October 30, 2008 by Jay Dietz Construction.

Jay recently re-shingled a home in north Fargo for Mr. James Kaplan.  Along with his payment for the work, James sent this nice note…

                                                                                     Oct. 20, 2008 

 Dear Mr. Dietz,

        Enclosed is a check for $XXXX in payment for the recent roof work on my house.  Thanks for a fine job.  Feel free to use me as a reference.

Sincerely,

James M. Kaplan

Thanks James…we sure will. 

Jay usually gets great feedback, and the home-owners are happy to give him the payment before he leaves the job site.  (Which we love.) Since Mr. Kaplan was waiting for his insurance money, we just told him to mail it when it came in.  It’s always fun to get this kind of mail.

Carlita  

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October 30, 2008 by Jay Dietz Construction.

We’ve been celebrating Halloween for nearly a week already.  The kids have had parties at church and school.  We have decorated the porch and front yard a bit for our first Halloween celebrated in Mapleton.  It seems every one that we knew offered us pumpkins this year, so we have a dozen or so.  I’m not a skilled carver, but the end result is tasty roasted pumpkin seeds.  We are saving the grand daddy pumpkin for Jay to carve.  I saw a man use his power tools to carve spectacular Jack-o-lanterns on “The Today Show”, and I intend to make Jay try it.  The shell looks like it’s 2 or 3 inches thick, so power tools are the only way to go.

Work retated news…Jay has had a few weeks away from shingling.  He and Damian  have been having fun doing a demolition for the Hemmahs.  They purchased a 70’s era office building, and intend to turn it into their next home.  Jay and Damian ripped out 3.6 miles of phone line, walls, bathrooms, windows, and 60 or so flourecent light fixtures.  5 or 6 dumpsters later, the place is ready for new framing and the sub-contractors to come in.  There is a photo on the gallery of a 2 story building with out a front wall on the second floor… That was how it looked last Friday.  Jay has since framed in the front wall for it’s new windows.  When the windows come in, and Jay has installed them, I’ll take a new photo to post. 

The other new photos are from our neighbors here in Mapleton, Jeff & Kristy.  They were tired of taking out a 2nd mortgage every winter to pay their heating bills, so they looked for the problem… No insulation in the walls of their 100+ year old home…Seriously, NONE.    So, they ripped off all the siding on the N and W sides of their home, widened the 2×4 walls, installed insulation and new sheeting.  At the same time, they decided to replace  some old, drafty windows.  Jay suggested that since they have everything torn open, that they should make their living room window a bump out. It really gives the front of their house a nice look.   Jay helped them with that part, and installed a nice vinyl, casement window.  (We just happened to have an “extra” one lying around”) They had just a solid pane before, so the option of cranking it open was a definite plus.  Besides being able to maintain 68+ degrees in their home now, they noticed that the insulation also helps with reduction of outside noise.  (Mapleton has trains going by every 8 minutes or so.)  Next comes the E and S sides of the home, and new fiber cement siding all around.  I can’t wait to see what color they paint it.

So, make sure you treat all the little ghosts and golins tomorrow, and have some fun yourself.  Life it too short, so enjoy every minute of it.

 Carlita

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September 22, 2008 by Jay Dietz Construction.

I know that I said I’d try to post every month.  I’m only a few days past my goal, but I have a good excuse.   I spent most of last week getting ready for the West Fest Parade.  For those of you that aren’t familiar with this parade, I’m really sorry.  It’s one of the biggest in ND, and this year was the 17th annual parade.  Jay has wanted to have his business in the parade for several years.  So, this year, I signed us up.  We have a trailer and a pick up to pull it, so all we needed was a theme for the float and some helpers, right?  The helpers part was easy.  Our daughter, Katrina, is a Brownie Scout, and her troop jumped at the opportunity to toss candy.  We had 5 very excited girls waiting in line for more than an hour for our turn for the float to pull out of the parking lot.  The theme part was not easy for us.  Jay had wanted to do something more elaborate, but he ended up working 70+ hours that week and just couldn’t put anything together for us.  SO…Katrina, the Girl Scout, stepped in with a nice sketch and a plan.  We rounded up our 2 small tents, bought some green sheets of plastic for “grass” put some firewood and lawn chairs and 1 Ficus tree.  Wallah!  It’s a camping scene.  We added some balloons and foil streamer things too.  I had also spent a total of 3 days working on a banner for our troop, so that had to be displayed proudly on the back.   The girls all looked so cute, with their sashes or vest full of patches.  They got lots of nice comments from the crowd too.  That is until, of course, we ran out of candy.  YES…I way underestimated the size of an 8 year old girls’ fist.  It seems they can hold 14 pieces of candy in one fist full.  I knew after the first block that we were in trouble.   We technically made it about 2 blocks from the end.  Now I know to buy twice as much for next year.  Jay and Jesse threw about 30 Jay Dietz Construction shirts from the pick up.  I thought I was going to see blood shed.  People were acting like the shirts were home-run baseballs in a World Series game.  

I forgot to mention that Oliver, our pre-schooler, was invited to ride on the school float, so he parted ways with us when the parade floats moved out of the parking lot.  His uncle, Trevor, was kind enough to be his grown up for the day.  Trevor said that Oliver nearly fell asleep a couple of times.  Apparently parades are boring if you’re not catching the candy.

So, until next month, be generous with your time and your talents.

 Carlita

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August 18, 2008 by Jay Dietz Construction.

I can’t believe that my last posting was in February.  I’m already buying school supplies and sending our children off to school next week.  Where did spring and summer go?  Spring was mild, and Jay got an early start on the roofing projects that were on hold from last fall.  June left us wondering if we should build an arc.  Yes, we had rain every weekend, and things were very soggy.  July was HOT every weekend, and made for great camping weather.  I’m happy to say that Jay has been scheduling himself to allow for us to have some much over-due family time.  We were able to do some camping, go to a concert festival and visist Colorado for several days.  Our family had a terrific time visiting Jay’s sister and her familly in Fort Collins.  (See the new photos in the people/activities photo gallery.) While we were in CO, Jay’s crew completed a roofing project by themselves.  (Leaving the crew is always nerve-racking for Jay.) 

Besides the roofing jobs, Jay has built a storage shed, put up a cedar fence, and divided a utility room to separate the furnace area and finish the laundry room.  The in-progress and completed photos have just been added to the photo gallery.  He’s currently putting up another fence and making a paver patio for Mrs. Beauclair, and is back at the Zuther home finishing a bathroom and bedroom in their basement.   We still have roofing jobs lined up and more coming in.  Many people waited for things to settle down before they hired the contractors to repair the hail damage that happened 10 months ago.  Now that most of the out-of-town contractors have moved on to more recent hail storm repairs, that leaves Jay and the other locals to finish things up.   I’ve learned that there are many challenges to working with insurance companies, and in some cases the home-owner’s mortgage companies, when dealing with hail damage claims.  Each company has different procedures and time-frames for turning around payment requests.  I’ve been making good use of my fax machine to expedite the invoicing. 

I’m thinking I’ll have more time to work on our web site when the kids are in school.  It’s is very exciting to say that our little boy, will be starting pre-school this year, and our daughter is starting 2nd grade.  Our teen-ager is starting his senior year in high school, so there are lots of changes coming up at our house. 

So, check back more regularly, because my goal will be to up-date monthly.

Remember to be thankful for what you have, who you have, and the time you have.

Carlita

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February 10, 2008 by Jay Dietz Construction.

The holiday season whizzed past, and January has been left behind. Is it possilbe that it’s really February? That means spring is nearly here, right? Those are the words all carpenters long to hear. With most of the general contractors that we frame for holding on to their spec homes longer than they care to, we haven’t been busy framing this winter. We have been finishing basements, putting in new windows, and any other misc. work that we can handle. Everyone has heard about the housing slump. I’m sorry to say it is affecting us. With the recent interest rate drops, many people are realizing that it’s a great time to remodel or make those long over-due repairs. So, we have found ourselves to sliding into that niche. It’s poses unique challenges, but it is fun to work with the families involved. It requires great communication with our sub-contractors and suppliers. Timing is critical, in order to keep on schedule.

There is a new photo of a recent window replacement we completed. The Trautman family, from Dilworth, MN was excited to replace their drafty old windows with new Minnkota vinyl winows. Glenn wanted to help as much as possible, and thanks to the nice weather, they got most of the windows installed in 1 day. They should be able to take advantage of the IRS’s tax credit for improving the energy efficiency of their home too. The next picture I’ll add is their home with new siding installed.

The Isaac family has had their garage insulated and sheetrocked and we have been finishing their basement. We are about to install the interior doors and trim. Then comes the new carpet. They are adding 2 bedrooms, a full bath and a familyroom (totalling 900 square feet of living space) to their home. Photos of that project will be added shortly. Jeff wanted to help Jay as much as possible. He helped install the sheetrock, do some of the mudding and he did all of the painting.

So, keep us in mind when you are thinking about those home improvement projects, or if you would like to meet with us about new construction.

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November 19, 2007 by Jay Dietz Construction.

Man, has the past month been a blur! We have been working on roofing jobs left and right and have several very pleased home-owners. They are sending referrals our way like crazy! You know who you are, and THANK YOU! We plan to get these jobs done through the winter, as well as the odds and ends that are lingering incomplete at our new home.

On the photo gallery you’ll notice couple of photos that I have added of the Schulte’s finished garage with lovely porch. I never imagined that it was going to turn out so well. What a great vision Dave and Joy had on that project. Like our logo says, “If you can imagine it, we can build it!”

I also added a more recent picture of our Wyndmere framing job. Jay was back out there recently, so he saw the house with siding and stone. How beautiful. Hopefully the Halvorson’s are seeing things progress daily, and we’ll be able to come visit them soon at their new home.

So, at this time of year, we are giving thanks for all we have.
We work for great families, we build them their dream home, (or garage!) they tell their friends and family to talk to us for their projects and it just keeps getting better!

Thank You for your business:

Hanson Bros. Construction, Cheri Johnson, Angie at Titan Homes, The Cariveau Family, The Eichele Family, The Olson Family, The Halvorson Family, The Wussow Family, The Schulte Family, The Riveland Family, The Isaac Family, Becky Lee, The Dralu Family, and The Zuther Family

With Much Appreciation,

Carlita

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October 6, 2007 by Jay Dietz Construction.

We enjoyed another beautiful summer in the constuction industry. With the usual high winds, thunder storms and days on end of 90 some degree weather, we never get bored! Jay and his crew finished up the Titan Homes project and moved on to frame a nice big custom home for the Halverson family of Wyndmere, ND. Jay and his crew tolerated the extra driving well, because the Halversons were so great to work with. What nice people! That is the most recent house picture on our gallery. The roof wasn’t complete when I was out there with the camera. Jay will go back out 1 more time, so I’ll send the camera with him. I have heard that the Halversons have family in Alaska that would like to see the progress.
Jay and his guys, Jamie and Paul, are building a new garage for the Schulte family in South Fargo. We are so blessed to be given such nice referrals and great people to work for. The project is coming along nicely and that’s the garage picture on the gallery. (Since the photo the siding has been added.)
We have been getting referrals and have been busy putting bids together. Add to that the recent hail storm that hit the area, and we should stay busy for quite some time. Jay likes shingling, and the insurance companies are paying out for the hail damage. Fortunately, our houses were missed by the storm, as were the houses of all of our immediate family. How lucky is that?
So, I leave this blog tonight, again counting my blessings. We love the building industry, and are able to make a living at it. Our kids are growing up watching their dad create home after home for families that they get to meet.

Enjoy autumn and pray for a mild winter.

Carlita

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July 24, 2007 by Jay Dietz Construction.

This summer has been very busy.  We’re finishing up on our house in Mapleton, and our framing crew has their first framing job of the summer completed for the Eichele family.  We’ve managed to squeeze in a weekend camping trip here and there.  On our way to Devils Lake last weekend we stopped by Colgate, ND.  Jay and his crew framed a terrific 2 story home for the Mewes family last summer, and we hadn’t been back to see the finished job.  They love their new home, and it’s gorgeous.  Thanks for giving us a tour.  

We are currently framing a home in West River addition of West Fargo for Titan Homes.  It’s another great 2-story plan by Angie.  I’ve got a progress photo of that job, and will follow up with another one at the end of the week, once the 2nd floor is on.  

We will be moving into our new house next week.  I know I mentioned in my last blog that we were shooting for the beginning of June.  Obviously that didn’t quite work out.  We’ve got carpet upstairs now, and the kitchen is done.  We can hardly wait.  That excitement never fades. 

So, my next blog will be from our new house.  New photos of the interior will be added as soon as we get the house cleaned up.

Enjoy your summer…it’s nearly time for school to start.

Carlita

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May 2, 2007 by Jay Dietz Construction.

The snow has disappeared and we are experiencing the mad rush in the construction industry fondly referred to as “spring”.  People have been sketching up plans the past few months, the Home Show was at the Fargo Dome to display the latest fixtures and materials, and people are touring the Parade of Homes this week.  So, now they are ready to get started on their projects.  We handle the rush the same every year…YOU’RE NOT ON OUR SCHEDULE UNLESS YOU SIGN THE BID.  That usually gets people to step up, and sign their bids. 

We have been working at our house the past several weeks, and it’s really coming along.  As soon as I can figure out why the web site isn’t acknowleging my username, I’ll be adding some photos.  I really haven’t taken as many as I used to.  Most of our friends know where we’re building, and have stopped by.  Thanks.  The locks are on the doors now, so call before you come over to make sure we’re around to give you a tour.  I’ve been busy cleaning up after all of the sub-contractors, and the kids earn allowance for helping me.  (5 year olds can be paid with hair clips, 2 year olds require fruit roll-up snacks.)  They love going out to see their rooms day by day.  They hate going shopping for supplies.  (I hate taking them with to go shopping for supplies.)   Nothing turns 2 well-behaved kids into demons as quickly as sitting next to each other in a Lowe’s or Home Depot shopping cart. 

We’re hoping to get moved to our new house by the beginning of June.  Then things will settle down for me, and speed up for Jay’s summer framing schedule.  Another summer in ND.  We love it.

As always, take care, and be thankful for all that you have.

Carlita

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March 6, 2007 by Jay Dietz Construction.

Our family was lucky enough to escape a week of 20 degrees below zero, and enjoy the weather of sunny Florida a few weeks ago.  We attended the Builder’s Show in Orlando, February 7-10th.  As usual, the number of displays was mind blowing.  The extent that some companies went to get people to view their booths was crazy.  The show is 4 days, but that really isn’t enough time to see everything that’s there.  For example, there were several homes fabricated/assembled in the parking lot the weeks before the show.  They were complete homes, with furnishings, most of them 1600 square feet or more.  The convention center is enormous, and walking it for one entire day is truly tiring.  We did manage some family fun too.  Universal Studios and Magic Kingdom were terrific.  We also spent some time at the beach in Melbourne, and the guys got to see the All-star Nascar race in Daytona on the 10th.  (Incase you didn’t know it, that’s Jay’s birthday.)  With the weather in the mid 70’s, and sun the entire time, we hated to leave.  Working vacations are definately the way to go.  The kids are already planning next year, since we didn’t get to see ALL the other Disney Parks or Sea World this time around.  

So, we are nearly through another ND winter, and looking ahead to spring.  We’re getting our house finished up in Mapleton now and we’re busy lining up all of our sub-contractors for our up-coming projects.  We have been helping with recruiting and fund raising for the F-M Home Builder’s Association.  Thanks to all of you that have bought raffle tickets for the Home Builder’s Care project.  The drawing will be March 29th, and hopefully one of you will be the winner of a new play house. 

Thanks for your support and word of mouth advertising.

We’ll be getting new t-shirts soon…if you would like one, just reply with an e-mail.  Supplies are limited, but we’ll give away as many as we can.

 Hope to hear from you soon,

Carlita  

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