Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Contractor of the Year Awards

DiFabion Remodeling recently won it's 33rd Contractor of the Year Award for excellence in remodeling in the Best Residential Bathroom Over $60,000 category at this year's CotY Awards. We also kept our streak alive by winning at least one CotY for 10 consecutive years!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Master Certified Remodeler!

Mike DiFabion Sr. of DiFabion Remodeling has been honored by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) by receiving the Master Certified Remodeler (MCR) designation, which is the highest certification one can receive in the remodeling industry. He has become the first MCR in Charlotte and only the 15th in the nation. Qualifications for this prestigious designation include 10 consecutive years as a Certified Remodeler, 1 additional certification through NARI (Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler-CKBR), leadership involvement in the local chapter of NARI as an officer, leadership involvement in the local community as a church officer, and a letter of recommendation from the current president of the local NARI chapter. The Master Certified Remodeler identifies Certified Remodelers who have withstood the test of time and continue to be successful within the industry, while strictly adhering to the industry’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Mike DiFabion Sr. will be recognized at a ceremony at this month’s NARI meeting located in the Crowne Plaza.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Great Job By DiFabion!

The DiFabion team did a great job! My husband and I knew DiFabion was the right choice for us after our first meeting with Mike DiFabion. DiFabion renovated our master bathroom, after another contractor left us with a bathroom full of issues. Mike literally "saved the day" and assured us that he would leave us with a finished bathroom that not only looked great, but had a strong foundation. From start to finish the entire DiFabion crew was professional and courtesy, and most importantly they communicated effectively and provided top-notch service. Our project manager was great and we loved working with the DiFabion team. We can't say enough. These guys are
great!!!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Experiance the DiFabion Difference




Our kitchens are the heart of our home. They are the place where our families gather and memories are built which makes them one of the most important features in our home.

This is why it is so important to choose a kitchen a certified kitchen remodeler. Why trust one of the most important places in your home to anyone less?

Friday, May 21, 2010

Remodeling Tip from NARI!


Plan your Project

Think your project through from start to finish. Develop an idea of what is actually necessary versus what is wanted. Items that are wanted can often times be added at a later time and can substantially drive up the cost of a project. Go through the entire design process, and try to have as many of selections, such as appliances, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, paint colors countertops, etc., chosen before talking to a contractor. The more of these items that you have chosen the less gray areas there are in an estimate, and the better chance you have of being able to compare apples to apples when reviewing estimates from multiple contractors. Pay attention to what type of repairs might be necessary on your home. Many times these are not factored into the original estimate or budgetary planning, but they become “while you are here” items and can drive up the cost of a project.

Determine your Budget

Come up with a budget of what you would like to spend before talking to a contractor. You may need to talk to a lender to develop a definitive budget. Take into account that projects tend to increase, and not decrease in cost, so plan accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to save 10-20% of your budget for increases to the original scope of work. Be wary of entering into a project if it is right at the maximum of your budget because any changes could cause enormous heartache and stress. Do not be afraid to speak in plain terms about your budget to a contractor. More often then not with a simple phone call to a contractor can determine if your budget is appropriate for the work you want to perform or if you budget is unrealistic.

Contractor Selection

Look at contractors with established businesses in your area, and make sure they are properly licensed and insured. Ask to see a certificate of their insurance to verify coverage and to see that they have workers compensation, general liability and property damage coverage in the amount appropriate for your project. Ask for and check their references, even if they are have been recommended by a friend or associate. Ask if they have recently completed a project similar to yours.

Insist on a Contract

Be sure the contract includes the contractor’s name, address, phone and license number (if applicable). Detail what the contractor will and will not do. Your contractor should detail a list of materials for the project in your contract. This includes size, color, model, brand name and product. The contract should include the approximate start date and substantial completion dates. Study all required plans carefully. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins. Federal law requires a contractor to give you written notice of your right to cancel a contract, without penalty, within three business days of signing it, provided it was solicited at some place (for instance, your home) other than the contractor’s place of business or appropriate trade premises or has financing provision. Make sure financial terms are understood and spelled out in the contract. The total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation penalty should be clear.

A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year should be written into the contract. The warranty must be identified as either "full" or "limited." The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.

A binding arbitration clause is also a good inclusion in the event a disagreement occurs. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.

Thoroughly review the entire contract and be certain you understand it before signing it. Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items you’ve requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. Never sign an incomplete contract. Always keep a copy of the final document for your records.

Plan for Inconvenience

Be prepared for inconvenience. A remodeling project can and will disrupt your traditional daily routine. Most likely workers will be in your personal space at inopportune times so plan accordingly. Ask to be notified as to when services may be turned off, such as water or power. Move items of value off adjacent walls and out of the construction zone. Even items in nearby rooms, such as wall hangings, can be damaged by vibration. Prepare for dust and have extra HVAC filters for monthly replacement. Even regular filter changes and the best planning can not keep drywall dust out of your living spaces. Maintain a sense of humor, and realize that a remodeling project is an adventure. Remember everyday brings a change for the better and a improvement to your home!

http://www.naricharlotte.com

Friday, April 23, 2010

Tax Incentives for Green Remodeling of American Homes

Expanded tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements in the new economic stimulus package puts more money in consumers' pockets by providing financial incentive for home owners to go green on their renovation projects in 2009 and 2010. While more efficient homes save on water and energy bills, these tax credits will make such home upgrades even more affordable.

The Internal Revenue Code section 25C tax credit for existing homes, which had expired at the end of 2007, was reinstated as part of the economic rescue package passed by the Bush Administration last fall. Homeowners could be rewarded for installing energy-efficient windows, doors, roofing and insulation as well as furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps.

But remodelers found that the terms of the 25C credit -- equal to only 10 percent of the cost of each product and with a lifetime cap of $500 -- weren't strong enough to push enough home owners off the fence and into action.

Now, the credit rate and lifetime cap have been tripled - to 30 percent and $1,500, respectively - the list of eligible improvements expanded, and the deadline for applying has been extended through the end of 2010. Congressional estimates indicate that the new rules for the tax incentive will increase aggregate remodeling activity by more than $6 billion.

"The new tax credit also aligns with industry research indicating that even the most aggressive efficiency goals for new homes won't make a dent in overall energy consumption. Instead, remodeling and retrofitting the nation's older homes is by far the more efficient solution," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Greg Miedema, CGR, CGB, CAPS, a remodeler from Tucson, Ariz.

"These new tax credits are another way that home building industry can combat the potential effects of global climate change by encouraging home owners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes," said Miedema.

A 2008 California study revealed that 70 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions related to single-family envelope energy consumption can be attributed to homes built before 1983.

The bottom line: Retrofitting existing homes with energy-efficient features is four to eight times more carbon- and cost-efficient than adding further energy-efficiency requirements to new housing, the study showed.


TAX CREDIT HOW-TO

Details on qualifying improvements will soon be available at the IRS Website . It is expected that homeowners will need to complete Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits) and submit as part of their 2009 income tax returns to claim the credit. Further, homeowners should retain for their own records information that includes:

- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Identification of the component
- Make, model or other appropriate identifiers
- Statement that the component meets the 25C standards
- Climate zones for which the criteria are satisfied
- Additional information for storm windows, if applicable
- A declaration that the certification statement is true

http://www.buildingsystems.com

By Charles Bevier

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Angie's List Super Service Award!

DiFabion Remodeling recently received the Angie's List Super Service Award for 2009, awarded to the top 5% of the companies on Angie's List that maintain a superior service rating!

www.angieslist.com

DiFabion Remodeling WINS!

DiFabion Wins 5 Awards at the 2009 Contractor of the Year Awards!

At the 2009 National Association of Remodeling Industries prestigious Contractor of the Year Awards(CotY's).

The DiFabion Remodeling team was recognized for excellence in the remodeling industry in the Charlotte region. We are proud to announce we received 5 awards in the following areas:

* Best Bath $60 - $100k
* Best Kitchen $30 - $60k
* Best Kitchen $ 60 - $100k
* Best Deck/Porch/Patio
* Best Entire House Under $250K