Hawaii Renovation 22 Aug 2010 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

AUGUST 22, 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Hurricane Season

BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

is reason to protect your home from wind damage

By y Doug g Pearson

s we prepare for the hurricane season, it’s best that we remember the old adage: “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” By preparing your home from extreme winds with a few preventive modifications, you can combat strong winds and minimize damage to your house and landscaping.

Improve Your Roofing’s Performance Your roof, and the deck beneath it, forms one of your home’s most critical shields to wind and rain. Unfortunately, during high wind storms, it is often the first to be damaged. Loss of roof coverings such as shingles, tiles or metal panes can make your home more susceptible to water damage. Loose roofing becomes wind-borne projectiles that can cause further damage to other structures. Luckily, roofing products with highwind resistance are available and a variety of installation techniques can be used on both new and existing homes to

help protect against wind damage. Roofing underlayments, high performance shingles, even effective attic ventilation can all increase wind resistance. To withstand occasional or sustained high winds, it is critical that all shingles are properly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Recently enacted high-wind performance standards for asphalt shingles have raised wind performance. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, wind standards are important not only for preventing hurricane damage, but also to protect homes everywhere from more common highwind situations like storms and winter weather. Hawaii has more than 100,000 singlewall homes, and no two are alike. It is very important to use hurricane clips to tie your roof to form a continuous load path to your foundation. Check out the two ties that Simpson Strong-Tie has manufactured to accommodate 90 percent of our single wall homes.

Hurricane clips give rooftops a fighting chance against strong winds during hurricane season.

Protect Your Home’s Exterior The exterior doors and windows of your home act as its protective shell. If broken, high winds can enter, putting pressure on your roof and walls. Windows and glass doors should be fitted with impact-resistant laminated windows or covered storm shutters to reduce potential damage or injury, particularly if you live in hurricane-prone areas. In the case of an emergency, temporary plywood shutters can be installed relatively quickly, but don’t wait

until a severe windstorm to make them. Constructing them now will facilitate quick action when a storm comes. Solid wood or hollow metal doors better resist wind pressure and flying debris. Resistance is also increased by doors with at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock with a minimum bolt throw of one inch. If you have double-entry doors, install head and foot bolts on the inactive door. And since double-entry doors fail when surface bolts break at the header trim or threshSEE PAGE 11

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2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 22, 2010

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HAWAIIRENOVATION HK Construction Offers

Free Seminars

Local professionals provide advice at two “Building to Your Lifestyle” events

pdating your home or building a new one is about to get a whole lot easier. Oahu homeowners and landlords can get answers to all of their renovation questions at either of two “Building to Your

Lifestyle” seminars being presented by HK Construction. If you’re thinking of building or remodeling for the first time, this seminar will help you understand the processes a homeowner will go through from

start to finish. These informative seminars are free, fun and open to the public,” says company vice president, Alan Twu. “If you’re thinking of building or remodeling for the first time, this seminar will help you un-

HPS Home Improvement Services Hawaii’s Leader in Home Improvement Cost/Benefit/Value, Licensed Handyman Services, and Hurricane Protection

sign consultants for advice. “HK Construction is a kamaaina company that has built hundreds of quality homes and home improvements throughout Oahu,” says Twu. “We have more than 35 years of experience in the construction industry. Our staff offers a full range of services with the knowledge and designing capabilities to build to your unique lifestyle.” To reserve a spot at this week’s free “Build to Your Lifestyle” seminars, call HK Construction at 3483111. Or to learn more about the company, log on to hkchawaii.com. HK Construction Corp. has recently teamed up with Honsador Lumber LLC to construct homes and retaining walls using LOGIX Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF’s). LOGIX provides design professionals, architects, home owners and contractors a more efficient way to build concrete homes. These homes are built stronger, are more

energy efficient, more comfortable and are environmentally friendly. LOGIX also provides substantial green building benefits and is proud to contribute to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Program. In addition to being stronger and more energy efficient, LOGIX ICF homes are quieter, have significantly higher wind and fire resistance ratings and will last longer than most any wall system available. LOGIX is now locally manufactured on Oahu and will soon be stocked on each of the major Hawaiian Islands. HK Construction Corp. is building a solid foundation to its already extensive custom home building profile by introducing HK Construction Corp.’s Civil Division. Led by Ivan Keoho of M&I Pacific, the team merged to form a civil division under the HK banner to aid with site planning and development.

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• Repairs • Remodels Protect Your Home From • Updates • Interior/Exterior Hurricanes With HPS! • Masonry • Tile/Granite Tested Strongest & Most • Laminate/Engineered wood flooring Affordable •• Expert Licensed • Best Avail Quality Ext-Int Prep & Painting Installations •• Meets State Tech Specifications • Remodel/add a room, and much more! • Numerous Great References

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derstand the processes a homeowner will go through from start to finish,” The “Building to Your Lifestyle” seminars will take place at Pearl Country Club, on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.; and at Ward Warehouse on Friday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. Many frequently asked questions or concerns will be covered, says Twu, including advice on the latest industry materials and design choices, do-it-yourself projects, how to work with a contractor, local building codes, and “secrets of the trade” that can save you time, money and a lot of needless frustration. “Most of all, we’ll get people one step closer to having the home they’ve always dreamed of for their family,” says Twu. At the end of the seminar, participants will be invited to meet one-on-one with HK Construction de-

162 o

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Don't miss Hawaii's premier drive time, call-in, home repair and upgrade news/talk/non-infomercial show: "Fix It Fridays on The Mike Buck Show", Co-hosted and content produced by Gerald Peters of HPS, Fridays live 3-4 pm, KHVH 830 AM, now in its 7th year.

CALL 847-4400 AUG. 22, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

The Roofing Expert

hen planning to reroof your home, there are many things to consider. For example, are you planning to move soon or is this the home you intend to retire in? Knowing this will help you determine the type of material and installation you should look for. If you know that you will be moving within the next five years, you should consider the least expensive material and determine if you are able to install the new roof over the existing covering. Or, you may consider a repair or partial reroof. On the other hand, if you plan to retire in your home, you should start thinking about long-term solutions. Consider, for example, upgrading the materials and going from, say, a 30-year asphalt shingle to a 50-year shingle. And for low-sloped roofs, consider a 20-year roll roofing system over a 12-year system. Do you have any other renovation plans in the near future? If so, consider these options:

LIC#BC25042

In closing, homeowners should do some research on what types of materials to consider, and cooling options they may want to integrate to the roofing system. Remember that this is a big purchase and something that you will have around for some time. So call Murakami’s Roofing Service at 348-8270 to have a free evaluation and learn more about your roofing choices.

• “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

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4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 22, 2010

• Do you have a solar water heating system? If not, do you plan to install one? Consider reroofing first before installing the solar water heating system. This way, you can save approximately $350-$400 to remove and reinstall the solar panels after reroofing. • Is heat a big problem in your home? There are several ways to help reduce heat build-up when reroofing your home. Reflective roof coatings can bring down roof surface temperatures and reduce the amount of heat that radiates down into your home. Venting your attic is another way to reduce heat build up. There are several ways to do this. Solar attic fans do a great job, and they use photo electric panels to power a fan that pulls the hot air from your attic. Ridge vents are another option, as they sit at the top of your roof and work by convection to release hot air. The added benefit is that vents prolong the life of the roofing by reducing the heat stress on the material.

• If you plan to repaint your home, reroof first. This is because reroofing tends to be somewhat of a mess while the job is in progress. If you plan to tent your home for termites, however, reroof last. This is because you don’t want the pest control worker to damage your

Residential & Commercial Custom Cabinets Renovation Carpentry Work

new roof. Also, if you are planning an addition to your home, reroof after the addition is complete.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Solar Energy

What it means to be GREEN

lean energy is one of the fastest growing eco-friendly trends. Passionately riding that green wave is Solaro Energy Co. (SE), which understands what it means to be green. For more than two decades, the company has been inventing, engineering, developing, and manufacturing high-quality, American-made residential and commercial solarpowered lighting systems, solar-powered attic ventilation systems, solar-powered generators, and

solar-powered battery backup systems. “It’s about harnessing the power of the sun in our day-to-day lives,” says Dennis Grubb, SE’s president and CEO. Solar-Powered Lighting We would never dream of paying for darkness at night; why in the world would we ever pay for light during the day? SE has a line of solar-powered lights, the Solaro Day™, ‘The skylight that’s not!’™ These lights simulate the natural light and full spectrum of light of the sun. These lights

give all the health benefits of sunlight, but without the harmful ultraviolet rays. The Solaro Day™ lights are energy efficient and provide all the benefits of a traditional skylight without cutting a large hole in your roof. Each Solaro Day™ kit comes complete with a 30-watt solar panel, connector cable, and the light fixture that can be installed in any room of your home. They carry a 25-year SEE PAGE 10

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AUG. 22, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Luxe looks for less

hen summer’s over it means back to spending more time indoors. But don’t let the dropping temperatures take you down with them. Instead, spruce up your space with easy projects. With a little time — and even less money — you can transform your home with simple and luxurious looks ... for less.

Gorgeous great rooms You don’t need to buy new furniture to give your living or great room an expensive-looking update. The secret to scoring an entirely new look is refreshing the small details. Make your couch seem new with accent pillows in lavish fabrics like silk or velvet. By adding different textures and colors, you’ll create depth and the focus will be on the new accessories, not the old sofa. Take a cue from today’s leading interior designers and add candles in varying shapes, sizes and heights; it’s another easy (and inexpensive) way to make an impact. Arrange them on the mantel or coffee table to add a lush and romantic feel to your room. Another easy way to make over the entire room is with a fresh coat of paint. Look for a shade that enhances the items already in the space, like the wood tones

in the coffee table or the pattern of the window treatments. A great neutral color to try is Durham Beige from Dutch Boy. It’s more visually interesting than the standard shades of white or cream, while still providing a serene backdrop for the rest of the room. Highlight your new coat of paint by drawing the eye up with a new piece of wall art or a mirror. With a few updates, your living area will

look like a million bucks, when you really spent much less. Chic kitchens Would you love to incorporate the stainless steel appliances found in luxury kitchens into your own home, but aren’t in love with the price tag? Get the same look by spending a few dollars — instead of thousands — with a can of

spray paint. Krylon’s new Stainless Steel Finish can be applied to your existing refrigerator or dishwasher, allowing you to achieve the luxe look of stainless steel without the cost. The new stainless steel finish is a great way to update accent pieces with a cool and contemporary look since it can be used on a number of substrates, from metal and wood, to glass and ceramics. Refresh an old light fixture, transform register covers or switch plates or make over picture frames. If your dining set looks a little worse for wear, spray painting is a really easy way to make it look brand new. Building on your new contemporary look, embrace a black-and-white palette that complements your stainless accents. By using Krylon’s Indoor/Outdoor Paint in flat black, you’ll hide any nicks or imperfections in the wood while protecting your table and chairs from future damage. Add a new table runner and placemats, and you’ll have a swanky and stylish dining area With a few inexpensive updates to your home, you’ll have your home looking like it’s full of expensive pieces in no time at all. Spending time indoors has never felt so luxurious. For more information, visit krylon.com.

The Leader in Custom Home Building and Remodeling Affordable to Luxury Call for information on our free seminars or to arrange a free private consultation

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6 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 22, 2010

No Interest, No Payments Up to 18 Months! Call us today for a FREE ESTIMATE

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Feathering your nest How to add warmth to your home this fall

ust as animals use the fall to prepare for winter, now’s the perfect time to transform your home into a cozy nest where your family and friends will love to gather. Ginny Bean, publisher of Ginny’s catalog, suggests the following simple decorating touches to add seasonal warmth.

• Put out the welcome mat — literally. Make visitors feel welcome from the moment they step through your door. Decorate your front door with a seasonal accent and an attractive mat.

• Light the candles. Choose candlesticks in metallics (gold is popular now) or in warm colors. For a unique look when entertaining, Bean suggests making your own votives from apples or gourds with a votive carver.

• Bring the beauty of outside, in. Add richness to your home by using fall’s palette of warm colors. Select fabrics and accessories in warm shades of browns, reds, oranges and yellows. Increase the

feeling of coziness by adding layers — think table runners on top of cloths or rugs over carpets — and texture in the form of nubby throws and pillows scattered throughout the room. • Think back to black. A touch of black can add sophistication to your home decor. Use it sparingly though, perhaps in a few picture frames, a ceramic vase or a throw or pillows, because too much black can make the room look dreary. • Continue the theme with decorative accents inspired by nature. Brighten the mantel with a swag of fall flowers and leaves or use artificial flowers to make your own autumn centerpiece. Bean likes to use mums or natural dried grass in unexpected containers such as baskets, terra cotta pots or chipped china pitchers or bowls. Scatter a few gourds, ceramic pumpkins or a leaf-shaped accent piece throughout the room to complete the look. Ginny’s catalog is dedicated to show-

casing fun and unique items for everyday life. The Fall 2010 catalog includes more than 100 pages full of practical solutions for the home, yard, kitchen and beyond, including housewares, appliances, furniture and accessories. You can also find seasonal recipes, including casseroles, stews and soups, and helpful tips on

everything from organizing your home to new uses for toothpaste at Ginnys.com. To request a catalog or place an order, visit the above website or call (800) 6930809. You can also find Ginny’s on Facebook. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Q: What are my best arguments for convincing my husband to “go wood”?

A: First of all, it’s a better use of your renovation dollars. Wood costs a bit more but it’s a lifetime product. Think of it as a great investment that you can use everyday. Secondly, you can never get carpet as clean as you can wood. Just wipe it and you can eat off the floor! Third, breathe easier. Imagine, no more dust or allergens that can get your whole family sick. Fourth, it’s easier on your body than stone as it absorbs the shock as you walk and it’s a lot warmer on your feet. There are more but the best reason is that nothing compares to the beauty of wood. Wow-wee! Please email questions to shilton@pliwood.com. ALOHA!

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#C-6122 AUG. 22, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Create a

Kids Room

that inspires learning and creativity

f you should have children who spend more time indoors rather than outdoors, there’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep them occupied by turning any room into an environment that fosters your child’s learning and creativity. Make the following suggested changes, and you are very likely to think, “it’s too quiet in there,” while the kids play intently in their new space. “Teachers know what the research confirms: Color, space and clutter can

have a dramatic effect on a child’s attitudes and behaviors. It can also affect their imagination, creativity and ability to learn,” says PaintIdeas.com blogger Angie Stinner. “Fortunately, creating a soothing environment that helps kids learn and grow is easy. It’s also the perfect project to bring parents and children together for a weekend of fun. All you need is a little paint and some inspiration.” Here are a few tips for creating the perfect area for learning and fun: • Inspire creativity. When turning up the creativity in a child’s room, a good place to start is the

walls. Research reveals that painting a room in the colors of nature — light green or warm teal — can inspire creativity, as well as create a calm learning environment that promotes a positive state of mind. Light blue (the color of academics) or light pink or rose, are good colors too, especially for very active children who need a calming environment to focus. Before painting, apply three thin coats of Rust-Oleum Magnetic Primer. It transforms any wall into a surface that attracts magnets, so kids can hang their favorite photos, artwork or school papers without tape or push pins. Add a few funky magnets, but not too many. Too much clutter can be distracting and have a negative impact on focus and creativity. • Let them write on the walls (or doors or dresser drawers). Educators recognize that giving kids a space to express their creativity or just think out loud is an important compo-

nent of the learning process. Instead of creating paper clutter or buying a chalk or dry erase board, why not paint a wall, door or dresser drawers with Rust-Oleum Chalkboard or Dry Erase Paint? Chalkboard Paint comes in black, green and a tint base where you can choose from fun colors such as Periwinkle or Raspberry. Both Chalkboard and Dry Erase Paint can be applied over existing paint and instantly turn any surface into a space for math problems, poetry or homework assignments. It’s also great for leaving messages or subtle reminders, like, “time to clean your room.” • Create a space to work. You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your child the perfect workspace for studying and homework assignments. You can transform a flea market desk — or repurpose a table and chair you already own — with a little spray paint. SEE PAGE 11

• New & Remodel • Additions & Repairs • Concrete & Paint Work

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Ph: (808) 636-1888

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8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 22, 2010

NOW A DISTRIBUTOR FOR ALL TYPES OF QUALITY HARDWOOD & FLOORING PRODUCTS. We offer a Contractor’s discount and Wholesale pricing and monthly specials.

Quality Hardwood Flooring • Marble • Stone • Ceramic • Porcelain Tile Laminate • Vinyl • Carpet • Services include: Installation of all Flooring, Dustless Sanding and Floor Refinishing, Custom Borders and Inlays, Slab Prep and Leveling, Staircase Fabrication

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Fall:

The ideal season to give your guest bath a makeover

he shorter days and cooler nights that fall brings mean entertaining that once took place on porches, patios and decks is slowly beginning to wane. Soon, family and friends will gather inside the home for holiday festivities, putting the spotlight back on some of the most-used rooms, one of which is the guest bath. For most people, overnight house guests go hand-in-hand with the holidays. Rather than waiting until the last minute, when stress levels are already high, fall is the ideal time to begin preparing for company and refresh the guest bath. You can do a few simple things long before anyone arrives to ensure their stay is a comfortable one. In fact,

updating a tired bathroom can be an easy goal to achieve on any budget. You don’t need tens of thousands of dollars. Instead, a little paint, the proper tools, a few decorating elements and some creativity will do the trick. Color: light and inviting Changing the color of a room with interior paint is the easiest, most cost-effective and most dramatic transformation that can be made. Since a guest bathroom can be one of the smaller rooms in a home, use colors that are light and airy. This will open up the space, making it appear larger than it really is. And, even if the guest bath is used by other family members during the rest of the year, remember that it

should feel welcoming, so avoid stark whites or overly bright and trendy colors. Most importantly, don’t skimp on the painting tools. Since the walls will be the largest visual area in the bathroom, you want to ensure a professional-looking finish that can only be achieved using high-quality painting tools. Purdy’s new mini-roller system will provide a flawless finish, and its compact lightweight design helps to paint tight spaces — like

behind a toilet or above and around a sink — in less time with less mess. Fine-tune fixtures If you’re considering replacing an old scratched sink, many acrylic options can be purchased at home centers for less than $100. While you’re at it, don’t forget to update the faucet as well. Today, faucets come in a variety of finishes like brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze, allowing you to easily freshen up the appearance

of your bathroom. Many fixtures are available with matching accessories like towel rings, bars and even robe hooks. Hardware Dated cabinet hardware can easily be brought back to life with a coat of primer and paint. If you’re willing to use a little elbow grease and purchase an inexpensive can of spray paint, you can transform any dingy handle or knob. You don’t have to stick to traditional paint color

choices, either. There are a variety of metallic spray paints available such as chrome, copper, brass and satin nickel that mimic the look of these expensive finishes that you can coordinate with your other accessories and fixtures. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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New Home, Multi-Family, Additions, & Renovation Seminar for Homeowners!

“Building To Your Lifestyle” • Have your questions answered! • We’ll show you the ABC’s of Design Building! • FREE onsite property evaluation!

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• Custom Homes • Remodel & Additions • Designer Kitchens & Bath • Drafting & Permitting • Full Service Company • All Work Guaranteed FREE In-Home Consultation Quality Work With Integrity

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AUG. 22, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Solar Energy

What it means to be GREEN

FROM PAGE 5

warranty on the solar panel, wiring, fixture housing and lens, as well as a 10year warranty on the light engine and opto semiconductor lights (better than LEDs). These lights use 50 to 80 percent less energy than incandescent or fluorescent lights. Installation is easy and can greatly reduce energy bills as well as have a positive impact on the environment. Getting started requires a minimal investment that fits the pocketbook of almost every homeowner and business. Attic c Ventilation n Powered d by y the e Sun Combining performance and beauty the Solaro Aire™ attic ventilation system circulates and makes being kind to the earth look good. The Solaro Aire™ has a round design, including a one of a kind round solar panel. It can be placed on just about any type of roof including tile. Making full use of sunlight, SE’s proprietary solar panels made of high-purity multicrystalline cells perform even better in dim lighting conditions. This allows the solar panel to

begin working as soon as the sun rises and continue to work until the sun disappears. The Solaro Aire™ system is capable of circulating the air in a space up to 2,500 square feet while at the same time removing mold and mildew causing moisture. The e Future e iss Bright If you are one of those who just can’t get enough solar power, Solaro Energy is currently working on a few new inspiring products that will provide even more green options. Solaro Energy is about to release two new lines of solar-powered lights in the

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FROM PAGE 2

old, check connections at both places. Surface bolts should extend through the door head and the threshold into the sub floor. Research shows that new advances in vinyl siding can also protect your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior. Products on the market now include siding that resists winds up to 250 miles per hour. A house will blow off its foundation at 160 miles per hour.

FROM PAGE 8

Try Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available in popular colors and offers twice the coverage of competitive general purpose spray paint. Coordinate by spray painting a bookcase, some picture frames â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even the bedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headboard â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to add a little more color to the room. The possibilities are endless. Need more inspiration? Visit paintideas.com. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the destination for inspiring decorating ideas and creative projects for every room in your home. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Brace Garage Doors Garage doors can be especially at risk during high winds. Unless you have a tested hurricane-resistant door, winds may force it out of its roller track â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially if the track is light weight or some of the anchor bolts are not in place. This occurs because the door deflects too much under excessive wind pressure and fails. If you are building a new home, consider installing horizontally braced, singlewide garage doors as an alternative to double overhead doors. Check with your garage door manufacturer about retrofit bracing kits for existing homes. Some door panels, particularly those that are doublewide, may require both horizontal and vertical bracing for best stability.

Make Manufactured Homes WindResistant For homeowners looking for attractive alternatives to traditional homes, manufactured homes may offer the solution. Non-permanent foundations can make these homes more vulnerable to wind damage, however, so extra precautions during windy seasons is necessary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most importantly, make sure your home is installed according to the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructions,â&#x20AC;? said Bruce Savage, vice president of public affairs for the Manufactured Housing Institute in Arlington, Va. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is imperative to properly anchor down your home, and in the case of severe high winds, follow official evacuation orders.â&#x20AC;? Landscape to Shield Your Home from High Winds Properly selected and placed landscaping can provide excellent wind protection for your home. Trees and shrubs planted to the north and northwest of your home are common windbreaks and can reduce wind speed for a distance of as much as 30 times the windbreakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s height. For maximum protection, plant your windbreaks at a distance from your house two-to-five times the height of the

trees at maturity. To prevent landscaping damage during fierce winds, monitor broken branches. Large broken branches should be cut all the way back to the main branch to impede further destruction. Your best bet, however, is to select landscaping species that can withstand strong winds. Good examples include ashes, dogwoods, hickory, most maples, oaks, sycamores and virtually all evergreens. You can also check the crotch angles (the angle between the branch and the trunk) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; those with angles between 45 and 60 degrees have a good chance of surviving strong winds. Remember, all wind isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bad when it comes to your landscaping. Mild to moderate winds can make trees grow stronger, promote better air circulation around your plants, help minimize fungal diseases and of course, pollinate many of your plants. For more information on protecting your home from wind damage, contact BIA-Hawaii at BIA Hawaii.org or visit the National Association of Home Builders website at nahb.org/forcon sumers. Doug Pearson is the president of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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Tips that make good ‘scents’ when attracting home buyers

an a potential buyer be compelled to make a big purchase if a pleasant background fragrance appeals to their senses and breaks down their defenses? Real estate agents and home sellers these days are widely banking on it. Ambient fragrancing started to trickle into the real estate market years ago, with savvy real estate agents baking cookies or cinnamon rolls in the homes they were showing to create a comforting, deliciously scented atmosphere meant to entice buyers. If you’re trying to sell a home in today’s challenging real estate market, you

may have tried this technique. However, with the excess of available homes, you may need to think a bit more creatively to make your home stand out. The essential oils that are used in the practice of aromatherapy offer a more practical and potent way to use scent marketing to move buyers to feel good about a property. Using even tiny amounts of familiar, tempting aromas like cinnamon, clove, vanilla and orange, can fill a whole house with pleasant ambient fragrance. An added bonus is that essential oils are all-natural and distilled from plants. They are

less likely to elicit the kind of adverse reactions that harsh synthetic fragrances do. Aromatherapy expert Tom Havran has several ideas to help you sell your home. He crafts blends for Aura Cacia, purveyor of 100 percent pure and natural essential oils and aromatherapy products. A passionate expert on the properties of essential oils, he has been crafting essential oil blends for 15 years. Learn more at www.auracacia.com. His first suggestion is an easy and sleek way to create a warm, comforting atmosphere that can help put potential property buyers at ease. Vanilla amber aroma crystals. Havran recommends using vanilla essential oil blended with jojoba for this first recipe. Ingredients: I 1 cup coarse-grained,

chunky sea salt I 1 teaspoon jojoba or grape-

seed oil (just enough to make

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essential oil

oil

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sential oil Directions: Mix salt and oils, pour into a decorative dish or bowl and set out on a table. Placing the crystals in a warm sunny window will help diffuse the delicious aroma throughout the room. Stir in additional essential oils to boost the scent as needed. Fresh flowers and bergamot vacuum powder. This light and transparent floral/citrus scent will create a cheerful, friendly and clean atmosphere to impress visitors. Since you need to vacuum before each property showing anyway, this is a great way to turn the chore into a smart real estate marketing move.

Directions: Mix baking soda and essential oils in a canister and lightly sprinkle over carpets, then vacuum. Because essential oils are so concentrated, a little goes a long way. An initial investment in a small 1/2-ounce bottle of oil will provide you with enough applications to conduct dozens of open houses. Using essential oils to craft your own bit of psychological scent marketing might provide a good return on a small investment. Aromatherapy may give you that much-needed unique and surprising edge on the competition. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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