Hawaii Renovation 01 Aug 2010 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

AUGUST 1, 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Furniturefor all seasons

sland Style Furnishings in Kaneohe is proud to introduce Australis Leisure brand allweather furniture. It was developed in Australia to withstand the harshest of environments. The key to its success was choosing durable and appealing materials. Wood has the timeless classic beauty that everyone loves. Merbau wood (also known as kwila) is regarded as one of the most durable and stable timbers in the world. It grows in Northern Australia and across Southeast

Asia, so it was well-known as the wood of choice for making docks, decks and flooring. Merbau is the perfect wood for outdoor furniture. It is twice as hard as teak, which makes it resistant to abrasion, pitting or roughening. Prior to manufacture, the merbau is kiln-dried to a moisture content of 12 percent. This stabilizes the structure of the timber so it doesn’t warp or crack. The furniture contains reddishbrown tannin, which gives it its characteristic color. This tannin makes the wood naturally rot-re-

sistant and insect-proof. The furniture is easy to clean and maintain. Periodic application of a product is recommended, and will help preserve the beautiful appearance. All the hardward is corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel and nickelplated brass. Island Style Furnishings offers competitive pricing and a comprehensive 5-year warranty. For more information on the company, visit the website, AustralisLeisure.com.au, or call 2341129.

• “With focus and determination, Chris resolved unavoidable problems that arose, i.e. 40-day rain. • He completed the job in a timely manner. • Chris’s completion of the project gave me total satisfaction and happiness. • Paragon Builders is a reliable and trustworthy company which I would recommend to anyone planning to do any renovations.” Ann Keamo, Realtor, Aiea

Paragon Builders: –Specializes in quality work –Does custom upscale remodeling and renovatons –Is an award winning company –Is insured and bondable –Winner of the 2009 BIA Renaissance Residential Remodeling Division –Call for a consultation today 2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 1, 2010

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HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

Expertise to be shared at expo

he Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA-Hawaii) will present the sixth annual Remodel It Right Expo Aug. 13-15 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Gold sponsor BIA-Hawaii Remodelers and Silver sponsor The New Hawaiian Home will showcase more than 200 exhibitor booths displaying Hawaii’s top contractors, suppliers, building industry experts and associates. These exhibitors will combine under one roof to create over 20,000 square feet of convenient expertise. The event theme, “Remodel It Right, Remodel It Right Green,” will enlighten and educate homeowners on the latest products, services and trends in sustainable living. “Remodel It Right” panel experts, construction and living” experts and Design and Kitchen & Bath experts will present on-going round table interactive discussions focusing on the entire spectrum of the remodeling industry. During this three-day event, discussions on “Remodel it Right Green Building,” “Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Basics,” “Top Design Tips” and “The New Hawaiian Home Case Study” are planned. Three “Remodel It Right” panel discussions will be conducted with a free “The Remodeling Planning Kit” offered to every family (while supplies last) who attend the “Remodel It

Location: Hawaii Convention Center Dates & Times: Friday, Aug. 13, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $5 Adults/Free, children under 12 with paid adult • $7 Three-day passes • $2 Senior Sunday Aug. 15/ 55 years+ with ID • $1 Discount coupons available on-line/ print ads • $1 Discount coupons not applicable to Senior Sunday $2 admission Parking: $5 self-parking at the Hawaii Convention Center Information: biahawaii.org

Right” panel sessions. Chartered in 1955, BIA-Hawaii is a professional trade organization affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders, representing the building industry and its associates. The 500 members of BIA-Hawaii are developers, contractors, suppliers, Realtors, architects, financial institutions and a host of other professionals who serve the building industry. BIA-Hawaii takes a leadership role in unifying and promoting the interests of the industry to enhance the quality of life for the people of Hawaii.

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HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 1, 2010 | 3

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Falling Out of Love with your Kitchen?

The condo owner’s choice of Lyptus wood for new cabinets was based on both aesthetics and environmentalism.

Then it’s time to call a remodeler

he layout of the kitchen in the Fay family’s Kailua townhome was typical of a style popular in the late 1970s, when the condominium complex was built. "It was a galley style kitchen ... long and narrow and closed off from the rest of the home," said owner Kathy Fay. "I could literally be cooking at the range and removing items from the refrigerator at the same time. I loved my condo, but didn’t love the kitchen ... so I decided to tackle a total remodel." Fay began planning a new kitchen over a year ago and found herself in “overwhelm” with the myriad of options for materials, finishes, and appliances and suggestions offered by family and friends. She gathered information from publications and the internet and attended home shows ... and it was there that she first made contact with Homeworks Construction. “I stopped by at the Homeworks booth at last year’s BIA Remodel It Right Expo and talked to the designers and builders. I also looked at photos of their projects. What convinced me that they were the right company for the job was that they build as well as design and have a kitchen designer and an architect on the staff ... this would be important because my job would involve structural work. I also knew that there were challenges involved with remodeling

in a condominium apartment and wanted to make sure we didn’t violate any of the rules of the association or inconvenience other residents. As it turned out, the Homeworks project manager Heather Hickox and kitchen designer Sean Bradshaw had successfully completed a number of condo remodels in the past year.” Fay’s apartment comprises a total of 1,800 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths on the upper level and the kitchen, living room, dining area, and half bath on the lower level. The mission was to widen the kitchen and open it up to the main living area, which involved removing an existing wall and replacing it with new supporting structural elements. The bathrooms were also updated, which included removing the original bathtub and replacing it with a walk-in shower in the master bath. All kitchen appliances were replaced and new flooring, countertops, and cabinets installed. “I discussed my choices with my daughter, Amanda, who is an environmentalist,” Fay said. “So we made sure

all appliances were energy efficient, and our choice of Lyptus cabinet material was also influenced by our concern about being ‘green.’ Lyptus, is a hardwood from Brazil and a fast growing hybrid from two different types of eucalyptus trees...it regenerates from the remains of harvested trees and grows to maturity in 15 years. Plus, it’s as durable as some of the slow-growing hardwoods and has a beautiful grain. Countertops were my big splurge...I chose a granite called ‘Golden Lightning’ for the working areas and the new dining bar that separates the kitchen from the main living area.” The flooring throughout the lower level of the apartment is a white ceramic tile, a style that is no SEE PAGE 5

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Shock Value

Protecting your home, family from electrical fires

ave you ever had any doubts about your home’s electrical system? Is your home’s electrical system more than 50 years old, and is it properly grounded? While most people focus on the cosmetics of their property, a home’s electrical system is often taken for granted until an electrical hazard occurs. And that’s a risk no one should be willing to take, according to Chad Matsumoto and Bronson Apana, co-owners of Alternative Electric in Honolulu. “With all the house fires that have recently been occurring on Oahu, an increasing number of homeowners are questioning the safety of their home’s electrical system,” says Matsumoto. “If you

ever thought about having your system checked out, why wait any longer?” Matsumoto offers a few do-it-yourself checks that can be done before you even call an electrician: • Do you have loose outlets in your home? Loose outlets may lead to loose connections, thus creating an arcing effect. Arcing may cause sparking and excessive heat, leading to a possible fire. • Have you ever had rodent problems? Rodents may chew away the insulation around your wiring, leaving the live portion exposed. • Are there GFCI outlets in your kitchen and bathroom? Today, GFCI outlets are requited in these rooms because of their close proximity to water. These outlets trip off

when an imbalance of current is sensed, thus eliminating potential shock hazards. • Does your home have knob-and–tube wiring? This type of wiring was generally installed before the 1960s. As time goes by, the insulation around this type of wiring gets brittle and starts to fall off — leaving live exposed wiring. Today, most insurance companies will not open new policy if the home has knob-and-tube wiring. • Do you have problems with circuit breakers tripping off? Circuit breakers are a source of protection for your homes electrical system. “While most electrical contractors shy away from rewiring older homes, Alternative Electric welcomes all type of electrical work,” says Matsumoto. “We are a fullservice electrical contractor offering solar photovoltaics, new construction, rewires, renovations, maintenance, trouble calls or just changing a light or outlet. Call 630-6741 or 285-3663.

Kailua Condo Owner Transforms Kitchen FROM PAGE 4

longer available, so Fay decided to refloor the kitchen with a new tile that would complement the existing material. “I chose a sand colored tile and created a transition to the main living area with a trim that incorporates both the white and sandy shades. My advice to anyone laying a tile that they particularly like and hope to match in the future is buy additional tile, provided you have a place to store it. Most tile styles will disappear off the market within about ten years and maybe less.” Throughout the entire remodel Fay and her family continued to live in the

home. Cooking was limited to microwaving for a period of time, but a bathroom was always available. “Homeworks did a great job of getting in and out and letting us go on with our lives ... they started exactly when they said they would and finished up a week within the projected completion date.” Shortly after the completion, Fay hosted an engagement party for her daughter at the apartment and found that the new kitchen layout was working exactly as she had hoped it would. “There are a number of areas where people can gather around the kitchen ... so I was able to cook and converse with the guests at the same time.” When the job was completed and the

Homeworks people had cleaned up and locked up, Fay was at work in her downtown Honolulu office. “I remember walking in and thinking, first, what am I going to do now that this is all over, then, this is really fabulous, just what I had dreamed of all along. So I sat down at my computer and sent all the Homeworks people I had worked with a four word email, ‘I love my kitchen!” Homeworks Construction will be an exhibitor at the 2010 Building Industry Association Remodel It Right Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center Aug. 1315. On Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 6 to 8

p.m., Homeworks will host a free “Build New Or ReDo” seminar at their showroom in the Homeworks Building at 2111 S. Beretania St. For reservations, call 955-2777.

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Give your kitchen a

‘Make under’

hink your kitchen needs a makeover? Why not try a “make under”? “Less is more” is the new mantra for homeowners who want to take control of their home decor — eliminating clutter, streamlining products and taking a simplified, minimalistic approach to their home-improvement projects. The perfect room to begin this organized overhaul is the kitchen, as it’s a spot that tends to clutter quickly. Learn how you can make under this space and uncover its true beauty. “This concept of a ‘make under’ is growing quickly across the country,” says Rebecca Kolls, senior director and consumer strategist of home and garden at Iconoculture, a global consumer research and advisory company. “While consumers are finding their way back home and finding comfort in its dry-walled embrace; they’re also becoming stressed out by too much stuff. A make under can not only make your space more simplified and efficient; but it also can alleviate a lot of the stress that accompanies a typical home improvement project.”

Take e controll off your counters An area of the kitchen that can quickly become cluttered — and in desperate need of a ‘make under’ — is the countertop. From the coffee pot and bean grinder in one corner, to a mixer, blender and toaster in the next corner, not to mention the bread basket, paper towel holder,

phone charger and more — there are often more gadgets than there is room on your countertops. To take control of your counters, Kolls recommends seeking out multi-purpose innovations that save time, money and space. The perfect example is the new Kitchen Center product, which features a streamlined power base that supports and runs multiple kitchen appliances — from a coffee grinder and blender to a power mixer and food processor. Each attachment runs from the same base, enabling you to utilize a number of handy appliances without cluttering your counters. Streamline e the e sink Another spot that often becomes muddled with mess is the kitchen sink. While you may start with a simple sink and faucet, by the time you add a side spray, soap dispenser, hand sanitizer, lotion, water filter, dish soap and sponge, you can see this area can quickly become strewn with a wide variety of items. To streamline the sink, Kolls again recommends simplifying this spot with as many multi-functional products and appliances as possible. One such example is a single-handle, pulldown kitchen faucet — like the new Arbor faucet from Moen. This efficient — yet stylish — faucet offers a single-hole mount (and includes a coverplate for sinks with up to four holes), for a clean, refined look without the clutter of additional handles. Plus, the faucet’s pulldown wand eliminates the need for a sidespray and offers added efficiency and maneuverability — allowing users to switch between several water flow patterns with the touch of a button and the ability to fill pots or vases on the countertop next to the sink.

If you want to start on the smaller scale, begin by tidying up your cleaning items with a sink caddy. For less than $20, a rust-proof stainless steel caddy eliminates counter clutter because it affixes to the sink with suction cups and a wire ledge hanger. A sink caddy works perfectly in a deep bowl sink, such as the Lancelot stainless steel sink from Moen. Rationalize e before e you u modernizze Finally, Kolls recommends asking the following questions before purchasing products for any home improvement project — but especially a make under: • Do I really need this item — or do I simply want it? • What value will this item provide? Will it save time, money or space? “Sure, that waffle maker or juicer looks like a lot of fun, but will it really be used — or will it simply become a dust collector on your counter?” says Kolls. “Be wary of impulse buys and really think about how you will ideally use your space before making a purchase. In the long run, you’ll be glad you took the time to think through your decisions and will ultimately enjoy your space even more.” For more information about the Arbor collection from Moen, call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636) or visit moen.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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How to Know When Your

Air Conditioner Needs an Upgrade hen it comes to air conditioners, a lot has changedin the past 10 years. So if your unit is literally from the last century, it’s time to think about replacing it, even if the unit is still in relatively good condition. One simple reason is economy and energy efficiency. A modern high-efficiency air conditioner will pay for itself within two to three years, sometimes sooner, in the form of lower monthly electric bills.

Another reason is to protect the planet. While most older air conditioner use refrigerants that threaten ozone depletion, all modern units use Puron® refrigerant, a completely green alternative. Then there is always your own comfort and health to think about. Unlike noisy window units of the past, the choice of air conditioners today includes models that are quieter, more attractive and a better lifestyle fit. For example, the Carrier Infinity® system of-

fers superb air filtration to help eliminate allergens such as pollen and pet dander. UV lights provide mold and mildew control. Infinity systems are super quiet, operating withone of the highest energy efficiency ratings in the industry. And direct digital controls allow individual zoning with onboard diagnostics for troubleshooting. You can even start and stop it with your cell phone. Retiring that old air conditioner could just do you and the planet a favor. It will also en-

hance the value of your home as buyers become increasingly aware of the high cost of appliances that don’t use energy efficiently. For more information about Carrier’s Infinity system, contact the island’s largest air conditioning distributor — Carrier Hawaii. Carrier Hawaii distributes products from both Carrier and LG Electronics. To reach the companies on Oahu, call 6776339 or visit the websites, carrier hawaii.com and lghawaii.com.

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Totally tubular

a cost-effective, ecofriendly way to supplement your home’s lighting and enhance your enjoyment of your indoor environment. Skylights are also a great way to bring natural light into rooms where windows may not be possible, like an interior bathroom, laundry room or closet. To bring light into first-floor rooms, or rooms below an attic, tubular skylights rely on weatherproof domes placed on the roof of the home. “Light travels into the home through highly reflective rigid or flexible tubing, which makes it easy to bypass obstructions in the attic, ending at a diffuser in the ceiling that looks like a traditional in-ceiling light fixture,” says Tim Johnson of Velux America, makers of Energy Starqualified Sun Tunnel skylights. And while single tubular skylights are often used to bring natural light into smaller spaces including closets, windowless baths, laundry rooms and hallways, they are increasingly used in more expansive spaces in the home

Skylights that work on the first floor

ho wouldn’t love a room filled with beautiful natural light from above? If the room you want to light, however, is on the ground floor — or below an attic — you may think installing a skylight is impossible. Think again.

Tubular skylights are an inexpensive, energy-efficient way to bring passive natural light (light without the heat emitted by electrical sources) into your home — even in rooms where you might not be able to put a traditional skylight. They are “small, roof-mounted marvels,” says Sandra Tuell, an accredited real estate-enhancement professional. “They offer exceptional light output and cost efficiency, are ecofriendly and easy to install, and are both attractive inside and unobtrusive outside.” The health benefits of natural light are well-documented. And skylights are

Sun Tunnel (or tubular) skylights are often grouped in larger areas of the home to provide balanced lighting and reduce energy costs.

with multiple tubes grouped to provide balanced lighting and reduce energy costs. In many cases, they are less expensive than traditional skylights, starting at about $200. Some “super efficient” models meet the federal government’s energy efficiency criteria, qualifying them for federal tax credits of up to 30 percent of the pur-

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Is going green worth it? Definitely

ou’ve stopped buying bottled water, opting instead for a reusable bottle you carry everywhere you go. When you go shopping, your list leans toward the organic and recycled. But when you get home, going “green” seems a lot more daunting. You hear stories about your ultra-conscientious neighbors trading their old energy-devouring water heaters and HVAC units for the new energy-efficient models, putting up solar panels and installing the dual flush toilets. Suddenly your effort to cycle out incandescent light bulbs starts to feel trivial. And you start to wonder, if you are more confined by budget than your earthfriendly neighbors and pals, is going green worth it? The trick is figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle, according to Mark Lewison, academic director of the Interior Design Department at The Art Institute of California-Hollywood. “Find an improvement that makes sense for your bottom line and then look for green options in that area of improvement.”

Reducing energy costs and decreasing wear on the planet over the long term is as easy as turning the lights down low. “That’s where you get the most bang for your buck,” says Joan Jackson, associate professor of interior design at The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago. “Dimmers are cheap and extend the life of the bulb five to 10 times.” Interior design associate professor Eve Fineman adds that a simple and inexpensive switch in the type of bulb you use makes an impact. “An LED light has a really long lamp life and draws much less energy.”

Jackson also suggests insulating your windows as a simple way to keep down costs and keep your home comfortable in both the cold and heat. And what’s the easiest way to conserve energy? According to Jackson it’s as simple as unplugging items when you’re not using them. “Most people don’t realize that your appliances are using energy when they’re plugged in, even when they’re off,” she says. Going green is not just about saving energy and the outside environment. Your indoor air quality counts too. Fineman says the paint most of us used in the past was actually filled with

volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are bad for you to breathe in. That new paint smell was actually toxic. Luckily, most paint sold today has low or no VOCs. If you do decide on more costly upgrades like energy-efficient appliances or sustainable and rapidly renewable materials like bamboo flooring, you can still see long-term savings, says Fineman. “Now there are ways to assess and compare your cost up-front versus how much the cost savings over a 10-year period will be,” she says. “Most of the time consumers see that it’s definitely worth the investment, because they’ll save a lot over the long term.” “Any green or sustainable improvements that can be made to a home should increase a home’s value as a whole in addition to helping the owners save money,” Lewison adds. All three experts agree, whether you’re trying to help your bottom line or the environment, the way to go is green. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit artinstitutes.edu/nz. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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HAWAIIRENOVATION FROM PAGE 8

Totally tubular

Skylights

Simple & chic bathroom perk-ups

FROM PAGE 12

that work on the first floor

fit virtually any need or room — from 10 to 21 inches in diameter. There are even models designed for hurricaneprone areas. You can buy tubular skylight kits at home improvement stores, building supply dealers and specialty retail outlets, with optional light kits available to install inside the tunnel for nighttime use. To learn more about the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov and for independent agency in- Sun Tunnel (or tubular) skylights in an interior hall, when formation visit nfrc.org or effi- equipped with optional light kits, provide 24-hour illumination from one source. cientwindows.

Color After focusing on new finishes for your accessories, take your bathroom from blah to beautiful with a splash of color. Cool colors can create a calm, serene environment, while darker colors can be warm and inviting. And once you’ve updated the walls, consider perking up the cabinets, trim and hardware with a touch of spray paint for a final finished look.

Towel bars and towel bar hooks are inexpensive and easy to install. They also maximize useful space in the bath.

Sensationall showers Your shower can be many things — rejuvenating, cleansing, soothing — but it should always be enjoyable. Add more space in the shower with a curved shower rod. Switching from a straight rod to one that curves outward can add up to 7 inches of elbow room — not to mention immeasurable style. Next, finish off your shower

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with a multi-function showerhead, such as Moen’s Inspire or Home Care by Moen’s hand-held shower with innovative palm grip. Soon you’ll be singing a happier tune in the shower. For more information about Moen bath accessories or showerheads to begin your bathroom update, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

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More great deals this week: Solid Horiz Bamboo, Natural or Carb, 3’ – Just $1.69/sf! Prefinished Solid Burmese Teak – Just $7.95/sf! (reg. $13.12/sf) LET’S TALK FLOORING IS with Shirley Pai Hilton, Pres. & CEO, PII SALE TH Q: Why is your KAHALA FLOORS engineered so different than the rest?

A: First of all, I personally visit the factory regularly to design and specify all that goes into the Kahala Floors products. They are MADE ESPECIALLY FOR HAWAII. Moisture content is appropriate, gloss level is right for barefoot living, the species and styles are what Hawaii likes (no distressed oak here!). We are possibly the only flooring company in Hawaii that has its own overseas employees that supervise the production of our wood. That’s what the Kahala Floors label assures you – quality. Come in and see why many flooring pros refer to the Kahala Floors brand as being “famous” and why we have imitators. Remember, if it doesn’t say Kahala Floors on the box, it just isn’t Kahala Floors! Please email questions to shilton@piiwood.com. ALOHA! 10 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 1, 2010

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Choosing the best water heater for your lifestyle

hen ranking household appliances that consume the most energy, no one is surprised to see heating and air conditioning units at the top of the list. On the other hand, many people are surprised to learn that their water heater ranks at No. 2. “Monthly energy costs have become an important factor in the decision-making process for homeowners looking for a new water heater,” says Ed Begley Jr., actor and environmentalist. “That’s why manufacturers are introducing new technologies that increase the energy efficiency of their products.” In order to find the right water

heater for your lifestyle, Begley points out that you need to consider both the performance of the machine and the monthly energy costs associated with it. Your first option is a conventional water heater. These models typically include a glass-lined tank that holds anywhere from 30 to 120 gallons of hot water at a time. A 40-gallon tank is generally ideal for two or three people, while a larger family may need a 50- to 80-gallon tank. A tank-type water heater can run on electricity, natural gas or propane. A natural gas model is generally the least expensive in terms of monthly energy costs, with an electric model costing up to three times as much to heat the same amount of water. Most homeowners simply select the type of water heater that matches their current fuel source. A conventional tank-type water heater can operate at anywhere from 75 to 80 percent efficiency, depending on the brand. In other words, 75 cents of your heating dollar goes into heating the water, and the other 25 cents is lost. Within the past 10 years, manufacturers have begun promoting another option - the tankless water heater. These models typically deliver about 82 percent energy efficiency. Compared to a conventional water heater, your savings will typically range from $30 to $75 per year. A tankless water heater uses a very large burner to heat the water as it passes through a copper pipe on its way to your sink, washing machine or shower. These models are measured in gallons per minute. If you don’t use a lot of hot water, it can run almost indefinitely without running

out. However, if you exceed the capacity of the machine, you will notice a drop in either temperature or water pressure. A drawback to a tankless model is the initial cost. The unit typically has a price tag between $800 to $2,000, plus another $1,000 to $2,500 for installation. Compare that to a conventional water heater, which usually runs about $300 to $500 for the unit and another $300 to $500 for installation. That all adds up to a $1,200 to $3,500 difference. The third option is a hybrid unit. As the name implies, the hybrid combines the technologies of a conventional and tankless water heater. The result is a product that performs better than both technologies with energy efficiency at 90 percent or above. A hybrid allows you to have back-toback showers or simultaneous showers because of the stored hot water in the hybrid design. The installation of a hybrid water heater is the same as a conventional model, however, the unit itself can cost $1,200 to $1,800.

"For the absolute 'greenest' option available today, homeowners should consider a solar thermal water heating system," Begley says. "These units include a solar thermal collector that goes on the roof of the home in order to supply up to 70 percent of the total energy needed to run the unit." A solar thermal system is typically more expensive, but right now they are eligible for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the total installed cost in addition to other state and local utility rebates. Homeowners looking for a conventional electric model have a new "hybrid" option to consider. "These water heaters include a heat pump that literally pulls heat out of the surrounding air, like an air conditioner in reverse," Begley says. "As a result, they are more than twice as energy efficient as a traditional electric model." This efficiency can translate to savings over $360 each year. These hybrid electric models qualify for the federal tax credit and there are also additional state and local utility rebate programs to encourage the adoption of these products.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Simple & chic

Simple touches, such as accessories and soft accents can turn your bathroom from blah to beautiful.

bathroom perk-ups

ant a new bathroom, but think the price tag might be out of your budget? Don’t give up so easily. Many simple updates and unique products can give you a custom-designed look on a bare-minimum budget. “Consumers today are looking to ‘remodel lite’ — that is, refresh a room with only a few items and with a minimal investment,” says Jack Suvak, director of market research and insights at Moen. “But at the same time, they want their home improvement project to make a significant impact on their home, in terms of both style and functionality.” To avoid becoming overwhelmed, break your bathroom up into smaller sections and projects. By thinking of your space in

these smaller sections, goals will become more attainable. Storage e and d space While you can’t easily add more square footage to your bathroom for extra storage, little things can make a difference. Adding new accessories, such as a towel bar, towel bar hooks, a towel ring, shelves and robe hooks can easily and inexpensively provide additional space and storage for your necessities ... and add a bit of style. “You can change the look and functionality of your bath for less than $100 just by adding accessories,” says Tim Bitterman, group marketing manager of Creative Specialties International, the accessories division of Moen Incorporated. “With designer

finishes, such as brushed nickel and oilrubbed bronze — and unique accessories, such as hotel shelves or new towel bar hooks — your bath can be more beautiful with more useful storage in no time.” Moen recently introduced several new

accessory collections, such as the modern Method collection and the more transitional Sage collection in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. SEE PAGE 10

NEED NEW WINDOWS?

• • • • • •

Why Anlin is the best choice for Hawaii... LIFETIME WARRANTY on installation and material. Transferable to new owner. Summer Sale Keep your home cooler. Save 30% of energy costs. Cut 95% of Harmful UV light. SAVE 30% Anlin EZ Clean glass keeps windows clean. Vinyl frames are easy to clean... resistant to salt air... guaranteed not to fade or peel. Anlin windows have passed the most stringent safety tests. Makes your home more secure. $ 00 Built for easy operation and maximum ventilation.

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12 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 1, 2010

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