Hawaii Renovation 14 August 2011 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

WWW.HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

AUG. 14, 2011

The Smart Choice Graham Builders’ free seminars have been instrumental in educating residents on the do’s and don’ts of home construction projects. See page 3 UNDERSTANDING THE LANGUAGE OF YOUR REMODELING PROJECT AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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StaybyPositive Staying Away from these

Energy Sappers

received an email the other day asking me for suggestions about what to avoid for better feng shui in the home. Well, even in well-feng shui-ed homes, things in the background can work to undermine success and bring down the energy of the home. Here are a few important things to avoid whenever possible.

if you constantly enter through the back door or the garage, it can contribute to losing sight of your purpose and path in life. Always enter your home through the front door, and if you prefer not to, make a habit of entering through your front door at least once a day, even if you have to go out of your way to do so.

Avoid mindless TV playing

Leave the television off when you are not watching it. If you do leave it on without watching it, be mindful of what is playing. The television has become the centerpiece and focus of many homes, treated almost as a member of the family, so it is often left on even though no one is watching it. Keep in mind that everything broadcast on TV is energy and effectively “spills” into your home and contaminates it. From soap operas and the wacky guests on the Jerry Springer Show to negative news reports — it all streams into your home when the TV is on.

Avoid entering through the garage

In feng shui, the architectural front door of your home is where all the energy enters. The front door governs your career and life path, and

Avoid overstuffing your closets Your closets represent your capacity to receive. Even if no clutter is visible in your open environment, what is unseen has an impact. Closets jammed to overflowing with equipment, clothing, basic junk and unused items can contribute to burdens and overwhelm. When you clear your closets to about one third empty, you will soon feel some burdens in your life start to lift.

Avoid keeping unwanted gifts and heirlooms Your auntie gave you her favorite paintings and your sister gave you a SEE PAGE 14

Free Seminar

• How and Where to Start • Find a Reputable Builder • Financing Options • Design for Comfort & Savings • Accessible & Multigeneration Living

Pacific Isle Contractors Ltd. “We are so pleased with the results of the renovations we had done on our home in Manoa.” – Doctor Jill

Sat., Aug. 20

Call: 593-2808

9-11 A.M. Honolulu Country Club

or register online at: www.grahambuilders.com

Call for a free in home consultation

Ph. 306-0843

Lic.# BC-19251

New Construction • Additions Kitchen/Bathroom • Remodeling • House Painting 2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 14, 2011

C# 17021

BC-16446

hat are people saying after attending Graham Builders’ free “Building Your Home for Life” seminar, which covers building basics, multigeneration and aging-inplace features, sustainable design and construction? Here are a few examples: “The seminar session covered everything, and didn’t leave us feeling upin-the-air as they clearly defined next steps for us,” said one homeowner. “Comprehensive discussion on home design and construction. Very

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Education Home Construction Projects key to

GRAHAM

BUILDERS INC. ADDRESS: 1144 YOUNG ST. CONTACT: 593-2808 enjoyable and informative,” said a second homeowner. “Where were you 23 years ago? I could have used this seminar when I built my house,” added another. “Very informative, and the presentation regarding the home renovation process made a lot of sense to us,” said another resident. Locally owned Graham Builders is Hawaii’s most experienced design-build company specializing in residential construction. A true partner to its clients, Graham Builders has been guiding families

through the design-build process, step-by-step with the most experienced professionals for more than 20 years. With its own dedicated designers on staff to create a family’s Home for Life, Graham Builders works closely with Hawaii homeowners through a collaborative process to bring their dreams to life. For the past 17 years, Graham Builders has helped more than 5,000 families through their free educational seminars. Graham Builders’ goal is to educate homeowners with information on how to start a home

construction project and/or modify their current home so they can live there for a lifetime. Led by Graham Builders president Evan Fujimoto, the seminar provides homeowners with detailed information on where to start, how to select a builder, what to watch out for, as well as what one needs to know about residential design, setting a budget, estimating, financing and scheduling. “Our top priority is to inform and educate homeowners about everything that is involved with home construction projects,” said Fujimoto. “Over the years, our seminars have evolved to cover topics that are important to the local families such as multi-generational living

and sustainable building.” With a reputation as a leader in multi-generation homes and aging-inplace design, Graham Builders’ seminar also offers valuable information on what families need for a successful project. Topics include designing for making your home friendly and safe for all ages, designing for personal space, blended versus segregated living and pooling resources to help the bottom line. This is especially pertinent in Hawaii where our culture embraces multi-generational living. The two-hour seminar also offers information on ways to “green” your home — simple, yet effective solutions that will maximize comfort while reducing energy costs.

Topics include taming the energy beast, water management, edible landscaping, and reducing noise, heat and other discomforts. Homeowners interested in learning more about the latest trends in design and renovation can attend Graham Builders’ upcoming "Building Your Home for Life" seminar this Saturday, Aug. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Honolulu Country Club. Seminars are free, but reservations are required. For a full schedule of 2011 seminars or to register, visit www.grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808. Graham Builders has the distinction of being the first builder ever to win the prestigious 2007 Better Business Bureau of Hawaii Torch Award for ethics in small business.

AUG. 14, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Quality Designing,

Building from a

top-notch Firm

t H.K. Construction, employees are committed to a high standard of excellence with a dedication to customer service. Not only does the company have a longstanding relationship of residential home building and renovations in the Islands, but it also takes pride in the future of the people and their homes. As an ABC license holder, H.K. Construction can offer you the following services: • General engineering (land leveling, excavation, sewers and paving) • General building (the company’s principal business) • Specialty contracting (work that requires special skills such as drywall and roofing)

Quality Because your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, H.K. Construction holds itself to the highest construction standards. Its construction team takes pride in quality standards and workmanship. Your new home, addition or renovation will have greater durability that you will enjoy day after day, year after year. Quality assurance is ensured so that every work performed is inspected, meets all building code requirements and is completed on schedule. Quality construction means a better-built home for you and your family.

Trust You can feel confident building with H.K. Construction. The company has more than 35 years of

H.K.

CONSTRUCTION CONTACT: 753-5643 • www.hkchawaii.com architects and engineers in order to meet the goals of the design-build project. People often ask, what is design-build? It is the use of one company from the start of your project to completion. The chosen company handles every aspect of the project while maintaining open and honest communication and working as a team to ensure a successful and beautiful end result. At a glance, here is what The Design/Build occurs under the design Process H.K. Construction and construction portions emphasizes working of the process: • Free consultation, together with owners,

experience in the construction industry in Hawaii. As a H.K. Construction client, you will have a pre-construction meeting with a superintendent in order to review blueprints. After completion of your new home, addition or renovation, H.K. Construction will present you with standard warranty of a minimum of one year.

delivery and coordination of products and materials • Project and Budget Planning Project management • Design drawings • Coordination with subcontractors • Permit-ready drawings • Inspections • Building department approvals

• Communication with homeowners regarding project schedules

To learn more about H.K. Construction, visit booths 604 and 606 at the BIA-Hawaii Remodel It Right, Remodel It Green Expo Aug. 26-28 at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Summer Sale Instock Hardwood Cabinets up to 35% OFF New Finish Cabinets Coming Soon! LET’S TALK FLOORING

New Home, Multi-Family, Additions & Renovations

with Shirley Pai Hilton, Pres. & CEO, PII Laminate flooring is a popular alternative to real wood flooring when you want the wood look but might not have the budget for it. Laminate consists of an image of wood (a photograph) sandwiched between a clear top protective film and a fiber board core. These three elements are hotpressed (laminated!) together and then patented click system joints are cut into the sides. With a literal twist of the wrist the boards are linked together without the need for glue or other fasteners. Laminates are both beautiful and durable and cost fraction of what wood flooring does. Our Bayside Laminates start at just $1.95/sf and come in 10 beautiful colors. Aloha, Shirley.

Please join us for our

WOOD AND STONE FLOORING 101 SEMINAR

We are also licensed and experienced in excavation, grading, cutting slopes, and driveway alterations Come visit us at the BIA-Hawai‘i Remodel It Right, Remodel It Green Expo from Friday, August 26th through Sunday, August 28th at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, our booth numbers 604/606

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Saturday, August 20, 2011 10AM Please call to reserve a seat

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Quality only happens when you care enough to do your very best

t would be difficult to find a custom builder who offers the type of hands-on attention that comes from working with Hua Xia Construction LLC. Xiang Feng Cao and his son, Andy, have built and maintained an outstanding reputation for quality construction that has spanned 20 years. This father-son team is known for its dedicated, hands-on approach — from simple renovations to multi-million dollar from-the-ground-onup development of custom projects. Clients are constantly impressed with the personal attention paid to every detail, and job signs can be found with the quote “Quality only happens when you care enough to do your very best.” Hua Xia Construction ensures that each and every client is given as much time as it takes to deliver an outstanding custombuilt product, and it’s no surprise that much of its business comes from referrals. In fact, most of its business comes

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project? By asking the right questions and working through the details, the company helps its clients realize their vision. As a trusted residential home builder, Hua Xia is dedicated to building your home from the ground up or the inside out. From single family homes to condominiums, no project is too big or small.

www.huaxiaconstruction.com through referrals and personal relationships. From the smallest renovation to a multi-million dollar development, Hua Xia Construction LLC brings its knowledge and master craftsmanship to each project to ensure it’s a success. Whether you are planning to build a retail store, private residence, or complete a renovation project, you can be assured of receiving the highest quality for your investment.

KAILUA

Your Residential Home Builder Naturally, builders are an integral element in constructing new homes and renovations. When building your project you will encounter builders with different resumes, experiences, ideas and bases of knowledge. A simple question Hua Xia Construction always asks its clients is: How do you envision your completed

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hen you choose a Raynor Innovations Series door, you’re choosing a garage door system that will fit your home perfectly. Beautifully crafted, these doors offer an unprecedented style selection and are thoughtfully designed to provide safety for your family and

security for your home. Features include the Raynor Finger Protection System, white powdercoated track and hardware, extended-life springs and unequalled polyurethane insulation. Raynor garage doors are known for their solid construction and famous “For As Long As You Own Your Home” warranty. Raynor Innovation Series doors also feature superior materials, construction, and are the most durable and reliable doors ever. For homeowners on a budget and looking for a quality garage door, the choice is the Raynor Traditions Series. These doors are durable and reliable. Raynor Traditions Series garage doors are built for dependable, longlasting performance.

Choose from the Showcase or Decade lines. Doors are available with limited lifetime warranties in the ranch, colonial, flush, carriage house and bead line panel designs. Available finishes are AccuFinish, which is a unique engineered dark walnut, cherry, oak or cedar finish, and ArmorFinish which offers superior protection from rust in a coastal environment. Visit the Servco Raynor Overhead Doors showroom at 2841 Pukoloa St. in Mapunapuna to see for yourself the style and functionality of Raynor doors. Our showroom hours are Monday-Friday, 10 am to 6 pm; and Saturday by appointment.

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Ohana knows what’s best for the family O

hana Building Supply is your one-stop shop for homeowners and contractors alike. The company has a variety of high-quality kitchen and bathroom materials at very reasonable prices. It not only offers ready-made to custom cabinetry, and a full line of granite countertops, stainless steel sinks, hardwood and laminate flooring, but guarantees that its products will fit any architectural style. The ready-made and custom cabinets are constructed of full plywood boxes, solid wood face

OHANA

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panel-style doors and frames. Selections are growing, with new styles soon to come. Ohana Building Supply stocks a vast selection of granite countertops such as African Fantasy, Blues in the Night, Jurpana Tier Ivory, Yellow Dragon and River White, to name a few. Finished with an elegant bull nose edge, these stylish countertops add character to any kitchen and bath. While supplies last, Ohana is offering free granite (three styles to choose from) with the purchase of any kitchen cabinet set. Other granites are 15 percent off with purchase of a kitchen cabinet set. Ohana also stocks an assortment of laminate flooring, under mount and top mount stainless steel sinks and ceramic vanity bowls. All of these products are in stock and available for prompt delivery or pick-up. The friendly staff ensures excellent customer service and can assist with any questions you may have. Visit the company showroom Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or email sales@ohanabuilding supply.com.

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A specific dollar amount allocated by a n educated shopper is a smart contractor for specified items in a conshopper. This especially holds true tract for which the brand, model number, in the world of color, size or other hiring and working details are not yet with contractors to known. make improvements R E M ODELERS to your home. Bid As you interview A proposal to potential contractors, work for a certain being able to underamount of money, stand the terminolobased on plans and gy they use can help specifications for the you in so many ways. project. By avoiding potential miscommunicaBuilding Permit tion, you ensure a A document issued smoother remodelby a governing ing experience so authority, such as a that you and your city or county buildfamily can enjoy ing department, your new or updatgranting permission ed kitchen, bathto undertake a conroom or room addistruction project. tion even sooner. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a glossary Call-back of some of the common An informal term for a return visit by terms used by builders and remodelers to help you understand the language of your the contractor to repair or replace items remodeling project: SEE PAGE 11

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*Dates and locations subject to change. Check revolusun.com for the latest details. AUG. 14, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

The Perfect Roof BY MIKE HOUAR

n a recent visit to a potential client’s home, we noticed a large blue tarp draped over the main roof ridge. Since we had been called to the project on a request for an estimate for interior remodeling work, I was a bit surprised that the roof apparently was leaking. After a brief discussion with the owner concerning the blue tarp on the roof, he admitted, quite sheepishly, that the roof was in fact leaking, and had been since it was re-roofed — over two years prior! Needless to say, we asked the obvious question: “Why would you want to consider interior remodeling with a leaking roof?” The answer I received was a disappointment, but not a complete shock. The owner had been assured repeatedly since rendering the final payment to his contractor that the leak would be repaired. On at least two occasions, the “roofer” had arrived to perform the service, but for one reason or another did not follow through with the needed repairs. I asked the owner if he planned to pursue the situation. Finally, he admitted that he had hired an acquaintance of a friend who was not a licensed contractor. I suggested that he fix the roof before remodeling the kitchen and bathroom — as he had intended. He insisted that the “roofer” was a good guy who would take care of the problem. I could see that the composition shingles were installed incorrectly, and that the roof in fact would require at least a major correction of the work, if not a complete replacement. And in the short two-year span since the roof had been installed, it had begun to mildew. The owner asked me what could be done to prevent that from happening, and I had a one word answer for him — “metal.” 10 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 14, 2011

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Over the next hour, I discussed with him and his wife the type of metal roofing systems our company specializes in. She mentioned that she was in favor of a metal roof when they last replaced the roof, but that the roofer who worked on the home had insisted that metal was “no good” for the home because of the way it was constructed. While I could hardly believe what I was hearing, I decided that the best thing we could do to help this homeowner was to guide him toward a reliable roofing system before we even discussed any other work on the home. I suggested that he try one more time to work at getting service performed on the roof, and if that did not actually happen, we should meet again the next week. His wife quickly spoke up and agreed with the plan, and even though he was a bit reluctant, he finally promised to call us within one week if the service was not completed and effective. Within a few days, I was back at the home and, with measurements in hand, we began to look at the features and benefits of metal roofing for this home. I explained that the roofing systems we use are applied with screws rather than nails, making them more wind resistant. We discussed the various profiles available, including shake shingles, metal tile panels and standing seam profiles. We looked at the various paint systems and warranties, as well as SEE PAGE 11

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

The language of remodeling FROM PAGE 9

plus a percentage for profthe homeowner has found it and overhead — also to be unsatisfactory or that known as a time-andrequire service under the materials contract. warranty.

tractor or supplier signed a lien release, then this lien cannot be enforced.

Punch List

Draw

Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) A professional designation program offered through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers Council™. To attain the CGR designation, a remodeler must take a specified number of continuing education courses and must comply with a strict code of ethics.

Change Order

Written authorization to the contractor to make a change or addition to the work described in the original contract. The change order should reflect any changes in cost.

Cost-plus Contract

A contract between a contractor and homeowner based on the accrued cost of labor and materials

A list of work items to A designated payment be completed or corrected that is “drawn” from the by the contractor, typically total project budget to pay near or at the end of a projfor services completed to ect. date. A draw schedule typically is established in the Subcontractor contract. A person or company hired directly by the contractor to perform specialLien Release A document that voids ized work at the job site — the legal right of a contrac- sometimes referred to as a tor, subcontractor or sup- trade contractor. plier to place a lien against To learn more about your property. A lien release assures you that remodeling your home, the remodeler has paid including a checklist for subcontractors and suppli- selecting and hiring a ers in full for labor and remodeler and advice on financing and designing materials. your project, come to the Remodel It Right, Mechanic’s Lien A lien obtained by an Remodel It Green Expo unpaid subcontractor or Aug. 26-28 at the Hawaii supplier through the Convention Center. courts. When enforced, Karen Nakamura is execreal property — such as your home — can be sold utive vice president / CEO to pay the subcontractor of the Building Industry or supplier. If a subcon- Association of Hawaii.

Clients happy with new roof FROM PAGE 10

pictures of some of the homes we have equipped with metal roofing. When it came to price, the owners were shocked to discover the cost for the roof was much more affordable than they had expected. When we finished the discussion, our clients wanted to think over the details and take some time to decide what to do next. We agreed to meet again the following weekend. I left the home hoping that they would take action soon, since the tarp was showing wear and I was certain that the man of the home had been climbing up on the roof to rese-

cure the plastic protection on a regular basis. The next morning, our office phone rang, and the homeowner’s wife asked us to come out and get the job going as soon as possible,. She also stated very emphatically that she wanted “the red metal roof that looks like ceramic tile.” Soon afterward, the roof was installed and today, our clients have a great roof system, no tarps and a company the owners can call and get quick and reliable service from. They also have a pretty nice bathroom, but have put the kitchen on hold for a few more months while they decide what

they really want to do with that room. The metal tile roof systems that Tropical Wholesale provides and installs have the highest wind-resistance ratings of any roof systems, as well as the strongest warranties available in the industry. Our company has installed hundreds of these across the state and we are doing more every month. We make sure the roof system is a good match for the structure of the home, and also often add insulation materials, fix rot wood rafters or fascias as needed, and make the entire repair process simple and trouble-free for our clients.

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Do what’s best for your home Add value, beauty through United Roofing solutions

home is generally considered to be one of the biggest achievements and investments in most people’s lives. A quality roof not only helps protect your investment, but it also adds to the value and beauty of your home. Whether you are repairing or reroofing your home, it is wise to educate yourself to ensure that you receive the best value for your money. It is unlikely that you will pay attention to roofing material options unless you are considering a new roof. It does help to research your

roofing options depending on what your budget, personal preferences, needs and future plans are regarding your home. You should also think green by lowering your energy usage through either reflective coatings (for flatter roofs), Energy Star-rated shingles, solar attic fans or ridge vents. Attic ventilation through either solar fans or ridge vents will remove heat, moisture and humidity from your attic, while helping to lower the temperature in your home. These cost-effective options may also help lower your electric bill by

lessening the frequency and amount of air conditioning used throughout the year. Proper ventilation also will help extend the life of your roof by preventing premature aging of your shingles because of attic heat. At United Roofing, we are currently offering a free solar attic fan for a complete reroofing project. We can also advise you as to which roofing system would best meet your needs and goals. We can also help coor-

dinate with your solar electric contractor if you plan to install a solar electric or solar water system. In the meantime, visit our website at www.unitedroofinghi.com to view some of our job photos. Call us today at 4287947 for a free estimate. Our friendly and experienced staff will be glad to answer all of your roofing questions. And remember: A job well-done is worth doing, so do it right the first time with United Roofing.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

How to save energy with a real Pro BY JAMES WELLS

was asked recently by a customer about the experience of EnergyPro Hawaii. I was happy to respond confidently, knowing that as part of W Contracting Inc., our team is comprised of skilled, licensed and knowledgeable plumbers, electricians, carpenters and solar installers. We are capable of a wide range of solar services and energy conservation home improvements. Recently we installed a Rinnai brand of tank-less gas water heater that only heats the water that you need, when you need it. These super-efficient heaters can save up to 40 percent of the energy costs compared to a standard electric hot water heater. This particular customer wanted the heater to be installed above a small refrigerator in order to free up valuable space in his small studio. We were able to accomplish this by having

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CONTACT: 596-2890 • www.energyprohawaii.com our electrician relocate the wiring and our plumbers relocate the water piping. Now the owner not only has more space, but he’s been able to save a considerable amount of money every month on his utility bills. The federal government gives tax credits for energy star appliances like the Rinnai, which greatly helps in off-setting the additional costs related to tank-less water heaters. One customer needed 14 Sanyo HIT 225 panels to cut his electric bill. These Japanese-designed panels are the most efficient panels readily available today,

with 20.2 percent efficiency per square foot. He was fortunate to be in a great solar zone called a 500 Sun-zone, which meant that fewer panels were required. Our Sanyo panels can produce more power in any given area, which means less panels and fewer roof penetrations. We use the best products, like the Quick-Mount flashing system; a strong, 100 percent waterproof

foundation to secure each panel to your roof. By laying the Quick-Mount flashing under two shingles above the penetration and then sealing with Geocell and two gaskets, a waterproof seal is guaranteed. The homeowner also is granted a 5-year warranty from EnergyPro Hawaii on parts and labor against leak protection. Photovoltaic and solar

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hot water systems are just some of the many services we provide for homeowners. In Kaneohe, one of our previous customers wanted to know if she could further reduce her electric bill. While performing an energy audit, we found an old central air conditioning unit that was a big energy hog, costing her as much as $100 a month. We did an energy renovation by installing a

variable speed air conditioning unit, Heliodyne Solar Hot Water system and 16 Sanyo PV solar panels. She then asked about the possibilities of installing a car charger for her new Nissan Leaf car. We easily accomplished this because our electrician had installed a subpanel as part of the new PV system, with room to accommodate her new charger. The installation easily passed inspection by our Building Department and met all of the stringent requirements of the car manufacturer. We followed up with the customer to fill out the required paperwork from Nissan. We always are happy to provide all information and documentation necessary for our customers. Call us today at 596-2890 for more information about energy savings and/or any other construction related topic. EnergyPro Hawaii provides free initial consultations and estimates.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

How to create an outdoor

entertaining oasis W

arm weather is perfect for entertaining outdoors. Creating a space that’s comfortable and stylish makes guests feel welcome for friendly gatherings. “Exterior spaces are just as much in need of decorating as interior spaces,” says Home and HGTV designer Sabrina Soto. “Before you begin to decorate, think about how you plan to use your outdoor space.” Envision your patio, garden or deck as an extension of your indoor living space and design it based on how you will use it most. Even a small outdoor area can serve dual purposes if you choose multifunctional pieces, such as a bench or chairs that allow for dining as well as a casual conversation area. Start creating your space with a great piece of furniture as the focal point. Once the large furniture

pieces are selected, accessories like cushions and toss pillows can add pops of color. Lush green, turquoise and rust add an elegant playful touch to neutral furniture. Create a more sophisticated environment by keeping accessories simple, or mix-andmatch bright, patterned pieces to add a whimsical look to your outdoor space. Planters and lighting can be used to complete the look, and will create a

more festive setting outdoors. Tall planters filled with green foliage can define your space and add privacy. Hanging lanterns and string lights — especially L.E.D. lighting — are a great way to illuminate an outdoor space and create ambiance for nighttime gatherings without spending a lot. Line the perimeter of your party area with lanterns and create a lit pathway to lead guests out when the party is over.

Keeping it positive FROM PAGE 2

strewn laundry, computers, and anything vase that clashes with everything you own. else that does not promote rest, renewal Whether these things are on display or and relaxation. stored in a box, they keep you tied to the Avoid kitchen no-no’s past and to unwanted things in your life. The kitchen is considered the heart of Donate them to help you move on. Many people feel “guilty” or “bad” about dispos- your home, so if you do not use your kitchen, it affects all areas of your life. ing of things that were given to them The less you use your burners the by friends or loved ones, but by lower the energy of your home. keeping them, you allow what To generate warmth and vitalothers want for you to be ity, use your kitchen often, more important than what even if it’s just to boil water. you want for yourself. Avoid displaying anything sharp, such as knives and Avoid “active” energy scissors, as they create cutting in the bedroom energy that symbolizes conflict The bedroom represents and anxiety. Store knives in a renewal, relationship and wooden knife block, or better yet, relaxation. Avoid placing water out of sight in a drawer. fountains or an excess of water images and symbolism in the bedroom. Moving It’s that simple! You don’t have to do water is “active” and the bedroom is “inacanything to improve your feng shui. Just tive”, so the less active energy, the more restful your sleep. Water also represents make a conscious effort to avoid a few of emotions, and too much water tends to dis- the things I mentioned and you will rupt your emotional energy, taking you increase the positive energy in your home. away from peace and restfulness. Feng shui expert and life guide Alice Remove photos of children, parents, inlaws, friends and past events and relation- Inoue — whose bi-weekly articles appear ships from your bedroom and replace in Hawaii Renovation — offers books, them with photos of your partner, or other DVDs, workshops and private consultasymbols of love and partnership. tions. For more information, visit Remove exercise equipment, irons, www.aliceinspired.com."

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s time goes by, things change. Televisions are getting bigger, air conditioning installations are more common, computers are in almost every home, and solar photovoltaic panels are popping up on rooftops across Hawaii. So shouldn’t your home’s electrical system be modernized also, to keep up with all this power demand? Most older homes in Hawaii may only have one or two outlets per room. Extension cords and power strips are good solutions to provide power where it is needed. The problem, however, is that these are only temporary solutions. Leaving extension cords or power strips as permanent power solutions puts people at greater risk for house fires. Therefore, additional outlets should be installed to supply permanent power where needed. A lot of today’s modern appliances and electronics require more power than an older home may be equipped for. In fact, many older

homes may have all of their outlets on one circuit. If more power is drawn than the circuit breaker is rated for, the circuit breaker should trip off. Circuit breakers are a source of protection for our homes’ electrical wiring. Most people think that a circuit breaker is just a switch that can be turned off or on. If your circuit breaker trips off, it’s telling you that something is wrong. The circuit breaker itself may have gone bad, a short may have occurred, or too many amps may have been drawn. For dedicated equipment, such as air condi-

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Going solar has never

been so easy S

ean and Marla Hughes truly wanted to go green. They understood the power of renewable energy and how solar energy makes such an impact in Hawaii, where 98 percent of our energy is created by the very dirty process of burning oil, a fossil fuel. But the upfront cost — even with federal and state tax incentives — was too much. “I’ve been thinking about solar energy for our home for some time,” said Sean Hughes of Kapolei. “And when I heard about RevoluSun and how I could get a solar system with zero down, I knew now was the time.” Hughes contacted the local solar integrator in late January, and met with RevoluSun a few days later to learn about options for his home, as well as financing the system through RevoluSun’s solar power service partner, SunRun. After interviewing a few solar companies, they felt RevoluSun was the best fit for their needs. “The Hughes live in sunny Kapolei, where a solar system can produce a lot of power,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun principal. “For all our customers, we develop a solar system based on the homeowners’ energy consumption, specific sun zone, home orientation and any other details to maximize the energy the system can

REVOLUSUN CONTACT: (808) 748-8888 • www.RevoluSun.com

create.” “We then work with them to determine the best financing options. RevoluSun has long-standing partnerships with SunRun, a solar power service, as well as First Hawaiian Bank and others. This, coupled with the generous state and federal tax programs, help make installing a system feasible. The goal is to make owning a solar system and producing clean, renewable energy as easy as possible for any Hawaii homeowner, no matter what their budget.” RevoluSun explained how through its partnership with SunRun, the

16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 14, 2011

Hughes would pay no money out of pocket and begin paying less for energy as soon as the system went live. RevoluSun designed and installed the 12-module system within two weeks. The system will produce 4,783 kwH per year, which will offset more than 210,000 pounds of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere over the life of the system. “We were so pleased, we decided to host a solar party for a dozen of our friends and family!” Hughes said. “In fact, my father was so taken by the savings and professionalism of RevoluSun, he then

purchased a solar system for his house, and my wife’s coworker also got a system.” Hughes notes he was also impressed with RevoluSun’s diligence and attention to detail, as well as the quick turnaround of the project, which was generating power by midFebruary. “The first day the system went live, RevoluSun called me to let me know it was working. That afternoon when I got home, it was a very sunny day, and when I saw the electric meter spinning backward, it was great! What’s even better is that we now are paying about $125 less per month in electricity.” The Hughes family plans to put in another 12-

panel system in 2012, and then a third system in 2013 to help them generate as much energy as they use each month through clean, solar energy. Homeowners on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island are encouraged to attend one of RevoluSun’s free solar education seminars held each month. Or, they’re invited to stop by a solar open house for a chance to talk story with other local homeowners about their experience in “Joining the RevoluSun” and see their system in action. For a complete list of solar education seminars or solar open houses, visit www.RevoluSun.com. As Hawaii’s leading solar provider, RevoluSun designed and installed more residential photovoltaic projects in 2010 than any other company, and it’s able to help you, too. To schedule your free energy evaluation, visit www.RevoluSun.com or call (808) 748-8888.