hawaii renovation feb 19 2012

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM FEB. 19, 2012

HOW TO MAKE YOUR TODDLER’S ROOM SUSTAINABLE. See page 18INSIDE:

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2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 19, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Tonia and Francishave traveled theworld and have

lived on three conti-nents. But with threeyoung children and abrand new baby, theydecided the time wasright to move back homeand put down roots.They bought a big housenear their families thatneeded a bit of work, andexpended all their effortinto updating their kids’

rooms. But they gotstalled when it came totheir own space, specifi-cally their master bath-room. The room’s awk-ward layout, grungy tuband peeling wallpapermade it the last placethese busy parents want-ed to spend any time.

So they called me tosee if I could provide arefuge where they couldunwind and relax. Tonia,in particular, was aching

for a place where shecould happily sink into abath at the end of a hec-tic day. So I grabbed mycrew and got set to givethis hardworking couplea beautiful, spa-like bath-room that would helpturn stressful days intosoothing nights.

The bathroom sat adja-cent to a small dressingroom that Tonia andFrancis never used, so Ikicked off the redesign

by tearing down the wallbetween the two roomsand making it into onelarge space. I got rid ofthe dated striped wallpa-per and put up a light,fresh coat of paint. I alsoripped up the ugly,cracked flooring and putdown some large-scalemarble tiles.

On a wall, I put in agorgeous mirror, twosmall windows draped in

SEE PAGE 17

HAWAIIRENOVATION

NO ORDINARYBATHROOM

FEB. 19, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Spring is right around the corner,and warmer weather is on theway. The best way to ensure that

your home or workplace will remaincool and comfortable is to be ready witha new, efficient, split ductless air condi-tioning system.

Systems sold and installed by the AireConditioner Shoppe are available in avariety of styles and price ranges. Youcan choose a system that cools only orone that also heats to keep your home orworkplace at your preferred tempera-ture level for the cooler days.

“This is also a good time to scheduleservicing for your existing ductless splitsystem so it will continue operatingwith high efficiency when the hottestweather hits,” said Aire ConditionerShoppe owner Neil Wiedemann.

The latest ductless split systems pro-vide zoned comfort and are engineeredto install quickly and easily. These rev-olutionary new systems available fromthe Aire Conditioner Shoppe, whichspecializes in Fujitsu and Mitsubishi,provide both heating and cooling with apush of a button on the remote control.They also provide individual tempera-ture control throughout your home orbusiness so each room, zone or floorwill be the temperature you set.

Concerned about air quality? Thesesystems have the capability to filter out

dust, mold spores and microorganisms.The Dry Mode helps to control humidi-ty levels, even when cooling isn’t need-ed. Other standard features includeSleep Timer Auto Changeover, 24-HourTimer Cold Prevention, AutoRestart/Reset Low Ambient and AutoLouver: Up/Down, Left/Right.

Concerned about appearance? Thecooling-only wall mounted units,designed for single rooms, are slim andstylish. Indoor units have a clean, aes-thetic design and are powerful, thoughsmall and shorter in length than com-peting units. They can blend into anyroom and are ideal for areas with spacelimitations. The variable speed com-pressor helps systems adapt to shifts inheat load caused by afternoon sun.

Concerned about noise? If soundcoming from your current system inter-feres with listening to music, TV, con-versation or even falling asleep, it’s timeto treat yourself and your family to anew ductless split system. These newair conditioning units are so quiet you

won’t even know they’re on.How about cost? “A new efficient

ductless split system can keep you com-fortable in your home for pennies a day.And the higher the SEER (SeasonalEnergy Efficient Ratio), the more yousave on electric,” Wiedemann said.“The operative word is ‘efficient’ — oldor malfunctioning air conditioning sys-tems are energy hogs that don’t do thejob effectively and run up your electric-ity bills. The air conditioning systemsavailable at the Aire ConditionerShoppe are the newest models thatincorporate the latest technologicaladvances.” He pointed out that splitductless systems can be just as efficientas central air conditioning, or more effi-cient in terms of energy savings,depending on the lifestyle of the home-owner.

Wiedemann, who has been in the airconditioning business since 1979, sellsand installs split ductless systems onOahu, as well as portable air condition-ers. He also sells the less expensive win-dow units that are often the choice forapartments, condos and houses. “Eventhe window air conditioning units,which are generally what you see inolder apartment buildings or town-homes, have been extensively improvedboth in efficiency and appearance.However, the tenant and/or owner

needs to obtain permission from themanagement company and/or apart-ment owners association to install anytype of air conditioning,” he added.

Both ductless split systems and win-dow air conditioners are on display atthe Aire Conditioner Shoppe showroomin Waipio and also shown and describedon the website, www.aireconditionershoppe.com. The company installs,repairs and services what they sell.Wiedemann guarantees the lowestprices for any product he sells withinstallation of the same equipment. Forten years running Fujitsu has namedhim “Dealer of the Year.”

The Aire Conditioner Shoppe offersfree on-site estimates and design con-sultation. Wiedemann credits his com-pany’s success to a strong commitmentto customer satisfaction. The AireConditioner Shoppe’s slogan is “We doit right the first time.”

To make an appointment to meet withan estimator at your home or office, callNeil Wiedemann at 676-1455. “When ourestimator reviews your needs and youmake a decision on the system you wantto install, you will have a quote the nextday by phone or fax. If the customer issatisfied, we draw up the contract. OnceI set a price, it’s firm and it will be guar-anteed the lowest available price withthe same equipment,” Wiedemann said.

AIRECONDITIONERSHOPPE

CONTACT: 676-1455 • aireconditionershoppe.com

FREE ESTIMATES 348-8270• Licensed • Bonded • Insured Lic. #C24921

MURAKAMI’S ROOFING

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Even rooftops need aHAWAIIRENOVATION


Some things in life belongin the category of “out ofsight, out of mind.” For

most homeowners, the roofabove their heads, keeping outthe elements, is probably onthat list. That is, until somethinghappens, like the growth ofwater stains in the kitchen oractual water drops that arecaught in a bucket appear.

Murakami’s Roofing offers afree inspection of your roof. It’san easy process, just give us acall and we will walk youthrough it and identify problemareas and potential issues thatmay affect the life of your roof.

Until then, here are a fewitems to check to keep your roofin top condition:

Blast with water

In other words, apply a zinccleaning solution to get rid ofmold and fungus that may begrowing on your roof. Then,pressure wash with a moderateamount of pressure.

Trim the trees

If you have large trees onyour property, check to see ifthey are in contact with yourroof and if the leaves are clog-ging the gutters. Trim thebranches back and away fromthe roof.

Clean the gutters

If your gutters are cloggedwith leaves, get the debriscleared out. Leaving themclogged can cause water to pooland seep into your roof, whichwill weaken it. Check your gut-ters at least twice a year, moreso if you have leafy trees in youryard.

Clean the pipes

If you see water spilling overthe sides of your pipes when itrains instead of coming out ofthe bottom drains, the pipesmay be blocked. Clear them outby inserting a garden hose fromthe bottom of the pipe and stuffaround the hose to plug theopening. Turn the water on fullblast! This should work, but ifnot, try inserting a broom han-dle for more stubborn block-ages.

Apply a protective coating

Roof coatings not only coolyour roof, and in turn, the inte-rior of your home, but they alsocan provide a layer of protec-tion from the sun and weather.Roof coatings can add years tothe life of the roof.

The next step

Call Murakami’s Roofing. Theinspection is free and the folksare friendly and honest.

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CONTACT: 348-8270 • [email protected]

• murakamiroofing.net

dose love

FEBRUARYSALE

ENDING SOONCALL FORDETAILS

94-480 Akoki Street #4 • Waipahu, HI 96797671-0808 • 383-7233 • www.windows-hawaii.com

LIC # C-30910

808.748.8888 | REVOLUSUN.COM LIC. # ABC 30244

JOIN THE

*Dates and locations subject to change. Check revolusun.com for the latest details.

Visit RevoluSun.com/openhouseto find a solar open house near you or call

748.8888 for a complete scheduleand addresses.

SUN, FEBRUARY

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Purchasing a photovoltaic system isone the most challenging deci-sions a homeowner will face aside

from choosing the home itself. Withdozens of solar companies setting upshop in the islands, it can be difficult todistinguish between a deal that sounds“too good to be true” and one that istechnically and financially sound.

To maintain its position as the high-est-caliber solar provider in Hawaii,RevoluSun offers homeowners peace ofmind that they are getting the best prod-ucts and installation for their most valu-able asset. “As Hawaii’s leading solarcompany, our principals recognize theimportance of making sure we alwaysstrive for the best quality in our work-manship,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSunprincipal. “So, since we began opera-

tions, we’ve encouraged our team tostrive for the highest degree of profes-sional certification.”

The “gold standard”

The North American Board ofCertified Energy Practitioners (NAB-CEP) is the “gold standard” for PV andsolar thermal installation certification.Designed to raise industry standards andpromote consumer confidence, NAB-CEP offers certification and certificateprograms to renewable energy profes-sionals throughout North America.

RevoluSun currently features five outof seven professionals on Oahu whohave acquired NABCEP certification.

To apply for NABCEP certification,applicants must first meet certain quali-fications in order to sit for the test. Thenthey undergo a rigorous exam andattend regular continuing-educationclasses to maintain certification.

“Through the NABCEP certification,with its high priority on safety, I canidentify potential risk areas in projectsand compliance with building codes,”said Chris Carbonella, RevoluSun proj-ect and construction manager. “I canthen collaborate with the other NAB-

CEP-certified professionals here atRevoluSun, or online nationally, toquickly determine workable, cost-effec-tive solutions for the client.”

NABCEP is committed to providing acertification program of quality andintegrity for the professionals and con-sumers it serves. Professionals whochoose to become certified demonstratetheir competence in the field and theircommitment to upholding high stan-

SEE PAGE 17

REVOLUSUN

ADDRESS:

1600 KAPIOLANI BLVD., STE. 1700

CONTACT: 748-8888 • www.RevoluSun.com

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Raising standards in the solar industry

Before

After

• Tubs, Showers, Counters, Vanities, any type of Wall Surrounds

• Rust, Fiberglass, Tile Crack Repair and Refinishing

• The thickest tub liners available on the market

• Specialist in Cost Effective Alternatives for property managers, realtors, hotels,homeowners & senior citizens

• Walk through tub cut for Seniorsor disabled

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*Some restrictions apply. Off er good till February 29, 2012. Discount applies to the sale and installation of a complete Solar Hot Water/PV Combo or Photovoltaic System. Not to be combined with any other promotion or discount. Discount off er excludes discounted items and products. Please call 596-2890 for details.

S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTIONHome Design • Free Consultations

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With over two decades ofexperience, All Island BathRemodeling has perfected a

unique combination of services. Thesecost-effective solutions are a fractionof the cost of traditional remodelingsolutions. Here are a few examples ofthese money saving solutions:

• Bathtub and wall surround resurfac-ing. Resurface your worn or stainedtub or wall surround to look like new inany color.

• Walk-through conversion. Convertyour existing tub into a walk-throughshower, making it safer and more com-fortable for seniors.

• Bathtub and wall surround liners. Fita new tub over your old, rusty or hardto clean tub or wall, transforming yourbath in one day.

• Illusionite simulated granite.Transform your existing tile, any typeof counter or wall surround into simu-lated granite.

• Repair fiberglass cracks and rustytubs. The company specializes in therepair of fiberglass, tile, cultured mar-ble and rusty or worn tubs.

Ultimate comfort

Nothing can make you more refreshedand comfortable than a newly remodeledbathroom. These options would makeyour bathroom safe and comfortable, andimprove the quality of your life:

• Senior accessibility conversions. Weoffer several options which range fromlow cost “tub cut outs,” utilizing yourexisting tub and making your step-overheight about eight inches lower thanyour existing tub, to complete tub-to-shower conversions. We also offer grabbars and safety accessories for making

life easier for seniors .

• Cost-effective. Updating your bath-room offers one of the best returns onyour investments, increasing the valueof your home. We can offer you severaloptions which will fit your budget.

• Save time and money. Choosing torefinish or reline will be less invasiveand less time consuming than tradi-tional remodeling methods. At AllIsland Bath Remodeling LLC, we offerthe widest variety of options which canbe customized to your needs.

• Senior Discount. We offer discountsto seniors, military, multi-unit, Realtors,property management and contractors.

We have developed new methodswhich are unique and can save youtime and money. Call us at 358-7780and we can give you informationabout your remodeling needs. OurEstimates and consultations arealways free. Visit our website at allislandbath.com.

We would like to thank our family ofcustomers for letting our companyserve you over the years.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

ALL ISLAND BATH

CONTACT: 358-7780 • www.allislandbath.com

Bathroom updates thatwon’t break the bank

Beautiful and Sustainable Flooring Could be just Beneath Your Feet

Call for a FreeEstimate!

808-596-8833

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BY KAREN NAKAMURA

This is the first of a three-partseries.

Today is the first of a three-part overview on afford-able homes in Hawaii,

what barriers are presenting chal-lenges and what actions can

break down these barriers forfuture generations.

Honolulu ranks third in thenation for the highest medianprice of homes among 225 met-ropolitan cities according to theNAHB/Wells Fargo HousingOpportunity Index (HOI) 3Q2011.

As home prices have fluctuat-

ed widely in recent years, jobshave disappeared and wageshave stagnated or declined,homeowners are struggling tostay in affordable homes. Giventhe current economic climate,the issue of housing affordabili-ty has spread to those not tradi-tionally perceived as seeking“affordable housing.” Moreimportantly, these householdsreceive little or no public assis-tance.

A new term has been coinedto address these emerginghouseholds: workforce housing.This group includes teachers,police officers, fire fighters aswell as health care workers,retail clerks, administrativepersonnel and serviceproviders.

All of these workers areessential to the economic vitali-ty of an area and the key toworkforce housing is that it

must meet the needs of the peo-ple who provide the serviceswe depend on — teachers,police officers, nurses, firefight-ers and other public servants, aswell as the service and retailindustries.

While many of our leadersand politicians espouse theneed for affordable housing, asmall vocal group of oppositionto affordable and workforcehousing has created a majorbarrier to the supply of homesthat are accessible to low andmid-income families. We arethe silent majority, the victimsof the no-growth practices thathave prevailed in controllingthe supply of homes whichcauses outcomes such as highcost of rental units, homeless-ness and the great need formultigenerational homes.

We will discuss these majorbarriers that no one talks about

or even knows about in the nexttwo weeks and I will focus onthe top six barriers:

1.Time. Did you know ittakes about seven to 10

years to get approvals to build?We will be discussing how timeis a major cost driver.

2.State Extractions. Did youknow that the land for

schools and the vertical con-struction of schools are nowpart of the cost of the project?

3.County Extractions. Didyou know that on and off

ramps to freeways, sewagetreatment plants and waterpumping stations are devel-oped, built and dedicated to thecity after completion by theproject?

HAWAIIRENOVATION

BIA-HAWAIIREMODELERS

The ins and outs of affordable housing

SEE PAGE 16

Painting contractor JimmySuh has been called an“artist” and a “miracle

worker” by clients who haveseen him bring new life to theirhome or office with his specialtalent.

His company, Deep PurplePainting, was one of the mostsought-after painting contrac-tors in San Francisco for nearly20 years. The record of hun-dreds of vintage homes Suhtransformed can be viewed on aDVD he makes available onrequest.

Two years ago, Suh decided itwas time to fulfill his family’sdream of living in Hawaii andmoved the business toHonolulu. His reputation wasquickly established as a first-rate professional, much of hisnew business generated byreferrals from satisfied clients.

In addition to working direct-ly with homeowners, Suh alsocontracts with builders andarchitects for new custom

homes and remodeling jobs.“When new clients see my

DVD or photos of my work,they always comment on themeticulous detailing we arecapable of,” Suh said. “I under-stand color and the relation-ships between colors, howsome colors complement oth-ers, and I can advise the clienton choices if they want advice.There is also the matter of sur-faces and textures — should awall or trim be finished with flator glossy paint, smooth or tex-tured. There are many choicesto consider, particularly if theclient wants a whole new look.If all that’s needed is to refreshthe interior or exterior of ahome or office with a new coatof paint, same color, same style,we can do that, too.

“Anyone who has been to SanFrancisco in recent years knowshow the old neighborhoods arebeing transformed with newpaint and elaborate detailing.Every architect and interior

designer wants a new and origi-nal color scheme. These jobsare documented in my DVD. Asfor our work in Hawaii over thepast two years, we can also pro-vide local references andaddresses so anyone interestedin having us quote a job canstart there.”

Suh said he makes a point ofmeeting with the client at thejob site to assess the conditionof the property, the amount ofprep work that will be needed,and to determine colors ofwalls, siding and trim. Once heknows the scope of the job, heprepares a written quote andtime frame.

“When people see our previ-ous jobs, whether in person, onDVD or in photos, they alwaysask if they can expect the samequality. I assure them that I amthere at the jobsite to ensureperfection and customer satis-faction for every project wetake on, whether large orsmall,” Suh said.

All In-stock Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry, Hard-WoodDoors w/ Plywood Boxes, Multi Colors to Choose.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION


BEFORE

AFTER

DEEPPURPLEPAINTING

CONTACT: 739-2000

WITH ATTENTION TO DETAILCUSTOM PAINTING

Over the years,Alternate EnergyInc. (AEI) has

earned a great reputationfor their quality Mitsu-bishi PV panels, friendlyand knowledgeable solarenergy consultants andhighly skilled installationcrews.

But there’s one impor-tant team that many peo-ple don’t know about.

Meet Russ Lauther-boren and Dean Wakat-suki, the AEI customerservice and support tech-nicians. It’s their job totroubleshoot and makeany necessary adjust-ments or repairs to ensurethat customers’ solarwater and PV systems arerunning smoothly and atpeak efficiency.

“When a new system isinstalled, there can be alearning curve as our cus-tomers settle in with it,”says Russ, who specializesin solar water heaters.“We’re there to answerany questions they mighthave after the installationhas been completed, andto make any repairs thatmight be needed.”

Born and raised onOahu, Russ is a family manwho lives in Kaaawa withhis wife and two children.“I try to treat my cus-tomers as if they were fam-ily too,” he says. “I like to

go the extra mile, becausepeople have made a biginvestment for theirfuture. I want to be surethey get the most out of it.”

Russ’s partner Deanfocuses on PV systemservice. While it’s rarethat a system will actuallyneed repair, he sometimesends up helping customerswith learning to use theircomputer monitoring sys-tem. “Sometimes it’s assimple as an unplugged

internet cable,” Dean says.AEI systems come withthe capability to monitoroutput for each solar mod-ule. “That’s an importantfeature, because cus-tomers want that peace ofmind that comes withknowing how much ener-gy their system is produc-ing on a daily basis,” hesaid.

Dean is a Pearl City gradwho attended UH with anemphasis on art and

music. “I like working fora company that stands bytheir product and service,”he said. “It feels good to doa good job for our cus-tomers.”

Alternate Energy also isgrowing. Interested inhelping Hawaii familiesand businesses switch tosolar? Apply now to jointhe AEI sales force andearn up to $300,000 a year.

Alternate Energy is nowlocated in a new, largerheadquarters at 96-1276Waihona St, # C124, inPearl City. Call 842-5853(Oahu) or 872-9592(Maui) or visit the websiteat www.alternateenergyhawaii.com.

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Alternate Energy Inc., 96-1276 Waihona St. #124Pearl City, HI 96782

License No. C-26041

Call now for a FREE household energy & solar consultation

842-5853www.AlternateEnergyHawaii.com

18 Years of QualityService to Hawaii

SINCE

1993

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

MEETING ALTERNATE ENERGY’S CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT TEAM

THE SOLARSAVIORS

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By Robert “Rabbett” Abbett

I’ve been consulting with and sellingwindows to homeowners and contrac-tors for 20 years now. I cannot believe

how confused people are about the FireEgress Code for bedrooms. I can’t tell youhow many homes and town homes I driveby where windows have been changedand I just know that the bedroom win-dows do not meet the size requirements tomeet the Fire Egress Code.

So what’s all the fuss about?

Making sure that the bedroom win-dows in your home meet the Fire EgressCode could very well save your life! Inorder to qualify to be an Egress Window,any window, no matter what type it is,must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Size. Emergency escape andrescue openings shall have a minimumnet clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.53square meters). Exception: The minimumnet clear opening for emergency escapeand rescue grade-floor openings shall be5 square feet (0.46 square meters).

• Minimum dimensions. The minimumnet clear opening height dimensionshall be 24 inches (610 millimeters).The minimum net clear opening widthdimension shall be 20 inches (508 mil-limeters). The net clear openingdimensions shall be the result of nor-mal operation of the opening.

Real world example

That means that the guy who put 36-inch-tall single hungs in your bed-rooms gave you less than the 24-inchminimum open height. When I add upthe sill, sash overlap and header meas-urements of a typical vinyl single hung,the math looks like this:

• First, subtract 6.25 inches (for theframe) from the 36-inch height, thendivide by 2. The total will equal 14.86

inches of openableheight — almost 10 inch-es too short to meet theFire Egress require-ments.

Still confused? Needsome help with this? Callme! — anytime at 483-0100.

At CCI, we pride our-selves on our routineattention to your safety. We were thevery first window company to developa City & County approved swing out,

Aluminum Awning FireEgress window. We makesure that every bedroom wereplace windows in meetsthe Fire Egress Code

whether that window is a slider, case-ment, awning, double hung or singlehung.

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Giving your home afire safety check

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The highly competi-tive marketing cli-mate offers an

abundance of choices fromsolar companies. Over thepast year, additionaloptions have come along,enabling consumers tobenefit financially in waysother than straight pur-chasing a photovoltaic(PV) system. One suchchoice has been the prolif-eration of Power PurchaseAgreements (PPA). Whilethere is little doubt that“going green” is wise andviable, being aware of cer-tain facts can keep con-sumers from makingimprudent choices orfalling into financial traps.

PPAs are the latest wrin-kle in marketing PV sys-tems. It is essentially aleasing plan under whichyou substitute the solarcompany for the utilitycompany as the provider ofyour energy. The premiseis that payments are sup-posedly lower than whatthe utility company wouldcharge you and that pay-ment increases would bemanageable. Up-frontcosts could be “zero down”(with escalating paymentsup to 4 percent each year),“some money down” (e.g.$5,000, with lower non-escalating payments) or a

“pre-paid lease” (a hugeup-front down payment ofabout 45 to 48 percent ofthe cash purchase pricewith no monthly pay-ments). The big attractionis avoiding the large initialcash outlay.

PPAs operate for a longterm of 20 years. Thestructure and terms of leas-es are dependent on inter-est rate concessions andthe application of rebates.For PV leases, energy taxcredits are the major com-ponent as the solar compa-ny, not the consumer,owns the system and keepsthe credits. The claim isthat the consumer is freedfrom concerns that taxingauthorities might modifyor eliminate credits, butyou can be sure that theleasing deals would beadversely affected andmarkedly different shouldthat ever occur. In addi-tion, a minimum FICOscore of 700 is required forstandard leasing programs.

For example, a 33-panel“three system” design ispriced at $49,182. The under-lying premises are that:

1.The current electricbill is $300 monthly

2.After installation, a$16 monthly connec-

tion fee is still paid toHECO

3.The $300 monthlybilling averages $552

over the 20 years

Purchasing has a net costof $19,517 after applicationof the federal ($14,665) andstate ($15,000) energycredits. Based on the 981kWh power production,the PV system replaces$132,517 of electricity costsover 20 years for a net sav-ings of $113,000.

In contrast, the pre-paidleasing program requires alump sum deposit of$23,286. The $16 minimumcharge is still paid to theutility company. The netsavings check in at $95,250.

With a $5,000 initialdown payment, $217 permonth is paid to the solarcompany. The net savingsis $61,474. At “zero down,”$230 per month, with a 3percent annual escalation,is paid to the solar compa-ny. It results in a total sav-ings of $44,335.

The above examples havebeen derived from an actual

proposal submitted to ahomeowner. Consideringthat since that company’sown figures actually showthe superiority of purchasingover leasing, can you imaginehow another comparablesystem costing $4,000 to$6,000 less might fare?

Generally, purchasingyour own PV system is aneven better option for yourfinancial health than leas-ing. Consider that manysystems have a “pay-back”period on the net cost offour to five years. In thosecases, there would be nopayments to HECO fromyears six to 20 beyond theminimum “connection”charge — you are essen-tially “home free.” In thestandard leasing plans,monthly payments contin-ue to the end of the 20-yearterm, at which time youcan either buy the systemor have the solar companyremove it. You’d then beback as a “hostage” withthe utility company. Thecloser the consumer gets to“owning” his own system,the better off his financialsituation will be.

KNOWING WHEN TO

LEASE OR BUY

CONTACT: 342-0802 • Hi-PowerSolar.com

HI-POWERSOLAR

With more than 20 years ofexperience in Hawaii’sroofing and solar indus-

try, Surface Shield Roofing’s ShonGregory has seen the businesschange as materials and technologiesare adapted to the needs and priori-ties of property owners.

“Our clients are becoming increas-ingly concerned with rising energycosts,” Gregory said. “Traditional tech-nologies and materials are still in use,but we’re finding that more and morepeople are looking to advancements inroofing to help defray their costs.”

Because of our state’s dependenceon imported oil, energy costs inHawaii are the highest in the U.S., andthe need to reduce the price of coolinga home or business has led to innova-tions. “The market demands that wework with the latest materials andtechnologies,” said Gregory, “becauseour clients want to save on their ener-gy costs over the long term.”

“Cool roofing” is an approach thathas a variety of cost and environmen-tal benefits, and the number of homeand business owners adopting it isgrowing rapidly. Because such coat-ings are applied to existing roofingsubstrate, demolition that sendswaste to a landfill is unnecessary.Buildings using cool roof materialsand technologies can save up to 25percent on energy costs.

Roof coatings are seamless andwhen installed correctly, can solve

roof leaks on almost any type of roofsubstrate. Field-applied reflectiveroof coatings can extend the usefullife of most roof substrates, keepingthe surface cool and providing a levelof protection from the sun andweather. Roof coatings can add 25-plusyears to the service life of a roof andreduce the amount of discarded roof-ing materials that end up in landfills.

“Large commercial propertieswere the first to embrace cool-roof-ing technologies because of the sizeof their buildings,” explainedGregory. “But in the past years, we’veseen a major spike in the number ofresidential property owners opting togo with roof coating technologiespreviously used mostly by the com-mercial sector.”

Surface Shield uses a variety ofroof coating products. Here are a fewbenefits of one of the highly efficientcoatings used daily by the team:

• 95 percent solid Silicone contains noVOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)that will evaporate into the air.

• Silicone coatings are the only non-sacrificial coatings available. Othercoating systems will degrade with UVrays from the sun. Silicone does notdegrade through exposure to UV rays.

• Silicone coatings are capable ofwithstanding permanent pondingwater with no effect on the product.Because of this, silicone coatings canbe used to waterproof water foun-tains and man-made ponds. Pondingwater will break down other coat-ings, making these soft and greatlyreducing their life span.

• Silicone coatings will not supportmold or mildew growth, nor will theyblacken because of mold or mildew.

• Silicone coatings are fast-drying. Intropical climates, silicone is dryenough to walk on in two hours. Thismeans multiple coats can be appliedin the same day. Work is completedsooner than with other coatings.

• Silicone will not wash out. Rain,even a minute after application, willnot compromise silicone.

For a free estimate or more infor-mation, call Surface Shield at 497-2716.

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Locally ownedGraham Builders isHawaii’s most expe-

rienced design+build firm.For more than 20 years, itsstaff of seasoned profes-sionals, including its ownarchitects and architecturaldesigners, has guidedhomeowners through theprocess of designing, build-

ing and renovating homes.

Home building industry

trailblazer

A trailblazer in its indus-try, the company leads theeffort to design and buildmulti-generation homescommon in Hawaii, as wellas renovate and remodelhomes for universal and

aging-in-place designs.Graham Builders has creat-ed a niche specializing inthese two areas over thepast five years.

Education first

Danny Graham, ownerand CEO, believes thathomeowners should under-stand the basics of the

design+build process.Graham Builders becamethe first company to educateand inform the public forfree through its “BuildingYour Home for Life”monthly seminars over thepast 18 years. The seminarshave been attended by morethan 5,000 homeowners.

Led by Graham Builderspresident Evan Fujimoto,the seminar provides infor-mation on where to start,how to select a builder, what

to watch out for as well asresidential design, setting abudget, estimating, financ-ing and scheduling advise.

“Our ultimate goal is tohelp homeowners under-stand everything there is toknow about getting startedon a home constructionproject, whether it is a newbuild or renovation,” saidFujimoto. “Given Hawaii’sunique culture and climate,we discuss topics that areimportant to our local fami-lies such as multi-generationhomes and making homesmore Earth-friendly.”

View the 2012 seminar

schedule at www.grahambuilders.com.

Part of the community

Graham Builders sup-ports Hawaii’s youththrough the HawaiiChildren’s Cancer Founda-tion (HCCF) by hosting anannual holiday party forthe past 12 years.

To expand its support ofHCCF, Graham Buildersbegan requesting donationsto the local charity at all itsmonthly seminars in 2007,and matches those contri-butions. Through this ini-tiative, the company hascollected more than$21,000 for HCCF.

Graham Builders washonored as Hawaii’s Out-standing Advocates forChildren and Youth in2011, received the BetterBusiness Bureau of HawaiiTorch award for ethics insmall business in 2007 andthe Pacific Business News’Best in Business Leadershipaward in 2008.

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GRAHAMBUILDERS

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CONTACT: 593-2808 • grahambuilders.comLeading the way in home

construction, renovation

Our mission at LighthouseSolar, a locally ownedand operated company, is

to facilitate the use of clean, freeand unlimited solar energy. Ourfull-service approach provideseverything you will need toenable the power of the sun towork for you. All of our services,from custom design, installation,finance and real-time date moni-toring are provided directly byour company and according tothe highest standards of service.

Full-service provider with a

personal touch

As full-service providers, wemake every effort to satisfy our

customers. Our Technical Salesengineers will work with you todetermine your energy require-ments and capabilities. Theywill continue managing yourproject until your system is fullycommissioned and producesclean energy. With one point ofcontact, you will receive thepersonal service and accounta-bility you deserve. When youchoose Lighthouse Solar, youcan expect that your experiencewill reflect Lighthouse Solar’sway of customer satisfaction.

Custom design and a fixed

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When you engage Lighthouse

Solar to provide you with a bidon a solar energy system, youcan trust that your bid will beaccurate. We stand behind theintegrity of our estimates byoffering one fixed price with nohidden costs, so you will resteasy knowing that there will beno upward price adjustments towhat you were originally prom-ised.

Professional installation

perfected by experience

Since 2006, we have beensuccessfully installing solarenergy systems with thousandsof installations to date. Our rep-utation for quality service has

allowed us to grow throughoutthe country and continue to addto our base of customers.Keeping our customers happyby providing professional andcourteous service is one of thereasons for our success. Ourinstallation teams are our owncompany-trained employees,many of which have been withus since the company began.We understand that your homeor business is not a construc-tion zone and we will respectyour schedule and leave ourwork area clean.

Reliable technology

We go to great lengths to

understand, compare anddetermine which technologieswill benefit our customersmost. We only utilize the mostreliable products that arebacked by strong manufactur-er warranties.

Lifetime workmanship

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Lighthouse Solar guaranteesits workmanship for the lifetimeof every system installed. Ifthere is a problem with ourworkmanship or if your systemdoes not perform as expected,based on the estimate we pro-vided, we will repair, replace orrefund as required.

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Tired of your current garden?Chances are you’re itchingto dig in the soil and fill it

with plants and flowers burstingwith rich color and fragrance.

“Designing with colorful, low-maintenance plants that bloom yearround is one of my greatest pleas-ures,” says Susan Olinger, presidentof the Association of ProfessionalLandscape Designers.

For the average person that’s notas simple as it sounds, but comingthis spring, it will be easy to addplenty of “flower power” to any gar-den, patio or balcony with newBloomtastic! flowers and plantsfrom Hines Growers.

These easy, low-maintenanceflowers have been handpicked toprovide rich color and gorgeousblooms that turn ordinary yardsinto show-stopping gardens.

Check out these tips from gardenpros for eye-popping color andabundant blooms:

1.The right plant for the rightspot. Too often we’re seduced

by pretty plants at a garden center,only to find they wither and diewhen we plant them in our garden.

“You’ll have greater success ifyou know what plants work best inyour yard’s conditions,” says JustinHancock, garden editor for BetterHomes and Gardens online. “Knowhow much sun, soil and water the

plant needs and make sure it canhandle the heat in your area beforeyou buy it.”

Lack of rain can ruin a garden.Plants like new AgapanthusSummer Sky and a new BlackHawaiian Spider Lily called CrinumPurple Dream can handle droughtconditions once established.

Plants like Agapanthus SummerSky are airy with striking blue flow-ers and variegated foliage. They areperfect for containers, English gar-dens or mass plantings throughoutyour landscape.

2.Design for continuous gardeninterest. When designing your

garden, don’t buy plants that bloomat the same time. Instead, Hancocksuggests you add plants that bloomin spring, summer and autumn.“Look for long-blooming plants tobe the backbone of your gardendesign.”

Decorate your patio, deck or gar-den with spring and early summerbloomers like the new Bambinobougainvillea in eight dazzling col-ors with unique foliage. Then turnup the color wattage for summerand fall with the new HibiscusBahama Bay Amazon Queen. Itsdeep orange tones add a tropicalpunch.

3.Create drama with foliage.“Don’t forget how powerful

foliage can be,” says Hancock.Many plants have different colors intheir leaves and can show off bril-liant color in a small garden or incontainers.

“Plants with deep purple leavesare important in garden designbecause they look good all seasonlong,” Hancock adds. PurpleDream’s leaves look almost blackwhen grown in full sun and are dra-matic against its showy pink flow-ers.

4.Make your garden naturefriendly. Flowers that attract

butterflies or birds are good forwildlife and add extra interestbeyond their beautiful blooms.

A new dwarf butterfly bush,Lavender Veil, grows low to theground and is covered with fragrantflowers that attract butterflies wellinto fall. “This new butterfly bush isperfect for hanging baskets or con-tainers and drapes any landscape ina sea of purple,” says Hancock, whorecommends mass planting three tofive of the compact butterfly bushfor vivid flower power.

With a little planning and theright plants, you can transform yourgarden into a vibrant garden para-dise with little maintenance. Formore information on the newBloomtastic! plants, visitwww.hineshort.com.

HOW TO HAVE EASY-BLOOMING

FLOWER POWERFOR ANY SIZE GARDEN

Say goodbye to the McMansion. According to aleading real estate website, Trulia.com, over thepast few years homes larger than 3,200 square feet

ended their dominance and appeal. But don’t think thatdownsizing means downgrading. In fact, homeownersare looking to upsize their amenities to help them enjoyevery inch of their homes.

And, while many different generations are followingthis trend, Boomers are a unique group, looking to enjoytheir smaller nest now that the kids have flown the coop— yet ensure that their homes are filled with the many

amenities they’ll require for their goldenyears.

Here are some current trends:

Anything but basic baths

While they may purchase a smaller floorplan, mature adults are looking for ways toturn ordinary rooms into extraordinarilyindulgent experiences. In the bath, thatmeans the ultimate spa experience. Butwhen it comes to the bathroom, it’s just as important tokeep it safe. Luckily, safe can also equate to stylish. Tryinstalling comfortable seating for the shower with abeautiful fold-down shower seat made of teak and alu-minum; or updating common bath accessories such as apaper holder, towel bar or shelf with a new integratedversion that combines each accessory with a grab barfor added safety.

Kitchens that cook and more

Boomers are looking for kitchens with amenities thatwill assist with entertaining. These upgrades mayinclude cooktops with special-purpose features, such asa built-in grill or wok, commercial or professional-grade appliances, a built-in coffee pot connected direct-

ly to plumbing or an oven that dramatically reducescooking times without microwaves.

Bedrooms that sizzle

Mature adults still know how to spice up their bed-room with hot amenities. Bedroom trends include alaundry room off of the master suite, remote-con-trolled window treatments and voice controlled light-ing and electronics.

Regardless of the size of your home, whether youbuild new or buy used, filling your empty nest with hotamenities will help to make your golden years as goodas gold. For more information about Moen Home Carebath safety products, visit www.moen.com.

TODAY’S BOOMERS

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

4.Building Codes. Did you know that building codesare mandates that drive up the cost of construc-

tion? This is a vehicle that can make it impossible forselective sectors of our population to be able to afforda home.

5.Cost of Labor. Did you know that the prevailingwages, plus FICA, SUTA, FUTA, TDI, medical

and vacation benefits drive the average cost per manhour to between $50 and $77 per hour?

6.Cost of Goods. Did you know that our cost ofmaterials rank as the highest in the nation? The

Rider Levett Bucknall Materials Price Index tracksthe cost of lumber, structural block, sand/gravel,cement, concrete ready-mix, iron and steel and gyp-sum wall board in the 12 largest cities in the nation.Hawaii ranks at the top with New York and SanFrancisco.

Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO ofthe Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

FROM PAGE 7

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soft, translucent blinds andcabinets built out of warm,rich mahogany. Below thisinstallment, I placed astunning vanity that fea-tures a gorgeous, white-quartz countertop, a con-temporary vessel sink andwooden storage cabinets.

On one side of the van-ity, I installed a new toi-let, and on the other, ahuge, 24-inch soaker tub,surrounded by the samewhite quartz as the coun-tertop. To keep thewarmth of the woodflowing throughout thespace, I added a cabinetfor linens and laundryright beside the tub.

Across from the vanity,I put in a fantastic show-er with a frameless glassenclosure. It boasts a rainshower, a steam shower,body sprays and a white-quartz bench on which tosit and take it all in.

I wanted the room tobe calm and refreshing,so I chose cool, waterygreens for the colorscheme. I selected asmall, green marblemosaic tile for the steamshower and for the back-splash for the soaker tuband vanity. The tilematches the green in thesolid glass vessel sinkand the painted glass inthe luxurious shower.

Then, because this isno ordinary bathroom, Iput in extraordinarylighting. In addition torecessed lighting in theceiling, I also put in twogorgeous sconces oneach side of the vanitymirror, and put up a bril-liant crystal fixture overthe tub, so Tonia willhave a great view whileshe is soaking.

This bathroom wascramped, cluttered anddingy. By adding luxuri-ous fixtures, fabulousfinishes and a relaxingcolor scheme, I turned itinto a calm, refreshingoasis to which Tonia andFrancis can retreat fromthe chaos of everydaylife. Now that’s divine!

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dards of ethical and professionalpractice.

Experienced installers

“Photovoltaic systems should lastdecades and the quality of the installa-tion is critical to its long-term durabili-ty and to the integrity of the home,”says Carlson. “That is why RevoluSunworks exclusively with AmericanPiping & Boiler (APB) to install all itsresidential and commercial solar sys-tems.”

APB is a highly respected contractorwith a long history of successful proj-ects in Hawaii’s energy industry.Founded in 1965, APB is a locally ownedgeneral and electrical contractor.

“What RevoluSun does through itspartnership with APB is groundbreak-ing, and it addresses many areas of con-cern in this fledgling industry,” saidCarlson. “By partnering with akamaaina company that has been inbusiness for more than 45 years, wegain a level of credibility and provenwork experience that no other solarcompany has. Add to that APB’s large,qualified work force and we are able toservice clients efficiently and on time,

and make sure each customer receivesthe attention and professionalism theydeserve.”

Though this partnership, RevoluSunprovides the design, permitting andexceptional customer service neededto ensure the job runs smoothly whileAPB handles the construction.

As Hawaii’s leading solar provider,RevoluSun is building cleaner, smartercommunities one rooftop at a time. Toschedule your free energy evaluation, call748-8888 or visit www.RevoluSun.com.

FROM PAGE 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Establishing high industry standardsFrom ordinary to

extraordinary

FROM PAGE 2

Whether you’ve beentaking steps towardgreen living or

you’re a newbie and want tojump start your efforts andreduce your carbon footprinton earth, one area ofopportunity is yourtoddler’s room.

Two interiordesign instructorsfrom The ArtInstitutes sharehow to make yourtoddler’s room sus-tainable.

“Sustainability is a pop-ular subject, and mostexperts in design agreesustainability has to be away of living and incor-porated into our everyday,” says Kristina Held, interiordesign instructor at The ArtInstitute of Charlotte. “Woodentoys are a small investment and agood place to start.” Held recom-mends Plan toys or Haba toyswhich are wood and naturallyantibacterial.

Wooden toys

Even Kourtney Kardashianpromotes wooden, sustainabletoys as opposed to plastic toyson her “mommy blog.”

Some of the top rea-sons to buy wooden

toys include:

• Conserve ener-gy: It takes moreenergy and fuel tomake plastic toys.

• Plastic toys aremade with chemicals

— and we all know howtoddlers tend to stick toys

in their mouths.

• Wooden toys aredurable compared to plas-

tic toys (you also don’t have toreplace batteries).

Fabrics

Consider bedding, curtaintreatments and upholstery.“Think about choosing naturalfibers such as linens and bam-boo,” says Kelly Spewock, inte-

rior design department direc-tor at The Art Institute ofPittsburgh. “Bamboo is themost popular at the moment,and it is also a renewableresource.” A blend of cottonswith acrylic and rayon makegreat upholstery fabrics, Heldsays. Worried about the soft-ness to the touch? Cotton tex-tiles that are brushed are softon toddler’s skin, and so areterry clothes made of hemp andcotton. Try to avoid dyes.Cotton is the best for prevent-ing irritated skin and break-outs, and it is also easy to clean.

Repurposing furniture

If you’re taking the roomfrom baby to toddler-friendly,Spewock recommends repur-posing your furniture.“Get creative byconverting the cribinto a bed by takingoff the railingsand use oldwooden boxesas shelving,”Spewock says.

Go the shabby chic route bysanding an old desk and paint-ing it white or a pastel color.Then, remove some of thepaint with a cloth for anold/distressed look and feel.Saw off half of the table’s legsto make a toddler-accessibleplay/work area, Spewock says.

Flooring and carpeting

Carefully consider flooringand carpeting because toddlersare just a few feet off the floorand on their hands and kneesall day. “Carpets are tough. Youhave to constantly steam cleanto get rid of the dust mites anddirt they collect. Toddlers arebreathing the dust, dirt and theglues on wall to wall carpet-ing,” Held says. Carpets withnatural fibers create less off-gassing (toxins and glue com-ing from the carpets and furni-ture). She recommends Amticofloors which can be made toresemble wood, tile, stone andlinoleum. But nothing beatswood flooring, Held says.Again, it is naturally antibacter-ial, easy to clean and warm tobare skin.

Take sustainability to the

walls

Spewock recommend Zero-VOC paint, which has no off-gassing and is water-soluble.Paint gives off fumes just likethe glue in furniture and fab-rics in the carpets. “Ten yearsago you’d pay twice as muchfor environmentally friendlypaint. Now, it’s affordable andmuch more common,” Spe-wock says.

Show and tell

Educate childrenthrough design and

teach them through example,recommend both Spewock andHeld. Introduce green plantsand teach your toddler how totake care of them, Held says.Plants get rid of toxins youdon’t want in your air.

Consider maximizing thenatural light in your toddler’sroom. “It’s been proven in aclassroom setting that childrenstay awake, more alert and theyare generally happier whenexposed to natural light,” Heldsays. Expose them to fresh air,especially if your home iscooled by central air wheretoxins are circulated. Open upand freshen up to avoid har-vesting viruses, dust mites, ani-mal hair, etc.

Decorate the walls usingsymbols and imagery such astrees, a globe of the world andother items that represent thenatural world. To teach themabout energy conservation,paint a sun with its eyes closedfor the “off” light switch posi-tion and a sun with its eyesopen for the “on switch” posi-tion. “Celebrate Earth Day andget your children interested inhelping to recycle,” Spewocksays. “Live it so your childembraces it.”

Kristina Held is an architectby trade, a member ofAmerican International Arch-itects and Leadership in Energyand Environmental DesignAccredited Professional (LEEDAP) certified. She teaches resi-dential design and workingdrawings, perspectives and

architectural details. She alsohas two daughters of herown, a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old.

Kelly Spewock is alsoLEED Certified. In addi-

tion to her interiordesign chair duties,she is also owner ofLittle House designs

in Pittsburgh.


TIPS TO MAKE ATODDLER’S ROOMSUSTAINABLE

HAWAIIRENOVATION

While the bath-room may beone of the small-

est rooms in the home, it isalso the area where westore a multitude of items,from cosmetics to cleaners,laundry to linens. With thisin mind, it’s easy for yourbath to feel more likecrowded, cluttered chaos than the spa sanctuary we longfor it to be.

Luckily, with a few conscious attempts to control theclutter, your bathroom storage woes will cease and youcan create a bathing haven to put you at ease:

Shower storage with style and size

Nineteen percent of men and 22 percent of women sayleaving items on the bathroom floor is a top annoyance inthe bath, according to an online consumer survey byMoen Incorporated. Luckily, freeing the floor can be sim-ple; just use your shower for storage. Adding a DoubleCurved Shower Rod from Moen creates an excellentplace to hang towels, robes and other items. Available atBed Bath and Beyond in a variety of finishes ($59.99), thedouble-bar design provides an extra bar for bath essen-tials when the two curtains are hung together on the inte-

rior bar. Plus, the curved design provides an extra 5 inch-es of elbow room for a more enjoyable shower experi-ence.

Getting the “hang” of it

To accompany your new curved shower rod, incorpo-rate shower rod hooks to fully utilize the storage spacewith style. These S-shaped hooks ($15) are easy to installand are available in the most popular finishes to coordi-

nate with other bathroom accessories. Yourbath will look great and you can keep itemssuch as pajamas, loofahs or shaving kits offthe floor and within arms’ reach.

Drawers of your dreams

Have your bathroom drawers become acatch-all for hotel samples and unused cos-metics? Then it’s time to whip your drawersinto shape by weeding out what you don’tneed and then finding a spot for everythingelse. Categorize items and store like itemstogether. Interlocking drawer organizers

($2) from the containerstore.com or the Pop-a-Box com-partment drawer organizer ($14.99) offer a home for eachnecessity, so that they stay organized and not free-float-ing around your drawers.

Vanity sanity

If you don’t seem to have enough drawers or cabinetsto house the items you don’t want on display — don’t fret.A variety of movable storage towers feature verticaldesigns to minimize floor space, while maximizing stor-age. The Real Simple Solutions Rotating Storage Tower($129.99), swivels 360 degrees offering cabinets with stor-age trays on one side and a full-length mirror on the other.

Disguised decor

Wall shelves can be the perfect solution for storage —and create a beautiful look in your bath. The key is to

view the shelves as decor not storage. First, choose a styl-ish design in a finish that coordinates with the rest of yourbath hardware. Then, add decorative baskets or jars toplace on the shelves to hold your items. Soon you’ll havestorage space disguised as decoration.

With these simple storage solutions, your bath will bean oasis of organization. For more information aboutMoen bath products, visit www.moen.com.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Savvy bathroom-storage solutions

The kitchen in a 44-year-oldHawaii Kai home had beenpartially renovated over the

years, and the present owners hadrecently added new appliances.However, as Homeworks Con-struction project coordinator JimCook observed, “This kitchen wassimply tired.”

“When I met with the owners atthe house, we discussed their vari-ous options and rather thanchange something here or upgradesomething there, they decided infavor of a ‘rip and replace,’” Cooksaid. “They liked our ideas and theprice came in at an amount theycould afford.”

After assessing the project,which included renovating anenclosed lanai, Cook conferredwith Homeworks kitchen designerSean Bradshaw and project manag-er Marc Dawson, and within aweek provided a scope of work

and a price. In addition to design,construction, materials and finish-es, Homeworks also includesobtaining all necessary permitsalong with demolition and haulingin its quote.

“I met periodically with thehomeowners to monitor theprogress of the job and make surethey were satisfied. If something isnot going according to the approvedplan or if the client wants to make achange, it’s best to handle suchissues immediately,” Cook said.

“As it turned out, the enclosedlanai just off the kitchen needed alot of work. There was extensivetermite and water damage, whichnecessitated replacement of win-dows and doors, rebuilding theexterior wall, insulating the ceilingand adding new electrical outlets.We designed and built a new nine-foot-long, free standing storagecabinet with the same natural oak

doors as the new cabinetry in thekitchen.”

Bradshaw worked with thehomeowners on design details,such as specially designed cornercabinets with roll-out shelves andfull extension door guides. “Weworked around existing flooringand within the footprint of the orig-inal kitchen,” Bradshaw said. “Theobjective was to make the best useof existing, available space and toprovide quality finishes. Thehomeowners chose natural solidoak for the cabinets with CorianBurled Beach countertops. Ourown line of cabinets by Wellborn isa quality product that we can pro-vide at a good price. Corian is anupscale countertop but less priceythan granite and easy to maintain.The colors the client chose perfect-ly complemented the natural oak.”

The job was started Sept. 14 andcompleted on schedule Nov. 18.

The homeowners were so pleasedwith their new kitchen that theyphotographed it and emailed thephotos to Cook. One of the own-ers, a teacher and a stained glassartist, noted that a carpenter care-fully removed one of his stainedglass windows from above a patiodoor and reinstalled it above awindow between the patio andone of the bedrooms. “This wasnot included in the plans andHomeworks just did it as a favor,”he said. “My wife and I boththought that was special.”

“Living in a house during akitchen renovation had its chal-lenges,” he added. “But fortunatelythe work on the two rooms over-lapped in such a way that, while thekitchen was being done, we wereable to set up a microwave ovenand some other portable applianceson the patio. The laundry roomserved for washing dishes. Justabout the time the work began onthe patio, the kitchen was finished.It was both a relief and a pleasureto move back into that brightrenewed space.”

For information on HomeworksConstruction or to make anappointment to visit theHomeworks showroom in theHomeworks Building at 2111 S.Beretania St., call 955-2777.

The Homeworks “Build New OrReDo” radio show, hosted byHomeworks CEO Jim Byxbee andRick Hamada, is broadcastSaturdays, from 9 to 10 a.m. onKHVH Radio AM830. Kitchen ren-ovation will be the topic of theSaturday, Feb. 25, show.


HOMEWORKSCONSTRUCTION

ADDRESS:

2111 S. BERETANIA. ST.

CONTACT: 955-2777

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

Older home receivesbrand new kitchenon time, on budget

hawaii renovation feb 19 2012

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