Hawaii Renovation Feb 5 2012 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

FEB. 5, 2012

AN EDITION OF

T. Oki Trading brings quality and luxury to your bathroom with environmentally friendly Inax brand toilets. SEE PAGE 3

INSIDE:

ACHIEVE THE LOOK OF GRANITE FOR LESS. See page 10

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Kitchen Serving Hawaii Since 1981

Photovoltaic Solar System

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HAWAIIRENOVATION AFTER

Best Prices Guaranteed With Installation of the Same Equipment Over 30 Years Track Record • Free Estimates on Split Systems • We Sell, Service, Install & Repair A+ Rating We also sell Portable A/C’s, Split Systems, Window & Thru the Wall A/C’s, Flush Mount A/C’s Before you buy a split system, make sure you’re buying the highest energy savings available. The higher the EER the more you save. Visit us at: www.aireconditionershoppe.com

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A MASTER BEDROOM

BEFORE

ow do you turn a boring master bedroom into a bold expression of timeless, yet traditional, design? As I tackle my latest project, you’ll see that the solution depends on the plan — and the plan, in this case, hinges on a pattern. A stroll through Colette and Edward’s lovely twostory house reveals a tasteful yet neutral color palette, with not a pattern in sight. Although it has great bones, the master bedroom is a distinctly uninspiring space. Bare walls, a shortage of storage space and Edward’s former bachelor-pad furniture are certainly sleep-inducing, but hardly conducive to a romantic retreat. It’s definitely time for a change, and both Colette and Edward are ready to let me take them into uncharted territory by making a big, daring statement with their master bedroom. People are comfortable with traditional, familiar shapes, but the familiar crosses into the realm of classic contemporary

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when you mix in a dash of the unexpected. And that’s the key to easing people into patterns: choosing a print that interprets familiar shapes in fun new ways. With this in mind, I opted to make the wall behind the bed a focal point using handmade wallpaper that features a bold lotus-flower design. The next step was to upgrade Colette and Edward to a deluxe kingsize bed, with room enough for them and their young daughter. A custommade, oversized headboard upholstered in a solid charcoal fabric helped balance the print on the wall. This bedroom’s classic vaulted ceiling is one of the most impactful elements in the room, but it got lost in the bland pre-renovation landscape. To give this ceiling the attention it deserves, we treated it with a teal-tinted metallic glaze and then dragged a brush through it while still wet, to create tiny striations that produce an elegant effect.

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 5, 2012

To add more valuable storage space, I designed two custom cabinets for the wall opposite the bed and then created a comfy nook for reading and relaxing by placing a classic settee between the cabinets. The settee’s frame was lacquered in an off-white and I had it upholstered in a gorgeous complementary patterned fabric. Now it was time for all the finishing touches that give a room personality. The custom drapery panels are made from solid blocks of fabric that pick up the room’s predominant hues of cream and charcoal gray, with a cranberry stripe to add a bit of punch. I chose a wonderful ivory area rug with a subtle inlaid pattern, and matching carved wooden night tables topped by a pair of white vase-shaped lamps. Wonderful accent pieces were chosen in shades of silver, plum, jade and walnut, and some of these were placed on the modern desk positioned in front of the windows. Once again, we picked up our color palette in the bedding.

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Charcoal and cream are complemented by accent pillows that pick up on the draperies’ cranberry stripe. For the final touch, we installed the perfect lighting fixture to crown the room: a beautiful, blownglass, eight-light chandelier. It’s definitely the piece de resistance in this makeover. When Colette and Edward saw their new bedroom, it was love at first sight. The classic yet contemporary patterns we used made the bold statement Colette wanted, while the space reflected their dynamic personalities. Now, there is more than enough room for them and little Clara on those lazy Saturday mornings. This bedroom has gone from bland to bold, and, with a little help from some gorgeous patterns, has become the private sanctuary this couple was craving. Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV’s “Candice Tells All.”

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COVERSTORY HAWAIIRENOVATION MAKING YOUR BATHROOM AN

-FRIENDLY OASIS T.

HAWAIIHOME EXPO ADDRESS: 2933 KOAPAKA ST. CONTACT: 695-3976 • www.hawaiihomeexpo.com

Oki Trading, the parent company of Hawaii Home Expo, has consistently strived to find high-quality products. As the years have gone by, the emphasis has shifted to focusing on products that not only deliver high performance, but also are environmentally friendly. In fact, T. Oki Trading was the first company to bring over Toto brand toilets, which was the pioneer brand in developing toilets with low-flush technologies in order to conserve our planet’s finite sources of fresh water. However, the style and function of a Toto toilet are not for everyone. To that end, Hawaii Home Expo is proud to announce that they have brought on another line of toilets and plumbing that specializes in low water usage. Inax (pronounced ee-nahks) has been in constant competition with Toto in Japan, and as such, their lines have slightly different functionality as well as styling, yet have a similar mission to conserve water. One thing that Inax specializes in is dual-flush technology. Many of their lines have this feature available, and this allows the user to choose from 0.8 Gallons Per Flush (GPF) or 1.28 GPF (this is for the ECO-X series). When compared with a toilet that has a 1.6 gallon flush, the ECO-X series can save an average of 40 percent for a family of four. There are five different flushing systems to choose from, all of which are designed for a clean, powerful flush while also reducing the amount of water used. All of the toilets in the lineup have sleek styling and all of them are skirted, which means that the under carriage of the bowls are all flat with none of the pipes exposed. This means that cleaning around the toilet is a lot simpler. Also, there are two technologies that work hand in hand to keep the toilet clean. Inax’s antibacterial technology, which hinders the breeding of bacteria and reduces stains, helps to keep the toilet clean. The other technology, which may seem like common sense, is a smooth, hard surface. With a surface that is smoothed down to a nano-particle size, waste doesn’t adhere to the bowl and is easily washed away with each flush. The hard surface, which resists scratches, maintains this ultra smooth, waste-resistant surface. And, of course, Inax has its own lines of washlet seats and integrated toilets to bring the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness to your family. Most importantly, while having eco-friendly products is a wonderful concept, Hawaii Home Expo also chooses its partners based on their sensitivity to the environment at the factory level. Today, corporations play a larger role in the global effort to address the environmental issues facing the earth, and for more than 15 years Inax has recognized and prioritized its efforts. In 1992, Inax established its “First Basic Guidelines for Environmental Protection” and subsequently has reduced negative effects on the environment by refining its production processes, achieving zero emissions at all factories, developing a line of eco-friendly products and obtaining ISO140001 certification for reducing wastewater from all manufacturing plants to zero. In essence, Hawaii Home Expo strives to bring top quality, eco-friendly products to the market, but that would mean nothing if the production of these products resulted in excessive harm to the environment. The first shipments of Inax will be arriving in early February. To see the Inax line of products, visit the Hawaii Home Expo showroom at 2933 Koapaka St.

FEB. 5, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Getting creative

with furniture

reative Furniture is a family owned and operated business that was established in 1989. We have been located in the same location at 943 Waimanu St. in Kakaako for more than 20 years. We began as a premier futon and sofa-bed store featuring quality

rattan/wicker furniture from Kings Rattan in Ontario, California (www.kingsrattan.com). The company offers a complete line of living room, bedroom suite, dinettes, bar and bar stools, sleepers, recliners and accessories. The frames come in a choice of finishes, and there are a wide range of fabrics for the customers to choose from to fit their tastes and lifestyles. They use only quality 35 millimeter A/B poles and wicker materials to manufacture their products. Some frames are made with rattan of 44 millimeters plus. The rattan is fishmouth jointed together with screws and dowels to create a strong structural rattan frame that will last for years to come. Besides, the company uses leather bindings to wrap all the

CREATIVEFURNITURE ADDRESS: 943 WAIMANU ST. CONTACT: 591-2833 • www.creativefurniturehi.com joints to add overall value and strength. All mechanisms are U.S. made and warrantied by Leggef and Platt. The upholstery is made from quality polyurethane

Since 1998

Futon Sofa Beds Futon Matresses & Covers Platform Bed Frames Tatami Furniture Rattan

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foam to ensure durability and loft. All cushions are wrapped with Dacron fiber to create the loft and achieve the initial softness. We invite our customers to sit and feel the difference, then compare the quality with our competition. Creative Furniture is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Call us at 591-2833 or visit our showroom in Kakaako, off Ward Avenue, one block makai of the Blaisdell Center.

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4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 5, 2012

“We are so pleased with the results of the renovations we had done on our home in Manoa.” – Doctor Jill

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*Some restrictions apply. Offer good till February 29, 2012. Discount applies to the sale and installation of a complete Solar Hot Water/PV Combo or Photovoltaic System. Not to be combined with any other promotion or discount. Discount offer excludes discounted items and products. Please call 596-2890 for details.

HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-HAWAII

CALLING FOR THE

REMODELERS

BEST OF THE BEST T

he Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIAHawaii) will present the 27th annual BIA Renaissance Building & Remodeling Awards on May 2, 2012 during the Gala Awards Dinner at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. This premier statewide competition is open to all residential and commercial projects, either new construction or remodeled, that have not been previously entered in a BIA Renaissance Building & Remodeling Awards competition. To enter the 2012 BIA Renaissance Building & Remodeling Awards competition, the deadline is March 2. This call for entries is available to all residential, commercial and public works projects and welcomes contractors, developers, architects, designers and kitchen and bath designers. Entry divisions include Residential Remodeling, Commercial Remodeling,

New Residential, New Commercial, Public Works, Details, Landscape & Outdoor Living, Hawaii BuiltGreen™, Historical, Kitchen & Bath and a new Innovative Design & Construction Division. Official entry details are available online at www.biahawaii.org The final entry deadline for all entrants of the 2012 BIA Renaissance Awards is March 2. For more information and to obtain a BIA Renaissance Building & Remodeling Awards entry form, call Clarice Watanabe at 629-7503, email ckw@biahawaii.org or visit the www.biahawaii.org website. Chartered in 1955, the Building Industry Association of Hawaii is a professional trade organization affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders, representing the building industry and its associates. The 500 members of BIA-Hawaii are develop-

2011 Overall Grand Award New Residential Winner, Murray Residence ers, contractors, suppliers, Realtors, architects, financial advisers and a host of other professionals who serve the building industry. BIA-Hawaii

takes a leadership role in unifying and promoting the interests of the industry to enhance the quality of life for the people of Hawaii.

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FEB. 5, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION CVCONSTRUCTION

KEY STEPS TO FINDING THE

CONTACT: 531-3888 • 428-5191

RIGHT CONTRACTOR

hether building a home or renovating it, it’s important to understand the steps to reaching your goal. First, set your

budget, which will help to determine the amount you can afford. Second, get pre-qualified from a bank or credit union if you don’t have

AFTER

the liquid assets to purchase a home. Third, use a Realtor to help you find a place. Give the Realtor your ideal locations and price range. And fourth, once you acquire the place of your desire, find the right contractor to help you with the build or renovation work. Here are a few other things to look for:

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6 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 5, 2012

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• Completion, timeliness record: This is key to keeping costs down and ensuring that your expectations are fulfilled.

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CV Construction LLC does all of the aforementioned and more. From the company’s initial free estimate and its ability to effectively communicate with customers, to its workers’ commitment to timeliness, CV Construction LLC is the best choice for Hawaii’s homeowners. Call today to learn more about the company’s new house build special going on right now.

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MURAKAMI’S ROOFING Full Service Residential Roofing Contractor SERVING HAWAII FOR TWO GENERATIONS

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AFTER

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

It’s time to consider an

electrical upgrade ALLG ELECTRIC CONTACT: 531-2554 • info@allgelectric.com

• www.allgelectric.com HECO service

ith all the talk about photovoltaic systems these days, have you ever stopped to consider other electrical improvements to not only enhance your new energyefficient home, but improve and add value to it? When deciding to invest in a

photovoltaic system, take the time to consider these electrical upgrades for the system’s benefits, increased home value, and most importantly, safety: • Electrical rewire • Power upgrade of incoming

An electrical rewire consists of replacing all old wiring, plugs, switches, light fixtures, electrical panel and breakers. Homes that are older than 40 years most likely have wiring that lacks a ground wire. A ground wire will redirect the electrical current into the ground during a short circuit or fault. New and properly functioning circuit breakers ensure that the breaker will trip or cut power when a ground or short is detected, therefore minimizing poten-

tial danger. Consistently tripping breakers? Rewiring will evenly distribute power throughout your house, separating major appliances and equipment. A power upgrade is an increase in your home’s incoming power from a standard 100 amps to 200 amps. Electricity and water are very similar in regard to how they move. Just as a larger plumbing pipe allows water to flow more quickly and easily with less resistance than a smaller one, a larger and newer 200 amp wire also will allow electricity to do the same. Whether it’s electrical usage or production (photovoltaic system), your home’s electrical efficiency will be at its peak. An upgrade now allows for additional amenities to your home such as a split air conditioning system,

building an addition or expanding for a growing family and upgrading or adding appliances, just to name a few. To have an experienced and knowledgeable contractor who can advise you, not only on a photovoltaic system that is right for you, but also on your other electrical needs, is crucial. All G Electric LLC has the knowledge and experience to give you the proper electrical advice you need. With more than 20 years of local experience, we’ve been around and plan to stay around. For a limited time, All G Electric LLC is offering its photovoltaic customers a free 200 amp overhead electrical service upgrade with a minimum 5KW system. Call us to schedule your electrical consultation to find out more. Remember, it’s All G!

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FEB. 5, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION

GOING

SOLAR WITH SHINGLES

ecently, our staff at R.S. Toyama Roofing Service Inc. completed our first composition shingle application in Newtown, Aiea. We have re-roofed many homes there in the past with cedar shake shingles and other manufactured cementitious material, but never with composition shingles. The reason was that the association did not allow it previously. This homeowner opted to use solar reflective shingles, although they cost more, rather than conventional shingles. With concrete tiles on the roof initially, the homeowner wanted to make the house cooler by any means necessary. This type of shingles is

R.S.TOYAMA ROOFING SERVICE INC. ADDRESS: 1321 HARP ST. CONTACT: 847-6265 being manufactured by many companies. One company in particular makes them in three grades with different reflectivities. It is important to know the reflectivity of the shingles you are purchasing. The higher the reflectivity, the less heat transfers into the attic. You can visit websites of various manufacturers to make comparisons, and once you have decided, then you can ask your contractor to give you a price based on your choice.

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I can say without any doubt that wood flooring’s worst enemy (besides a bad installer!) is water. Beginning with improperly dried wood to excess moisture coming from the subfloor to cleaning with water, all of these can contribute to a wood floor failing on you. Always ask seller about moisture content. Has your installer conducted moisture testing? Only use quality cleaning products by Bona, Squeaky or Mohawk. Wet cleaning pads and steam mops have caused disasters! ALOHA!

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.islandstylefurnishing.com 8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 5, 2012

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

POWERING UP WITH

PHOTOVOLTAICS FREE In-Home Consultation & Estimate

hotovoltaics is creating quite a buzz among Hawaii homeowners. Also known as PV, photovoltaics is a form of solarpowering. “But instead of heating your water, it actually produces electricity,” explains Chad Matsumoto, who co-owns Alternative Electric with Bronson Apana. Although the up-front costs may be high, there are many benefits that make PV a wise overall investment, and Matsumoto offers these examples:

high, many people may overlook the tax credits. State and federal solar energy income tax credits can reimburse up to 65 percent of the cost of a solar system.

Preserves the natural environment and improves air quality Hawaii’s electricity is mainly generated from fossil fuels. By pro-

Custom Homes • Additions 737-7766 Remodeling • Kitchen • Bath

Alternative Electric designs, installs and maintains solar PV systems. “We take care of all phases of PV installations, so homeowners get the best quality materials, de-sign and workmanship,” says Matsu-moto. “We are also a fullservice electrical contractor offering residential and commercial electrical services as well as photovoltaics.” Hawaii’s year-round sunshine makes it one of the most efficient solar energy sites in the world. For a free estimate or consultation, call Alternative Electric at 630-6741 or 285-3663.

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ducing electricity with a PV system, Hawaii can decrease oil demand and greenhouse gas emissions.

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Although the initial cost for PV is

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ALTERNATIVE

Lower monthly electric bill This may be the most recognizable benefit. Alternative Electric offers free consultations and estimates on how many PV panels are needed. A company representative visits a home and looks at its roof design, electrical set up, electrical consumption and a homeowner’s budget before recommending a suitable system.

investments a homeowner can make. After tax credits, the payback on a PV system is approximately six to eight years, and maybe even sooner as the cost of electricity rises. After the system pays for itself, a homeowner can enjoy 17 to 19 years of virtually maintenance-free electric production. A PV system also increases the value of a home. It increases equity and it’s a hot seller, according to some Real-tors.

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FEB. 5, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Revealing the No.1

This countertop was painted with Giani Granite.

countertop secret BY ASHLEY FLEMING

veryone loves granite for kitchen and bath countertops, but many homeowners find this option for adding value to their home too pricey. When considering a kitchen update, I found that granite typically costs $50 to $100 per squarefoot (including installation). Gail Turner, a top real estate agent in Chicago, agrees that, “While there’s nothing functionally wrong with laminate, it’s not what buyers are looking for.” Her advice is to install granite

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countertops in your kitchen and bath if you really want to sell your home in this economy. So if you are looking for the beauty of granite without the price tag, consider paint. Giani Granite Paint kits allow you to give outdated countertops a granite look for about $70 a kitchen. Giani’s parent company, located in St. Louis, Mo., began in 1959 and now sells to paint retailers nationally and internationally. Each kit comes with the primer, mineral paints, applicators and a demo DVD to help you update your Formica, laminate, wood, tile and

KAKAAKO SHOWROOM 518 Kamani Street Honolulu, HI 96813 License: BC-24650 www.lokahisurfaces.com

10 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 5, 2012

22 YEARS

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Save $$ by Refacing your existing cabinets or we can build you custom ones! Replace Doors, Drawers, Countertops, Hi-Macs, Raised Panel Hardwood Doors, Corian & Granite

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HAWAIIRENOVATION Corian countertops. Giani granite.com has several before and after photos along with customer testimonials. One kit can transform an average L-shaped kitchen countertop (which has about 30- to 33-square-feet of countertop) in a weekend. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a savvy homeowner, but not an expert at remodeling projects and found this process to be easy enough for a first-time painter. The finish has the same functionality as your old countertops as well as general care instructions: Use a cutting board and warming pads. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s durability has one advantage,â&#x20AC;? says Tim Haas, vice president of sales for Giani. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you scratch it or burn it, you can easily repair it by reapplying the minerals and topcoat. So unlike other countertop surfaces, wear and tear is never permanent.â&#x20AC;? Before you begin, thoroughly clean the area with a scouring pad and then rinse with water. Use painterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tape to protect walls and cabinets. Look for any nicks and seams and apply a fast-drying wood fill, then lightly sand the area with a fine-grit piece of sandpaper or sanding block. For consumers who are willing to try this low-priced alternative before throwing out your old counters (like I was), you will find the results well worth it. You can choose from a variety of styles and kit colors.

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I selected the Chocolate Brown kit, which contains three colors: brown feldspar, Inca gold and chocolate brown. This look will achieve a natural granite style. Although it was fun having everyone think I had granite installed, I had to reveal my new countertop secret.

How to apply:

Roll on the black primer and allow eight hours of drying

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FEB. 5, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

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Lowering electric bills with HydroFlow

ost of us on Oahu are still reeling from the shock of our last electric bills. And the water and sewage bills are no laughing matter either. We’ve done just about everything to lower costs, from using solar to CFL bulbs and checking for the tiniest leaks and drips. What else can we do?

Homeowners stopped in again to visit with Harald von Sydow, director of Nano Tek-On, to see if he had any suggestions. The last time they talked, he was telling them how to increase the longevity of appliances by getting rid of limescale build up. He showed them how installing an environmentally safe system

called HydroFlow on the plumbing in a home can break down existing limescale deposits, adding to the life of dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, pumps, heat exchangers and even boilers in apartment buildings, providing long-term savings. However, what about something more immediate?

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Customers were surprised to learn from Harald that this same high-tech HydroFlow unit can actually reduce the amount of electricity used and water wasted in just a few months. Official U.S. government figures show us that just two millimeters of limescale can decrease the efficiency of a hot-water heater by 12 percent. The more limescale, the less efficient the hot-water heater becomes. More than twice the energy is wasted with just one more millimeter of limescale buildup. The more energy wasted, the more electricity is needed to heat the water, and you’ll also be wasting water waiting for the hot water to come out of the tap. When a HydroFlow unit is installed (easy to do it yourself or Nano Tek-On will install it for you), randomly varying electric fields are intro-

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duced to the water throughout the entire plumbing system, breaking up the precipitates that usually collect on hot surfaces. The suspended particles wash away in the flow. The treated water normally dissolves existing scale in just a few months. And, the HydroFlow unit soon pays for itself in energy and water savings. Von Sydow emphasized that HydroFlow can be installed on any kind of pipe, including plastic and lead. It does not change the chemical composition of the water, and contrary to water softeners, HydroFlow leaves the water safe and tastily drinkable. HydroFlow is consistently effective, reliable and maintenancefree. Once again, Harald von Sydow gave homeowners the answers they needed. His knowledge of how to be economically, as well as ecologically, wise is

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TIPS FOR A SECURE HOME AND PEACE OF MIND

omeowners often worry about keeping their homes safe and secure for their families. And it’s no wonder: Nearly 70 percent of home break-ins are in the form of kick-ins to a door, according to the U. S. Department of Justice. You have many easy and affordable options for ensuring a safer home, and ultimately, greater peace of mind. Here’s a home security checklist to get you started: Assess the perimeter. Walk around your yard at different times of the day to judge lighting and shadows. Think about how family members enter and exit the home from different doorways. Do you have sufficient exterior lighting to ensure that they can enter your home, see and be seen? Install better lighting

near every entrance. Take a look at your landscaping from an intruder’s point of view. Plant some thorny or prickly shrubbery below the windows and next to entrances so there’s no place for someone to hide in waiting. Add an alarmed lock. Most alarm systems trigger after a door has already been opened. Schlage, a leader in home security, offers a first-of-its-kind Keyed Entry With BuiltIn Alarm. It’s an alarmed lock with the added safeguard of a sensor alarm that lets you know when it is being tampered with. It has three alarm modes, which can be set to alert you to different types of activity at the door — when it’s been opened and closed, when it’s been tampered with and when there’s been a forced entry. “An alarmed lock provides an

added layer of security that many homeowners are looking for and can put their minds at ease,” says Chris DeSchamp, Schlage portfolio leader, electronic security. The battery-operated units, which can be seen at www.alarm.schlage.com, cost around $99 and are easy to install and are available at

select Home Depot stores, homedepot.com, lowes.com, amazon.com and build.com. Make sure your windows are also set up for security. Install quality window locks that keep windows in a closed position, to avoid giving criminals an open invitation to enter. Manufacturers offer a variety of options to safeguard different

types of windows including double-hung and casement windows. Enhance security of glass and wooden doors. Make sure all your sliding glass and patio doors have at least one of the following to prevent them from being opened: a track lock, a hinged door bar, an insertion pin lock or a metal or wood dowel inserted into the track that allows it to be opened only when you wish. With today’s technologies, it’s easier and more affordable than ever to monitor and control your home’s security, even if you’re not home. For example, the Schlage LiNK System lets you use any computer connected to the Internet or Webenabled cell phone to turn lights on and off, check the status of the door, grant entry into the home, open and close blinds, and many more functions. By upgrading your home’s security, you’ll not only gain more protection for your family, but you’ll also gain the best security of all — total peace of mind. For more home security ideas, visit www.schlage.com.

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FEB. 5, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 13

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Asking the right questions for home renovations

n this economy, many homeowners in Hawaii are deciding to renovate their current homes instead of purchasing new ones. This makes sense; especially since home renovations oftentimes pay for themselves and sometimes more in the appraisal and final sale price of the home when it comes time to sell. For those who are not planning on selling and moving, a home renovation is a great and often necessary improvement with multiple generations living and growing with their homes. When searching for home renovation services and products, keep these questions in mind:

designers, vendors and contractors?

• Can my home renovation company do it all under one roof, saving me the headache of having to coordinate between many

• Will the company be willing and able to help me make my home renovation dreams come true?

• Does the company I choose understand and have the expertise to guide me through planning for Hawaii’s unique renovation needs? • Does my home renovation company provide quality American-made cabinets and products that can last the lifetime of my home so I don’t have to worry about problems a few years down the road? • Does the company stand by the quality of its products and installation with a solid warranty and service after the sale?

14 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 5, 2012

CSDESIGN BUILDERS ADDRESS: 220 PUUHALE ROAD, #B1 CONTACT: 847-8711 • www.CSDesignBuilders.com As a One-Stop Shop with design, sales and construction under one roof, CS Design Builders handles home renovations from start to finish with a single point of contact and accountability. From the initial walkthrough and design through construction, CS Design Builders takes care of its clients to

make sure a homeowner’s renovation is as smooth and worry-free as possible. CS Design Builders also understands Hawaii’s unique environmental needs and will help design your home renovation to suit, as well as provide high-quality American made products that last.

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eady to give your bathroom a facelift, but can’t decide what changes to make? From tubs to toilets to tile, the sky is the limit when it comes to bathroom renovations, even if budget is not. Whether you are planning some small doit-yourself changes or a major overhaul, here are some fresh ideas for bathroom remodeling that will help you build the smart, stylish and functional bathroom of your dreams:

TOTAL

FROM SMALL TO

START LIVING LARGE Feeling crowded in a small bathroom? For a small-budget fix-up, replace your old space-wasting vanity with a smart opendesign style that maximizes storage, while visually opening up the room. If your project is major and you are opening the walls, replace your floor-mounted toilet in favor of a wall-mounted toilet, such as Porcher Solutions Dual Flush toilet, which stows the water tank behind the wall. The Porcher Solutions toilet is water-wise, as well as space-savvy, and the EverClean surface inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface. FOCUS ON YOUR FAUCET If you have a small budget, making a simple change like updating a bathroom faucet and accessories can still have a dramatic impact on the style of the room. Faucets with the Speed Connect drain can be installed in minutes and reflect any decor choice, from traditional to minimalist in popular finishes

such as oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome. Change light fixtures and drawer pulls to match your faucet, splurge on some updated colors for towels and rugs, and you have a beautiful before-and-after makeover of your very own.

THINK ACCESSIBLE A bathroom remodel is a great time to invest in fixtures that will allow you and your loved ones to remain independent in your home through illness, aging or other unforeseen events. The best products also work great and feel terrific in the here and now. A taller, Right Height toilet is a luxurious comfort. If you rarely use your bathtub, it can be easily replaced with an acrylic seatedsafety shower unit that simply slides into your existing tub recess. Optional acrylic surrounds are easy to install and easy to keep clean, while the integral seat provides a safe option for both bathing and shaving.

GO GREEN TO SAVE GREEN The cost of water will be rising, so get ahead of the curve by choosing toilets, faucets and showerheads that carry the EPA’s WaterSense certification label. The label assures that you won’t be sacrificing performance. Visit www.responsiblebath room.com for a wide range of WaterSensecertified products and a handy calculator so you can watch your water, and money, savings add up.

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FEB. 5, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 15

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

Reaching out to the community Niu Valley to see innovative playground with support from solar firm RevoluSun

awaii’s leading solar energy firm, RevoluSun, has partnered with the Niu Valley Community Association to raise $100,000 to purchase playground equipment to create the community’s first playground. In addition to the $5,000 RevoluSun has pledged, the Hawaii-owned solar company will donate $500 per system sold to residents of the neighborhood in the month of February. “RevoluSun empowers people to take control of their energy future to build cleaner, smarter communities, so we are proud to be a supporter of empowering the Niu Valley community to make a brighter future for the keiki,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun principal. “The City is currently working with the community in a unique

16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | FEB. 5, 2012

REVOLUSUN ADDRESS: 1600 KAPIOLANI BLVD., SUITE 1700 CONTACT: 748-8888 • www.RevoluSun.com private-public partnership to build the community’s first playground,” said Mayor Peter Carlisle. “I applaud the efforts of this community. We are hopeful that with enough support, this long-awaited project can come to fruition during tough economic times.” The playground design was completed in January and so far the community has raised about $36,000. Supporters need to raise the remaining $64,000 by March to begin construction, with the

RevoluSun project developers Kim Green, Iolani Lewis, Michelle Chung and their children work to make the Niu Valley Innovative Playground a reality.

goal to open the playground by June of this summer. “As the only park in the Valley, Niu Valley Park is a central location for sports and outdoor activities for the entire community,” said City councilman Stanley Chang, who represents the area. “The residents have been working for several years to build this playground and I fully support this initiative.” Peter Kay, Niu Valley’s playground chairman, said that “RevoluSun is a perfect example of a company embracing a spirit of giving and community. We

hope that more organizations will follow their lead.” As a corporate sponsor, RevoluSun has joined a growing list of organizations that have given or pledged at least $5,000 to support this innovative publicprivate project, including the HMSA Foundation, Landscape Structures, KaBOOM!, Let’s Play and the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. Other creative fundraising strategies the Association has planned to raise money are an ice cream social this month at Bubbies Ice Cream in Koko Marina and a series of teak furniture sales. Samantha Spain, owner of Bali Furnishings and a Niu Valley resident, will give a portion of the sales to the playground on purchases of brand new teak tables, loungers and cushion boxes that started last month. To find out how you can help Niu Valley make this playground a reality, please visit www.niuval leyplayground.com. RevoluSun is Hawaii’s largest solar provider, designing and installing thousands of photovoltaic projects that are generating 20 MW of clean energy daily. Providing the highest quality of service, technology and design in renewable energy, RevoluSun is bringing cleaner, smarter energy to communities, one rooftop at a time. To learn more about solar energy or visit a solar seminar or solar open house, go to www.RevoluSun.com or call 748.8888.