Home Renovation & Remodeling Pointers from C.C. Dietz

May 15th, 2013
Remodeling or renovating your home is one of the best ways to repurpose parts of your home or renew a space that you’ve been using. A successful remodel can make you feel like you’re living in a new home. Not only can you give new life to an old room, but you’ll add to the resale value of your home.

Here are a few home remodeling tips and ideas to help you get started:

  • Define your plan & budget – One of the most important parts of any home remodeling or renovation is the planning involved. Setting a budget and choosing which parts of your home are in need of a remodel or renovation are part of the planning process. Whatever your plan or budget, C.C. Dietz can help you by giving recommendations for renovation.
  • Make your dining room multi-purpose – Many people use their dining rooms exclusively for dinners or special occasions. Consider splitting part of your dining room up and making part of it a home office or a homework room or some other kind of functional room is one idea. You can still have guests over and when you aren’t using the space for dining, it could be a place for isolation and a place where work gets done.
  • Create a closet home office – If the idea of making your dining room multi-purpose doesn’t appeal to you, pick a moderately-sized closet to create a home office in. A closet home office can be perfect for having a place to pay bills and manage home matters. A home office is a good way to have a place to go that is free from distractions.
  • Turn non-livable spaces into livable ones – Have an unfinished basement or space in your house? Turn it into a lounge or bedroom. Attics are also another space that usually goes underutilized that could be turned into a guest bedroom or a home theater. The possibilities for underutilized and unused spaces in your home are endless!

 

C.C. Dietz has been performing room remodels for almost 100 years. While they present a variety of challenges, we know we can meet them and keep your project on track. Every remodeling project begins with a meeting to determine the scope of the project. This allows us to design an executable plan with an accurate timetable and budget. Our management team, working together with our trusted construction crew, will move your project forward. You receive timely updates and constant communication, so there are never any surprises.

If you have any questions about Bathroom Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow C.C. Dietz on Facebook,Google+, and Twitter.

Source: 9 remodeling tips to make your home feel bigger, CNN

Remodel Your Basement with C.C. Dietz of York, PA

May 7th, 2013

Do you have a basement that is full of boxes and old furniture that you don’t really use anymore? Or does it have old furniture that has been covered up for years? Basements are often one of the most underutilized assets of a home. There is a lot of space in your basement that could add value to your home if used right. And any unfinished room or space in your house is not taking full advantage of the assets your house possesses. Budget constraints usually lead a basement to remain unfinished and sufficiently unused. Here are a few things to consider when remodeling your basement:

  • Figure out your exits – There are building codes in place that require a safe exit route, especially if you’re planning on adding a bedroom to your basement. A window that is big enough to climb out of and close enough to the floor to reach is one idea that could satisfy those requirements. Adding a window to your basement will not only provide a safe escape route, but it will add a significant amount of light to your York, PA basement.
  • Inspect your basement for water damage – Any water leak or busted pipes can cause serious damage to your basement, but will cause even more heartache if a water leak problem still exists after a Lancaster, PA basement remodeling.
  • Know the height of your basement – Most basements have low ceilings and if you’re planning on turning your basement into a living space, you may want to dig down and pour new footing below where your current basement footings are. This will increase the side of your furnished basement and give you more room to transform it into a livable, usable space.
  • Consider sound insulation – If you’re making part of your basement into a media room, consider installing sound insulation to keep the noise in your York, PA basement and to keep it from bleeding through the drywall. Using surface mount lights instead of can lights can help reduce noise as well if your ceiling is high enough.
  • Be creative – Your York or Lancaster, PA basement can be a blank canvas. Plan out what kind of use you want to get out of it, but don’t be afraid to be a little stylish or to want your basement to serve multiple purposes. Any remodeling you do will add value to your house and usability to your basement. So, let your creativity flow!

 

If the time for finishing your basement has finally arrived, C.C. Dietz is ready to help! We can transform your unfinished basement into a room the entire family can enjoy. Whether it’s a complete transformation from bare cinderblock walls to a warm, vibrant room – or completing a project that was left unfinished – C.C. Dietz is the answer.

We’ll meet and discuss the project, create a design for your approval, and then begin construction. In no time you’ll have a brand new room to enjoy and you’ll reclaim valuable interior space. Basements are no problem for C.C. Dietz!

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

 

You can also follow C.C. Dietz on FacebookGoogle+, and Twitter.
Source: 10 Tips for Renovating Your Basement, houzz

Home Addition Tips for York and Lancaster, PA

May 1st, 2013
If you want to add more space and more value to your home, a new home addition may be just what you need. Whether you’re looking for a sunroom, a family room, a two-story addition or even a bathroom addition, C.C. Dietz, Inc. Building and Remodeling has you covered. As your family grows, the space in your current house shrinks down to nothing. The thoughts of moving to a new house begin to enter your head. However, if you want to stay where you are, consider remodeling and adding to your home to make it into the dream home that you’ve always wanted. Here are a few tips on tackling your home addition project:

 

  • Figure out why and what to renovate – Before you jump into a home addition project, you’ll want to figure out which part of your home you’d like to add. List the reasons and benefits that the new renovation will bring to your home. It’s also a good idea to contact local realtors and appraisers in order to find out what kind of value an addition will join to your York, PA home’s existing value.
  • Come up with a budget – Once you come up with a realistic, financially sound budget you can begin planning the kind of addition. Homewyze recommends limiting the cost of a home addition project to no more than 21% of the home’s total value. Also, changes in property taxes and home insurance may both happen after a home addition project. Budgeting for those changes as well will be helpful in having a successful York or Lancaster, PA home addition project.
  • Get a home inspection – It’s a good idea to have your home inspected by professional contractors (such as C.C. Dietz) before you dive into a home addition project. Problems like termites, missing electrical panels, inadequate HVAC work could add unforeseen costs and worries to your Lancaster, PA home addition project. Getting a home inspection can save you from the hassle of finding these kinds of home problems later in your project.
  • Make the plans – After all of that preparation, it’s finally time to get down to the actual plans of the home addition. Review plans of homes similar to yours that already have some of the additions you’re thinking of. Or you can come up with an idea that turns into a design of your own. Team up with C.C. Dietz, we can help you through the process of design and implement your new home addition.

C.C. Dietz provides bedrooms, sunrooms, family rooms and guest rooms that can be added to existing structures. They’ll save you the time and money involved in selling your home and purchasing a new home. 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.

 

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

 

You can also follow C.C. Dietz on FacebookGoogle+, and Twitter.

Sources:

Home Addition Tips, eHow.com

Add On to Home, homewyse

Home Addition Tips, Simply Additions

Smart York Bathroom Remodeling Tips: What to Consider

April 24th, 2013

A bathroom remodeling project is no small feat. There is a lot of required thinking and planning before you start tearing the tiles off and creating a new functional and stylish bathroom. C.C. Dietz can help you with this process; from the planning to the remodeling. We can help you turn your bathroom into a personal space where you escape from the stress of everyday life. A bathroom should be more akin to a washroom in a palace, C.C. Dietz can help make your bathroom vision a reality. If you’re unsure of where to start when considering a remodel for your bathroom, here are a few tips:

  • Come up with a budget – The most important factor to consider when remodeling your bathroom is the budget. Starting with a realistic budget can help you figure out where you can splurge and where you might need to get a little creative with your remodeling. A good budget is the basis of almost all home improvement projects and bathroom remodeling is no different.
  • Consider using “green” materials – Most “green” materials have great design, tend to function better (which lowers utility bills) and they’re also chemical-free, making them better for your health. A green solution could be as simple as re-painting your cabinets. Figure out what recyclable materials you could use for your remodeling. Not only will you save the environment, but you might save you money, too!
  • Refinish what doesn’t need to be replaced – If you don’t exactly want to replace something, you can always save money by refinishing it. You’ll be reducing waste by refinishing and you’ll also save yourself a lot of cash.
  • Don’t move your plumbing if you don’t have to – Sure, you might want to move your sink to the other end of your bathroom, but the difficult and expensive part of doing that is moving all of the plumbing along with it. You can save money by replacing that sink where it is, unless you want a completely new bathroom. In that case, still consider the cost of moving the plumbing systems.
  • Plan to have comprehensive lighting system – The lighting system in your bathroom is one of its most important features. Sconce lighting at the vanity is an ideal way to get even lighting on your face, and having it installed at eye level will help diminish unflattering shadows. Dim lighting is nice for a soothing bath; bright lights are great for shaving your face or applying makeup. Adding more overall lighting can make a very small bathroom seem larger.
  • Make sure there is proper ventilation – You don’t want too much moisture building up in your bathroom. Mold and mildew can ruin any renovation you’ve had planned. So, make sure that your renovation includes enough vents for proper ventilation.

No matter what you decide to do to your bathroom, call on C.C. Dietz. We’re experts at removing old tubs, showers, sinks and toilets and replacing them with whirlpools, new ceramic tiles and custom built showers and bathtubs. C.C. Dietz realizes that your bathroom receives heavy traffic, so we’ll work quickly to complete your project. You’ll have a new bathroom that reflects your personality and taste. Like all of our projects, we use only the highest quality materials and fixtures. We ensure they perform the right way by having them installed by reliable, experienced workmen who we know and trust.

If you have any questions about Bathroom Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow C.C. Dietz on Facebook,Google+, and Twitter.

Source: Tips for Remodeling a Bathroom, DIY Network

Spring York Kitchen Remodeling Tips from C.C. Dietz

April 19th, 2013

A cook is only as good as his kitchen. While it may not be a common folk saying, we here at C.C. Dietz think it is especially true. Your kitchen should be a cooking haven; a place that you can’t wait to come home to and whip up some delicious meals for yourself and whoever you decide to have over as guests. If you want to take this spring as an opportunity to go ahead and remodel your kitchen, C.C. Dietz has you covered. Here are a few Spring bathroom remodeling design tips from C.C. Dietz:

  1. Highlight the cooking area – The cooking area is where most of the magic in the kitchen happens. You want to bring focus to it and show it off, the functionality of your kitchen can mesh with good design to create a welcome and inviting cooking area that will want to make your guests cook for you.
  2. Keep your dishes closer to reach – Far too often, cabinets are too high and far away from your reach. This prevents ease of access to your dishes and can make it difficult to efficiently organize them. By bringing the dishes closer to the counter and your reach, you’re giving yourself a chance to keep your kitchen in good working order. And when remodeling, you don’t have to replace the old cabinets with new cabinets, you could choose a simple wall-mount plate rack to change things up.
  3. Consider your faucets - You have to consider what kind of functionality you want out of your faucets. It’s good to decide what kind of capacity you want your main faucet to have and which features (such as a splash guard) are essential to the way you use your sinks and your kitchen in general.
  4. Illuminate your kitchen – You’ll need good lighting for every you do in the kitchen. From making lunches to doing the dishes, you want to be able not only to see, but to have the way the illumination hits your new kitchen should be tasteful as well as useful.
  5. Give guests proper seating – If your kitchen’s size allows it, you should plan to have proper seating for anyone who might be visiting your kitchen. This could include a small guest table with chairs where guests can sit as food and refreshments are brought out.
  6. Use your creativity – It’s your kitchen, you should be able to design it the way you want to. A good mix of functionality and style is recommended, with an emphasis on your kitchen reflecting your own personality.

If you need some assistance remodeling your kitchen, let C.C. Dietz do it. Pick up the phone and call C.C. Dietz, your York kitchen remodeler, today! C.C. Dietz can perform a total remodel, or improve the existing space and traffic patterns. And when we’re finished, you’ll have a brand new kitchen that performs as well as it looks.

If you have any questions about Kitchen Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow us on Facebook,Google+, and Twitter.

 

 

We are York’s premiere building contractor!

C.C. Dietz, Inc. Builders
1890 Mt. Zion Rd.
York, Pennsylvania 17406.

Source: 25 Tips to Get the Ultimate Kitchen, Better Homes and Gardens

Kitchen Flooring Tips from a Lancaster Kitchen Remodeler

April 12th, 2013

Kitchen flooring options are many – and with laminate, wood, and tile choices plentiful, home remodeling is getting both easier and more complicated at the same time! Choosing the best floor for your kitchen project comes down to your specific tastes, requirements, and budget.

The range of choices for kitchen flooring nowadays is so huge that picking one can seem intimidating. Naturally, you want flooring that reflects your design sensibility, but taking some practical matters into consideration can also help you narrow the options to a manageable few.

Water- and Stain-Resistant

With the exception of carpet, most flooring materials can withstand an occasional splash of water if you wipe it up quickly.  If there’s any chance that you may get pools of water standing on your floor for a long time, however, you should buy flooring that’s impervious to it. In addition, oil or grease spills can stain many types of flooring if you neglect to clean them up promptly.

Unless they are chipped or scratched, tile and prefinished vinyl floors repel water and grease spills and thus are nearly stain-proof. If you choose hardwood, be sure it is thoroughly sealed to protect it from water. If it’s not properly sealed, stone also will absorb water or oil spills. Rubber flooring, which is becoming popular for home kitchens because it is skid-resistant and comfortable to stand on for hours on end, repels water, but oil spills can stain it.

Ease of Cleaning

If you have kids or pets, or if any of the inhabitants of the house are allergy-prone, it will be particularly important that you keep the floor clean, so it’s wise to pick something that won’t require a complicated cleaning regime. Ideally, whatever you choose will clean up with a good sweeping or light vacuuming every day or so, and a weekly mopping.

Some wood floors require special cleaners and equipment, like specially designed mops, to keep them looking their best. Check all that out before you choose your flooring. With repeated washings, the sealer on a stone floor will wear off, so you’ll need to reseal it from time to time.

Durability

You don’t want to have to pull your kitchen flooring up and replace it every few years. Vinyl and linoleum are not as tough as tile, stone, or hardwood, and even prefinished versions of the harder material products will start to show wear over time in high-traffic areas.

Occasionally, the glaze on some handmade tiles, like satillos, will bubble up from the ceramic base, and then shatter when you step on it. If you choose tile, be sure the glaze on each piece is smooth and blemish-free. Replacing a single tile in a floor isn’t impossible, but it’s also inconvenient, and you may have trouble getting replacement tiles to match the originals.

Want to learn more? Call C.C. Dietz! We are Lancaster’s premiere building contractor! For close to 100 years, C.C. Dietz has been remodeling kitchens of all shapes and sizes. No task is ever too large or too small!

If you have any questions about Kitchen Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow C.C. Dietz on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

Source: Happy News.com: Tips on Choosing Kitchen Flooring

Bathroom Color Tips from your York Bathroom Remodeler

April 3rd, 2013

Want to inject a little color into your bathroom without breaking the bank? Don’t fret. There are some simple bathroom remodeling secrets that can help you transform your bathroom for a fraction of the cost of a total remodel.

Bathroom Color Tips from C.C. Dietz, your York Bathroom Remodeler

  1. Paint: Of course painting is at the top of anyone’s list. Consider painting the walls or ceiling to give your bathroom more color. Best of all, if you don’t like the outcome you can just paint over it.
  2. Decoupage: Want to do something a little daring? Consider decoupaged tissue paper on the wall to give your bathroom a colorful mosaic. Of course, do not forget to seal the masterpiece in a water-based polyurethane to make sure it is watertight.
  3. Fabric: Consider hanging colorful fabric from your walls to help give your boring bathroom a more artistic look.
  4. Art: Why not add some art work? Choose colorful artwork that really brightens the room.
  5. Accessories: Of course, adding colorful accessories could be enough. You could add a bright vase filled with beautiful flowers. You could add colorful shelves. The possibilities are endless.
  6. Replace the Floors: Often overlooked by most homeowners, new floors can completely change the style of a bathroom. You could go with a colorful tile or maybe a opt for colorful rugs.

Want to do more? Call C.C. Dietz! We are York’s premiere building contractor! For close to 100 years, C.C. Dietz has been remodeling bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. No task is ever too large or too small!

If you have any questions about Bathroom Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow C.C. Dietz on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

  1. Bathroom Color on the Quick HGTV

York Kitchen Remodeler: Upgrading Kitchen Organization & Storage

March 29th, 2013

With the fast-paced and hectic lives we lead today, having a well-organized kitchen is essential to avoid clutter. In order to run your life and home smoothly, it will be well worth your while focusing on upgrading your kitchen’s organization and storage.  Here are several tips to help you to get your kitchen organized:

Organize Your Pantry

You will require at least one fair-sized pantry in order to organize foodstuff. Don’t just keep piling in the cans: Your pantry should be organized so that finding things is easy when you need them, and you also know immediately when you run low on food items.

One of the best ways to organize your pantry is dividing the space according to each type of food, such as: snacks; condiments; legumes; dried foods; canned meats; jams; sweeteners; grains; canned fruits and vegetables. Also, place the newest items in each category at the back, thus pushing the older items forward.

Organize Your Storage Cabinets

Many experts agree that when organizing cabinets, you can keep items that you use regularly in overhead cabinets above the kitchen counter or island – including utensils, dishes, or pots that you want close at hand. Larger and heavier items should be kept in lower cabinets.

Free-standing cabinets are great if you need additional storage space, and since they’re usually made from attractive materials, such cabinets are not only practical but also decorative.

Organize Your Cooking Utensils

These days, cooking utensils come in attractive colors and designs; hence, they need not be tucked away inside drawers. Besides being functional, you can use them to make a style statement or add to your kitchen’s interior design theme. For example, you could store cooking utensils right beside your stove in attractive storage bins or fix a wire mesh wall in your kitchen in which to hang and display them. ‘

Organize Your Tableware

Of course, the dishes you use day-to-day are usually kept in kitchen storage cabinets.  However, if you also have beautifully designed china or plates, you could store them in glass cabinets so that they are on display, too.

If you do keep them in the shelves, make sure you don’t crowd them together, and store “like with like.” For example, you should keep all the glasses in one cupboard and all of your cups on a different shelf. You should use a wide drawer to store your silverware, which you should be able to reach easily from your stove or counter.

Organize Your Appliances

Keep the kitchen appliances that you use only occasionally in those hard-to-reach places, which helps you to get them out of the way, thus reducing the clutter in your kitchen, plus making good use of those spaces. A good tip about appliances is not to go overboard about buying too many of them in the first place.

If you have any questions about Kitchen Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

Source: Buzzle Kitchen Organizing & Storage Tips

Bathroom Flooring Tips from your Lancaster Bathroom Remodeler

March 19th, 2013

Is your bathroom boring you as of late? Is it time for a change? Well, before you knock down walls and rip out that tub and toilet, consider a less intrusive bathroom remodeling project. Consider replacing your bathroom flooring.

Bathroom Flooring Tips

  1. Plan: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is poor planning,” said appraisal expert Leslie Sellers. “Homeowners need to come up with a master plan and complete the project in stages.”
  2. Waterproof: Remember, unlike any other room in your home, the floors in your bathroom need to be waterproof. Water will undoubtedly be splashed onto your floor on more than a few occasions. And God forbid your toilet ever backup and overflow. Because of all this, you need to ensure you choose a waterproof bathroom flooring option.
  3. Flooring on a Budget: If you want to update your bathroom, but you are on a tight budget, vinyl flooring may be your best option. These floors are durable, stylish, and won’t break the bank.
  4. Mid-Range Bathroom Flooring: Perhaps you have a little more money to spend. If so, ceramic tile is an excellent option to add elegance and style to your bathroom.
  5. High-End Bathroom Flooring: If money is no problem, natural stone (marble, limestone, and slate) flooring can really give your bathroom a new, elegant look!
  6. Lancaster Bathroom Remodeler: For close to 100 years, C.C. Dietz has been remodeling bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. No task is ever too large or too small! So give us a call today. We will make your dream bathroom a reality!

If you have any questions about Bathroom Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

We are York’s premiere building contractor!

Lancaster Kitchen Remodeler: 10 Kitchen Remodeling Tips

March 13th, 2013

Your kitchen is old and outdated. It is time for something new. It is time to make a change. It is time to consider kitchen remodeling. But where do you start?

10 Kitchen Remodeling Tips

  1. Assess the Situation: Take a few days and analyze your kitchen. What works and what can be improved upon? What do you like? What would you like to add? Most importantly, establish a budget! These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before moving on to tip #2.
  2. Contact a few Kitchen Remodelers: Bring in a few kitchen remodelers to assess your situation, provide their opinions and, most importantly, give you an estimate. However, do not base your decision on price alone. Remember, you get what you pay for! Your ideal Lancaster kitchen remodeler will be one that balances price with experience and quality craftsmanship.
  3. Planning: Now that you have selected a Lancaster kitchen remodeler, take some time to sit down with them and really plan your project. But be sure to do some research and gather some ideas before this meeting. You don’t want to waste your remodeler’s time.
  4. The Devil is in the Details: The secret to a custom looking kitchen is the details.
  5. Save Money: If you can do at least some of the prep work yourself, this is a great way to save some money. However, do not bite off more than you can chew.
  6. Fluid Relationship: Don’t be afraid to speak up and talk to your Lancaster kitchen remodeler about any ideas or concerns you may have. After all, this is your kitchen. This is your home. You should have a fluid relationship with your contractor.
  7. Be Bold: Do not be afraid to think outside the box. Don’t be boring.
  8. Storage: One area you can never overdo is storage. Make sure you have plenty of cabinets, drawers, and cupboard space in your new kitchen.
  9. Work with what you have: Why tear out everything when you can simply improve upon what you have and save thousands of dollars?
  10. Choose C.C. Dietz: Your Lancaster Kitchen Remodeler: For close to 100 years, C.C. Dietz has been remodeling kitchens of all shapes and sizes. At C.C. Dietz, we know how to get the job done right. So if your kitchen needs a facelift, give us a call. We can perform a total remodel, or improve the existing space and traffic patterns. No project is ever too big or too small!

If you have any questions about Kitchen Remodeling or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact C.C. Dietz by calling 717.755.1921 or visit our website! You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

We are York’s premiere building contractor!