HAWAII
OCTOBER 31, 2010
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
fTfO o % O T 5
2In-Stock 695-EXPO
Serving Hawaii Since 1981
How Many Gallons Does your Toilet use?
Change to the ECO MAX Toilet 1.28 GPF & Save Water Today!
808-695-3976 SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8-4, SATURDAY 9-4 www.hawaiihomeexpo.com TOLL FREE 800-895-7070
HAWAIIRENOVATION hat happens when a certified public accountant decides to shift gears and go into the wood flooring business? Well, just ask Shirley Pai Hilton of Pacific Imports International and she will tell you firsthand. “Everything we sell is ‘audited’ for top quality, held to very high standards, and has to make good financial sense.” she says. “And the other side of me says that it’s just got to be beautiful!” Pacific Imports is a kamaaina family-owned business and is Hawaii’s premier wood flooring company. Those in the market for wood, laminate, vinyl, tile and natural stone can view many dif-
W
ferent floor coverings all in one place at the company’s showroom. The staff also is very friendly and well-trained to provide important product and installation information. Pacific Imports proudly features its very own brands of flooring — the well-known Kahala Floors line of engineered woods, and Bayside Solids and Laminates. “I personally developed the Kahala Floors product line because I saw a need in Hawaii for a highquality brand of engineered wood flooring that is made especially for our unique climate, lifestyle, and decorating style,” says Hilton. She personally visits the factory
Wood
Flooring:
A Great
on a regular basis and has employees overseas who are present during production to enforce quality control, including ASTM standards. According to Hilton, with a solid or the “right” engineered wood such as the Kahala Floors line, you will be getting a floor that adds real permanent value to your home because it is a lifetime product that can be refinished, lasting 80-100 years. “We have many imitators, but look for the Kahala Floors brand name to know you are getting the best for your investment dollars, along with a 25-year warranty,” says Hilton. And she is passionate about educating consumers via her Wood and Stone Flooring seminars, held approximately every other month, and feedback has been nothing but positive. The next session is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 926 Kohou St. in Kalihi. Call 847-7711 to reserve a seat.
Financial Decision THINKING SOLAR?
Window Coverings | Draperies | Vertical Blinds Roman Shades | Roller Shades | Wood Blinds
Come talk story with us!
ABC Design Center will match any quote and extra discounts up to 10% Call ABC Design Center for a Free Estimate!
Call 808-440-5098
11/0ua6
• Tubs, Showers, Counters, Vanities, any type of Wall Surrounds • Rust, Fiberglass, Tile Crack Repair and Refinishing • The thickest tub liners available on the market • Specialist in Cost Effective Alternatives for property managers, realtors, hotels, homeowners & senior citizens • Walk through tub cut for Seniors or disabled • Complete remodeling consultation
Before
Kail
for address and time. TRUSTED SINCE 1946
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE #C-24422
www.AmericanElectricHomes.com
2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 31, 2010
After
All Island Bath
Call for a Free Estimate
Over 20 Years Experience Locally owned & operated.
GUY KAKUGAWA
358-7780 • www.allislandbath.com
This holiday season, receive a $50 mail-in rebate with your purchase of select Hunter Douglas window fashions with patented PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized systems. Precisely adjust your shades by remote control and set the mood for any occasion. Ask for details. Homeowners Design Center 1030 Kohou St Ste 201 Honolulu HI M - F 8:00-4:30 • Sat - 9:00-2:00 847-0216 www.homeownersdesign.com *Rebate offer valid for purchases made 9/25/10 – 12/15/10. Limitations and restrictions apply. Ask for details. ©2010 Hunter Douglas.® and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas. 16806
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Time running out
BIA-Hawaii Remodelers
on energy-efficient
tax credits
BY KAREN NAKAMURA
he deadline is looming for homeowners looking to save money — and enjoy a significant tax credit — by making energy-efficient improvements to their home. The stimulus legislation that President Obama signed soon after taking office providing energy-efficiency credits for up to 30 percent or $1,500 of the cost of certain energy upgrades expires at the end of this year. According to Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
T
Department of Energy, a typical household spends about $2,000 a year on energy bills. By incorporating Energy Star appliances and other energy-efficient components into your home, you can save about a third on your energy bill. The expanded tax credit money available to homeowners
on top of these savings is icing on the cake! “Time is running out for homeowners to take advantage of these tax benefits. It’s a good idea to act now, to make changes in their homes that will not only benefit them immediately, but over the long term as well,” said Eric Borsting, a California homebuilder and chair of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) green building subcommittee. Whatt iss included?
Tax credits are available at 30 percent of the cost of the materials, up to $1,500, until Dec. 31 (for existing homes only) for: • High-efficiency windows and doors • Insulation • Roofs (metal and asphalt) • HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) • Water heaters (nonsolar) • Biomass stoves Tax credits are also available at 30 percent of the cost of the materials, with no upper limit through 2016
HAWAIIRENOVATION (for existing homes and new construction) for: • Geothermal heat pumps • Solar panels • Solar water heaters • Small wind energy systems • Fuel cells Details on qualifying improvements are available at www.nahb.org/efficien cytaxcredit. How w to o claim m the e credits Homeowners can claim the 25C and 25D credits on IRS Form 5695 when they prepare their income tax returns. Be sure to retain records that include: • Name and address of the manufacturer • Identification of the component including make and model • Climate zones for which the criteria are
satisfied • Additional information for storm windows, if applicable • Manufacturer’s certification — a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit To find a builder or remodeler in your area to help make your home more energy efficient, contact BIA-Hawaii at www.biahawaii.org. You can also find Certified Green Professionals, trained in green building science and energy-efficiency improvements, by using the search feature at www.nahb.org/ designa tionsdirectory.
Karen Nakamura executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.
Buy now! $ BAMBOO GATE FENCE
Privacy with Curb Appeal
1500
Tax Creditn. o Ending So
Are you looking to replace, upgrade or add a new fence or gate to your home? Servco Raynor Overhead Doors can help. Our fence designs are aesthetically appealing, easy to install, environmentally sustainable and are more durable and stronger than traditional wood fences. Plus our gates and fences are equipped with heavy-duty commercial-grade hardware, offering the perfect combination of beauty and reliability.
GATE DOOR
2841 Pukoloa Street in Mapunapuna
676-DOOR
Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat: 10am-3pm
ServcoRaynor.com
Visit our new showroom:
OVERHEAD DOORS
(676-3667)
OCT. 31, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3
HAWAIIRENOVATION
Home
Ventilation
101 Mother
and
Nature ocally owned and operated RMA Sales manufactures and distributes Tradewind louver windows throughout Hawaii. Unlike sliders, casement and awning windows, louver jalousies say “e komo mai” to the
L
tradewinds and provide maximum ventilation. RMA’s mission is to help Mother Nature enhance the flow of the cool tradewinds through homes and reduce the need for air conditioning. This is a winwin for the environment,
4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 31, 2010
the homeowner and the state by becoming less dependent on energy derived from fossil fuels. RMA Sales continues its quest to find top quality, energysaving products suitable for Hawaii’s homes. One recent addition to its product line is Solaro Energy products from California. This progressive, solar-savvy company produces state of the art solar products that are made in the USA. Solaro’s expanding product portfolio currently consists of the Solaro Day daylight simulator and the Solaro Aire attic fan. The Solaro Aire attic fan is a quality-made, high performance solarpowered rooftop fan designed to suck the trapped hot air out of the attic or crawl space. Hot, stagnant air can surpass 160 degrees and radiates downward through the ceiling making the living area below uncomfortable and unbearable. You can reduce and
minimize trapped heat by as much as 40 percent by continuously ventilating
coated. The Solaro Day daylight simulator is the “skylight
your attic or crawl space. This unit moves 300 to 900 cubic square feet of hot air every 60 seconds. The whisper-quiet Germanmade motor is powered by an embedded light-sensitive solar panel. All of these components are housed in a high quality, aircraft-grade aluminum frame that is powder
that’s not”. Homeowners now have the benefit of natural light illuminating the home interior without having to cut a large hole in the roof and worry about leaks. All it takes is a 1/4inch hole to feed the cable. The Solaro Day is designed and engineered to provide natural light virtually anywhere within the home
East Oahu Home Remodeling A Home Maintenance Service from fixing your screen to remodeling your kitchen.
(e.g., bathroom, kitchen, walk-in closet, garage etc.). The basic kit includes a light-sensitive solar panel, semi-conductor light fixture with a light diffuser and a 1/4-inch connecting cable. As the sun rises, the light brightens. And as the sun sets, the light dims. The added benefits of the Solaro Day include the ability to grow plants indoors, acquire vitamin D without the effects of harmful ultra-violet rays, and avoid heat transfer that would be realized from a skylight. All of the Solaro products are made in the USA. They currently qualify for the 35 percent state, 30 percent federal tax credits. Cool and illuminate your home by teaming Mother Nature with Tradewind Louver windows and Solaro Energy products. For more information on any of these programs, call RMA Sales at 486-8894.
ISLAND HOME
DESIGNS,LLC Let us design & build your new home
“I’m MICHAEL MITCHELL Your East Oahu Neighbor and General Repair Specialist Who Can Do Home Repairs and Renovations at Affordable Prices.”
A Craftsman With Extensive Experience In: • Repairs • Remodeling • Painting • Decks • Kitchen/Bath Remodeling • Tile/Flooring • Roofing/Masonry • Installations
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
396-1969 391-9746 From $1 to $1,000
• Custom Home Designs • Quality Workmanship • Upgraded Materials • Friendly Turnkey Service • Affordable Prices • Licensed (BC-23733), Bonded & Insured
FREE Site Visit, Consultation & Estimate
383-4663
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
HAWAIIRENOVATION
Life through Safer bathroom redesign
Making
edesigning your bathroom could be the most effective way to reduce the risk of a serious accident in your home. There are about 25,000 accidents in the bathroom each year in the United States — many of which occur while residents try stepping into the tub. To solve this problem in the traditional way, a contractor would take out the tub and change it into a shower pan, allowing for easy access that would cost thousands and normally take about one week to
R
accomplish. You need to plan for the downtime, mess and hassles associated with this type of job such as demolition of the walls and removal of the tub. If you have only one bathroom, this could be a nightmare. At All Island Bath, we have a solution that is a fraction of the cost, takes only three to four hours, can be used in a few hours after installation and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s called a Cut Out. Our trained technicians cut out a section of your tub 25-inches wide by 8inches deep, leaving an easy-ac-
Tue., Nov. 2 • 6:30 pm Pearl Country Club Wed., Nov 3 • 6:30 pm Ward Warehouse Conference Rooms • • • •
What do I need to start building? Where di I start planning? Why do I need a budget? How much does it cost to build?
cess opening that greatly reduces the risk of an accident. Thanks to our 20 years of experience using state-of-the-art restoration technology, All Island Bath has many creative methods that save Realtors, hotels, property managers, and homeowners time and money. Over the years, we have restored or lined over 30,000 tubs — which equates to 7.5 miles in height if you stacked the tubs atop each other. Here are some of the methods we use to restore your bathroom: • Bathtub and wall surround resurfacing. Resurface your worn or stained bathtub or wall surround, giving it a new look. • Illusionite Simulated Stone. Transform your counter tops
Call us at 358-7780 or e-mail us at Allislandbath@gmail.com for more information. You may also visit the website Allis landbath.com, or try seekitlo cal.com, a KHON-2 website.
from laminate or tile to a granite- or corian-like look. •Bathtub and Wall surround Acrylic liners. Fits a new tub over your old stained or rusted tub or wall surround in one day.
A Professional Design Build Full Service Contractor Specializing in Quality Design Build New Homes, Additions, Renovations & Remodeling
Four Generations of Building Experience You can Trust and Rely on
CONSTRUCTION,INC.
For a FREE design consultation & estimate
Call 808-951-9500 Bonded & Insured - LIC# BC 27277
www.atlasconstruction808.com OCT. 31, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5
HAWAIIRENOVATION he word is out and people are flocking to purchase photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce or eliminate their electrical bills. There are a virtually unlimited amount of products available today for residential applications, and many companies are touting the amount of electricity that their panels produce. Of course, this is only part of the equation. Once the panels produce electri-
T
cal power, that power needs to be converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and delivered into your electrical panel. Choosing the right combination of products to produce the most energy can be challenging, but there is one combination that is clearly the best one available now. We call it the “perfect match.” Sanyo panels and Enphase micro inverters are designed for each other
Watts vs.
and together they truly perform better than any other product that is currently available. We have known for a while now that this combination delivered the most power to a typical household, and we have been able to compare systems through remote monitoring. Still, we have never had our system mounted on the same roof, with the same exact conditions, until recently. A customer called to re-
KiloWatt
hours
Getting the most power output from your rooftop
quest that we add more PV panels to her roof. She had purchased a system from another vendor approximately a year ago. The company provided her with 10 solar panels and micro inverters. She was told that this was the highest DC-watt panel she could purchase with a micro inverter. As a result, she has averaged a little less than 1 kilowatt hour — per panel, per day. This combination produces on average 250 kwh a month, or a reduction of $62.50 from her electric bill. This left her with an average monthly electric bill of $110. We suggested that she add eight of our Sanyo panels with the SEE PAGE 10
• New & Remodel • Additions & Repairs • Concrete & Paint Work
FREE ESTIMATES
Ph: (808) 636-1888
SERVING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS
Call
630-6741 or 285-3663 for a Free Consultation
New Construction I Remodels I Maintenance I Trouble Calls
FAX: (808) 537-5836 e-mail: huaxia.hawaii@gmail.com www.huaxiaconstructor.com
Quality, Friendly & Reasonable
Lic#BC-29228
LIMESCALE in SHOWERS, DISHES, PIPES? HYDROCARE Solves All of This and More! HydroCare breaks down and prevents limescale damage to plumbing/ appliances. • No Salts • No Magnets • Maintenance Free • Easily Clips To Main Water Pipe
CALL 808 395-2996 www.tekonhawaii.com
SAVES
$1200
in ENERGY & APPLICANCE WEAR!
• No Interest • No Payments up to 18 Months! Cabinets, Granite, Flooring, Stainless Sinks, Custom Cabinetry, Installation
2815 Kaihikapu Street • Honolulu, HI 96819
Call for a Free Estimate 808-377-6686 825 Halekauwila St., Honolulu
www.energyprohawaii.com 6 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 31, 2010
Lic# C-30215
Ph: 808.833.8338 Fax: 808.833.8339 Email: sales@ohanabuildingsupply.com www.ohanabuildingsupply.com
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
D
HAWAIIRENOVATION estoration, sometimes called refinishing or reglazing, has been around more than 30 years, and it’s even used by Hawaii’s hotel industry. Homeowners can now have their damaged bathroom and kitchen surfaces repaired and restored, thanks to the professionals at Advantage Restoration, which makes old, hard-to-clean bathtubs look new again. Even damaged and off-colored shower stalls, sur-
R
rounds (rub/shower walls), vanities and kitchen countertops can be repaired and recoated to give new life to old surface. Whatt can n be e restored? Bathtubs, showers, surrounds (tub/shower walls), countertops, vanities, pedestal and wall hung sinks can be restored. Kitchen and utility sinks can be restored but aren’t practical, since they take a lot of abuse (impact and chemicals). Vanity sinks can be restored but, in most cases, replacement is a
more practical option. Whatt can n be e repaired? Repairs can range from filling in chips, screw holes and missing grout to patching rust holes, cracked fiberglass bottoms, damaged cultured marble and laminated surfaces. They also include replacing missing, cracked and loose ceramic tiles as well as water-damaged backer boards. However, Advantage Restoration does not do spot repairs . SEE PAGE 10
New
Life for
bathroom
surfaces
SAVE $ BY REFACING Instead of buying new cabinets or we can build you new ones… • Replace Doors, Drawers, Formica & Wood • Countertops, Hi-Macs, Corian & Granite
SQ. FT.
KAIMUKI 1st & Waialae • 735-3005 KANEOHE 45-620 Kamehameha Hwy. (Behind 7-11) • 262-0900 SAND ISLAND 330 Sand Island Access Rd. • 841-6183
Family Owned 1 C-21 Lic#12015 • C-7 C-5
EXPERT INSTALLATION FREE ESTIMATES HUGE LOCAL STOCK
LET’S TALK FLOORING
Guaranteed to beat anybody’s price by 10% w/same products and specs. Compare our prices. Call for a FREE estimate www.essentialcabinetrefacing.com Locally owned for 21 years!
Showroom Hours: M - Sat. 8-4:30 212 Mohonua Pl., C-3
847-7835
ESSENTIAL CABINET REFACING INC. License #C24208
with Shirley Pai Hilton, Pres. & CEO, PII
HAWAII’S
HARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORING LEADER! Large Local Inventory of Factory-Direct Hardwood and Laminate Flooring ! Thick 4mm wear layer with 9-ply reclaimed Baltic Birch construction ! No Toxic Chemicals or Glues (E1) ! Custom Matched Moldings ! 20 ELEGANT species
What is engineered flooring? What is a laminate? Why do you have those grooves between the boards? These questions and about a hundred more are answered at our WOOD AND STONE FLOORING SEMINAR. Please join us for our next session to be held on Saturday, November 13 at 10:00 am. There will gifts, refreshments and also private sale pricing for attendees only. Please RSVP at 847-7711 or email info@piiwood.com.
HOLIDAY DRESS-UP SALE!!! Get that Holiday Magic! All Floors on Sale— Engineered, Solid, Laminates Sale Ends Sat. 11/06/10
Visit our Beautiful 3000 sf Showroom ! 926 KOHOU STREET ! HONOLULU ! 847-7711
• “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
Courtesy of Archipelago Hawaii
License No. BC28003
Christopher Koike, Owner/Manager CELL: 808-306-2653 FAX: 808-841-6512 email:chriskoike@hawaii.rr.com
OCT. 31, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7
HAWAIIRENOVATION awaii homeowners have been listening to news of improving real estate sales and values, and economic growth fueled by the tourism industry recording significant gains. However, for those thinking of upgrades, remodels and repairs, there are also signs of impending return to pre-recession materials and labor costs for building and remodeling services, materials and components. “If you wait much longer, you will simply pay more,” says Gerald Peters of HPS Construction Services Ltd. “These are not scare or sales tactics. This is what’s happening.” Now past the second year of the incredible recession, the Hawaii building and remodeling industry has basically been treading water and setting prices at the breakeven point in order to forestall layoffs. Lumber and most other prices fell to mid- to early2000 levels, and those homeowners with a sense of optimism that “what goes down, will go up,” have captured a windfall of
H
It’s Time to
Remodel bargain-buys from A to Z. “Many of the Hawaii remodeling leaders are starting to report some decent backlogs, which bodes well for one of Hawaii’s other most important economic engine drivers — the construction and remodeling industry,” Peters adds. “But that isn’t good news for Hawaii’s bargain hunters, who for the past two years, have been able throughout the recession to play one contractor against another, oftentimes forgetting quality in the name of price.” However, as excess lumber, kitchen and bath components, and plumbing and electrical and other raw-finished component inventories continue to shrink, Peters predicts Hawaii will see not only 2007-2008 pricing levels return, but even higher prices as supplier and services compa-
nies work to recover healthy balance sheets. HPS Construction Services has been emphasizing low-cost, high-value kitchen and bath upgrades and remodels. It’s the socalled “plug in kitchen and bath revolution,” in which home and condo owners can save 40 percent and more over traditional approaches, by keeping the fundamental utilities where they are, and not moving drain and water supply, not to mention electrical service. “We will continue this affordable, needed kamaaina option despite the coming end of the recession, but people should not delay calling because they think prices will go lower anymore,” Peters says. “We will also pretend the recession is not coming to an end and keep offering
HPS Home Improvement Services Hawaii’s Leader in Home Improvement Cost/Benefit/Value, Licensed Handyman Services, and Hurricane Protection
lowcost, dependable-quality licensed handyman services with fixed bids and no ‘us versus them hourly charges.” “And, of course, hurricane season starts in fewer than 30 days and HPS is continuing to offer recession-special 65 percent discount off 2007 list prices for double- and single-wall houses. This is not hocus-
pocus, jack-up-and-cut pricing, especially since most all hurricane insurers in Hawaii will offer yearly discounts of up to $600 a year when they get the HPS hurricane insurance Retrofit Certification Letter, which pays back some of these deals priced barely over $1,000,” Peters says. “Just the peace of mind alone is worth this
investment, not to mention that if you look at the fine print in your hurricane insurance policy rider, your deductible is 20 times that of the normal property insurance, up to $8,000$10,000 deductible for median-level Hawaii houses before you get one dime from your insurer.”
OAH ISLAND U NOW SEWIDE! RVING MAUI
FEATURING AFFORDABLE TOP QUALITY KITCHEN/BATH REMODELS/UPGRADES AND TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSIONS Any Size Job ALSO
• 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
FREE ESTIMATES
Insurance Discounts Up to $600/year hpsconstructionservices.com hurricaneprotect.com
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. 8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 31, 2010
CALL 847-4400 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
HAWAIIRENOVATION he no-no’s about using hardwood near a water source are vanishing. And while allowing water to rest on a wooden surface for extended periods will always be a no-no, the American Hardwood Information Center finds that more design professionals are saying yes to client requests for the warmth, charm and richness of natural wood no matter where it’s used — in the bath, the kitchen and even the basement. “I recently designed a bathroom that was all hardwood,” reports Douglas Wright of Miller & Wright Architects in New York City. “The only place we used stone was in the shower. Everything else was maple — floor, walls, ceiling.” What about the inevitable splashing that baths are prone to? But remember — it’s important
to always dry splashes immediately. With normal use and proper cleaning, these surfaces should last indefinitely. Wright adds that for greater dampness protection, “We applied several coats of matte polyurethane. If
T
water splatters out of the sink or shower, it doesn’t stain anything and with that low-luster finish, the wood looks completely natural.” For a New Hampshire kitchen, Wright designed a
Hardwoods in
NEW SOLARO DAY™
The Skylight that’s Not™ Solar Powered Daylight Simulator
unlikely
places maple backsplash and counter. Wood as a kitchen work surface “seemed kind of crazy at the time,” he says, “but it turned out beautifully.” His only caveat: Use a cutting board to avoid possible scratches or scars. To extend the durability of any work surface, a protective sealer is always wise. “Applying three coats of polyurethane to hardwood allows the rich, warm color to come through,
Save Energy & MAXIMIZE VENTILATION with Jalousie Louver Windows
Model: SD 18-C45-30w Kit............$739 Includes... • 1 - 1800 lumens light fixture (equal to two 75 watt incandescent bulbs) • 1 - 30 watt Solar panel • 25’ of 18 gauge wire - Provides full light spectrum equal to daylight that enables plant growth for 30% - Light with minimal heat Qualifies 35 Federal & % State and no UV rays Tax Credits! *Made in USA
and you don’t have to worry about the surface,” Wright says. “It resists water and cleans easily — just wipe up the splashes and spills.” Other pros agree. Indianapolis kitchen and interior designer Janice Pattee had no qualms about specifying a walnut countertop for the peninsula in a kitchen makeover. “The cabinets were whitepainted maple. For contrast, the client chose grained wood.” She particularly loved the double-ogee edge that made the peninsula look like fine furniture. Though it’s mainly a breakfast bar, it often serves as auxiliary work space. In another kitchen remodel, Mark T. White of Kitchen Encounters in Annapolis used another elegant hardwood to create the circular extension to a stone countertop and the top of a rectangular island. “The clients chose cherry because of its color and grain,” he says. “The surfaces were lightly stained for color uniformity, then a top coat and sealer were applied — four coats in all. Of course we urged using cutting boards and trivets, to
For Solaro Day Only
Cracked Fiberglass Bottoms, Tubs & Walls, Showers, Vanities & Counters BEFORE
No Extra Cost For Non-Slip Bottoms. We Can Remove And Replace Your Old Shower Fixtures. Realtors, ers, anag Property M Multiple Senior & unts Disco
Corroded windows need replacement? Solution...Easy Fit/RetroFit Aluminum or Vinyl Windows
prevent possible damage from sharp knives or hot pots.” The flooring, which flows into a formal dining room and a casual family room, is oak with a light- to medium-brown stain. “In an open kitchen like this,” says White, “if we’d switched to tile or some other surface, the floor would’ve become an awkward interruption. And people prefer hardwood to tile or other kitchen flooring materials. It’s generally more comfortable on the legs and feet, and more forgiving if you drop something.” New York City interior designer John A. Buscarello is particularly proud of the woodenhanced basement he completed in a Long Island home. Dampness was a potential problem because the space was mostly below grade. “The white oak floor is over a plywood subfloor that was built above a liquid vapor barrier applied to the concrete,” Buscarello says. “Several coats of polyurethane were applied to the oak, so the surface is protected and can be cleaned with a damp or dry mop.” For other great hardwood decorating tips, visit the American Hardwood Information Center at www.Hardwood Info.com.
AFTER
ADVANTAGE RESTORATION, LLC 947-7401
11 YEARS EXPERIENCE 5 YEAR WARRANTY STEVEN ARAKAKI, Owner For more info: www.tubgyz.com
ACCREDITED BUSINESS
- Fits into existing window opening - No need to tear out the window frame - Awning, sliders, single hung, jalouise louver formats
For participating window dealers call: 486-8894
www.rmasalesco.com 99-134 Waiua Way • Aiea, HI 96701
Locally owned & operated since 1961 C# 17021
OCT. 31, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9
HAWAIIRENOVATION
New
Lifefor
aged fixtures when the cost of replacements isn’t an option. Whatt iss the process? Clean and prepare the surface for adhesion. Repairs are made, if necessary. Protect the surrounding environment. Then an epoxy primer and acrylic urethane topcoat is sprayed. (A non-slip bottom is available at no extra cost.) Jobs take from 4 to 8 hours and the fixture is usable after 24 hours. There is a solvent odor that dissipates overnight.
bathroom
surfaces FROM PAGE 7
Who o can n benefitt from restoration? Hotels, property managers, real estate/rental agents, apartment owners/managers, landlords and new homeowners on a budget can benefit. Hotels and rental agents utilize restoration because it’s quick, less expensive than replacement and is a renewable. Realtors restore bathrooms and kitchens to make their properties more attractive at a fraction of replacement. Homeowners restore their worn and dam-
How w long g doess the finish h last? It depends on how well the fixture is maintained. If cleansers and harsh chemicals (bleach or drain cleaners) are used, it can dull and deteriorate the finish, just as you’d expect if these chemicals were used on a new fixture. While a restored sur-
face is not as strong as a baked-on factory finish, the restored finish is quite durable under normal use. Warranties run from one to five years for owner occupants. Depending on care, 10-plus years of longevity is not realistic. Residential customers sometimes are unrealistic and expect a product that is 100 percent as perfect and durable as the original product at a fraction of replacement. It is not. If one goes in understanding that this is a less-expensive alternative to replacement, they will feel better for the experience. Maintenance Just like a new fixture, the restored product should be cleaned weekly. Use of non-abrasive cleaners and mild scrubber sponges are recommended. Polishing is an option. Why y Advantage Restoration?
Advantage Restoration has been in business for 10 years. It not only restores surfaces, it repairs them. Check before/after photos at www.tubgyz.com. Advantage Restoration is also an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau of Hawaii. Whatt else e doess Advantage e Restoration n do? The professionals at Advantage Restoration can replace old metal fixtures and can install shower doors and grab bars (This service is only available if the fixture is being restored.) Advantage can apply specialty coatings, which mimic granite compositions, and is an authorized installer for Safeway Step which involves “tub cutting” to provide step-through access for elderly/disabled customers who have difficulty traversing tub ledges. For more information, call Advantage Restoration at 947-7401.
Watts
vs.
KiloWatt
FROM PAGE 6
“Perfect Match” Enphase micro inverters. This second system (with two less panels) has been producing an average of 1.3 kilowatts a day, 312 kwh per month, or $78 per month in savings. Our “Perfect Match” of products is delivering more than 32 percent more power per panel than the other products. This translates to $186 a year more, per panel! A typical residential system consists of anywhere between 10 and 30 panels, which means our “Perfect Match” will potentially produce $1,860 to $5,580 more in annual savings over any of the other systems currently available. These other systems may produce more watts per panel on your roof, but they deliver substantially
less kilowatt hours to your electrical system, where it really matters. Give us a call today so that we can show you how our “Perfect Match” system can save you the most money possible. For more information, visit the Energy Pro showroom at 825 Halekauwila St., in Honolulu, or call 3776686.
Fix-it-up In last week’s edition of Hawaii Landscape, a page 4 article incorrectly identified the owners of EnergyPro Hawaii. The correct names of the owners are John Emery and Michael Hallinan. Hawaii Landscape regrets the error.
10th Anniversary Sale
15% OFF All in-stock Crystal
• COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL GRANITE, MARBLE, CERAMIC TILE UP TO
exp. 11/30/10
60% OFF EXCESS INVENTORY
735-3567
WIDE VARIETY OF STONE IN-STOCK • 500 SLABS / 20 COLORS
1186 MIKOLE STREET
845-1886
3057 Waialae Ave. (Across from City Mill)
Saveon $a200
All plywood – No particle board! In stock in Hawaii Personalized service! Buy direct from the source!
Martin Garage Door* *$200 off garage doors over 15’2” wide. $100 off doors under 15’2” wide.
836-0029 FREE ESTIMATE
Graniteck!
Now in Sto
Solid Wood Dovetail Drawers w/Heavy Duty Guides 10 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 31, 2010
48949
BC-11458
91-151 Malakole Rd. •
356-1889
ISO 9001
MARTIN DOOR MFG.
We service all types and brands of garage doors Some restrictions apply. Offer Valid now thru November 20, 2010
www.MartinGarageDoorsHawaii.com www.MartinGarageDoorsHawaii.com
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
HAWAIIRENOVATION
Granicrete
offers more
for less
ranicrete Hawaii specializes in affordable, elegant surfaces. Finishes are highly customized to incorporate designs and colors of choice. Granicrete products are designed to go right over existing surfaces, saving homeowners money and reducing waste. Transfor-
G
mations generally take a few days, with little to no dust and odor. Surfaces have a versatility and durability that make them a great solution for your home, investment property or commercial space. In just a few days, you can transform your existing (laminate, tile, or other solid surface) countertops
to attain the look of granite, marble or any natural stone. Granicrete’s custom, seamless, non-porous, and USDA-certified finish is great for kitchens, bathrooms, bartops or tables. Fabrication of new custom counters also is available. Granicrete flooring solutions are great for
kitchens, living spaces, bathrooms, patios, pool decks, walkways and driveways. Achieve the look of any natural stone or smooth decorative concrete finish. Our flooring products can be installed on most flat and contoured existing floors. Outdoor sealers provide exceptional UV resistance and are designed to perform for
decades. Our products can also be applied on shower surfaces and tub surrounds to transform mostly any surface within a few days. Granicrete shower surfaces are available in unlimited designs, colors and textures. Our sealant provides an antisoap scum and mildew-resistant surface that is easy to clean. Additionally, Granicrete
Hawaii offers training to certify professionals and do-it-yourselfers interested in installing Granicrete products as a business or in their own homes or rental properties. Our next countertop and flooring class is scheduled for Nov. 18-20. Visit www.GranicreteHawaii.co m for more information and registration forms.
Leaky Roof? Emergency Leak Repairs New Roofs - All Types
591-1900
leakmaster.com
Since 1982 A+ Rating
• Custom Homes • Remodel & Additions • Designer Kitchens & Bath • Drafting & Permitting • Full Service Company • All Work Guaranteed FREE In-Home Consultation Quality Work With Integrity
New Home, Multi-Family, Additions & Renovations
We are also licensed and experienced in excavation, grading, cutting slopes, and driveway alterations
234.1129
Hours: Wed-Sun: 11am-5:30pm
46-212 2 Kahuhipaa St.
townandcountrybuildersllc.com BC-11768 • Bonded • Insured
(Directlyy acrosss from m Cityy Mill)) in n Kaneohe
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.islandstylefurnishing.com
For Free Seminars Please call 348-3111
For FREE Estimate & Consultation call 841-1800 HK Construction, Corp For FREE estimate call 841-1800
Over 35 Years of Experience - Your Full Service Building Provider
Lic. #ABC25837
OCT. 31, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11
HAWAIIRENOVATION eel like there’s never enough room in your home to store everything? Chances are you don’t need more square footage, you just need to get organized. “Luckily, getting organized doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive,” says Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of “Today’s Homeowner.” “The key is to find prod-
F
t h r e e rooms that tend to be the culprits of chaos — the kitchen, bathroom and garage. Check out these hot h o m e helpers that will soon make
Hot home helpers ucts that marry innovation and practicality to help make home organization easy.” While overhauling your whole home may seem intimidating, start with the
your spaces more organized and enjoyable, all at an affordable price. IN N THE E KITCHEN Savvy y storage
Use e unused d space Most bathrooms are equipped with accessories to keep towels neat and at your fingertips, so why not use the same organization tools in the kitchen? For less than $25, you can add a towel bar, towel ring or robe hook, such as the Sage or Reed collections at Bed Bath & Beyond, on the side of a cabinet or an island to keep dish towels handy (and off the floor), while adding a stylish look to the kitchen. IN N THE E BATHROOM Showerr and d storage Space and storage are key concerns in bathroom design; luckily, you can create up to 5 1/2 additional inches of elbow room in the shower, while also adding extra hanging space for daily essentials with the new Double Curved Shower Rod from Moen ($59.99). Double Curved Shower Rods, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, also
under $100
When it’s time to put away leftovers, do you struggle to find matching lids and bowls? Or do your plastic storage containers seem to take over your entire storage space? Update your mismatched wares
with Smart Spin Storage Containers. They offer three different storage sizes, and a holder keeps all the storage containers and universal-sized lids organized in less than one square foot ($20).
offer visual appeal with a separate rod for the decorative shower curtain — or provide easily accessible space to hang your towels.
Simple e space e solution No matter how organized your bathroom, it’s always tough to find a place for the many daily necessities that we want at our fingertips. Now, you can easily keep these items within arm’s reach — yet off the vanity — with new Towel Bar Hooks and Shower Rod Hooks from Moen ($10). These ingenious, Sshaped hooks snap right onto your current towel bar or shower rod to offer convenient access for a variety of items, such as clothing, jewelry, towels, travel bags and more.
With a few innovative, practical and affordable products, your home will be more organized in no time. For more information about Moen products, visit www.moen.com or www.bedbathandbeyond.com.
MURAKAMI’S ROOFING Full Service Residential Roofing Contractor SERVING HAWAII FOR TWO GENERATIONS
All Types - Asphalt Shingles • Roll & Metal Roofing • Termite Damage • Dry Rot • Leak Repair ~ RENTALS
FREE ESTIMATES
~
348-8270 FREE SOLAR FAN with complete reroof $1200 value Exp: November 28, 2010
• Licensed • Bonded • Insured Lic. #C24921
Homeowners user friendly Mini Excavators, Dingos & Bobcats available. ACCREDITED BUSINESS
ISLANDWIDE DELIVERY
Sometimes Bigger is Not Better
RENT OR OWN Toro builds innovative, rugged, and dependable machines like the hard-working Dingo and you put them to good use.
South Shore Equipment • 677-0999 For more information or a Dealer nearest you
Tiller Backhoe Auger Compact Trencher Stump Grinder 4 in1 Bucket Compact Loader Hydraulic Breaker Soil Cultivator
12 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 31, 2010
Largest Inventory in the State, Hard-Wood Doors w/Plywood Boxes, Multi Colors to Choose. Reasonable Prices!
CABINET FINISHES VARY BY LOCATION (Airport - across Lagoon Drive) (Downtown - behind Costco gas station) 2959 Koapaka St. • Honolulu, HI 96819 500 Alakawa St. #106 • Honolulu, HI 96817 Ph: 836-8181 • Fax: 836-8166 Ph: 853-2088 • Fax: 853-2058 www.gcgchi.com AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED