Hawaii Renovation 29 Aug 2010 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

AUGUST 29, 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

Let Government Help you

For the next six weeks, we will discuss each element to identify what it means and how it is implemented in new construction and in remodeling. The information provided is from the websites linked on the New Hawaiian Home Blog at biahawaii.org. In this article, we are discussing Energy Efficiency. It is the only element that is synonymous with green building because it is the most talked about and easiest to implement. It has the most incentives: federal tax credits, state tax credits, and rebates from Hawaii Energy for using specific materials and building systems. Energy Efficiency is about using less energy. Here are a few qualified energy products: • Electric heat pump water heaters that yield an energy factor of at least 2.0 in the standard Department of Energy test procedure. • Electric heat pumps and central air

Save Money and Energy W

By Karen Nakamura

e are seeing and hearing much about green building and there is a lot to learn since it encompasses six distinct elements of building: energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency, indoor air quality, site/design/building orientation, and education of the occupants/operator/and owner of each system, product, including the use of a product integrated into a building built green. The building industry is being retrained in this new way of building. There are national certification courses that are being offered to anyone who wants to learn how to build green. Ask your builder if he/she is

aware of these methods and are they educated in green building. The New Hawaiian Home is a model demonstration prototype home that BIA is offering for sale to the public to be built on your lot. This home is being designed and built to include all six of the aforementioned elements. The BIA will work with the buyer to monitor this home for a year after it is built to document the tax credits, rebates, operating cost savings and the living cost savings of a home built to embrace all the elements of green building and living. If you are interested in making an offer for this prototype home, please contact me at ktn@biahawaii.org or 629-7502.

conditioners that achieve the highest ciency tier established by the Consor for Energy Efficiency as of Jan. 1, 200 • Natural gas, propane or oil w heaters with an energy factor of at lea or thermal efficiency of at least 90 per • Advanced main air conditioning with annual electricity use of no more 2 percent of the total annual energy u the furnace. As for the Hawaii Renewable En Tax Credits, they were revised by Act Session Laws of Hawaii 2006. Question this state tax credit may be addresse the Taxpayers Services Branch, state partment of Taxation, 587-4242. Neig Island residents call toll free, 1-800 3229. Finally, Hawaii Energy offers cas bates to residents and businesses to offset the cost of installing energy-effi equipment. Its purpose is to help the achieve its Hawaii Clean Energy Initi (HCEI) goal of reducing total electri ergy use by 2030. For more information, visit h ienergy.com/60/rebate-faqs#whatneed.

Karen Nakamura is the executive president of the Building Industry Ass tion of Hawaii.

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finest in cabinets, countertops

hen Ohana Building Supply was chosen to do the cabinetry in a fully renovated home in e hills above Honolulu, the opportunipresented itself to showcase the pracality as well as elegance of the compa’s cabinets and countertops. The homeowners chose to go with the pular light cherry “Shaker Style” cabets, which are made from 1/2-inch plyood boxes and 3/4-inch solid wood ce frames and doors. This is standard r the cabinets that Ohana Building Supy has in stock. From ready-made cabets to custom-made pieces, the cabits are built with endurance and beauin mind. Along with light cherry, the Shaker yle cabinets also come in dark cherry d maple. For a more modern-style binet, Ohana Building Supply stocks e new Espresso Oak. Espresso Oak binets also are made from 1/2-inch ywood boxes, 3/4-inch solid wood face ames and 3/4-inch Engineered Medium ensity Fiberboard flat-panel doors. The light cherry choice of cabinets rey brings out the various brown tones u’ll find in the New Colonial Cream anite, which the homeowners chose r their countertops. This natural stone

really brightens the area, making the openness of the kitchen stand out even more. The granite color choice also brings out the beauty in their butcher block-style island located in the center of the kitchen. At Ohana Building Supply, you will find more than 20 styles of granite — all with a unique look to each piece. These prefabricated panels range in price and are stocked locally. Continuing the stylish look of the cabinets, the homeowners extended their vision into the bathrooms as well. Storage is no problem with their long and multi-functional vanities. These, too, are capped with granite, giving the entire house a very warm, elegant and open feeling. For the homeowners, this was the right choice of products in order to maintain the beauty of a newly renovated home for years to come. Check out the company’s available products by stopping by its showroom, located at 2815 Kaihikapu St. in Mapunapuna. The showroom is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From flooring, cabinets, vanities, granite and stainless steel sinks — you will find a vast selection to suit your ideas and needs.

Photos by Leah Friel

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Time for a

Kitchen Facelift

itchen remodeling can be a daunting task, but cabinet refacing makes it easier on many levels. Refacing can actually save you money because it keeps the existing cabinet boxes in place. With refacing, only the exterior of the cabinets — doors, drawers and hardware — are replaced. This means you can change the entire look of the cabinets by choosing a new color and style.

Refacing also is an easy way to update your kitchen at less than 50 percent of the cost of buying brand new. By not ripping the cabinets out of the kitchen, you save on labor and materials. Many have that one problem area: the pantry that seems to have 10-year-old expired cans in the back; the corner cabinet that you haven’t explored in years; the lost corner cabinet that you know has storage

space somewhere back there, but you just can’t get to it. Essential Cabinet Refacing Inc. can help you find solutions to these problems by doing simple carpentry modifications or adding some cabinet inserts or special hardware. Best yet, the job need not cost you thousands of extra dollars to do it. If a new kitchen is what you desire, contact Essential Cabinet Refacing Inc. immediately. The company builds new custom cabinets in its shop. Everything is made to order by a team of skilled staff members. They have been in business 21 years and pride themselves on highquality work offered at reasonable, competitive prices. Owners Ringo and Michele Pauly have their offices and shop in the Sand Island area at 212 Mohonua Place. Showroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For information or to schedule a free, no obligation estimate, call 847-7835, fax 841-6743 or visit the website Essential cabinetrefacing.com.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Germ Magnets

Stained or worn bathtubs are real culprits

sn’t it ironic that the bathroom is one of the most germ-infested areas in your house? When the surfaces of a tub, wall surrounds, or countertop begin to look stained, worn, cracked, or even rusted, they begin to collect dirt, and germs begin to deposit on these porous surfaces. All Island Bath Remodeling (AIBR) specializes in the

restoration of these surfaces and can restore them to a smooth, synthetic porcelain surface that is easily cleaned and chemically resistant. Thanks to the many years of experience using state-ofthe-art restoration technology, there is no need to tear out old bathtubs and wall surrounds that are stained, cracked, rusty or just worn. Instead, let AIBR restore them to look like new.

Reglazing is also the most cost-effective way of restoring your old bathtub. Over the years, AIBR has worked with hotels and property managers, who use glazing as a way to provide a clean new-looking bathroom at a reasonable price. Restoring your tub and wall surround instead of tearing them out and replacing SEE PAGE 10

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HAWAIIRENOVATION Inspect your

Fences and Gates to ensure Safety and Security encing around the home is vulnerable to weather-related, accidental or intentional damage. Rain hastens rust, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Children swinging on gates and animals trying to get through the fence also take a toll. Now’s the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition. Rusty metal hinges and latches or gate misalignment can lead to gates that no longer close securely. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored. Fences with gates in good working order — especially those that are self-closing and self-latching — can protect your home and property from

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unwanted intruders. Fences protect children from danger — whether they’re designed to keep toddlers out of swimming pools or to keep them in the yard, away from busy traffic. Fences can help keep your own pets in your yard, and other animals out. They can also reduce homeowners’ liability. Even if your fence has been erected primarily to define your property line, it’s ineffective if access gates don’t close or latch properly after opening. When was the last time you checked each gate around your property? Selecting the right gate hardware can easily correct most gate closure problems. Innovative gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies are made of super strong engineering polymers that will not rust, are ad-

justable, self-lubricating and include high-grade stainless steel mounting hardware. They require little or no maintenance over the years and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Updating your gates so that they are self-closing and selflatching, improving their security and overall look, can be done in just a few minutes with these unique products. Most D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassles and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company’s TruClose hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver, and they eliminate those dangerous and unsightly external springs. “In our research, we found

that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly was their No. 1 concern,” says D&D

Technologies’ senior vice president Jim Paterson. “Most homeowners are not aware that SEE PAGE 10

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Simple

If you are looking for smart, simple and aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate wood into your home decor, consider focusing on these two dominant wood uses:

Eye-Catching Ways to‘In-Grain’ Wood in Home Decor

rom Colonial to Craftsman to contemporary, wood is a fundamental feature in home design for its ability to complement all types of architectural styles. Its beauty, versatility and durability allow homeowners to easily incorporate wood materials throughout a home, bringing warmth, texture and a touch of nature to any room. Whether you are building a new home or renovating, wood can harmonize with a variety of decor and color schemes to help create a cohesive look from the front door to the back, and throughout the rooms in between. An effective way to create a unified appearance with wood is to focus on prominent features that are common throughout the

home, such as doors and flooring. “Wood has universal appeal for its unique character, charm and natural attractiveness, making it a smart inclusion and investment in home design,” says Brad Loveless of Simpson Door

Co. “Wood doors are timeless, available in nearly unlimited designs and can be stained or painted for enduring beauty. The wide range of options for wood doors makes them well-suited for a variety of tastes and budgets.”

From the doors An average-size American home can easily contain 15 or more doors. With one or more in nearly every room, doors are well-spaced and placed to carry on the look of wood throughout the home, evoking a feeling of comfort and luxury while also adding depth and dimension to rooms. Doors are available in many styles, designs, species and sizes, and homeowners can either choose from standard options or create their own custom exterior and interior wood choices. Common standard styles include Craftsman, traditional — one to six panel designs with raised or flat panels — and French styles with decorative glass. Popular wood species include fir, knotty alder, cherry and sapele mahogany. For something a little more dramatic, try walnut, black locust, nootka cypress or bamboo. “Today’s most popular style and rail wood door designs com-

bine past and present characteristics like curved panels and rails, geometric patterned leaded glass, textured glass designs and even decorative acrylic panels with encapsulated materials for interior doors,” says Loveless. Decorative acrylic panels incorporate natural, metal or textile materials such as grass, rice paper, spun wire and patterned fabric, captured within translucent resins, creating a unique one-of-a-kind door. “There are many possibilities in wood door design; homeowners shouldn’t feel they have to choose just one model for their entire home,” adds Loveless. “Door designs can be mixed and matched, but some features such as wood species and panel profile should stay consistent to maintain a cohesive appearance.” To learn more about Simpson wood door styles, designs and custom options, visit simpsondoor.com or call (800) SIMPSON to speak to a customer service representative. Down to the floor As home floor plans have become more open and integrated, SEE PAGE 9

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Bathroom Remodeling Today means Less

ou’re ready for a new bathroom, something with style and comfort. You want the room to refresh you in the mornings, and provide you with the opportunity to relax and unwind in the evenings. As you start to design your bathroom remodel, you immediately put comfort at the top of your priority list. You want a beautiful shower with superb water pressure

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that feels oh-so-good in the mornings or a sink that allows you to quickly and efficiently wash your hands and face so you can wake up and get started for the day. Another notion to put at the top of your list is water efficiency. In fact, high efficiency is now the standard for bathroom showers, sinks and toilets. In the United States, products with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label are

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high-performing, water-efficient and tested by a third, independent party to be certified. It’s a misconception that high-efficiency products don’t perform well. Technology is so improved that you can get the same invigorating stream of water in your morning shower while using less water. Another mistaken belief is that high-efficiency products are very expensive. Most green products don’t cost any more than regular showers, sinks or toilets. Toilets are the biggest source of water usage in your home, representing almost a third of your family’s total indoor water consumption. And high-efficiency toilets, like TOTO’s high-efficiency Double Cyclone toilets, only use 1.28 gallons of water per flush, which could save a family of four more than $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet. These EPA WaterSense-labeled toilets make water work harder by marrying flawless performance to exceptional bowl cleansing action to create a green, clean

flushing system that saves you money, water, and time cleaning the toilet, always a thankless task. Of course, as you redesign your bath, you get to choose the style and look. Your taste might be a large, claw-foot tub that allows you to immerse yourself in a froth of bath bubbles, or you might go for a more modern design with glass shower walls and bold tile colors. Either way, make sure you upgrade your faucet and showerhead. TOTO’s Guinevere high-efficiency faucets and showerheads offer stylish, high performance that can cut water usage by more than 32 percent compared to standard models. Conserving water in your newly redesigned bathroom allows you to be green, save money, save time, and be conscientious about the environment — without losing the advantage of that great performance you have come to expect. So enjoy the comfort and luxury of your bath space, and reap the money-saving rewards at the same time. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Seniors:

etirement is a great time to enjoy life — especially in your own home. But if you, or your parents, are starting to slow down, suffering from occasional imbalance or are having difficulty living safely in your home, it could limit your independence and potentially cause you harm. Falling is the leading cause of injury and death among people 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And if you look around your home, or your lovedone’s home, you probably can find many tripping hazards, increasing the

How to Live Independently and Safely

risk of a fall. Here are some tips you can follow to help yourself or your loved one continue to live independently in their own home and age in place safely: I Incorporate walk-in showers in your bathrooms, so you don’t have to climb over the edge of a tub. Premier Care in Bathing Inspire Walk-in Shower or Refresh Walkin Shower have Delta brand shower heads, shower chairs in case you need to sit down, secure hand rails and leak-free construction. Alternatively, Premier also has a broad range of walk-in baths, which are

versatile enough for any member of the family to use, but provide the safety equipment needed to help keep older members protected from falls. Visit pre mier-bathrooms.com or call (800) 925-0865 and ask for more information about walk-in baths or showers. I Install telephones in every room, and have a cell phone always charged and accessible. Communication is important, and having a phone easily accessible can determine how swiftly help arrives in an emergency like a fall. I Switch under-counter

shelves into pull-out drawers, so you or your loved one don’t have to get down on your hands and knees to find something at the rear of the cabinet. This not only helps prevent falls, but also prevents strains on the body from bending over. I Install as much extra lighting as you can around the house. This includes nightlights and extra light switches at all door entrances so nobody ends up stumbling around in the dark. I Create safe walking passages. If loose rugs are lying around, consider re-

moving them. Check to see if any of the flooring in your house is slippery. You might want to consider installing carpet — not only to get rid of the slippery floor, but also to keep feet warmer as well. Also, review the layout of each room. Keep entrances clear of lamps or furniture so someone doesn’t accidently become bruised

Designing with the best wood

Aging in place isn’t overly difficult, and you can keep yourself or your loved one safe at home, and living in comfort with some of these tips. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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wood has branched out to become one of the most desirable flooring options. Real estate agents say homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster and often go for higher prices, according to a recent National Wood Flooring Association survey. To fit a wide range of personal preferences and prices, wood flooring comes in a variety of species, sizes, grades and grain patterns. Current popular species include oak, cherry, maple, and South American woods like Brazilian cherry, mahogany and tigerwood, for their appealing high strength and striking appearance. In addition to look, durability also differs from one wood species to the next. Before making a final decision, be sure to do some research or speak to a dealer to find out what woods have the hardness ratings that will best suit your lifestyle

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and look great for years to come. As prominent features throughout a home, doors and floors provide a good starting point for bringing your home to life with wood. Let the architectural style of your home and your overall design objectives guide you in narrowing down wood species and design options. If you are drawn to dark paint colors for walls, consider light to medium colored wood doors and flooring in either the same or complementary colors for a balanced look. For light colored walls, darker wood doors and flooring can provide an elegant contrast, making exteriors and interiors more visually interesting. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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HAWAIIRENOVATION Inspecting fences, gates to ensure safety FROM PAGE 6

Company’s goal is to save customers cash

FROM PAGE 5

Bathtub and wall surround liners

them could be a great way for you to help save our environment. AIBR has done more than 30,000 tubs during the past 20 years. If you were to stack them up one on another, the result would be over 5 and 1/2 miles high, and that’s kept a lot of waste from Oahu’s landfills. AIBR’s goal is to give kamaaina cost-effective alternatives that can save money, including:

Only one day is needed to remodel a bathroom tub or bathroom walls with a new acrylic surface.

Bathtub and wall

surround resurfacing that make worn or stained bathtubs look like new

Using an exclusive, non-porous formula, AIBR technicians can give “new life” to tubs and tile walls. The finished product will not mildew or mold — even in the grout lines.

rust-free and adjustable gate hardware, such as the hinges and latches we offer, are available.” If you have a pool, spa or want to prevent children from opening any gate, the MagnaLatch is specifically designed for these situations. First sold in the U.S. in 1994, MagnaLatch is the No. 1 selling child safety gate latch in the world, having sold more than 1 million latches worldwide. It meets most pool barrier codes and is endorsed by many safety experts. “An important fall home improvement project should be ensuring that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless,” says Paterson. “Common gravity latches are inexpensive and function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.” Paterson notes that rust-free gate hardware by D&D Technologies is now available under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through

Walk through tub conversion

It’s the most cost-efficient way to convert your tub to a shower. Cutaways make life easier for seniors and the disabled, who may have difficulty stepping over the tub to get in.

select Lowe’s stores or on-line at www.lowes.com, and through other hardware retailers. The hinges and latches are simple to install, and most models offer vertical and horizontal adjustment to correct gate misalignment caused by ground movement, children swinging on gates, or other factors. “For the fencing itself, rust can present greater challenges,” Paterson says. “Steel fences and gates, if not protected with an effective sealant such as powder coating, must be periodically repainted with rust-resistant paint to prevent weather-related damage. Be sure to remove existing rust before painting, and use a rustpreventive primer. For wood fences, use paint specifically designed for fencing. “Aluminum, vinyl or wood fenc-

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hardware, can help protect your family and property, increasing security and decreasing liability.” See ddtechglobal.com, e-mail info@ddtechusa.com or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292 for details. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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ing can protect against rust on the fence itself,” Paterson continues, “but the hardware must still be rust-free and adjustable to ensure the gate will be in working order. A quick inspection, and if needed, the minutes spent installing new gate

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It’s Not Over Yet

Tips for getting through the rest of hurricane season

urricane season is well under way, and experts agree that the 35 millionplus Americans living in areas at risk of hurricane damage should keep their guard up — at least until the season ends in November. “History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters,” the National Weather Center says on its website. “By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.” Hurricanes can cause millions of dollars in damage and threaten lives in the Islands as well as in coastal states. Even inland states can feel the effects of a hurricane’s power when people in coastal states, who lose their homes to storms, turn to their neighbors for aid.

Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare your home to weather the rest of hurricane season. Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert, offers some safety tips for anyone living or traveling in hurricaneprone areas. For residents: Stock up on non-perishable

food such as canned condensed milk, vegetables, soup and fruit to have on hand before, during and after a storm. Also, have at least one gallon of water per person, per day. For those living near beaches and streams, block entryways to prevent potential flood waters from getting in. Manfredini recommends using a specialized product like Hydra Barrier Home Sandbags. Durable and easy-to-use, the sandbags are also eco-friendly and re-usable. Place a single layer of sandbags along the

door jams on the inside and outside of doors. This can help prevent minor flooding and help brace the door during strong winds. Place storage items off the ground and on shelves in the garage. Place personal items on top shelves in closets — the highest point in the home if floodwaters rise. Keep important documents like birth certificates and insurance policies safe in plastic, ziptop bags to keep them dry and place them in a secure location where you can easily reach them if you have to evacuate quickly. When the storm arrives, don’t open windows or go outside. Use a battery-operated radio for storm updates and safety advisories. Solar-powered options, like the Eton American Red Cross Dynamo Solar Crank Emergency Radio, work when the power is out.

The radio even has a USB port that you can use to plug in and charge a cell phone. Make a family evacuation plan. Research evacuation routes and shelters, and be sure everyone knows how to reach safety if you are separated when a storm hits. Since most evacuation shelters can’t allow pets, make sure to create a secure location within your home where your pets can ride out the storm safely.

For travelers: If you’re traveling in a hurricane-prone area during the storm season, check with

your hotel to see if they inform guests when a hurricane is expected. Ask what their refund policy is. You may also consider traveler’s insurance to ease your mind. When you check into your hotel, ask about the hotel’s hurricane safety plan. How will hotel staff alert guests if a hurricane is coming? Where in the hotel should guests gather to be safe?

For more weather safety tips and advice, visit www.acehardware.com or stop by your neighborhood Ace Hardware Store.

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Back-to-basics

Home Improvements

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Can Help

hile small things help, it’s the big steps consumers take to improve their home’s energy efficiency that truly make a difference, according to researchers at Scientific American magazine. Of the 505 Americans recently surveyed by the Earth Institute and Center for Research on Environmental Decisions, more than 40 percent said the most effective way to save energy was to turn off lights or drive less. Less than 10 percent identified what researchers say are more effective measures — improving your home’s overall efficiency, like buying energy-saving appliances or replacing old windows with more energy-efficient ones. “Now is an ideal time to replace drafty windows or doors,” says Annette Bravard, vice president of retail replacement at Pella Corp. “Installing energy-efficient windows and doors can help lower your utility bills and increase your energy efficiency for years to come, and help you qualify for 2010 U.S. energy tax credits. If you’ve been putting off window or door replacement, now’s the

all your windows at once or start with just one door, these steps will help get your replacement project under way.

1. Financing — Contact your lender or the window company you’re buying from to discuss possible financing options. Not ready for a big remodeling project right now? Consider a multi-year approach that fits your needs. 2. Schedule appointment — Schedule an in-home consultation with a window company expert to discuss your energyefficiency, installation and timing goals. 3. Window/door selection — Your window expert will help you choose energy-efficient windows and doors based on your home’s style, your climate and your budget. They can also arrange for installation. time to do it.” To meet requirements for up to $1,500 in U.S. energy tax credits, qualifying windows and doors must be installed by Dec. 31, 2010. Simplify your replacement Sometimes the most daunting

aspect of a home improvement project is figuring out how to pay for it. Once homeowners take the first step toward securing financing options, they’re surprised how quickly and easily windows and doors can be replaced, Bravard says. Whether you want to replace

Replacement projects don’t need to be messy, time-consuming or complicated. In fact, it’s possible to install new windows without replacing wallpaper or repainting your walls, Bravard says. Pella Precision Fit replace-

ment windows provide a simplified solution for home renovation. These easy-to-install replacement windows slide into existing window openings helping retain surrounding interior trim, wallpaper, paint or plaster. The windows are designed for applications where the exterior frame remains in good condition, but an upgraded sash unit can increase energy efficiency and eye appeal. Choose from awning, transom and casement windows — whichever meet your needs and the style of your home. Concerned about costs? Consider vinyl windows and doors that offer low maintenance, durability, distinctive design and energy efficiency. “With so many energy-efficient options, stylish new replacement windows and doors can help keep your home cooler in the summer while creating a better view,” Bravard says. If you’re ready to take on this energy-saving project, visit pella.com for a downloadable step-by-step guide to window and door replacement. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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