hawaii renovation 2 oct 2011

Photovoltaic

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

HAW

AII

OCT. 2, 2011

Complete your conversion to “green” with Hi-Power Solar’s solar waterheater and photovoltaic systems — both of which can save you on your

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The nicest bedroomsexude a warm and inti-mate vibe. And that’s

exactly what clients Beatriceand Philippe sought for theirown boudoir.

The couple, who live in a largehome with their two children,spent three long years renovat-ing their house. But they ran outof steam when they got to theirmaster bedroom. The space wascold and cavernous — and theycouldn’t figure out a way tobring any warmth to the space.

I decided that a restful, mono-chromatic design was the idealsolution for this project. And Iselected an ethereal, neutralcolor palette of cream, beige,gray and vanilla to help me along.

While some people think thatmonochromatic schemes areboring, the truth is that they canhave great impact if executed prop-erly. The secret to creating a stylishand interesting monochromaticdesign is to incorporate a mixture ofpatterns and textures; this will deliv-er the visual and physical comfort.

The bedroom had a vaulted ceil-ing that I wanted to showcase with agreat lighting fixture. So I kickedthings off by visiting one of myfavorite lighting showrooms andselecting a magnificent polished sil-ver-and-crystal chandelier.

I then painted the space in a warm

cream to match the room’sexisting neutral carpet andto give things a cohesivelook. Next, I mapped outfour distinct areas thatwould all flow together: asleeping area, a fireside lounge, a sit-ting room and a vanity area.

I created the sleeping areabeneath the vaulted ceiling andagainst a striking wall of woodgrainpaper. I brought in a king-sized bedwith a gorgeous custom headboard,added luscious vanilla, gray-and-cream linens and pillows, and put in

two elegant wooden bedside tables.I then fashioned a delightful fire-

side lounge on one wall of the bed-room. I wanted to install a gas fire-place, but Philippe wasn’t keen onunsightly gas lines on his new exte-rior stucco walls, so I put in a wall-mounted, ethanol-burning unit that

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 2, 2011 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION

A restful, monochromaticbedroom design

SEE PAGE 16

As 2011 enters its finalquarter, activity inthe solar energy

market is literally heatingup. This includes the tried-and-true solar-poweredwater heaters and thenewer grid-tied photo-voltaic (PV) systems. It’s imperative for con-

sumers to get their systemsinstalled before the end ofthe year to qualify for thegenerous renewable ener-gy credits offered by boththe IRS and state of Hawaiitaxing authorities. The costof these systems is essen-tially subsidized by thegovernment up to 65 per-cent of the purchase price.This not only makes itaffordable, but from aninvestment point of view, a“no-brainer.”Solar water heaters can

save upward of 30 percentto 40 percent of a home’selectrical energy costs,while PV systems havebeen known to eliminatenearly all of the utility billbeyond a minimum con-nection charge of around$18 per month. Contrastthat with typical energyexpenses of $300 to $400

per month or more. Therate per kilowatt hour(kWh) has risen by morethan 30 percent from amere year ago. Various factors must be

considered to determinethe right systems to install.These include the energyconsumption based on thenumber of household resi-dents, lifestyle habits, geo-graphical location of thehome and orientation ofavailable roof areas. Often,a combination of both solarwater heating and PVwould achieve the home-owner’s goals at an eco-nomical outlay. One sizedoes not fit all.This is the philosophy

practiced by Hi-PowerSolar’s partners, RonRomero and Matt Adams.Ron has more than 20years of experience in thesolar business and Matthas 16 continuous yearswith system installations.Hi-Power uses provencomponents in its cus-tomized system designsfrom manufacturers suchas Sanyo, Samsung andSolar World, which areamong the most produc-

tive PV modules availabletoday. The numbers are in and

the decision has beenmade. You want to “GoGreen” and commit tosolar. The next questionsare: “What are the dynam-ics of the energy credits?”and “How can systems befinanced?”Assume that a typical

two-system PV design has

a gross price of $30,000.The federal tax credit is 30percent, or $9,000, and thestate credit of 35 percent is$10,000 as there is a $5,000limit per installed system.The net cost after credits is$11,000. Let us also assumethat the energy output willreduce electrical usage by660 kWh per month.Multiplied by a rate of$0.30 per kWh, the home-

owner can realize a savingof $198 per month, or $2,376annually. This represents a21.6 percent rate of returnand a payback period offour years eight months onthe net cost of the system.Many homeowners

might not have funds read-ily available in cash orcash-equivalents. Theymay need to access fundsthrough a home equity lineof credit (HELOC) fromtheir bank or credit union.Many are available withattractive initial interestrates under 2 percent forthe first 12-18 months, withcurrent variable rates of 4.5percent. Interest paid isgenerally a deductible itemas mortgage interest onSchedule A. Many HELOCsmay permit the conversionof the loan to a fixed-inter-est second mortgage at alater time.Other financing, such as

special “green loans” arestandard second mortgageswith fixed interest ratestypically higher than theinitial HELOC rates. Anarea of difference is thatrepayments to HELOCs re-open the credit limits as theloan balance decreases,whereas this does not hap-pen with standard secondmortgages. The interestcharged also qualifies asdeductible mortgage inter-est expense.Some individuals may

have access to pensionfunds with special loanprovisions. These loans arenot included as currentincome: 401(k) plans,403(b) tax-sheltered annu-ity (TSA) plans available topublic school systememployees (Hawaii’s DOEand University of Hawaiisystem), and 501(c)(3)plans for hospitals, non-profits, charitable and sci-entific organizations. Loanswill be limited to the lesserof $50,000 or 50 percent ofthe account value. In addi-tion, there is a loan term offive years with required re-payment on at least a quar-terly basis. Should therequired repaymentbecome delinquent, thosesums in default transforminto reportable income forthe applicable tax year.Depending on the age ofthe employee, additionalIRS penalties may alsoapply. The interest paid onthese loans is generally notdeductible as mortgageinterest.Joining the solar revolu-

tion is likely to provide afinancial bonanza for theconsumer. It pays to be alittle cautious in choosingthe most appropriate sys-tem design and to explorethe financial options avail-able. Let Hi-Power Solarhelp you Go Green! Foradditional information, call342-0802.

{GOING GREEN}with the right solar company

HI-POWER SOLARCONTACT: 342-0802

HAWAIIRENOVATION

OCT. 2, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

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Doctors have madeall of us aware ofwhat happens

when cholesterol clogsour arteries. We can expe-rience severe pain asblood struggles to flowthrough our blood vessels. The same thing can hap-

pen to the plumbing inyour household or busi-ness, especially here inHawaii. Crystallized scaleaccelerates corrosion (likecholesterol), clogging thepipes and slowing downthe water, sometimes to atrickle. Nothing that useswater is working properly(just like what happens to

your body). Shower doorsget spotted with whitedeposits; the dishwasherisn’t doing its job; pool fil-ters stop filtering effec-tively; hot water heatersand solar panels no longerperform to standards; andthe water pressure in allthe sinks and baths isalmost nonexistent. Inindustry, this scale can

paralyze the workings ofan entire factory.State-of-the-art technol-

ogy has made it possiblefor cardiologists to stoppain and get blood flowingagain to our hearts.Medical science has come

a long way in saving peo-ple’s lives. Scientists alsohave been working withhigh technology to clearplumbing pipes of thelime-scale buildup.Recently, Harald vonSydow, director of Nano

Tek-On in Honolulu,explained that today’stechnology can unclog thepipes (arteries) in a 40-year-old Kailua home.HydroFlow system, he

said, emits random andvarying electric fields in

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WED, OCT. 19PEARL COUNTRY CLUB6PM-8PM • FREE PARKING

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The Building IndustryAssociation of Hawaii(BIA-Hawaii) will

present the 55th annual BIAParade of Homes during theopen house weekends thismonth. The 2011 theme,“Sustainable Lifestyle …Sustainable Homes” willshowcase new homesstatewide and educate con-sumers on the latest trends,technology and design inno-vations in residential con-struction. The free open house

events are scheduled forOct. 8-9 and 15-16 from 10a.m. to 5 p.m.Developers and their

projects that you canexplore in the Octoberopen house weekendsinclude Castle & CookeHomes Hawaii Inc. for“Kealakai at Kapolei Unit#2”; D.R. Horton-SchulerHomes LLC for “La Hiki

at Mehana Plan #3”,“Makalae at Sea CountryPawa” and “Pulewa atMehana Plan B”; GentryHomes Ltd. for “Haiku atHaleakea by Gentry”,“Trades by GentryAheahe” and “Trades byGentry ‘Olu’olu”; HaleKa Lae LLC for “Hale KaLae”; Kisco Senior Livingfor “Ilima at Leihano”; St.Francis DevelopmentCorp. for “FranciscanVistas Ewa”; and TowneDevelopment of Hawaii

Inc. for “Milo CourtHaku Plan at Kehalani”in Wailuku on Maui. When you visit the 2011

new model homes, enter towin a $15,000 nine-panel2.25-kilowatt photovoltaicsystem from BonterraSolar Services and visitwww.biahawaii.org for thelocations and drivingdirections to all 11 modelhomes. You also can getinformation on theBonterra Solar Servicesphotovoltaic system, the

BIA Parade of Homes’grand prize, and all the2011 model homes insidethe 55th annual BIA Parade

of Homes Guidebook thatis inserted inside today’sedition of the HonoluluStar-Advertiser.

in today’s


BIA-HAWAIIR E M O D E L E R S

Guidebook

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Parade of Homes

New homes, latest industry trends

BY CHRIS KOIKE

If you intend to build,repair or renovateyour home, it helps to

have some practicalguidelines to protect youfrom common pitfalls. Iprovided a few tips in aprevious issue of HawaiiRenovation, and I hopeyou found the guidelinesuseful. Here are more of the

issues I’ve encountered asa general contractor inHawaii — tips I hope willbe equally helpful to you.

• Check on the contrac-tor with the Departmentof Commerce andCustomer Affairs(DCCA) and the BuildingIndustry Associa-tion.Check the Better BusinessBureau to see if therewere any negative reportsor complaints with thecontractor. Look for logoson the contractors’ card,

website, or any type ofadvertising that the con-tractor uses. Good signsare if the contractor isBBB-free of complaints,insured, bondable andlicensed.

• Feel free to ask thecontractor questions. Ican’t stress enough howimportant it is to commu-nicate with the contractoron all levels. How longhas he been in Hawaii?

Does he have family here?If he’s lived in Hawaiimost of his life, it’s likelyhe will not be a flight risk

if there are work-relatedproblems. It would alsoseem reasonable that heintends to continue doingbusiness in Hawaii andwould not want to tarnishhis company’s image.

• Does he have a brickand mortar office/shop?This gives an indicationthat the contractor is seri-ous about his business,and it’s easier to locatehim. Many contractors,especially the smallercompanies, do not haveshops/offices that areseparate from their

homes, as it is just anoth-er level of expense tomaintain a separate loca-tion. Since they havemore employees, the larg-er contracting companiesusually have shops.

• Does the contractorclean up at the end of theday? Does his crew main-tain safety and healthstandards while on thejob? Is the crew consider-ate and conscious of thosein the area while he andhis crew are working?These are importantissues. Many onsite acci-

dents are preventable ifcautionary measures areenforced. For example,some of my past clientshad dogs that were in thehouse or loose in theyard. I made sure that mycrew put the pet out ofharm’s way when theywere working, or I wouldcontact the owner to askhow they would like tohandle the issue. On oneoccasion, I was asked towalk the dog and pick upafter it since the ownercould not get home intime.

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PARAGON B U I L D E R S L L C

ADDRESS: 419WAIAKAMILO ROAD, 2B

CONTACT: 306-2653 •ckoike@paragonbuilder-

shawaii.com •www.paragonbuilder-shawaii.com

CHRISTOPHER KOIKE

More ways to ensure a positive experience with your general contractor

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When you choosea Raynor Affinagarage door,

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doors have low R-value,

limited choices in panel andwindow options, noisy oper-ation and light-gauge con-struction. The Raynor Affinadoor has an industry leadingR-18 polyurethane insula-tion. The Affina offers sever-al configuration options,including mixed paneldesigns. These doors areequipped with nylon rollerswith precision ball bearingsand powder-coated trackand hardware, minimizingnoise and operation friction.The doors are designed witha sturdy, 24-gauge total skinthickness.Raynor Affina garage

doors have durable 2-inchthick construction, Raynor

finger protection sectionjoints, full-length joint sealas an added weather barrierand are engineered with thegreatest attention to crisp,accurate embossmentdetail. The Raynor Affinadoor is known for its solidconstruction and famous“For As Long As You OwnYour Home” warranty.Raynor Affina doors alsofeature superior materials,construction, and are themost durable and reliable

doors ever.Visit the Servco Raynor

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

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Many people areconfused bysolar photo-

voltaics, commonlyreferred to as “PV.” Someof the most commonlyasked questions are:“How do the panels makeelectricity?” “How longdo they last?” “What aremicro-inverters?” “Howdo I know how muchsolar energy is being pro-duced?” And, “Should Istart with solar hotwater?” Here are some answers

to these questions. Solar PV panels consist

of modules, which aregroups of cells. Thesecells contain semicon-ductors. When sunlighthits these cells, it causesthe electrons in the semi-conductors to becomeexcited. This movementof electrons creates

direct current (DC) elec-tricity. This DC electrici-ty needs to be convertedinto alternating current(AC) electricity for ourhouseholds to run. Thepanels do not last forever,but most panels are war-

ranted to produce 90 per-cent of their original rat-ing after 10 years and 80percent after 20-25 years,depending on the manu-facturer.Electrical current is

changed from DC to AC

with an inverter. Batterychargers also can useinverters to converthousehold AC to DC.Newer technology, suchas micro-inverters arerapidly taking the lead inmost residential PV sys-

tems. An individualinverter is connected toeach panel and usuallymounted directly underthe panel. Energy moni-toring units communicatewith your individualmicro-inverters to send

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SEE PAGE 13

ENERGYPRO H A W A I I

ADDRESS: 825 HALEKAUWILA ST.

CONTACT: 596.2890 • www.energyprohawaii.com

HAWAIIRENOVATION

&Solar PowerPhotovoltaicsfor Dummies

before after

Where to find the best invinyl window, door productsIs it time for you to

change or update oldjalousies or broken

and outdated windows?Lifetime windows anddoors from TropicalWholesale may be theanswer for you.We are experts when it

comes to Hawaii windowand door replacement.Tropical has replacedthousands of windowsand doors over the last30 years. If it’s for secu-rity, beauty, easy self-cleaning, energy-effi-ciency or privacy, wehave a variety of win-dows to choose from andour prices are reason-able. In the 1980s, Matthew

Houar, Tropical’s owner,started bringing the firstsecurity windows toHawaii. Later, hebrought the first vinylwindows to the islands.Consumers enjoyed theproducts so much that in1984, Tropical openedHawaii’s first vinyl win-dow factory.Today, Tropical is still

bringing the best andnewest vinyl windowand door products toHawaii. As proof,

Tropical is now the dis-tributor of SimontonWindows and Doors.Simonton is the No. 1-rated vinyl window anddoor product in cus-

tomer satisfaction by J.D.Power and Associates.Additionally, Simonton’sVinyl Windows andDoors are a Sam’s Club-approved product. So ifyou are a member ofSam’s Club, you maycontact Tropical becausewe are an approved con-tractor by Sam’s Club. Tropical also has pro-

grams to address thosebeat up drywall areasand termite-damagedareas as well. Tropical’smotto is “No sense do

the job if you don’t do itright.”Now most people

would think that replac-ing their windows is toopricey a project. Butbecause of Tropical’svolume purchasing, weare able to beat otherspricing with a betterproduct. So if it’s time to

change those oldjalousies or broken win-dows or doors, callTropical at 263-1252 or292-2942.

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ACCREDITEDBUSINESS

It would be difficult tofind a custom builderwho offers the type of

client-to-customer atten-tion that comes fromworking with Hua XiaConstruction LLC.Owner Xiang Feng Cao

and his son, Andy, havebuilt and maintained anoutstanding reputation forquality construction thatspans 20 years. Thisfather-son team is knownfor its dedicated, hands-on

approach — from simplerenovations to multi-mil-lion dollar, ground-updevelopment of customprojects. Clients are con-sistently impressed withthe personal attentionpaid to the smallestdetails.The company sticks by

its motto, “Quality onlyhappens when you careenough to do your verybest.” Hua Xia Constructionensures that each and every

client is given as much timeas needed to deliver an out-standing custom-built prod-uct, and it's no surprise thatmuch of the company'sbusiness comes from refer-rals.In fact, Hua Xia

Construction prides itselfon the fact that most of itsbusiness comes throughpersonal relationships.Hua Xia Construction

workers bring theirknowledge and master

craftsmanship to eachproject to ensure that it isa success. Whether youare planning to build aretail store or private resi-dence, you can be certainof receiving the highestquality for your invest-ment.

Your Residential HomeBuilderAt Hua Xia Construction,

clients are always askedquestions, including, “How

do you envision your com-pleted project?” By asking the right ques-

tions and working throughthe details, companyworkers help clients real-ize their vision. Hua XiaConstruction’s staff isdedicated to buildinghomes from the ground upor the inside out. Fromsingle-family homes tocondominiums, no projectis too big or too small.

Your Commercial BuildingSolutionThe company is dedi-

cated to building yourcommercial projects aswell. Commercial buildingsolutions range from storebuildouts in Makiki, torestaurants and retailstores developed on Maui.

For more information,call 636-1888 or visit thecompany website at huaxiaconstruction.com.


HAWAIIRENOVATIONHUA XIA C O N S T R U C T I O N

CONTACT: 636-1888 •www.huaxiaconstructor.comtoo big,

too small

No project

As the economy struggles, manypeople are fixing their old appli-ances instead of buying new. But

where do you go to get the parts neededfor the repair? The answer is ReliableParts.

Formerly known as Appliance PartsCo., Reliable Parts has been serving thepeople of Hawaii and the Pacific formore than 50 years. The Seattle-basedcompany, which bills itself as “the houseof a million parts,” acquired Appliance

Parts in February 2007. Founded in1933, Reliable Parts operates more than40 stores throughout Canada, the west-ern United States and Hawaii. In Hawaii,the company has two locations— one in Honolulu andthe other in Waipio-Gentry.

The company’sHawaii sales staff hasa combined 150 years ofexperience, and is willingto help in any way possible. Itdoesn’t matter if you are the seasonedservicer or the weekend warrior, theirknowledge and experience in this indus-try always will be a plus.

Reliable Parts believes that “repairingis recycling.” It is usually less expensive,and it adds less waste to our limitedlandfills. Reliable will do its best to helpyou get your appliance up and running.But there may be times when ReliableParts will recommend calling in a pro-fessional. With the use of electronics inthe newer appliances, it may bewiser and less-expensive to call aqualified technician for repairs.

When it comes to deciding on atechnician, call a few companiesto get their rates. And if possible,check online to see if anyone hasgiven the companies any reviews— good or bad.

Sometimes that old appliance isjust not worth fixing. In that case,

be sure to dispose ofyour old applianceusing the bulk pick-upprogram in your area.

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ask the salesperson if theywill pick upyour oldappliance and

dispose of itproperly. Reliable Parts carries

an extensive inventoryof unique accessories,cleaners and miscella-neous products. Thereare brushes made for specific uses, refrig-erator water filters, barbecue sauces andmany other things that you might notexpect to find in the store. There are quitea few customers who willstop in just to see “what’snew.”

To learn more about Reliable Parts,just drop by one of its two convenientlocations, or visit the website,www.partshawaii.com.

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them away,” he said.“And, when we install iton the workings of a saltand fresh water pool orspa, there is a greatreduction of bacteriaand algae, cutting chlo-rine use by as much as80 percent.” Furthermore, von

Sydow said there is noneed to replace anyplumbing or cut intopipes. “HydroFlow isattached to the plumb-ing in a home,” heexplained. “A handyhomeowner can installit in minutes or we caninstall it. And, it is envi-ronmentally safe as ituses no chemicals. Onceit goes to work, yourwater retains its naturaltaste and is safe todrink. The future ofphysical water-condi-tioning has arrived.”The Kailua home-

owners also learned that

adding one HydroFlowunit to the plumbing intheir home reduceswater usage, water andsewage fees, waterwaste, spotting onshower doors and dish-es and will help maketheir appliances lastlonger.So, while medical sci-

ence is keeping all of usalive longer, Harald vonSydow is using state-of-the-art technology topainlessly increase thefunctionality of plumb-ing and saving us a greatdeal of money at thesame time. Nano Tek-On special-

izes in environmentallyfriendly surface treat-ments, including sealantsfor glass and naturalstone, antimicrobialcoatings and self-clean-ing surfaces. To learnmore about HydroFlow,call 395-2996 or visit nanotekhi.com

notifications in the event of a prob-lem or malfunction. They con-stantly monitor both the produc-tion of the panel and the conditionof the power in your home. If anyunsafe conditions are detected,they will immediately cut thepower connection between theindividual panel and your homepower supply. You have freeaccess to monitoring your system

from your computer anywhere inthe world. It is not always efficient or cost-

effective to heat water with elec-tricity, especially with the electricrates that we have here in Hawaii.Converting the sun’s energydirectly into hot water is almostalways the first and best solution.Additional incentives from HECOreinforce both the concept and thepricing advantage. It is the easiest,

cheapest way to make a significantportion of your HECO bill goaway.EnergyPro Hawaii installs many

different solar products, includingPV systems, hot water systems andattic fans. Call EnergyPro Hawaiitoday at 596-2890 for more infor-mation or a free energy consulta-tion — you have nothing to lose!You also may visit the website atEnergyprohawaii.com.

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FROM PAGE 4

FROM PAGE 8

Easy ways to incorporatetimeless style into your home

Think traditional styling is only for opulent man-sions and stuffy country clubs? Well, think again.Traditional design is not only extremely accessi-

ble to incorporate into any home, but according toresearch by the National Kitchen & Bath Association(NKBA), it’s the most popular, too. Learn how to takeback traditional and customize your own space.

Start out smallIf the idea of transforming a large room into a tradition-

ally styled one seems overwhelming, start on a smallerscale, like in the master bathroom. Keep the cabinets andcounters neutral and add some glamour with the wall andaccent colors. Favored shades in traditional decoratingare jewel tones, like topaz and golds; deep reds and rosequartz; marine blues and vibrant greens. Use accessories

like embroidered towels,bronze or iron bath ensem-bles and potpourri bowls asthe perfect finishing touch-es.Another great way to

add traditional flair to yourbath is with elegant andelaborate fixtures. Look fora faucet with unique anddetailed design elements,like the new Weymouthbathroom collection fromMoen. From the European-influenced decorativescript on the porcelaininlays to the refined top finial, this collection definitelystands apart. And just because you're incorporatingstylish, traditional items, doesn't mean you have toskimp on modern functionality or features. You canreduce water usage by up to 32 percent, thanks to awater-saving aerator. Tie the whole space together byselecting an Old World finish, such as Oil RubbedBronze, and you’ll create a traditional suite that's com-forting and classic.

Difference in the detailsOne of the best ways to add traditional style

throughout your entire home is with architecturaldetails, like moldings, chair rails or ceiling medallions.It’s easier to add these elements than you may think —and at a reasonable price. Peel and stick crown moldingfrom Easy Crown Molding allows you to add the luxu-rious look of custom molding to your home. In lessthan one hour — and without tools — you can com-plete an entire room. Simply pick your desired trimstyle and width and get started.Lush fabrics are also key to achieving a traditional

look and feel in these spaces. But, don’t be afraid of theelegance found in traditional decor. Silks, satins, velvetsand brocades are going to be your go-to fabrics for pil-lows and upholstered furniture. Be sure to stay awayfrom solids — mixing coordinating patterns, like florals,stripes and scrolling, add even more richness. Don’t for-get to make a statement with your windows, too — hangdraperies that are full and heavy, and be sure to tie them

back with ornate tassels for a look that is unmistakablytraditional. It’s often easy to find great traditional piecesat affordable prices at department stores like Macy’s orTarget. From pillows to curtains, bedding and even fur-niture, your local department store is one of the bestplaces to start your traditional search.Bringing traditional styling to your home is much

easier — and more accessible than you think. With theright updates and additions to your space, you'llachieve a look that’s timeless and refined. For moreinformation about the new Weymouth collection fromMoen, visit moen.com.

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Want to “wow” guestswith your culinaryskills and the beauty of

your kitchen? You’re not alone.Enhanced kitchen designs aimedat allowing homeowners to showoff their advanced cooking tech-niques are one of the hottest

kitchen trends.Homeowners are tuning in to

TV shows that showcase chefscompeting for top honors, anddesigners upgrading old and run-down rooms into fabulous newliving spaces. Modern kitchensare incorporating more of the ele-

ments chefs use in restaurants,and designers are giving kitchensplenty of function and style sothat it's a place to show off andgather with family and friends.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Incorporate bold colors in

unexpected places. For example,pop your sink or cabinets outwith a striking color againstmore neutral countertops, wallsand floors. This trend makes thekitchen visually appealing,arresting the eyes in differentlocations.

• Recycling has gone beyondjust hiding containers for alu-minums, plastics and paper underthe kitchen sink or in a closet.More modern kitchens are incor-porating recycled content in thedesign and build. From flooring tocountertops to light fixtures, theopportunities to make kitchensgreen are endless.

• Built-in appliances are therage because they add to thebeauty of the room, rather thaninterrupting the design. Some ofthe newest built-in products likethe Studio Series contain profes-sional grade features on ovens,ranges and refrigerators thataren’t traditionally found in pri-vate kitchens. For example, LG’sUltraHeat feature is one of themost powerful burners on a free-standing range, making it easierto achieve great cooking resultswith gourmet meals. And LG’soven InfraGrill system utilizesinfrared heating elements to keepfood juicier than traditional ther-mal cooking does.

• Choose products that com-bine production and entertain-ment. There are many gadgetsthat do double duty. For example,sink covers allow users to extendcountertop space and cabinetscan hold dishes, but also havebuilt-in speakers.


HAWAIIRENOVATION

Ultimate modern kitchensgreat for entertaining andshowing off culinary skills

brings visual warmth anda contemporary elementto the space. I flanked thefireplace with customcabinetry that I painted asoft gray.Across from the bed, by

the room's windows, Icreated a seating areawith a stone-colored sofa,a creamy armchair, a tuft-ed ottoman and a roundwooden table. I chose amultitude of accent fab-rics in stripes, dots, solids

and other patterns for thepillows and drapes, andput down an ivory area rugwith a geometrical pattern.Beside the seating area, I

created a little vanity area,which includes a beautifulwalnut writing desk, anornate mirror and a whitecane chair. I then flankedthe table with sparkling sil-ver-and-crystal sconcesthat echo the style of thedistinctive chandelier.All that was left to do

was find some stunning

accessories. So I headedto a shop known for itseclectic mix of globalgoodies and chose a vari-ety of accent pieces,including an amazing,white feather headdressfrom Cameroon that Ihung above the couple'sbed. A monochromaticdesign really needs atouch of the unexpectedto provide some intensity.I always say “design is

in the details,” and thatwas certainly true of this

project. By playing withtexture, pattern and a fewdabs of shimmer andshine, I created a dramat-ic space using a singlecolor palette. The once-frosty bedroom is now arestful retreat whereBeatrice and Philippe canrelax, share some quiettime and turn up the heat.

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There’s nothing likeentertaining friends andfamily in the comfort of

your home. It’s not only lessexpensive, but more enjoyableas you have full control overthe food, drinks and guest list. And fun entertainment

spaces can be easily created inany size home, without theneed for costly additions orlarge investments. “Nowadays you can entertain

with professional flair withoutblowing your home improve-ment budget,” says Todd Hall,president of Glastender, makerof commercial bar and foodequipment.

Game Room Romp While rec rooms may be a

thing of the past, game roomsare making a comeback. Whensetting up a game room, includephysical activities as well asvideo games. Billiards, pingpong and darts are all-timefavorites with kids and adults. If you have the space, consid-

er an indoor arcade game.These days, consoles are avail-able with cabinets that resem-ble vintage arcade classics, yetfeature multiple vintage andmodern games. You also can setup “offline” stations with play-ing cards, board games andother activities for the youngest

and oldest family members.

Wet Bar Chic Nothing beats enjoying a nice

drink with friends. But insteadof opening a six-pack, considerways to serve guests in style.Home wet bars, such as thosemade by Glastender, allow youto entertain like a professionalbartender. For example, a drop-in cocktail station installs like akitchen sink and incorporatesthe same elements as a commer-cial bar lineup, but in designsintended for the home. And there’s no need to con-

fine cocktails to just one area.You can opt for a built-in indooror outdoor cocktail station thatstands alone, like an island orgrill. Or you can choose a rollingcocktail cart that lets you takeparties outdoors in decentweather. Look for commercial-grade options, such as bottlestorage rails, wells for cold beeror soda, ice bins, and drain

boards for freshly washed glass-es. For more options for creat-ing home cocktail stations, visitwww.glastenderhome.com.

Big Time Flicks The price of movie tickets is

rising, but new flicks are goingto DVD often in as little as threemonths. Now is a great time to

set up or improve your own in-home theater. Obviously you will need a

screen big enough so everyonecan see. You may also want toindulge in movie theater seatsand a vintage popcorn machine.Or you can go extra comfy witha big fluffy couch, cushions andbean bags.


HAWAIIRENOVATION

Some stylish additions let you entertain at home with flair.

Adding life with a single color paletteFROM PAGE 2

Easy improvements can make your home great for entertaining

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When itcomes tohome dec-

orating, texturingcan do for yourwalls what a goodcoat of wax can dofor your car’s finish— hide a host offlaws. Poorlypatched holes,uneven sheetrock,ugly wallpaper andeven multiple layersof peeling paint canall be hidden beneatha beautiful layer oftexture. Texture’s beauty,

versatility at cover-ing imperfections,and ease of applica-tion have made it along-loved tech-nique of do-it-y o u r s e l f e r s .There’s a tex-turing tech-nique to fit vir-tually everybudget, decorat-ing theme andlevel of expert-ise. Here aresome tips foradding a tex-tured look to your home decor:

• Keep it simple. You don’t have to doanything complicated, difficult or even par-ticularly time-consuming to achieve a goodtextured effect. In fact, the easier theprocess, the more you will enjoy it, and thatenjoyment will show through in your work.

• When working by hand with a trowel,roller or paint brush, you can use yourfavorite paint and any color you choose.Simply mix your paint of choice with regu-lar drywall joint compound. Or, if you wantto be cautious with color, you can apply thejoint compound first, then paint over thecompleted texture once it has dried.

• The range of tex-tures is virtuallyendless. Popcorn(most often used forceilings), knockdown and orangepeel are among thethree most popular,and simple, tex-tures. Knock downand orange peel tex-tures mimic theappearance of plas-ter or stucco on aninterior wall.

• Nearly anythingcan be used to putthe texture in thecompound — fromcommonly useditems like spongesand paint trowels

to whiskbrooms andeven windowsqueegees. Thetexture is limit-ed only by yourimagination.

• Sprayers, afavorite tool ofin-the-know do-it-yourselfers, isnow also a

viable alternative for adding texture toyour walls. Wagner Spray Tech offers asprayer specifically designed for addingtexture to walls or ceilings. The Power Texcan apply texture to any ceiling or wall inyour home, and uses three nozzles and agenerous 1-gallon hopper to apply popcorn,knock down or orange peel textures.Compact and light weight, the Power Texalso offers a variable flow trigger, a hopperthat adjusts for walls or ceilings, and aneasy clean up design. A built-in air turbineeliminates the need for a separate, oftencumbersome, air compressor.

The Power Tex is available from selectretailers. To learn more, or for a list ofretailers, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com.


A team to trust

HAWAIIRENOVATION

[ ]Secrets totexturing walls

and ceilings without the work

I am in the process of totally ren-ovating my home. I use the samesubcontractors on my home that Iuse on the jobs that I acquire. Thisshows that I trust the subs and amwilling to have them do the work inmy own home. It’s critically impor-tant for the client(s) to trust theworkers, because many times theowners leave the home to get out ofthe workers’ way and to escape theconstruction noise. Trust is also important, as it frees

the owner to go about his or herbusiness without worrying aboutthe crew. Sometimes, if the owneris there when the crew is working,he or she may slow up the processand add to the confusion and dis-traction. In a previous issue of Hawaii

Renovation, I mentioned that it’sprudent to obtain several quotesfrom different contractors beforedeciding on one. I also mentioned

that the lowest quote or the cheap-est quote is not necessarily the bestone. Many times my quote will beslightly higher than other quotesfrom different contractors. I like tosubmit my estimates in more detailby costing out the various stages ofconstruction and itemizing thequote. Many contractors will notdo this and will submit a quote inmore general terms, making it diffi-cult for the client to fully under-stand where the higher costs willoccur. I have had clients whoselected Paragon Builders as theircontractor simply because of trust,even though my quote was higherthan others’ quotes.I hope that these additional tips

will help you further in making theright choice for a general contrac-tor.For more information, contact

Paragon Builders LLC at 306-2653.

Chris Koike is the owner ofParagon Builders LLC.

FROM PAGE 6

While most peoplecan toleratesome clutter and

dust in their home, a grungybathroom is another story.Ironically, the room devot-ed to personal cleanliness isoften rife with bacteria,mold and mildew — even ifit looks spotless. Bacteria and mold not

only affect the air youbreathe, but the structuralintegrity of your home, sayexperts. There are severalthings you can do yourself,as well as efficient homeupgrades, to make yourbathroom healthier.

• Clean your shower. Not

just once a week, but daily.Use a squeegee to wipedown walls, or spray aneco-friendly white vinegarsolution after each use. Ifyou use a shower curtain,wash or change it regularly(depending on how “hard”your water is, but usuallyevery one to three months).Cooler, drier air will alsoreduce mildew in groutbetween tiles.

• Unclog showerheads. Ifa showerhead becomesclogged with mineraldeposits, fill a plastic bagwith undiluted white vine-gar and place it over thehead and seal tie it off with

a rubber band. Soakovernight and then scrub itwith a toothbrush.

• Circulate clean air. Thatmusty smell is a sign yourbathroom isn’t properlyventilated and is ripe withmildew and other airbornemold spores. To control it,try a ventilation fan with amotion and humidity sen-sor, such as Panasonic’sWhisperSense, which turnson when someone entersthe bathroom and automat-ically shuts off 20 minuteslater. When you shower, ahumidity sensor overridesthe timer and continuesextracting moisture until

the humidity is back to apre-set level. This will helpeliminate that musty smelland prevent excess mois-ture from ruining expen-sive fixtures and cabinetry.

• Keep toothbrushesapart. Germs can spreadfrom person to personwhen the heads of tooth-brushes touch. Also, makesure you put down the lidwhenever you flush the toi-let. Bacteria-filled mist cantravel several feet, landingon porous surfaces liketoothbrush bristles.

• Don’t let paint blister.Paint blisters are caused by

moisture that helps moldgrow. A typical showeradds half a pint of water tothe air. Scrape and re-paintblisters. To avoid futuregrowth, replace moist airwith dry air by ventilatingproperly.

It’s important to makesure bathroom ventilation

systems are properlyinstalled. Detailed informa-tion is available online atwww.panasonic.com/ventfans. By practicing safe bath-

room practices, you’llbreathe cleaner air and pre-vent structural problemsthat can decrease the valueof your home.

TipsHealthier Bathroom

for a


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Only on TV would aredecorating budg-et of a couple thou-

sand dollars be considered“shoestring.” In the realworld, most of us have alot less than that to spendon redoing a room.

Fortunately, it's possibleto completely change thelook of any room in thehouse for as little as $100.All you need to do is focuson the design elementsthat will deliver the mostimpact for the least cost.Here’s a room-by-roomguide for redos that cost$100 or even less.

Every roomA fresh coat of paint is

an essential foundation forvirtually any roommakeover. One gallon willcover most rooms, mean-ing you can get a goodstart on your redesign foraround $25 — even less ifyou luck out and find adeal.

Decluttering is also

another way to give aroom a fresh look.Whether it’s your livingroom, kitchen or a child’sroom, removing excessitems like papers and toyscan make the room feelopen and orderly.

Dining roomYour table and chairs

are the centerpiece ofyour dining room. While anew set might not be inthe budget, you can easilydress up your old one.Replacing old fabric ondining chair seat cushionscan give the set a wholenew look. Depending onthe fabric color and styleyou choose, you can cre-ate looks that range frommodern to traditional. Topoff the table with a decora-tive runner in a compli-mentary pattern andyou’ve redone your diningroom for less than $100.

Living roomAccessories are the way

to achieve a big impact fornot much money in theliving room. Replace oldthrow pillows with new,brightly patterned ones.Switch out wall decor withnew pieces. Cover upworn wooden floors orshabby carpeting with anelegant area rug. It’s possi-ble to change severalaccessories and still bringyour costs in under the$100 mark.

Kids roomIf your youngster is

ready for a new look inhis room, rip down thatteddy bear border, let himpick a paint color andconsider dressing up onewall of the room with amural. You can find plen-ty of kids murals for lessthan $100 online at web-sites like DecorPlace.com. Whether he likes asolar system theme or shewants a princess canopy,a wall mural can makeredoing a children’s room

fast and easy.

BathroomGet rid of that old,

moldy shower curtain. Tocreate a designer look fornot much dough, hang asimple, functional vinylcurtain on the existingshower rod, then place apressure rod just outsideit. Add attractive, floor-length curtains from thelocal discount store;they'll cost a lot less thancomparable versions madefor bathroom use.

Ditch worn, ratty oldtowels with a matching set

of new ones in an appeal-ing pattern or color. Finishup by adding a decorativeframe around the existingvanity mirror.

KitchenIt’s easy to spend a bun-

dle on a kitchen rehab, butit's just as easy to makesmall changes that have abig impact. Rather thansinking a lot of money intochanging countertops orcabinets, consider simpleupgrades like new cabinethardware, a new kitchenfaucet and a new light fix-ture. You can also use a

wall mural in the kitchento dress it up. Whetheryou’re looking for a rustictheme that would fit withItalian murals or a naturescape that turns a blankwall into a view on anoth-er world, you can find awall mural to fit virtuallyevery decorating themefor as little as $60.

You don’t need thebudget of a TV homeimprovement show tomake high-impact, appeal-ing changes to your home.You just need $100 andsome ingenuity.


HAWAIIRENOVATION

for $100 or less[Room redo’s]


Since statehoodHawaii’s populationhas almost doubled.

The tropical weather andaloha spirit make Hawaiia desirable and expen-sive place to own ahome. Hawaii homeowners

have been spared the sub-stantial loss of home valuesseen across the country,but many are losing thebattle against the islands’corrosive environment.The higher relative humid-ity, heavy rains, intensesunshine, wind and salt,help speed the deteriora-tion of the home. No one isspared, and areas withheavier rainfall or proximi-ty to the ocean suffer themost.Greg Kemp Contractor,

a reputable Hawaii builderwith 30 years custom homebuilding experience, has

developed a “checklist” offive areas of considerationthat are primary in dealingwith Hawaii’s harsh ele-ments.

ROOFS: Most impor-tant in protecting homeand contents. Trees thattouch or overhang a roofmay increase debris anddeterioration. Plumbingvents should be made oflead, and most roof typesshould have copper orstainless steel flashing.There is a wide range ofroof types and styles aswell as prices so let com-mon sense, taste and budg-et prevail. Lighter colorsusually last longer and arecooler. Do research onproduct warranty andcheck reviews. All fasten-ers should be stainlesssteel.

GUTTERS: Importantin helping to keep exces-sive water away from thehouse and any footings.Copper will last long andis attractive but is moreexpensive than aluminum,which comes in a varietyof colors. All fastenersshould be stainless steel.

WINDOWS/ DOORS:Wood is great for win-dows and doors; it gives anice look and feel and canportray qualities of framedart. Unfortunately, the ele-ments are destructive towood and unless home-owners are diligent withcleaning, protecting andperiodic refinishing of allwood surfaces and joints,decay will begin. Exteriorwood doors need extraprotection at the unseentop and bottom edges thatseldom get painted or

repainted. There are some“wood clad” vinyl andcomposite windows anddoors available which giveexterior protection withinterior wood finish look.Greg Kemp Contractorsuggests that vinyl shouldbe cleaned and protectedperiodically with an“Armor All” type product,not harsh detergents. Useonly stainless steel hard-ware.

PAINT: Exterior oil-based primer is superior,but there are some goodwater-based primers aswell. Latex can go over oilbut not the reverse. Doresearch and checkreviews. Check “ConsumerReports” for the best finishpaints. Use a latex/elas-tomeric caulking or equiva-lent at all joints.

FASTENERS: Hurricanestrong-ties are standard onall new construction andadditions. Depending onexposure, function andaesthetics, select fromgood, better, best: E.G.(electro-galvanized), M.G.(mechanical hot-dippedgalvanized) or stainless.Nails come in the samegrades. Greg KempContractor uses only M.G.for framing and stainlesssteel for exterior and alltrim work.Not all building prod-

ucts on the market todayare engineered or con-structed of materials suit-able for longevity inHawaii’s climate. GregKemp Contractor usessuperior design methodsand products for the sur-vival of Hawaii’s homes.Visit them at YourHomeBuilder.com

GREG KEMP C O N T R A C T O R L L C

CONTACT: 342-2691 •YourHomeBuilder.com

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

Hawaii’s Corrosive EnvironmentSurvival Guide for

hawaii renovation 2 oct 2011

Documents

free estimates808

space wascold

type of wall surrounds

thickest tub liners

asleeping area

vanity area

fireside lounge

cream linens