Hawaii Renovation 26 June 2011 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

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A Refreshing Look Let the experts at Hawaii’s Interior Design Center revitalize and rejuvenate your home with new lighting, accessories and flooring. See page 3

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Designing

Focus

with

just adore jewelry — and it’s not about the bling. OK, it’s a little bit about the bling, but what I love most is how a gorgeous piece of jewelry brings focus to an entire ensemble. And good design does the same thing. When a room has the right focal point, it draws you in. When it’s missing, the whole room lacks presence. My clients, Orla and Brian, had exactly that problem. The young couple had recently moved into their first home together and their openconcept living/dining room lacked any suitable focus. With plain white walls and an awkward blend of “his and hers” furniture, the space had no real character.

The couple really wanted a place where they could feel at home and entertain family and friends. So I geared up and, using focal-point design, took their living/dining room from blank slate to bold space. My big challenges were to create zones in their open-concept space, add more seating and find a way to blend the couple’s styles. When designing a

multipurpose space, each zone should have one main focal point to anchor it. In the living room, I built a beautiful framed-in banquette against the sidewall that not only provides some much-needed seating, but also visually grounds the space. To create the banquette, I designed a full wall frame, flanked it with low, white bookcases and installed a warm charcoal

upholstered bench cushion. But what really makes the focal statement here is the banquette’s custom black-leather quilted backrest that soars from bench to ceiling. Suspended from the ceiling, at the top of the backrest is the new television screen, which visually blends in against the black background of the seating niche and doesn’t deter from the focus.

This banquette also serves to ground a new seating area consisting of a warm beige sofa, two teal armchairs, two mirrored cube tables and a creamy area rug. And since the room has no closet, I introduced a stunning piece of reclaimed wood cabinetry to help hide and organize any clutter. In the dining room, I chose the back wall as my

focal point. As with the black-leather banquette, a great way to create focus is with color, so I painted this wall black, which unifies the two zones and makes a very dramatic statement. I also included an elevated electric fireplace in my design for added visual interest. I then took the couple’s existing dark wood dining-room table and had it

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Refresh Space A

t Hawaii’s Interior Design Center, we understand that the economy has limited how far many of us are willing to open our wallets these days, for both everyday necessities and life’s luxuries. With people prioritizing their budgets, options like revamping our home decor are being put on hold. But there are a few ways we can help you quickly update your home without spending too much time or money. Here at Hawaii’s Interior Design Center, we call it “REFRESH.” In many cases taking time to enjoy life and the space you call home is overlooked by life rushing past us at lightning speed. Reviving your room without completely making it over might be just what you need to feel refreshed and enjoy your space. Along with tips for you to do on your own, we offer you many quick affordable ways to refresh.

Revitalize, Rejuvenate, Rearrange, Reorganize, Recover and Revive Some you can do on your own and some we can help you with, but any or all will make your space a brighter, refreshed place to live, love and laugh every day.

Revitalize with new fixtures or lighting New lighting can make a world of difference in your space and awaken beautiful angles, artwork or colors throughout your room. Electrical fixtures to match the style you create give a feeling of finish

your

HAWAII’S INTERIOR DESIGN CENTER

ADDRESS: 306 KALIHI ST. CONTACT: 842-9404 to your space. A few new handles and knobs will spruce up old cabinets, furniture, and even pantry doors. Match modern hardware with traditional cabinets for an unexpected fresh look. Adding new hardware in your kitchen and bathroom can make such a difference while cooking for your family or unwinding at the end of a hard day. Backsplashes or new countertops also will make a difference in the overall feel and, in some cases, in the ease of cleaning. Rejuvenate with new paint No matter how much you clean those walls they still feel dull and look a little dirty. You will be surprised how much a new coat of white or neutral paint can brighten up a room and make it feel clean. Changing out your baseboards assists the paint in making the room seem much brighter and cleaner. Adding a new door to a room can create a fresh, new feeling. To add cheer, warmth and happiness to your room, let us add pops of color with an accent wall or wallpaper. When you think of wallpaper don’t think of the outof-date patterns we see all too much

of. Let us show you the many current, cuttingedge colors, patterns and textures we carry at Hawaii’s Interior Design Center. On your own you can bring the room together with a vibrant bouquet of cushion, turn over, and use a staple gun to fresh flowers, a bowl of bright fruit, or secure it in place. bold new throw pillows. Revive your floors. Let us help you determine what the best Rearrange your accessories Swap lamps, end tables, artwork, rugs option is for you to revive your floors. and knick-knacks between rooms for a Installing beautiful hardwood, engineered new look. Move your furniture around for or laminate floors can make a huge impact a different configuration that sets up the on the overall feeling of your space. Sanding and refinishing your existing room’s energy in a different way. wood floors takes on average two to three days for about 500 square feet and will Reorganize with shelving and cabinets We have a wide variety of cabinets and rejuvenate your home’s appearance. accessories. We are confident that you Choosing tile for your flooring opens up will find something that suits your taste your space to so many options — from and budget. New cabinets can be set up natural stone to beaming porcelain. Tile is for your specific needs, helping with so versatile inside and out. Replacing old organization and functionality of any carpet with an upgraded, better quality room. Hang shelves to display framed carpet also helps your space in so many photos, colorful vases and special keep- ways. sakes. If refreshing is just what you have been looking to do, stop in at our design center, Recover chair cushions Beautify old side chairs with gorgeous which is open seven days a week from fabric. Simply remove the cushion from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We look forward to the frame, spread new fabric over the helping you REFRESH!

JUNE 26, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Passion for

Painting

f a new client of Deep Purple painting contractors wants assurance of the quality of his company’s work, owner Jimmy Suh shows the customer a collection of photos of some of the hundreds of projects he’s completed over the years. The result? “They are amazed,” Suh said. “They always comment on the meticulous detailing and the scope of our work. I also can give them a DVD that they can review at their convenience. If they want past client referrals and testimonials, I can provide that too.” For 18 years, Deep Purple was one of the busiest painting contractors in San Francisco, where Suh handled residential jobs that ranged from apartment interiors to upscale homes in Pacific Heights and historic buildings. His commercial jobs included apartment and office buildings. “Anyone who has been to San Francisco in recent years knows how the old neighborhoods are being transformed with new paint and elaborate detailing. Every architect and interior designer wants a new and original color scheme. Several clients told me I was the best painter in San Francisco,” Suh said.

DEEP PURPLE PAINTING

CONTACT: 739-2000 In January 2010, Suh reestablished his business in Hawaii, where he is a licensed and bonded painting contractor. Here, he continues to provide quality painting at competitive prices for both homes and businesses. But why leave a lucrative painting business in San Francisco? Suh said he had always dreamed of living in Hawaii, and his family was increasingly eager to make the move after 18 years in an area not known for warm, sunny weather. “I have many friends living here and was encouraged that there would be opportunities for a first-class painting contractor ... and that’s the way it turned out,” Suh said. Already, Suh has a roster of satisfied clients, and some are telling him they have never worked with a painter who put so much effort into making sure they were entirely pleased with the finished product. He noted that many of his current projects are new custom homes in areas ranging from Leeward Oahu to Waikiki, Diamond Head and Kaimuki. He

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works directly with the homeowners, as well as with contractors and architects. Just how satisfied are Suh’s customers? He’s frequently told, “If you want to use me as a reference, go ahead and give my phone number to your new clients. I won’t hesitate to recommend you.” In addition to providing prospective clients with photos and a beautifully produced DVD showcasing his work, Suh makes a point of meeting them at

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BIA welcomes entries for

Parade of Homes

he Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIAHawaii) will present the 55th annual BIA Parade of Homes during the open house weekends of Oct. 8-9 and 15-16. This premier showcase of new homes in Hawaii will educate consumers on the latest trends, technology and design innovations in residential construction. This year’s event theme is “Sustainable Lifestyle ... Sustainable Homes” and the deadline for all entries is July 18. Developers and projects that will be featured in the October open house weekends include Castle &

Cooke Homes Hawaii Inc., D.R. Horton, Schuler Homes, Gentry Homes Ltd., and the Franciscan Vistas and ‘Ilima at Leihano senior living communities. Entrant categories include single-family and multifamily homes, townhomes, high rises, builder spec homes, units in senior living, vacation ownership projects and conversions. The 2011 Parade also will include the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Green Building Standards for residential construction. Finally, the 55th annual BIA Parade of Homes Awards Gala — where

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award-winning entries, including the 2011 Grand Champion, are announced — will be held Oct. 4 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. For more information and to obtain a BIA Parade of Homes entry, contact Clarice Watanabe at 6297503 or email ckw@bia hawaii.org. Chartered in 1955, the Building Industry Association of Hawaii is a ing the building industry tects, financial institutions professional trade organiza- and its associates. The 500 and a host of other profestion affiliated with the members of BIA-Hawaii are sionals who serve the contractors, building industry. BIANational Association of developers, Home Builders, represent- suppliers, Realtors, archi- 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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ot weather is here and hotter weather is on the way, so it’s CONDITIONER time to start thinking air SHOPPE conditioning. “It doesn’t make sense to CONTACT: 676-1455 swelter through humid, windless summer weather when an efficient air conditioning system can keep you cool and comfortable for pennies a day,” said Aire Conditioner Shoppe owner Neil Wiedemann. “And the higher the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio), the more you save on electric.” The operative word is “efficient.” Old or malfunctioning air conditioning systems are energy hogs that don’t do the job effectively and run up your electricity bills. Air conditioning systems available from the Aire Conditioner Shoppe are the newest models that incorporate the latest technological advances. They are unobtrusive and virtually silent. Wiedemann, who has been in the air conditioning business since 1979, sells and installs split ductless systems on Oahu, as well as portable air conditioners. He also sells the less expensive window units that are often the choice for apartments, condos and houses. He guarantees the lowest prices for any product he sells with installation of the same equipment. For 10 years running Fujitsu has named

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him “Dealer of the Year.” “About five years ago, the inverter compressor was developed, a component of the condenser, which is installed outside the home and connects to the air handler unit inside the home,” Wiedemann said. “Then last year another advance was made in the technology, making it possible to cool up to eight separate rooms in the house with the same condenser connected to eight separate air handlers, all of which can be operated and set for the desired temperature independently. Automatic swing louvers and multiple fan speeds in the handler — the unit mounted in the home — allow you to control the amount and direction of the airflow to maximize comfort.” Wiedemann pointed out that split ductless systems can be just as efficient as central air conditioning, or more efficient in terms of energy savings, depending on the lifestyle of the homeowner. Even the window air conditioning units, which are generally what you see in older apartment buildings or town-

homes, have been extensively improved both in efficiency and appearance. However, the tenant and/or owner needs to obtain permission from the management company and/or apartment owners association to install any type of air conditioning. The Aire Conditioner Shoppe offers free on-site estimates and design consultation. The company installs and repairs what it sells. Wiedemann credits his company’s success to a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. The Aire Conditioner Shoppe’s slogan is, “We do it right the first time.” “When our estimator reviews your needs and you make a decision on the system you want to install, you will have a quote the next day by phone or fax,” he said. “If the customer is satisfied, we draw up the contract. Once I set a price, it’s firm and it will be guaranteed the lowest available price with the same equipment,” he said.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Company earns solar industry’s

most prestigious certification

hen choosing a solar energy provider, a long track record and a valid solar contractor’s license are the hallmarks of any reputable company. Enter Bruce Ekimura, Alternate Energy Inc.’s owner and founder, who has a journeyman plumber license and a Hawaii solar power systems contractor license, which cover both solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The latter license is relatively rare in the business as many solar contractors hold only a solar water heating license. Ekimura and his team have been solar energy experts in Hawaii since the 1970s. Now, Alternate Energy has garnered another badge of excellence. Darren Furumoto, operations manager and lead installer, has

earned the industry’s leading recognition of expertise as a certified installer of solar electric systems (photovoltaic or PV systems) from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Designation as a NABCEP certified solar PV installer is widely recognized to be the gold standard in certification in the renewable energy industry. NABCEP’s “Receiving Certified Installer status is personally very satisfying,” said Furumoto. “It also means we can offer our customers the added confidence of knowing their installation will be performed to the highest standards in the solar industry.” To earn the certification, Furumoto passed a rigorous exam that covers the multi-craft aspects

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the Hawaii Solar Energy Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association. Alternate Energy Inc. was founded in 1993 and is one of Hawaii’s oldest solar energy companies, specializing in the design and installation of photovoltaic systems, solar water heating systems and solar attic fans. It is locally owned and operated, with offices on Oahu and Maui. The company has been a HECO Approved Contractor (Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program) since 1999.

installation crew as well as a minimum number of hours of WEBSITE: advanced training. ALTERNATEENERGYHAWAII.COM “One thing you can be assured of with NABCEP’s Certified of being a professional PV Installer is that your job won’t installer, demonstrating knowl- be their first,” said Ezra edge on subjects as diverse as sys- Auerbach, executive director of tem design, electrical and job NABCEP. “We are delighted to safety, the National Electric Code, welcome Darren Furumoto of roofing and construction tech- Alternate Energy to the ranks of niques, system commissioning, the industry’s leading solar and troubleshooting. installers.” All certified NABCEP installers Furumoto has been with also must have real-world experi- Alternate Energy Inc. for more ence as a senior person on the than 15 years. He is a member of

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Sparking an energy revolution

Hawaii

evoluSun is sparking an energy revolution right here in Hawaii as it helps local families harness the power of the sun in order to make affordable, clean, renewable electricity. The average Hawaii family is expected to spend more than $100,000 on electricity over the next 25 years, which happens to be the warranty life of most solar panels. Yet, Hawaii homeowners have a myriad of options available to help them produce solar electricity right away — and at just a fraction of that cost. “I cannot say it enough — purchasing a solar system just made economic sense,” said Aiea resident Stuart Yamada, whose 12-panel SunPower 318 system offsets his entire energy load every month, even with recently installed air conditioning. “As an engineer, I had researched solar energy and realized how much financial sense it made as well as the benefits to the environment. I wanted to work with a local company that was professional, well-qualified, and could design a custom system based on my needs.

“I couldn't be happier with RevoluSun.” RevoluSun prides itself in having added dozens of new jobs for Hawaii residents on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island through its growing business and with installation partner American Piping & Boiler. One of the small, start-up solar firm’s goals was to solve a problem that plagued Hawaii’s solar industry. RevoluSun hoped to create a company that avoided using inexperienced installation crews to perform the critical electrical and roofing work required for a PV system. By partnering with the highly respected electrical and construction contractor American Piping & Boiler for all its installations, word of RevoluSun’s attention to detail and installation expertise spread quickly, and RevoluSun ended 2010 as the largest photovoltaic (PV) contractor in the state after installing hundreds of new residential solar electric systems. RevoluSun’s approach has allowed for amazing growth without sacrificing quality. In April, RevoluSun completed three

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times the and maintenance of a PV system. “RevoluSun is committed to a cleaner amount of residential Hawaii and our ‘RevoluSunaries’ are passystems compared to the next largest sionate members of our community — solar company. Meanwhile, RevoluSun aunties, uncles, friends,” said RevoluSun is the only solar company to boast an principal Eric Carlson. “Hawaii is a speimpressive 100 percent completion rate cial place to all of us and we all would like for permitting, and a 93 percent satisfac- to leave it a cleaner place for the next tion rating in client service based on a generation. Everyone one can play a part survey conducted by panel manufacturer into making this happen, solar or not. SunPower. “Here at RevoluSun our focus is on RevoluSun’s “Revolusunaries” as they solar electricity and we are proud of the like to be called, are a force of more than work we do. We encourage everyone to 70 local people throughout Oahu, Maui help take Hawaii to a cleaner energy and the Big Island. Each one is committed future.” to spreading the good of renewable energy, and takes pride in guiding homeowners through the oftentimes confusing complex subjects of tax incentives, financing SPECIALIZING IN LUXURY OUTDOOR FURNITURE options, design, installation

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ith the arrival of the summer season and the expectation of hot, sunny weather, the painting business also heats up. Island Budget Painting owner Ted Wexler advises that homeowners, who have put off projects during the winter and spring months because of concerns about rain, begin scheduling painting jobs to ensure that professional contractors can accommodate them. “It’s never a good idea to wait until the last minute to schedule a job if you want the best service and highest workmanship,” quality Wexler said. “If someone calls us at the last minute, we do our best to meet their

ISLAND BUDGET PAINTING CONTACT: 255-8612 needs. And we can usually find a way to fit them in since we have a large crew ... and we do not escalate prices just because we’re busy. But it works better for everyone if we can plan ahead and spend some time with the client inspecting the structure and choosing colors. In some cases, it turns out that we find termite damage or rot, which we will repair if the client so wishes since we have skilled carpenters among

our crew. If the job is an interior, wallpaper removal or drywall work may also be involved. We also have the capability to do concrete repair, which is often called for with commercial projects.” Wexler, a licensed, bonded contractor who has been in the business for more than 30 years, noted that a painter who shows up at a job site for the first time and immediately begins painting may not be the best choice. He has had considerable experience over the years with structures that were not properly prepped by the previous painter with peeling and cracking as the result.

“Once I meet the client at the job site, whether a residential or commercial project, I evaluate the condition of the surfaces and provide a proposal that may only cover painting, if that’s all that’s needed. However, I will also note the cost of prep work to restore the integrity of the wood or masonry. A good paint job not only lasts, it also protects and prolongs the life of the building.” Wexler is a specialist in color selection and can assist clients in making choices and matching existing colors or furnishings, as well as advise on the best products for the job by taking into account such factors as weather conditions

in the area. His crew is experienced in working with difficult job sites that require scaffolding and operate within the parameters set by condominiums affecting access, parking and times that work can be performed. Among the clients of Island Budget Painting are

some of Hawaii’s leading architects, condominium management companies, owners’ associations, and Realtors assisting a seller in upgrading a property they plan to place on the market. Call Island Budget Painting today to arrange an onsite estimate.

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lic.# C-16434 JUNE 26, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION before after

The one-stop

renovation factory

avid Chang and Jonathon Son remember what it was like to remodel their own homes — how stressful the process had gotten after attempting to work with multiple contractors, vendors and designers, and how cumbersome the process became as they tried to coordinate workflow among all parties. It’s the very reason why they eventually founded the locally owned and operated Cabinet & Stone Factory — so that no other homeowner would have their renovation dreams turn into nightmares.

Today, the men operate a one-stop renovation company that takes customers through the entire design/build process — from creating the initial design concept to putting the final touches on any project. At Cabinet & Stone Factory, there’s one point of contact and one point of accountability in order to keep renovation projects streamlined and easy. “We design it, we install it and we follow up,” said Chang. “When you work with us, we meet you at your home to understand your vision, assess the feasibility of your project, and determine a

realistic budget. “Our showroom has all the products you need to pick from to choose what suits your tastes,” he added. “We create and design plans for you with our cutting-edge CAD software, and once the plans are approved, we manage your entire construction process, from beginning to end.”

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10 | HAWAII RENOVATION | JUNE 26, 2011

The Cabinet & Stone Factory’s mission is to provide the best in service, offering clients a streamlined, accountable and stress-free process. “Every point of the process is handled with attention to detail and care for our clients’ individual needs, to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible,” Chang said.

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Things to consider There are many questions for any remodeling project, and people involved WHOLESALE in the process can leave you feeling CONTACT: 737-7766 overwhelmed. TOWNANDCOUNTRY There are plans, permits, lead-base BUILDERSLLC.COM paint assessment and asbestos sampling (in older homes), and kitchen design layout to consider. What about appliances? Would you like to build the microwave into a cabinet for better functionality, or are you planning to relocate the refrigerator? Beyond that, do you want to enclose a doorway? Maybe re-design your own & Country Builders LLC. is a licensed general galley-style into a U-shape kitchen with a wet bar? contracting design- build firm that has been servAnd what about food storage? Food pantries are ing Oahu residents for the past 30 years. The com- essential to large families, and pull-out trays are a mustpany, which specializes in custom homes, remodels, addi- have. tions, designer kitchens and baths and many other conWe have seen too many homes where the canned struction activities, offers the following tips: goods are stacked on the floor because there is just not enough space. Would you consider installing a nonDonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave kitchen, bath remodeling to chance porous, non-sealing bateriostatic countertop? How Over the years many articles have been written and about installing a new disposal with a countertop air advice rendered about remodeling the kitchen and bath- switch for convenience? room, areas that are the focal points of our lives. Styles have changed and materials have evolved, but the dauntTime to call a professional ing task of getting the most value out of our remodeling We are offering exceptional value and quality for all project is still important. remodeling projects.

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Alternate Energy Inc., 1111 Dillingham Blvd.,Ste. H3, Box 112, Honolulu, HI 96817 JUNE 26, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Choosing Replacement

Windows D

o you need to replace the windows in your home? If so, here are a few factors you should consider when deciding on the right contractor.

Quality of material While many vinyl windows look the same, there is a wide difference in quality. This is the difference between a window that breaks down after five years, and one that operates efficiently for the life of your home. After 16 years in the window business, Windows Hawaii has isolated the most cost-effective brands that stand up to Hawaii’s weather. The company’s Anlin windows use Mikron vinyl, which is manufactured for yachts so that it can stand up to heavy salt exposure and direct sunlight. The windows also are guaranteed not to fade or crack. The

WINDOWS HAWAII

CONTACT: 671-0808 glass is double strength (1.5 times the thickness of regular glass) for better sound and heat insulations, as well as protection from breakage. Anlin also uses stainless steel hardware to better resist the elements. Energy efficiency Even without air conditioning, a good quality dual pane window can keep your home at least five degrees cooler during the summer months. Reputable window brands such as Anlin display their energy ratings. This means lower energy costs and more comfort. If you use an air conditioner,

Warranty improperly measured. So purchase Does your war- windows from a qualified contractor, rant last three with factory-trained installers. years? Five years? you will save 30 percent on your At Windows Hawaii, the compaReliability energy bill. ny guarantees the installation for Deal with companies that have the life of your home. Also, the a proven track record of performSound warranty is transferable to the ance. Windows Hawaii is a Lawnmowers? Barking dogs? licensed contractor and member owner after you. Road noise? Anlin leads the of the Better Business Bureau (A+ industry in sound protection. rating). Its installers are fully EZ clean glass Anlin windows come with EZ trained and experienced in winSecurity clean glass. dow installation. Do your windows pass California Forced Entry (CFE) Installation Contact Windows Hawaii requirements? Do they have douEven the best-quality windows today for a free consultation and ble-strength glass and cam-locks? will likely leak in the future if they are estimate. All Anlin windows do.

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12 | HAWAII RENOVATION | JUNE 26, 2011

428- 5191 or 531-3888

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Feeling secure with fire egress windows W

indows are often overlooked by homeowners as being a key element to having a well-rounded and complete home. They protect our curtains, carpets, furniture and floors from fading and deteriorating. They allow us to control the cool trade winds and ventilate our rooms, while on the other hand they allow us to seal off the outside and let us use our air conditioners economically. They are our portals to the outside world, engaging us to enjoy our magnificent Hawaiian views, be it a view of the mountains, the ocean or a sunset. They can enhance the curb appeal of a home, thereby increasing its value. They also offer privacy and noise reduction. But most importantly, they are the

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CONTRACTORS INC. ADDRESS: 99-840 IWAIWA ST. CONTACT: 483-0100 / CUSTOMCONTRACTORS.COM front line of home security. “Sadly, too many of our customers come to us after they’ve been burglarized,” said CCI president Luis Larcina. “They’re terrified that whoever did it might come back. While most have insurance to replace stolen items, there is no price on personal safe-

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ty and peace of mind.” One item that CCI offers for customer peace of mind is its fire egress window, which easily swings out like a door, allowing homeowners to easily escape in an emergency. “The status quo tells us that Grandma or Junior has to break the glass of the jalousie window and then jump out onto the broken glass. That is absolutely ridiculous,” said Larcina. “That's why CCI was the first to invent the egress. Anybody that doesn't install them is sitting on a time bomb.” Additionally, CCI's fire egress window meets or exceeds all Hawaii fire codes, and has been commended by the Honolulu Building Department for its ease and efficiency.

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808-487-3043 www.allweathersurfaces.com JUNE 26, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 13

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Functional faucets for the kitchen

ecause the kitchen is the hub of the home, homeowners are always looking for ways to do more in this vital space, all while keeping it stylish. One of today’s most popular trends in new and remodeled kitchens is the use of multiple kitchen faucets, which add extra functionality to the room. “Pot fillers, island faucets and even bar or convenience faucets all help to maximize the room,” says Kevin McJoynt of Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing faucets and fixtures. “But convenience and functionality aren’t the only

two items homeowners are looking at while upgrading their kitchens. Ambiance, decor and style are also top priorities.” • Pot fillers are located near your stove to provide you with a convenient way to fill a pot without having to carry it to the nearest sink.

C# 17021

• Island faucets help avoid congestion at the main sink and are a great way to increase a kitchen’s workflow. Because island sinks are frequently used for preparation, they are sometimes referred to as prep sinks.

Turning to focal-point design

FROM PAGE 2

painted a crisp, fresh white and added six armless chairs that I had upholstered in a cool slate color. Over the table I positioned a stunning pendant chandelier. I also placed mirrored sconces on either side of the dining-room windows and two dramatic torch lights flanking the banquette in the living room — all in the same nickel finish.

To unify the two spaces even more, I used similar window treatments in both rooms: drapes in a floral fabric of gray, tan, brown and teal. I then added a rustic woven wooden blind in the living room and a lattice roller blind in the dining room. Using focal-point design, I was able to turn a bland open space into two exciting and harmonious living

and dining areas. The focal points now draw you in and take you on an exciting journey as you move through the now-elegant and -comfortable zones. This once-bland space is now defined, grounded and the ideal place for Orla and Brian to focus on building a life together.

Call for a Free Consultation

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Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV's “Candice Tells All.” For more ideas, information and show times, visit www.hgtv.com/candicetells-all/show/index.html.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Here’s how to save time, money for

DIY-ers

journey online to help readers overcome and organize your plan of attack prior to their own home improvement hang-ups. jumping in. Utilize great resources for DIY With their efficient project know-how, tips on www.StartRightStartHere.com. homeowners can find stress-free and costBuild utility storage shelves effective ways to renovate any space. Building a basic utility shelf is a small project homeowners can do Affordable Projects themselves to get organized. Planned shelves will Changing light fixtures, hardware Kitchens and bathrooms can be the eas- put an end to haphazardly iest rooms to update with a few small stowing away and stacking changes. Replacing old, outdated light fix- things in the garage — not tures and cabinet hardware can refresh the to be found again. kitchen or bath without consuming a ton of money and time with a complete overhaul. Quick Fix-it Project Ideas

omeowners are increasingly looking for ways to update their living spaces and maintain the value of their homes without completing extensive or expensive renovations. Whether it’s adding a fresh coat of paint to outdated bathroom walls or new hardware to kitchen cabinets, there are many ways homeowners can improve their spaces without spending a lot of time or money. One of the best resources for do-it-yourself tips is DIY blogs. Bloggers tackle various home projects and document their

Make a plan Set aside time to think through projects

Repair, don’t replace Tears in window screens

with Shirley Pai Hilton, Pres. & CEO, PII

Your One-Stop Shop for Home Renovation STONEFACTORYUSA.COM • 220 Pu‘uhale Road #B1 Hon., HI 96819

We cover a lot of information at our monthly seminar and one topic is species of wood. A lot of us grew up with flooring made of Douglas Fir, Maple, or oak. These species are incredibly soft and prime targets for scratching and termites. Today there are so many exciting exotics like Santos Mahogany, Ipe, Lapacho, Doussie, Tigerwood, and Cumaru. They are so rich and go well with our island décor. And most are at the other end of the hardness and durability gamut. Want to know more? Please join us for our

Largest Inventory on the Island of imported home furnishings and accessories from Indonesia & Hawaii

WOOD AND STONE FLOORING 101 SEMINAR Saturday, July 23, 2011 10AM Please call to reserve a seat

905 Kalanianaole Hwy in Kailua

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Renovate old furniture Replace old faucets Updating an old chair or table is an easy Old faucets can make a way to spruce up a room. If you’re looking kitchen or bathroom look for new furniture additions, shop local dated and dingy. When garage sales and thrift stores for old pieces choosing a new faucet, be that can be revitalized with a little sanding, sure that it will work with the existing faucet drillings, notpaint and new hardware. ing whether they’re center set, widespread or single-hole. Time Saving Tips

LET’S TALK FLOORING

BEFORE

can be a frequent and frustrating problem. Before deciding to purchase a new screen, assess the damage. If the tears are small, fix them with a screen patch.

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#C-6122

JUNE 26, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 15

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

Key Photovoltaic Information for W

hen having a photovoltaic system (PV) installed on your rooftop, be sure the job is done with racking systems and flashing that meet the International Building Code. Modules, for example, must be installed so that the units don’t “fly off the roof” during high winds. To ensure against this, roof penetrations are made to secure the racking system for the modules. Each attachment needs to be flashed properly so that the roof does not leak. Simply caulking around penetration is not an acceptable solution. Most manufacturer warranties guarantee that after 25 years, their modules will produce at least 80 percent of what they did when first installed. The 25-year warranty is not a construction product warranty indicating how long the module will last. Do not be confused by what these warranties are providing. Studies have shown that the energy produced by PV modules depreciates on average about .7 percent per year. Some manufacturers have a track record indi-

16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | JUNE 26, 2011

Purchasing Your System PACIFIC ISLANDS

CONSTRUCTION CONTACT: 841-7756 cating a better performance than this average. Check to see how long the manufacturer has been producing PV modules. Real module efficiency is shown by power tolerance, peak power, or pmax rating. A 230watt module with a pmax rating of +5/-5 is telling you that the panel may exceed the rating or it may provide less energy, up to as much as 5 percent. The module may only produce 219 watts rather the 230 watts listed on the module. These systems will produce less energy than what you have been led to believe. Because solar modules sit on rooftops, they are constantly exposed to the effects of a corrosive and harsh environment. This constant exposure to nature’s elements impacts the quality of the packaging that surrounds the

cells, resulting in packaging degradation. This affects the function and integrity of the module. It can also lead to performance issues such as poor energy production, array performance failure, and safety issues that includes electric shock hazard. Examples of packaging failures include glass breakage, metal frame breakdown, dielectric breakdown, bypass diode failure, encapsulant discoloration, and backsheet cracking and/or delamination. Electrochemical corrosion can be introduced to the module

because of the failures in the packaging, causing the degradation of power output/performance and ultimately module failure. Because of Hawaii’s harsh environment, homeowners may want to know more about what makes a particular solar module sturdy enough to provide the service life expected. Homeowners should also be wary of sales talk that promotes the manipulation of the state tax code by providing you with credits you don’t deserve. If you have questions about the tax code, go to the state’s Department of Taxation website and learn more about renewable energy tax credits. The purchase of a photovoltaic system is not only a price issue. The quality of the module, the installation/flashings used on the roof, the manufacturer’s track record, and a contractor’s attention to detail should all be considered. Contact Pacific Islands Construction for a consultation or visit our website at pacificislandsconstruction.net. Our goal is to provide complete satisfaction to customers, now and into the future, by equipping them with the finest in solar energy systems.