remodelers

Step 5: Ask for pictures of completed kitchen remodels

Step 6: Ask for insurance and licensing information

Step 7: See who can accomplish your desired kitchen while adhering to your budget

Step 8: Ask for estimates

Step 9: Compile a list of your top 3-4 contractors based on the estimates

Step 10: Look deeper. Qualities to look for when searching for a kitchen contractor in York County include:

  • Provides references and referrals
  • Gives a fairly clear estimate
  • Provides a work timeline
  • Forthcoming with any and all information
  • Cooperative and listens to your ideas
  • Easy to contact
  • Flexible

If you find a kitchen remodeler that meets all of these criteria, or most of them, make sure you lock them up as soon as possible. Kitchen remodeling contractors are easy to find. Qualified, reliable kitchen contractors are not.

So why not put your kitchen remodeling project in the capable hands of York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted kitchen remodeler – C.C. Dietz!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to home additions and newly constructed homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

How to Choose a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

How to Choose a Good Kitchen Contractor

Bathroom Remodeling Trends for 2012

January 20th, 2012

Bathroom remodels are a great way to add value (ROI between 70% and 80%), beauty, and functionality to any home. There are many benefits to bathroom remodeling, but perhaps the biggest benefit of all is creating a bathroom that fits your lifestyle and your needs. Maybe you want a technologically advanced bathroom or maybe you want a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. Whatever you are interested in, C.C. Dietz can help.

And for a little extra inspiration, let’s take a look at some of the hottest bathroom trends around…

Water Conservation in the Bathroom: Going green will never go out of style. And the bathroom is a great place to cut back on some of your daily water usage. Here are some examples:

•      Dual-Flush and Low-Flow Toilets: Newer toilets feature a 1.28 gallon-per-flush rating, much less than the current 1.6 GPF standard.

•      WaterSense Label: Similar to what energy star did for energy efficiency, WaterSense is designed to promote products that efficiently use water.

•     High Pressure, Less Water: Using Venturi principles, newer showerheads will aim to use less water and strong pressure by adding air, not water, to the mix.

Bathroom Technology Advances: The bathroom is about to get a lot more high-tech!

•      Programmable Showers: Ranging in prices from $300-$3,500, these luxury showers allow you to preset water temperature, volume (yea, it has a WiFi music system), and even massage settings before you even enter the bathroom.

•      iToilet? Well, not quite…but close! Some newer toilets come equipped with speakers and a docking station for your iPod or iPhone.

•      Medicine Cabinet TVs: Now you can watch TV while you brush your teeth!

•    Medicine Cabinets with Smart Phone Plug-in: Newer medicine cabinets allow you to plug in your smart phone. This way you will not miss any important calls while you are getting ready for work!

These are just a few examples of some of the many exciting bathroom remodeling trends of 2012.

So what are you waiting for? Break free of that boring bathroom and begin 2012 with a newly remodeled bathroom from York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted bathroom remodeler – C.C. Dietz!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to additions and new homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

Hot Trends for Bathroom Remodeling in 2012

The Top Kitchen Remodeling Trends of 2012

January 11th, 2012

We have already discusses the biggest benefits of a professional kitchen remodel. Now we are going to dive into the realm of kitchen trends. That’s right, kitchen design goes through trends just like clothing. From the bold pastels of the 50’s and wood paneling of the 70’s to the minimalist approach of the 90’s, kitchens have gone through some pretty drastic design changes over the years.

So what is trending in 2012?

Where did the Appliances go? Concealing appliances has become extremely popular as of late. This not only improves kitchen functionality, but it also keeps your kitchen looking from looking overly cluttered.

Kitchen Appliance Color Trends for 2012: This year is all about staying simple. Stainless steel and black appliances will remain incredibly popular for their universal design appeal and clean appearance. Plus they won’t pull attention away from the rest of your kitchen.

Other colors to consider include beige, gray, and cream.

Maple Cabinetry: Need new kitchen cabinets? Maple seems to be the way to go in 2012. As far as cabinet colors, go with white, off-white or maple’s dark natural finish.

Trendy Cabinet Style: There are floating units, cabinets with touch-latch doors, systems that are hidden behind sliding doors, and cabinets with innovative surfaces, such as semi-translucent glass, bamboo, and aluminum.

Custom Countertops: Increased functionality and custom accessories seem to be the top countertop trends for 2012, from countertops with marble pastry slab inserts and wooden butcher blocks, to embedded metal and glass bits.

Renewable Materials: Going green will never go out of style. Choose renewable and recycled materials over natural stone, marble and quarts.

Trendy Kitchen Lighting: The right lighting can really add aesthetic value to any kitchen. Consider installing some accent lighting to draw attention to certain design elements, like glassware, paintings, and pictures.

So what are you waiting for? Break free of that old, unsightly kitchen and begin 2012 with a newly remodeled kitchen from York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted kitchen remodeler – C.C. Dietz!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to home additions and newly constructed homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

Kitchen Remodeling Trends For 2012

Kitchen Designs Through the Decades with Christies Kitchens

How To Plan For A New Home Addition in York County, Pennsylvania

January 5th, 2012

Does your house seem like it is getting smaller and becoming extremely cramped? It is probably because your family is getting bigger. If this is the case, you have three options: deal with it, move, or build a home addition. And if you are happy with your current neighborhood, a home addition is your only viable option.

Here are some tips to help you plan your new home addition:

Identify your Objective: What do you want to achieve with this remodeling project? Perhaps you need a new bedroom, some additional storage space, a second living room, or even a playroom. The choice is yours. Examine your needs and determine what makes the most sense for your home.

Budgeting: Do not try to tackle a home improvement project that you cannot afford.

Plan Ahead: Find out your area’s building restrictions: height restrictions, building area ratios, design covenants and historic district ordnances. The last thing you want is to design your dream home addition only for it to be shot down. So do your research before you even start designing.

Hire a Residential Building Contractor: What are you waiting for? Call C.C. Dietz today and inquire about having new home addition built by York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted residential contractor! Our team can design an addition, file for the proper permits, and begin building without disrupting your everyday activities. We employ the highest-grade foremen and carpenters, many of who have partnered with us for years.

Why deal with the hassles of moving when the answer lies in a new addition? It will save you the time and money involved in selling your home and purchasing a new home.

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to additions and new homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

How to Plan for Your New Home Addition

Home Improvement Projects That Increase Your Home’s Value

December 29th, 2011

If you are planning to sell your home in the not so distant future and want to make your house more appealing or if you just want to raise the value of your property while giving it a more modern look and feel, there are several things you can do to achieve these goals. But what if I told you there was a way to accomplish all of these goals at once? Don’t believe me? Well, the answer is actually quite simple – home improvement.

Home improvement projects – especially kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels – have proven time and time again to add both value and aesthetic appeal to homes all across the nation. But why kitchen and bathroom remodeling? Why do these projects wield such high returns on investment (ROI), between 70% and 85%?

The answer is once again fairly simple; these two areas of the home are two of the most commonly used rooms when it comes to everyday living. And customizing or remodeling kitchens and bathrooms can add immense value to your home.

Remodeling allows you to not only update these rooms, but also improve upon them. Your standard bathroom or kitchen is functional, but not very desirable. Remodeling lets you customize these rooms, increasing usability, functionality, aesthetics and desirability.

You can raise your home’s value in any number of ways, but installing new cabinets, tiling, drawers, flooring, sinks, countertops, lighting and upgrading your kitchen or bathroom remains your best options.

So if you are looking for a kitchen or bathroom remodeling contractor in York County, Pennsylvania, there is only one residential building contractor to turn to – C.C. Dietz, Inc.

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to home additions and new homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions about bathroom or kitchen remodeling, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

Raise Your Home’s Value With Home Improvement

Benefits of a Home Addition in York County, Pennsylvania

December 22nd, 2011

When you first bought your new home, it was the perfect size. Three children later and you have probably found that you have simply outgrown your home. If this has happened, you have three main options…

1. Suck it up and make the most of things

2. Start searching for a new home

3. Build a new home addition

Let’s face it; you can’t keep living in a home that is too small. So option #1 is out the window. And moving is just not an option. This would probably mean changing school districts and uprooting your entire family. So option #2 is off the table. That leaves one option remaining – a home addition.

The benefits of home additions include:

Added Space: This is the entire reason for building an addition on your home. Maybe this is a few more bedrooms, a family room, a study, a new bathroom, kitchen, or whatever else you need. The choice is yours.

Increased Home Value: You can expect a return on investment (ROI) of around 70% for most home additions. If you decide to add a bathroom or kitchen, your ROI could increase to 80-85%.

Design Your Own Room: Have you ever dreamed of the perfect room? Well, now is your chance to design the room of your dreams. So be creative and have fun.

Why deal with the hassles of moving when the answer lies in a new addition? It will save you the time and money involved in selling your home and purchasing a new home.

So what are you waiting for? Call C.C. Dietz today and inquire about having new home addition built by York, Pennsylvania’s most trusted residential contractor!

Serving York, Pennsylvania since 1921, C.C. Dietz is one of the most respected names in the construction industry throughout York County. From new kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, to additions and new homes, C.C. Dietz knows how to get the job done because we’ve been doing it for almost 100 years.

If you have any questions or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website!

We are York County’s premiere building contractor!

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sources:

The Benefits of Home Additions

Getting A Return On Your Home Addition Investment