Hawaii Renovation July 15, 2012

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

JULY 15, 2012HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIRING A REMODELER See page 9

AN EDITION OF

Graham Builders’ new “modernization” program improves your home’soverall aesthetics, value and energy efficiency — leaving you with thetype of home makeover that endures well. See page 3

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Do you enter yourhome through yourback door more often

than your frontdoor? If so, youare not alone. Inthe majority ofhomes I visit, theresidents moreoften use theback door.

Today’s arti-cle addresseshow to balancethe energy of thefront and backdoors in yourhome in order towelcome maxi-mum opportuni-ty. (If you live in a condo ordon’t have a back door andthink this doesn’t apply toyou — read on! You can

optimize your home’s ener-gy flow without having aback door.)

The front door

The frontdoor, one of thethree “pillars” offeng shui, notonly sets thetone for thehouse, but isconsidered the“mouth” of yourhome. Just asyou need yourmouth to sustainlife, you needyour front doorto bring in life

force. Your home literally“breathes” through yourfront door.

The back door

The back door, consid-ered a feng shui positive,especially if you can’t see itfrom the front door, assiststhe front door in air circula-

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2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | JULY 15, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SEE PAGE 19

Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising

supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

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PORTALS OF POSITIVITY TO YOUR HOME

raham Builders, Hawaii’s premierdesign+build firm, now offers a Home forLife Modernization program aimed at help-ing thousands of homeowners on Oahuwhose aging residences need a makeover tobecome more energy-efficient, increase

resale value and update the home’s overall aesthetic.Did you know that using air conditioning in single-wall

homes with jalousie windows uses much more energythan homes with modern energy-efficient products? Forexample, dual-glazed windows and insulated walls andceilings significantly lower a home’s electric bill.According to energy information publications, air condi-tioning in single-wall homes can cost drastically more —even exceed twice as much — than insulated homes. Oneway to insulate your home is with dual-glazed windowswith Low-E glazing. Over the years, this can really impacta homeowner’s pocketbook.

Family-owned Graham Builders is Hawaii’s most expe-rienced design+build firm. Owner and CEO DannyGraham, his son and vice president of operations RyanGraham, president Evan Fujimoto and the tight-knit staffof seasoned architects, designers and project managersguide homeowners through the process of designing,building new or renovating homes to last them a lifetime.

Understanding Hawaii’s community

“We understand that the comfort and beauty of yourhome is extremely important to you,” said Fujimoto.“The Home for Life Modernization program is for theakamai homeowner who wants to prolong the home theyhave now with solutions that will increase the resalevalue and energy efficiency, while taking into account thehigh cost of living in Hawaii.” The program focuses onreplacing worn windows and siding, and provides imme-diate modernization that gives a great bang for your buck.

With more than two decades inthe industry, Graham Builders hasidentified key improvements thatare the backbone of the Home ForLife Modernization program. Itstarts with removing everythingattached to the siding, such as exte-rior lights, hose bibs and laundrytrays, and then deconstructingexisting siding, trims and windows.Graham Builders’ crew then installs newenergy-efficient dual-glazed vinyl or alu-minum windows, insulation in exterior walls,new structural shear-wall paneling (if applicable), sidingand exterior wall and window trims. Finally, GrahamBuilders finishes the program with a first-class paint jobusing professional grade primers and paints. Tex-CoteCOOLWALL, a revolutionary heat-reflective exteriorcoating, which can reduce the surface temperature of thesiding up to 37 degrees, is also available.

Each home is unique, but the typical estimated cost forthe Home for Life Modernization program is $35,000 foran 1,800-square-foot, single-story home and $45,000 for a2,300-square-foot, two-story home. There may be addi-tional costs if landscaping needs to be trimmed orremoved to access the work area. However, following themodernization program, the home’s resale value shouldincrease and the home’s monthly electric bill shoulddecrease if AC is being used.

Blazing trails with the launch of a new program

“We identified this major need for aging homes afterworking with several families in Mililani,” explainedFujimoto. “Thousands of Hawaii families are affectedbecause their homes are deteriorating from years ofharsh weather damage that wreaks havoc on the original

construction materials like hardboard sid-ing that was very popular in the ’70s, ’80s

and ’90s.”Graham Builders also is a trailblazer in its

industry, leading the effort to design and build multi-generation homes, common in Hawaii, as well as provid-ing its expertise by renovating and remodeling homes foruniversal and aging-in-place designs. Having identifiedboth these needs, Graham Builders created a niche spe-cializing in these two areas.

“Our ultimate goal is to help homeowners understandeverything there is to know about preserving andenhancing their homes, including the costs and timing tooverhaul their windows and siding,” said Fujimoto.“Given each person’s unique home and circumstances,we take extra time to discuss the issues that are impor-tant to them.”

Important new information for homeowners

Attend a free monthly seminar to learn more about theHome for Life Modernization program, and why replac-ing your windows and siding can be a crucial decision foryour long-term comfort and energy costs.

“More than 5,000 Hawaii homeowners have attendedour presentation to better understand the entire buildingprocess,” said Fujimoto. “I actually encourage homeown-ers to attend other seminars, as I’m confident they will

see why ours is the longest-running, mostinformative building seminar in Hawaii.”

Homeowners interested in learning moreabout the Home For Life Modernization pro-gram can attend Graham Builders’ upcomingfree “Building Your Home for Life” seminar onSaturday, July 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. at HonoluluCountry Club. The seminar is free, but reserva-tions are required.

Graham Builders is the first builder ever toreceive the prestigious Better Business Bureauof Hawaii Torch Award for ethics in small busi-ness. For a full schedule of seminars or to regis-ter, visit grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808.

JULY 15, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

GRAHAMBUILDERS HAWAIIRENOVATION

A HOME TO LASTA LIFETIMEG

1144 Young St.593-2808www.grahambuilders.com

GRAHAMBUILDERS

Free Homebuilding SeminarHonolulu Country Club

Reserve your spot: 593-2808 or www.grahambuilders.com

JULY

289 a.m.

BY KYLE GALDEIRA

Hawaii Hardwood Flooringbrings more than 30 years ofexperience to every floor-

ing project it takes on, and presi-dent Chris Brenna makes it a pri-ority to offer customers a multi-tude of residential and commer-cial flooring options.

The company has operated outof its central Kalihi location forfour years now, and featuresthree installation teams and threesanding-and-finishing teams thattake the worry, stress and messout of the installation process.

While pre-finished hardwoodflooring has grown in popularity,Hawaii Hardwood Flooring is

one of the few local flooringbusinesses also offering sand-and-finish and unfinished mate-rials. The wide variety of floor-ing choices coupled with thecompany’s corresponding instal-lation procedures and distinctappearances provide customerswith a wealth of choicesthroughout each project.

Brenna suggests customersconsider the sand-and-finishflooring, as it is known for hidingseams and rendering perfectlyuniform sheen and flatness.

“I call it ‘old school,’ somethings they just can’t duplicatein a factory,” Brenna said of thesand-and-finish process. “A lotof people think that this processis extremely dusty, but the sand-ing industry has come up withdustless sanding technology,which means we put vacuumson every tool and erect plasticbearers (zip walls) to keep thedust to a fine minimum. Weoffer extra services the clientcan purchase, like putting floorprotectors on all their furnitureto help keep the floor lookingnew for years, cleaning servicesand moving services to makeyour experience stress-free.”

According to Brenna, anotherpopular option is engineeredflooring — a system featuring astabilized core and sliced hard-wood that is laminated to ensurestability and allow for the use ofseveral installation techniques.Hawaii Hardwood Flooringoffers an unfinished square-edgeengineered floor system that hasmultiple advantages, includingthe floor’s ability to acclimate to

Hawaii’s humid climate and itsmultiple installation methods:float, glue and nail.

A floating floor system is per-fect for a family living in thehouse during the installationprocess. As Brenna describes theprocess, “You place a moisture-resistant padding down and thenonly glue the seams of the hard-wood together. This system is theeasiest and fastest.”

With Hawaii’s moist air andhumid climate, wood tends toexpand and contract dependingon the variable conditions. Thenail-down installation tech-nique, according to Brenna, “iswhen we use a special flat nailto countersink it into thetongue side of the flooring,causing a blind-nail effect everysix to eight inches. This systemis perfect for plywood sub-strates, and allows the floor tofreely expand and contract.”

As a special mahalo to its loyalHawaii Renovation readers,Hawaii Hardwood Flooring isoffering $500 off any flooringinstallation package larger than500 square feet. For more infor-mation, call 842-7755. To speakwith Brenna directly about thebest flooring option to meet spe-cific needs, call 306-3374.

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T he “design buildcontractor” is thelatest buzz phrase

in the home improvementindustry. The term gener-ally means a firm thathandles a home improve-ment project from its con-ception, taking intoaccount the design, per-mit processing and con-struction. The advantageis that it is essentially aone-stop-shop format forall your building needs.

This term has beenthrown around ratherloosely. A true designbuild contractor takes onthe full responsibility of aproject including its com-pletion, based on theapproved designs, specifi-cations and general con-ditions that make up the

whole construction con-tract.

When changes occurafter a construction con-tract has been agreedupon because of unac-counted design items thatcome up, differences inso-called design buildcontractors arise. This iswhere unsuspectinghomeowners are issued achange order for the addi-tional work. A lot of timesthis means additionalcharges on top of the orig-

inal contract price. Thesehidden charges can beinflated to make up forthe low cost included inthe initial constructioncontract. Most homeown-

ers end up biting the bul-let and giving into theadditional charges, beingheld hostage to havingtheir project completed.

Atlas Construction is a

true design build firm:Should any instancesarise that would causesubstantial additionalchanges and costs to theproject within the

approved constructioncontract, the design buildcontractor must takeresponsibility.

Atlas construction willdocument the changeorder for the homeown-ers’ approval and performthe work at no additionalcharge. This is why thetime spent during thedesign phase is well-usedto account for all thedetails that go into ahome improvement proj-ect. The only changeorders that should occurare if a homeowner initi-ates the changes duringthe course of construc-tion. The company be-lieves that when a projectis done correctly, thereshould be no changeorders attached to it.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESIGN BUILD CONTRACTOR

ATLASCONSTRUCTION INC.

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When you enter the lobby ofthe Homeworks Con-struction Building, you’ll

see an array of awards spanning 15years — awards for design andconstruction of new and remod-eled homes and kitchens andbaths, as well as plaques acknowl-edging Homeworks as one of thenation’s Top ResidentialRemodelers.

“We’re proud of our awards,but we also hasten to point outthat recognition for the quality ofour work does not equate to high-

er prices,” said HomeworksCEO Jim Byxbee.

“Whether working with aclient on a budget or plan-ning a luxury home, theapproach is the same. Youlearn the parameters of theirbudget, find out what they like ordon’t like, show them photos ofcompleted projects to guide theirdecisions, and refer them to pastclients, many of whom haveallowed us to hold open houses atthe completed home and sharetheir experience in working with

Homeworks,” hesaid. “That’s the best endorse-ment any builder can get.”

Clients are provided with apreliminary design and estimate.“Most people have an idea ofwhat they can spend and howthey will finance the project,”Byxbee said. “If the budget istight, they often ask for sugges-tions on alternative materials orfinishes, and we are always will-ing to find ways to keep costsdown. For example, if granite ispreferred for countertops butexceeds the budget, we’ll pointout that there are many attrac-tive, durable laminates availableat half the cost. However, if their

heart is set on granite, we’ll savethem money elsewhere.

“We recently completed asmall home on a side street inPalolo. Despite a tight budget andtight space, we were able to buildthis family a house they werehappy with and held an openhouse there.

“At the opposite end of thespectrum is a multi-million-dollarhome we built on the Gold Coast,now listed by Gold Coast RealEstate. Here we were workingwith a client who could afford top-of-the-line materials and finishes.

“So whether you are spending

$30,000 on a new kitchen, or$300,000 or $3,000,000 on a newhouse, it’s critical to choose acontractor who can produce thehome you want, at a price youcan afford, and on schedule.When you sign a contract, nomatter the scope or cost of theproject, you are putting yourfinancial assets on the line.Mutual trust is the key.”

Jim Byxbee answers questionsabout building and remodelingon the Homeworks Build New OrRe-Do Show Saturdays, 9 to 10a.m., on KHVH Radio AM830.Call the show at 521-8383.

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Saving money and reducing yourhome’s energy usage are a priorityfor many homeowners these days.

Some energy-saving actions such asswitching off lights when leaving a roomand turning off the water while brushingyour teeth or washing your hands aresimple and cost effective.

This summer, try a few of the followingenergy-saving tips:

• Running appliances. Only run dishwashers,washing machines and clothing dryerswhen they are full. Running two half-loads uses double the amount of water,and only half the clothes get cleaned.

FAMILY-FRIENDLYTIPS TO SAVEENERGY AT HOME

SEE PAGE 18

More homeowners want their outdoor space totruly be an extension of their house and are tak-ing steps to create an inviting area to relax, play

and host guests. If you want to update your deck orpatio for entertaining, you don’t have to spend a lot oftime or money. You can easily refresh the items youalready have and add new stylish elements by keepingsome top trends and design ideas in mind.

Consider these tips to help transform your space intoa welcoming outdoor oasis.

Mix functional furniture

The line between indoor and outdoor design is blur-ring. You can coordinate the style of adjacent indoorand outdoor rooms, since you and your guests will like-ly spend time in both. No matter if you have a large out-door deck or a simple small patio, many affordable,stylish outdoor furniture options are available. Set upfurniture with flow in mind, grouping pieces togetherto encourage comfort, conversation and a view ofnature.

Add colorful accessories

Incorporating rugs, outdoor pillows, candles andother accessories in vivid colors or fun patterns canreally make your outdoor space come alive. Pick threeto four colors for your scheme and stick with those col-ors throughout your design choices. Some of the sea-son’s top hues include rich reds, vivid blues, soothingneutrals and garden-inspired greens.

Light the night

Lighting can really make your outdoor space comealive once the sun goes down. Add depth and intrigueby “lightscaping” from different sources. Consider put-

ting up string lights that provide a magical setting thatis sure to dazzle guests long after darkness falls. Add anintimate wall lantern next to the patio door or eco-friendly LED garden and path lights to add a soft illu-mination to outdoor space.

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DESIGN IDEAS THAT KEEPYOUR PATIO, DECK IN STYLE

BY KAREN NAKAMURA

With the ongoing challenges in oureconomy, many families arechoosing to remodel their homes

to fit their changing needs, rather thanselling their home and buying another.Your home is likely your largest invest-ment, and even simple remodels cancost hundreds or thousands of dollars,so you want to make sure you find a con-tractor you can trust.

The best place to start is the Directoryof Professional Remodelers. (Visitwww.nahb.org/remodelerdirectory orcontact the www.biahawaii.org.) A pro-fessional remodeler will uphold the high-est professional and ethical standards inthe industry. These sources also can helpyou find a remodeler who specializes ina specific type of remodeling, such as aCertified Aging-in-Place Specialist

(CAPS) to help modify your home to bet-ter suit you as you age, or a CertifiedGreen Remodeler (CGM) to make yourhome more energy-efficient and envi-ronmentally friendly.

You should also ask for referralsfrom friends, family, neighbors,coworkers and others who have hadremodeling work done. Or, ask buildingmaterials suppliers, architects, engi-neers, home inspectors, lenders andinsurance professionals for recommen-dations.

There also are websites where con-sumers leave comments about theirexperience with local businesses, suchas www.yelp.com, www.angieslist.comand www.kudzu.com. But be carefulabout these sources of information asyou have no way of knowing who leftthe comment or if they were honest.

Once you have a list of potential

home remodelers for yourproject, do research toverify that they are appro-priately licensed and havea good business trackrecord. Look them upwith the state office of consumer pro-tection, the Better Business Bureau aswell as with DCCA vocational licensingagency. Verify that the remodeler hasthe appropriate contractor licenses forthe work and see if they have receivedany complaints and if so, were thosecomplaints resolved satisfactorily?

When you begin meeting withremodelers, you want to find out infor-mation such as:

• How long have they been in businessin your community? Can they providereferences from customers and suppli-ers they work with?

• Do they carry insurance that protectsyou from claims arising from propertydamage or job site injuries?

• Do they offer a warranty? What is cov-ered under the warranty?

For more detailed checklists for find-ing, evaluating and working with aremodeler, as well as other informationabout remodeling your home, go towww.nahb.org/remodeling.

Karen Nakamura is executive vicepresident/CEO of the Building IndustryAssociation of Hawaii.

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOWBEFORE HIRING A REMODELER

BY KYLE GALDEIRA

W hether it’s building abrand new home, orimplementing an addi-

tion to an existing structure,Hua Xia Construction is poisedto handle the job.

The family business isequipped to assist customerswith everything from additionsof full rooms or levels to kitchenand bath renovations that repre-sent some of the popularrequests in recent months. HuaXia also takes pride in itssmooth finishing techniques,especially on various flooringapplications, where experience

and professional quality arevital.

Xiang Feng Cao got hisstart in the constructionindustry while working as a car-penter in China. He eventuallyopened his own business andworkshop there before decidingto move to Hawaii in 2000.

The skillful craftsman workedfor various local companiesuntil deciding to build his ownconstruction team. Cao, withthe help of his son, Andy,formed Hua Xia Construction inAugust 2008. The companydraws inspiration from historicconstruction projects in Chinaand Japan that have withstood

the tests of time, and remainsolid structures today. Hua Xiaaims to help its customers buildor remodel their homes in simi-lar fashion, and brings a desir-able combination of style anddurability to each job.

As Andy explained, Hua Xia’steam of experienced workersreceives a great deal of businessvia positive referrals and byprospective customers noticingother finished projects.

Hua Xia will handle thedesign and permitting process

all the way through completionof the project, building qualitystructures from the ground up— or in some cases, from theinside out.

The company also provideshomeowners with detailedmodels to aid in the visualiza-tion process, and will work toincorporate materials that areboth cost-effective and of thehighest quality. From minorrenovations to multi-milliondollar projects from scratch,Hua Xia is poised to handle the

task. Cao and his staff stresscustomer service every step ofthe way, and they providehomeowners with detailedmodels to aid in the visualiza-tion process.

“We provide customers witha 3-D layout of their project sothey can visualize what theirhome will look like,” Andy said.“Customers appreciate the qual-ity of work that we provide, anda reasonable estimate before-hand that is usually met uponthe completion of the job.”

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T he master bedroom isthe ideal place to takerefuge from reality —

and when it comes to cre-ating the perfect bedroomand bath, casual and com-fortable retreats are moreappealing than formal,model-home-like spaces.The right color palettes,furnishings and fixturescan transform a mastersuite into a tranquilescape from the stressesand headaches of the day.

Here are some ideasand inspiration to create aserene master suite, nomatter your definition ofrelaxing.

Bathing bliss

Before choosing atheme or color palette forthe bedroom, focus yourattention on the bath.This functional roomdeserves to be updatedwith elegant and under-stated features in orderto create a haven fromthe stresses of everydaylife. After all, a true mas-ter suite escape has theideal spa-inspired bath-room.

To achieve a charmingappearance with softcomforts, start by stylingthe room with fixturesand accessories thatexude a clean style, likethe Voss collection fromMoen. Voss deliversuncomplicated glamour

throughout the entirebath. With a full range ofbath fixtures, includingrain showers, faucets andcoordinated accessories,your master bath can betransformed into a per-sonal sanctuary that willlast for years to come.

Coastal contemporary

There’s a reason whytropical beaches are con-sidered the fundamentalescape from the hustleand bustle of everydaylife. The rush of the oceanand the feel of sandbetween your toes canbring anyone a lastingsense of tranquility.Those same feelings canbe incorporated into amaster suite by selectingcontemporary and coolhues in blues, pale greensand whites, with touchesof sandy brown and gold.

For this laid-backtheme, use an uphol-stered headboard in a softblue pattern to highlightthe focal point of theroom — the bed. You caneven go a step further byadding plush curtainsbehind the bed frame,paired with a large plate-glass mirror to providethe feeling of open spaces— like the open sea.Because the bed will bethe focus of the room,keep the shades simple.

Try bamboo windowshades to maintain thecasual flow while allow-ing in natural light. Usewhimsical decor piecessuch as glass bedsidelamps and palm plants tocomplete the theme.

CREATE THE PERFECTRETREAT AT HOME

K ids and adults together can nurturetheir relationship while growingfresh produce on their lanai or in

their yard. Learn the basics of growingfresh herbs and vegetables this summer atThe Cook’s Garden, a free seminar at 9a.m. this Saturday, July 21 at Geobunga inSalt Lake.

“Growing food you use to make the per-fect summer salad or a kid-approved pizzais relatively simple to do,” said AndrewDedrick, Geobunga executive director.“You can grow the tomatoes, basil,oregano, olives, spinach in your yard,or even on a lanai or kitchen windowbox. It’s really cool when you can har-vest these items and then make theminto a dinner your kids will love.”

Fresh food

Hawaii residents can grow fresh pro-duce year-round, thanks to the Islands’mild climate and sunny weather. Herbssuch as basil, oregano and rosemary; let-tuces like Manoa and arugula; and cherryor regular tomatoes thrive here.

“Some of the easiest plants to care forare basil, green onions and arugula lettuce,and all are commonly used in cooking,”

Dedricksaid. “While

preparing dinner, I can just break off someherbs or gather some lettuce for a salad.Not only is it extremely fresh, but I knowexactly who has been in contact with it, itsaves me money and is readily availablewhen I need it.”

Growing basics

Seminar attendees learn the basics ofplanting and harvesting, and the many

options available to them.Container gardening has

become extremely popular inthe past few years, as anyone with

some sunlight and space — even a smalllanai or kitchen window box — can growfresh herbs and vegetables. Bugs are lesslikely to infest containers, and you canmove the plant if you find it needs more orless sun.

One-on-one questions

Following the seminar, people canask questions one-on-one withGeobunga instructor Keola Kalama to

learn more about their specific con-tainer-gardening needs. Also after theseminar, attendees can get everythingthey need to create their own smallgarden or container garden includingpots, topsoil, potting mix and pre-planted herbs and some vegetables.

“Another wonderful thing aboutgrowing what you eat, is that many ofthese plants are beautiful and add anaesthetic value to your home,” saidDedrick.

Don’t miss your chance to learn howto grow your own herbs and vegeta-bles at home at The Cook’s Garden thisSaturday. Geobunga is located at 4299Lawehana St. — across from Target.The seminar is free, but space is limit-ed and reservations are recommended.Visit www.geobunga.com to register,or call 422-4567 for more information.

Geobunga is Hawaii’s best resourcefor anyone looking to enhance their out-door experience. Providing unique gar-den elements from all over the world,and the best prices, selection and serv-ice in the state, each visit to Geobungabrings something new to discover.

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GROWING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, FOOD Learn to cultivate fresh vegetables at home

The photovoltaic industry has beenbooming over the last few years.Most people now know what solar

photovoltaics (PV) are, as they can beseen on rooftops throughout the state.As the price of electricity rises, moreand more of us are considering PV sys-tems for our own homes. Because a PVsystem is a big investment, we shoulddo our research before committing to aspecific solar provider, especiallysince PV companies are a dime adozen.

So what should we be concerned aboutwhen considering PV? First of all, whatqualifies a company to install a PV sys-tem? The proper licensing is a necessity.To install PV, a C-13 electrical license is amust. There are a few ways to check

online if a company has the properlicensing. Searches can be done throughpvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app orhawaii.bbb.org. A qualified electriciancan tell you if your service needs to beupgraded, if your grounding system is upto par or if any electrical modificationsshould be made to accommodate the PVsystem. After all, you will be producingyour own power and there is a lot of elec-trical wiring involved.

Next, getting several estimates fromdifferent companies is always a goodidea. From these estimates we cancompare pricing and materials. Arethe materials being used comparableto one another? Some companies may

Ph: 356-1889 or 356-1893��www.honsador.com

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SEE PAGE 18

For questions related toyour Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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538-NEWS(6397)

BY KYLE GALDEIRA

As the owner of D’sPlumbing and OhanaHome Additions and

Remodeling, Frank Duarte hashoned his craft as an integralcog in the family business. Afterlearning the ropes with hisfather at the helm, he startedD’s Plumbing more than 31years ago, and is still goingstrong today as a general con-tractor.

Recently, Duarte has seen aninflux in requests from cus-tomers looking to convert anexisting bathtub or shower intoone with more room, either forthemselves to enjoy or for theirparents to use in comfort.

Duarte recounts a recent jobduring which a woman waslooking to expand a shower inorder to accommodate her eld-erly father. D’s worked with thecustomer and decided on adesign that involved convert-ing part of an adjacent closet

into space that could then beused to extend the shower.Stability bars and an easilyaccessible entryway to theshower were also incorporated— and all this was done withinthe allotted budget.

“We may be a small compa-ny, but with the skills that we

possess, we are great in num-bers,” Duarte says. “Many cus-tomers will tell me, ‘Workingwith you and your staff makesus feel like family.’ What betterway to end a project!”

Duarte has realized throughhelping so many customerswith these and other projects

that most are not aware ofsome of the proceduresinvolved with the renovations.He offers up a few suggestionsfor those considering such aproject so they can betterbudget their time and money.

First, Duarte says thatembarking on a renovationproject is always easier at ahouse, whether it involveswood or concrete flooring, asopposed to working on changesat a condominium. Condosoften have many regulationsthat could delay or hinder therenovation process, including:available parking stalls for theconstruction team; noticeneeded for the building manag-er to shut water off to the unit,and the amount of time thewater will be off; the hours andlength of time allotted for con-struction work in the building;and the number of running ele-vators, including those allocat-ed for service jobs, during theday.

“All of these factors con-tribute to the time and effort ittakes to compile a quotation,and as you can see, a homeown-er with a house is faced withfewer limitations,” Duarte says.

Customer satisfaction is thetop priority at D’s Plumbing.Duarte recounts stories of con-tractors who fail to deliver,whether it’s botching a jobbecause of lack of experienceor certification, or simply tak-ing payment and not living upto the contract.

“As a small company, weoffer personal service like noother,” Duarte says. “My menare skilled in so many trades,and it gives me great pleasureto watch them showcase theirskills. More and more, clientswill call me and tell me howpolite they are throughout thejob. You can’t imagine how thatmakes me feel.”

For more information, log onto www.AffordablePlumbingHawaii.com or call 230-8308 or734-2032. Free estimates areavailable based on the avail-ability of the team throughoutthe week, and D’s is poised andready to schedule appoint-ments with potential cus-tomers.

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

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Water, water everywhereand not a drop to drink!Being surrounded by the

warm turquoise waters of thePacific Ocean isn’t going to helpus if we don’t conserve ourdrinking water. Without a suffi-cient clean water supply, wecannot survive. So, every littlebit of water conservation helps.

There is no better time tostart conserving water thantoday. One significant waste ofwater is the old plumbing inyour home — a very commonproblem in Hawaii. Turning thefaucet on and only getting atrickle, or noticing that your toi-let and shower valves have to bereplaced every two years or soare clues that your plumbing isclogged with limescale buildup.

“The majority of homes onOahu are 15-30 years old,” saidHarald von Sydow, director ofNano Tek-On. “This means that

there is a very real probabilitythat the plumbing in your homeis clogged with limescale, andyour bathroom and kitchen fix-tures are going to leak if theyaren’t already. Remember,limescale leads to corrosion,which causes leaks and can alsolead to waterline breaks.”

Leaks and waterline breaksmean that you are wastingwater, and they subject you tocostly repairs and high waterbills. “That’s why I suggest thatyou install HydroFlow,” addedvon Sydow. “The economicallittle unit will immediatelybegin reversing limescalebuildup.”

When a HydroFlow unit isinstalled (easy to do-it-yourselfor Nano Tek-On will install itfor you), randomly varying elec-tric fields are introduced to thewater throughout the entireplumbing system, breaking up

corrosion and limescaleprecipitates. The sus-pended particles washaway in the flow.HydroFlow normallydissolves existing scalein just a few months.HydroFlow is consis-tently effective, reliable andmaintenance-free. It soon paysfor itself in energy and watersavings as well as the time andcosts involved in repairingand/or replacing plumbing andbathroom fixtures. TheHydroFlow unit is hidden fromview and does all the work

behind the scenes. The results are no less than

amazing. Ask von Sydow toshow you a cross section of alimescale-clogged pipe next toone that has been cleared withHydroFlow. It’s incredible thatsomething so small can clearout the pipes in your home. No

more limescale, no more drip,drip, drip from leaking pipesand no more wasting water!

HydroFlow has many bene-fits:

• It prevents corrosion-causingcalcium deposits from formingon the bottom of hot-waterheater tanks, extending the lifeof the tank

• It keeps shower doors spot-free with minimal maintenance.

• It extends the lifespan ofwater-using appliances.

• It reduces algae and bacteriain swimming pools and hot tubs.

HyrdroFlow does all thesethings without interfering withthe quality and taste of yourwater — all while you are doingthe right thing by conserving.

Nano Tek-On specializes inenvironmentally friendly sur-face treatments includingsealants for glass and naturalstone, antimicrobial coatingsand self-cleaning surfaces. Tolearn more about HydroFlowand how it can help you con-serve water, call 395-2996 orvisit nanotekhi.com.

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Visit Homeowners Design Center and discoverHawaii’s best remodeling and new constructionresource for cabinets, flooring, window coverings,countertops, kitchen and bath design.

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DISSOLVING LIMESCALE FOR FREE-FLOWING WATER AT HOME

BY SARAH PACHECO

Before purchasing a new set of cabinetsfor your new kitchen or bathroomremodeling project, there are some

important things you should consider.First, keep in mind that cabinets

account for 40 to 50 percent of the totalcost of your kitchen or bathroom remodel,

so setting your total budget figure will beone of the first things you’ll need to do.

Are stock cabinets for you?

Stock cabinets are the least expensiveoption and are constructed in standardshapes and sizes; however, they are avail-able in a limited number of woods or fin-ishes and offer few style options beyond

basic drawers and cup-boards.

If you plan on livingin your home for only ashort time or are work-ing with a tight budget,stock cabinets are yourbest bet. But if this isgoing to be the kitchen or bath ofyour dreams, you should look for top-quality construction and materialsfound with semi-custom and customcabinets.

Versatility of semi-custom

Semi-custom cabinets are factory-built in standard sizes with manyoptions for storage, design and style.The high end of cabinet constructionis custom cabinets, which are con-structed in either a workroom todesigner specifications or on-site inany style and finish you choose.

Semi-custom and custom cabinetsprovide endless solutions to yourstorage needs: pullout shelves forpots and pans; a lazy Susan for spices;

a wine rack; vertical dividers for trays andcookie sheets; even an appliance garage orpullout bins are all just some of the stan-dard add-ons available when orderingthese higher-end cabinets.

And if your space is too narrow for acabinet and counter, a tall pantry closetprovides lots of space for pots and pans inthe kitchen or towels in the bath.

Make quality your

first choice

No matter what type ofcabinet you select, allcabinets should havesolid frames, door anddrawer fronts, reinforcedcorners and closed backs,

and the finish on the wood should besmooth.

Also, cabinet drawers and doors will beopened and closed many times through-out the day, so they should operatesmoothly and quietly each time.

Cabinets help establish a mood

Finally, remember that the cabinets youselect will set the tone of your newkitchen or bathroom and play a major rolein transforming your space.

Browse magazines and stores to get anidea for what suits you. Look for stylesthat blend well with the architecture ofyour home as well as the interior design ofother rooms. But don’t get bogged downby all of these decisions.

Elite Design Group LLC offers free esti-mates and consultations for kitchen andbathroom remodeling projects, and itsprofessional in-house kitchen designercan help you realize the perfect set of cab-inets for your home.

The company currently is offering 30percent off cabinet purchases until July31. Call (888) 617-1139 to make anappointment or visit www.edghi.com.

CALL 596-2890 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

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COMPLETE THE LOOKWITH FINE CABINETRY

Ohana Building Supplyis a one-stop shop forhomeowners and

contractors alike. Thecompany’s selection in-cludes a variety of high-quality kitchen and bath-room materials at veryreasonable prices, fromready-made to customcabinetry, a full line ofgranite countertops, stain-less steel sinks and hard-wood and laminate floor-ing, all to fit any architec-tural style.

Ohana BuildingSupply’s instock cabinetsare constructed of all ply-wood boxes with solidwood face frames anddoors. Locally stocked areMaple, Light or DarkCherry and MilzenCabinets’ Espresso Oakand White Oak, construct-

ed of plywood boxes andengineered MDF flat-panel style doors andframes. Ohana BuildingSupply also has two newstyles of cabinets that areavailable: Elegant Cherryand Honey Beech. Thesenew cabinets are face-framed cabinets con-structed of 5/8-inch ply-wood boxes and 3/4-inchsolid wood doors andframes. The cabinets fea-ture solid wood dove-tailed drawers and comestandard with soft closinghardware for doors anddrawers. These cabinetslook as good inside asthey do on the outside andwould be a great additionto any kitchen remodel.

Currently all of Ohana’scabinet lines are on saleand, as always, if you buy

a set of kitchen cabinets,you get the granite free(for select colors). OhanaBuilding Supply is havinga blowout sale on itsMaple Shaker cabinets,which are being offered at$39.99 per linear foot(some exclusions apply,not valid with free granitepromotion). This promowon’t last long and onlyapplies to stock on hand.If you’re on a budget orare thinking of remodel-ing a rental unit, thesecabinets will be the per-

fect fit.Ohana Building Supply

also stocks a selection ofgranite countertops start-ing at $99, such as TaisanWhite, Bainbrook Peach,White Galaxy, RiverWhite, Jurparana GoldenKam and Lapidus, just toname a few. Finished withan elegant bull-nose edge,these stylish countertopsadd character to anykitchen and bath.

While supplies last,Ohana is offering free

granite (select styles tochoose from) with thepurchase of any kitchencabinet set. Other granitesare 10 percent off with thepurchase of a kitchen cab-inet set. Ohana also stocksan assortment of laminateflooring, under-mountand top-mount stainlesssteel sinks and ceramicvanity bowls. All of theseproducts are in stock andavailable for promptdelivery or pick-up.

Servicing both home-

owners and large contrac-tors, the friendly staff willprovide excellent cus-tomer service, fromdesign to installation —the completed product issure to shine. Visit thecompany’s showroom andask the sales staff aboutcurrent promotions andspecials that are available.

Showroom hours areMonday to Friday, 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call for FREE Estimate (808) 626-5418Flooring & Counter DIY Classes: 8/11, 9/8

Showroom re-opening soon! 525 Kokea St Unit C7 • Mon-Fri 9a-5p

Concrete Overlays, Stains & Stamped Concrete

FREE GRANITEWhen you buya set of KitchenCabinets

Exp. 7/31/12

Maple Shaker Cabinets$39.99/Linear Ft.Some exclusions apply, price varieswith pantry, drawer base and cornercabinets. Promotions not valid withfree granite promo. Accessories soldseparately. All sales final no refundsor returns.

Lic# C-30215

Email: [email protected]

www.ohanabuildingsupply.com

2815 Kaihikapu StreetHonolulu, HI 96819

Ph: 808.833.8338Fax: 808.833.8339

On select colors, While supplies

last

NEW CABINET STYLES IN STOCK!

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“I guarantee to offer lower prices than any other Window & Door supplier in Hawaii, for a comparable product” - J.M. Griffin, President

CALL 673-6656

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PUTTING THE FINISHINGTOUCHES ON YOURKITCHEN RENOVATION

contact // 833-8338address // 2815 Kaihikapu St. web // [email protected]

OPEN HOUSE TOURSunday, July 29, 2012 • 12 noon to 5 p.m.

FREEto the PUBLIC

On SUNDAY, JULY 29th

Look for the OFFICIAL Guidebook in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

on Friday, July 27!

Visit any Open House in the guidebook and

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529-4885 | [email protected] The pulse of paradise


use roof flashings, while oth-ers may not. A properlyinstalled flashing will ensurea leak-free roof penetration.After all, the bigger the sys-tem, the more roof penetra-tions will be made.

Another important factor toconsider is the PV panel manu-facturer. PV panel manufactur-ers also are a dime a dozen.Manufacturers may state cer-tain specifications for theirpanels, but how long have theybeen producing solar panels?Alternative Electric proudlyinstalls Solar World Sun

Modules. Solar World isAmerica’s largest solar manu-facturer with more than 35years of experience in thesolar-production industry.

A PV system is a wise invest-ment, but it’s more than justinstalling panels on a roof.Homeowners should do theirhomework before installing asystem. After all, a PV systemshould last at least 25 years.Time spent researching willpay dividends for the lifetimeof the PV system.

For a free PV estimate/con-sultation, give AlternativeElectric a call at 630-6741 or285-3663.

FROM PAGE 13

UNDERSTANDINGSOLAR POWERSYSTEMS

• Wash your clothes with cold water. Washing laun-dry with hot water means the heater has to run,accounting for up to 80 percent of the energy

used per wash load, according to the Allianceto Save Energy. If a household switched tocold-water washing for a year, enough energywould be saved to watch TV for 1,363 hours orcharge an iPhone 4S 30,861 times. So by switch-ing to cold water washing, you can cut down onhousehold energy use and save money whiledoing something good for the environment.Tide Coldwater detergent is specially formu-lated to provide a deep clean in cold water con-ditions while helping families save up to 50 per-cent of energy per wash cycle.

• Keeping cool. Close curtains to block out thehot sun during the day. Blocking the sun willhelp protect your flooring and furniture fromfading because of UV rays. Also try settingyour thermostat a few degrees warmer. Runceiling and standing fans to keep the air circu-lating to help family members stay comfort-able. If nobody is home during the day, turnyour air conditioner off, and have it timed torestart when family members return.

With just a few simple lifestyle changes, yourfamily can make your home more energy andsave you money. Get your family started todaywith these quick energy-savings tips and watchthe savings add up.

SAVINGENERGY AT HOMEFROM PAGE 7

tion and energy flowaround the home. Homeswith or without unusedback doors are prone tostagnation.

Back doors representindirect or unexpectedopportunities. So if youwant more positive oppor-tunities to come your way,pay attention to your backdoor.

Best usage of doors

If you have two maindoors in your home, thinkof them as “partners” inyour home’s well-beingand make sure you useboth. If either of your doorsis underused, make it apoint to enter that door atleast once a week for achange in energy flow. Youwill be amazed at the newperspective it brings toyour home and your life.

Remove blockage

Blockage at either door

represents a blockage ofopportunities that comeinto your life. So, clear thepathway to the door andremove shoes, umbrellastands, overgrown plantsor clutter behind the door,making sure it can openfully.

No back door?

Create one!

If you have no back doorto transition you out ofyour space, “create” a por-tal by hanging an image —a landscape, forest scene,mountain scape or somescenic view — that drawsyour eyes to it and helpswith the energy flow inyour home.

Further, take action tomake your back door “fengshui friendly” by doing thefollowing:

• Place an attractive wel-come mat at the back door,but make sure it is not big-ger or bolder than the one

you have in front.

• Paint your back door anycolor you’d like — it can bea fun, even bright color —but be careful not to“upstage” or diminish theimportance of the frontdoor, which is still consid-ered the “queen.”

• Don’t forget to make theback door transition areainto the home “pleasant.”If you have to walkthrough a laundry or stor-age room, make sure it iswell-lit and contains uplift-

ing items to greet you.

Positive energy flow

The goal is to encouragepositive energy flow intothe home through the frontand back doors. In additionto the above basics, makesure your doorknobs, locksand other hardware areworking properly. A doorthat opens easily keeps has-sles out of your life.

For more information onlife guide and feng shuiexpert Alice Inoue, visit ali-ceinspired.com

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COMING AND GOING WITH POSITIVE ENERGYFROM PAGE 2

Some homeowners may be asking themselves,“Is it worth it to renovate my bathroom beforeI sell my home?” Depending on how your exist-

ing bathroom looks, making a few affordable updatesmight pay off. “It’s really the grunge factor that youneed to consider,” said Al Fernandez, owner of Al’sBathtub Refinishing. “If you bring a stranger in off thestreet and they look at your bathroom and are creepedout, you’d better renovate.”

Al’s Bathtub Refinishing is helping Realtors sellmore houses at a higher price by assisting them ineducating their clients. An important lesson is that byspending a few hundred dollars to refinish and updatetheir bathrooms and kitchens, clients can sell theirhomes quickly and at a higher price.

Al’s Bathtub Refinishing saves money and time. Italso gets bathtub fixtures and kitchen countertops tolook brand new, without the cost and time that aremoval and replacement would take.

What is bathtub refinishing?

Bathtub reglazing, also known as refinishing, is aunique process that completely updates the color of atub and reconditions the existing worn surface to alike-new finish. Refinishing utilizes a special proce-dure that is proven to be successful and costs a frac-tion of the price of traditional replacements.

Refinishing bathtubs instead of replacing them is arelatively cost-effective bathroom makeover alterna-

tive. With this option, Al’s Bathtub can give adamaged and dirty bathtub a brand-new look.Refinishing also repairs chips and cracks to givea new color, look and feel to the tub.

Most people dread the day when they have todecide what to do about their old bathtub. Thetotal estimated cost for a bathtub replacement is$3,000 or more. Al’s Bathtub, on the other hand,can refinish it for a fraction of that cost. You can

save up to 75 percent of replacement fees, be back inyour home in three to four hours and be able to use thetub the very next day.

The overall cost of replacing a built-in bathtub orshower will cover more than just the cost of yourreplacement unit.

You will need to include the labor cost for contrac-tors. After all, who will be tearing out your old unit,redoing the plumbing work, replacing wall board andtiles and so much more? Even a “do-it-yourself” (DIY)removal and installation is going to take a lotof time and money, and the tub could berendered unusable throughout the entirerenovation.

Thinking of refinishing your bathtub

yourself?

Oftentimes bathtub refinishing is market-ed as a DIY project. The truth is if you wanta quality refinishing job that lasts for yearsand saves you bundles of money, you’llprobably want to talk to an experienced pro-fessional to get the job done.

There are a lot of reasons to trust in anexperienced refinisher for this job:

• Materials. Most DIY bathtub refinishing products areinferior to those used by the pros. As a result, you cancount on your DIY job to crack, peel and fail muchquicker than work done by a professional. Al’s BathtubRefinishing will use a high-performance acrylic poly-mer coating that is specifically manufactured for refin-ishing laminate, porcelain, fiberglass and other materi-als, and the company’s work should last 10 to 15 yearsbefore you see any significant wear.

• Hazardous materials. Another reason to go with Al’sBathtub Refinishing is that the chemicals involved inthese projects are not something to take lightly. You’llneed to invest in a good respirator, protective glovesand a spray suite, all of which add up when you figure

in the final cost. A professional already has all thesematerials handy.

Refinishing projects are best left for the profession-als and definitely not a thing for DIYers. Al’s BathtubRefinishing has more than 20 years of experience andgives a five-year warranty on its work.

Which surfaces can you refinish?

• Bathtubs. Porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, cultured mar-ble and claw-foot tubs can be refinished.

• Countertops. Laminate, tile and cultured marble can berefinished.

• Ceramic tiles. Walls, countertops, shower pans andshowers can be refinished.

For a free estimate, call Al’s Bathtub Refinishing at679-8297, email [email protected] or visit www.alsbathtubrefinishing.com.


AL’SBATHTUBREFINISHING

Making your

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Al’s Bathtub Refinishing | 679-8297 | alsbathtubrefinishing.com | [email protected]

market ready

Hawaii Renovation July 15, 2012

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