Hawaii Renovation October 28, 2012 by Oahu Publications, Inc

OCTOBER 28, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

AN EDITION OF

From small-scale renovations and additions to brand-new house builds, the sky’s the limit for S. Tanaka Construction’s team of experienced professionals. See page 3

DRESS UP YOUR KITCHEN, BATH WITH BOLD HUES. See Page 14 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Scan Here

808-695-3976 • www.hawaiihomeexpo.com

HOURS M-F 8-4, SATURDAY 9-4 • 2933 KOAPAKA St. HONOLULU, HI. 96819

HHE

2 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

JOANNE ROMERO

Controlling Pests Is Always Best

he Halloween season is in full swing. Hocus Pocus, Edward Scissorhands and other Halloween-movie favorites play continually at my place while an orange, candy-filled bowl sits at the ready for those with a sweet tooth. Though ghouls, goblins, zombies and vampires frequently haunt the night, what really gives me goosebumps are things of the creepycrawly variety: spiders, cockroaches, ants and rats. Inspired by the movie heroes gracing my television screen, I decided to explore some simple steps to protect my household against these intruders. In doing so, I found out that toxic poisons are not always necessary. There are many non-toxic options that are easy to implement. These tips can help you keep pesky intruders at

• Tubs, Showers, Counters, Vanities, any type of Wall Surrounds

bay without compromising your health. 1. Dry off. Keep typically wet areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as dry as possible. This means fixing leaky faucets and drying up standing water. 2. Use the fridge. At my place, I refrigerate anything that can’t be tightly sealed. This includes bread, chips, fruit and open beverage containers. If there is no room in the fridge, use airtight containers, and choose snap lids over screw-tops. 3. Vacuum. Not only will you pick up crumbs that might entice pests, but you

may also pick up bugs and their eggs in the process. 4. Block them out. Seal entryways by caulking cracks and crevices, and fix or replace torn screens and any other exterior holes. 5. Pick up. Piles of magazines and newspapers make for nice nesting spots for many critters inside your home. Outside, stacks of items against the home can serve as easy ways for pests to crawl up and in. 6. Shake it up. Combine 3 tablespoons of liquid castile soap with 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle and shake to mix well. Spray directly on ants and spiders. You can also use this mixture as a repellent by spraying the path you see the ants travel. 7. Set bait. Cockroaches in particular love flour and sugar. Mix two parts borax powder with one part flour and one part sugar. Sprinkle in areas cockroaches may enter (in drawers and cabinets, along baseboards and behind the fridge). Just remember to avoid places with frequent human or animal contact. Borax is relatively low toxic

(it’s been compared to baking soda), but has been cited as a mild skin irritant. Still, erring on the safe side is always better.

Opt for professional pest control for more serious infestations. Locally owned Sandwich Isle Pest Solutions can help. With proper pest control, you too can protect your health and home from creepy-crawly critters.

Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. SALES MANAGER DARWIN ROGERS

Phone: 529-4740 | drogers@staradvertiser.com Send your comments and story ideas to hawaiirenovation@staradvertiser.com

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S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTION

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HR COVER STORY OCTOBER 28 • 2012 3

Transforming design concepts into reality

S. Tanaka Construction uilding a new home or renovating your existing one can be an intimidating process. Sometimes just coming up with ideas and concepts can be confusing and draining. S. Tanaka Construction is a design/build company that can help you with your home construction projects from start to finish without any upfront costs. The company will listen to your project ideas and help you turn them into a reality. It will also assist you with alternative ideas or brainstorm concepts if you are struggling with a vision. Started by Shinya Tanaka in 1984, the business is now owned by his son, Ryan Tanaka. Together, they have established a reputable company with loyal clientele. Most jobs that filter in are referrals from previous customers, and many of them are repeat customers. Common testimonials from previous clients reveal the ease in working with Ryan and Shinya, and the quality of service received during the building process and final outcome. S. Tanaka Construction focuses primarily on building new homes and does so from the ground up. What does this mean to you as a client? It means the company takes care of everything, from obtaining permits to creating plans to demolishing, building and finish work. For those of you who may have tried to complete your home projects on your own, you know that just starting the permitting process can be a tedious endeavor. If it’s a home renovation or addition you are interested in, S. Tanaka Construction specializes in those as well. Perhaps you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom to a more modern concept or extend your living room. S. Tanaka Construction will assist you through the whole process just as effectively as if it were a brand-new home. If you’re interested in receiving an estimate from S. Tanaka Construction, it’s good to know that estimates are free, allinclusive and, as long as the job remains within the scope of work, firm. However, do not expect a quote from the company based on the amount per square foot alone. S. Tanaka Construction does not come to a final price based on square

OCTOBER 28, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

AN EDITION OF

From small-scale renovations and additions to brand-new house builds, the sky’s the limit for S. Tanaka Construction’s team of experienced professionals. See page 3

DRESS UP YOUR KITCHEN, BATH WITH BOLD HUES. See Page 14 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

ON THE COVER

S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTION contact // 848-5010 web // www.STanakaConstruction.com footage, but rather on the specifics a client wants for the end result. For example, adding laminate flooring versus carpet or installing PV and central air will affect the

final cost, so it is unrealistic to come up with a figure based only on square footage. This is how the company avoids price discrepancies and ensures that customers

know exactly what they are getting. To contact S. Tanaka Construction, call 848-5010 or email info@stanakaconstruc tion.com. OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 3

4 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

LOKAHI GARAGE EXPERTS

The beauty of a remodeled garage

t home, garages can be an asset to our daily lives and a component of increased valuation of our properties. However, more often than not, our garages have turned into mismanaged and disorganized storage units that are conveniently located close to home. The fact is, most of us do not want to open the garage door because we do not want our neighbors to see how unsightly and disorganized we have allowed our garages to get. Do you need a garage remodel? Is your concrete riddled with oil stains, paint or cracking? Do your storage options look unappealing and function poorly? You are not alone; millions of homeowners have struggled with a problem they thought was unfixable, but it is. Lokahi Garage Expert’s Concrete Polishing & Epoxy Coatings are industrialgrade flooring solutions and cabinets that can provide homeowners with a sigh of relief. With a beautiful, durable garage floor and functional cabinet and work bench system, you can have a garage that is ergonomically functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Lifetime garage experts flooring Lokahi’s Roll-on-Rock is a multilayer application combining vapor barrier com-

• Fast assembly and installation of garage cabinets

LOKAHI GARAGE EXPERTS

• Optional support legs are available if the expected storage weight in the garage cabinet exceeds 300 pounds.

contact // 596-8833 address // 518 Kamani St. web // www.garageexperts.com

• Maximum garage cabinet storage weight is 700 pounds per pantry if it is attached to the wall properly

• Garage cabinets are available in Maple, Cherry, Charcoal, White and Diamond Plate

• Garage cabinets have stainless steel finished handles • Optional aluminum shelf stiffeners are also available for garage cabinets ponents, epoxy coatings, vinyl chips and polyurea sealants. Garage Experts Epoxy is the most durable coating system in the industry — so much so that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Your floor will become resistant to oils, gasoline, paints and other items that are so often the demise of a clean garage. Maintenance is simple, and items won’t stick to the chemically resistant garage floor coating. Don’t be fooled by inferior look-alikes that are really just paint

— there’s a big difference. Here are some features and benefits of Lokahi’s garage cabinet and work bench solutions: • Industrial-grade particle board (per ASTM standards) • European-manufactured hinges (lifetime warranty)

• European design and strength are what the company’s garage cabinets are built on.

Call Lokahi Garage Experts at 596-8833 for a free design consultation and estimate to get your high-quality garage flooring with a lifetime warranty, as well as cabinet storage and work bench solutions for your garage.

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6 OCTOBER 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 2012

DIAMOND HEAD WINDOWS & DOORS

Seeing clearly with the latest window technology I

n the 25 years that Diamond Head Windows & Doors has been in the window business, it has purchased and installed virtually every window available in Hawaii: high-end, low-end, wood, fiberglass, aluminum and vinyl. Many of these have merits and do well in Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate, but each has flaws as well. After much research and testing, Amerimax has become the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary recommendation.

Cleaning As Hawaii is a beautiful place, many homes have an abundance of windows to capture the views and bring in natural light. Many of these windows are out-of-reach and hard-toclean. Amerimax windows use NEATÂŽ glass. The glass is manufactured so that water or rain sheets off instead of leaving drops that dry and leave rings. Hard-to-reach windows can be cleaned by the rain or even a garden hose. And with the highest energy efficiency, these windows keep out unwanted heat, sound and harmful UV light.

Privacy Amerimax windows offer six different types of obscure/frosted glass, as well as four different tints, so you can select the amount of light and privacy you want in each room. You can get rid of your curtains and rattling blinds.

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Color While vinyl is a great material in Hawaii for windows because of its resistance to heat, salt and ease in cleaning, colors are limited. Amerimax windows are available in 10 different colors. Screens With most window companies being based on the Mainland, the quality of insect screens is generally an afterthought. In Hawaii, most of us keep our windows open for ventilation day and night. Wresting the screens out of the window when we want to clean or tabs that break easily are a constant source of service and repair. The Amerimax windows have a built-in rail that makes removal easy, and the screens are designed to be removed from the inside so secondstory and hard-to-reach windows are no problem. These are just some of the benefits, and the windows Before

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have a lifetime warranty as well. Mark & Todd McKinstry of Diamond Head Windows & Doors believe you will be very pleased when you see all the features of the Amerimax window. As an introductory offer, Amerimax is offering a 30 percent discount for the first 100 customers in Hawaii. Call today for a free in-home estimate. The company has many window brands and styles to fit your budget and requirements.

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Interior paint primers can solve problems, save money M any people think that primers are useful only when doing exterior painting, but that’s a mistaken notion. Like exterior primers, interior primers make surfaces more uniform and help paint adhere better, but they can do a lot more, according to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “Interior primers can actually help prevent a host of problems and enhance the appearance of a finished paint job,” she said. “By choosing the right type of primer for a par ticular project, it’s even possible to pinpoint the performance

benefits you’ll get.” Here’s a quick sampling of some of the more common types of interior primers and how they can help improve your next paint job:

Stain-blocking primers Walls and other interior surfaces often have water stains, smoke residue, grease or other contaminants that can “bleed” right through a new coat of paint to ruin its appearance. To prevent that from happening, Zimmer advised to apply a stain-blocking primer before painting to seal off the stain-producing agents. “These primers

come in both latex and oilbased formulations, but latex stain blockers have much less odor, which is always a plus when working indoors,” she said. Vapor barrier primers These interior primers are typically used in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms to help prevent moisture from passing through the walls. By doing so, they help keep the wall insulation dry and reduce the chance of an exterior paint failure due to moisture exiting the interior. Vapor barrier primers also help maintain a comfortable level of humidity inside the home. Kitchen and bath primers These coatings are often used in the same areas as vapor barrier primers, but they serve a different purpose. Specially formulated with biocides and stain blockers, they help control the growth of mildew and mold in rooms that tend to be damp or humid. Drywall primers While these coatings are called primers, they really function as sealers, which are close cousins of the primer family. As the name indicates, they are applied over drywall and joint compound to help conceal the differences in their appearance and impart a more uniform look to the completed paint job. Latex Enamel Under-coaters These primers are excellent for use under semi-gloss or gloss paint to ensure that the paint will develop its maximum gloss. After applying a latex enamel undercoater and letting it dry, Zimmer said it’s important to lightly sand off any visible brush marks before applying the glossy paint.

Bonding Primers When painting a slick material like glass, tile, Formica® or vinyl-coated paneling, it is always wise to use a bonding primer. These primers are specially formulated to adhere to slippery surfaces and help create a more secure bond between the primer and paint.

Even if you’re on a very tight budget, you shouldn’t fail to apply a primer when the circumstances call for one: the primer may actually save you money. That’s because you may need fewer coats of paint, especially on a previously unpainted surface. Likewise, if you are applying a dark-colored paint, you can often get away with fewer coats by applying a tinted primer beforehand. The net effect may very well be a more economical paint job. For more information on interior paints, primers and interior painting, visit the Paint Quality Institute blog at blog.paintquality.com or the Institute’s website at www.paintquality.com. This article is courtesy of Home Improvement News and Information Center.

OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 7

8 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

Shifting household needs create home designing opportunities B

oomers expect to stay in their homes and live independently into their later years, but in the midst of change that is occurring in their households, it’s easy for them to lose focus on planning for their own future housing needs. New research by The Hartford shows that 40 percent of boomers have experienced or anticipate experiencing family member changes in and out of the home, mostly related to their children. However, 70 percent of boomers have not made design changes to their living space, perhaps due to the fact that they don’t know if their children will move back home, noted Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist at The Hartford. Changes that increase your home’s livability allow you to stay in your home longer and make living easy for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. “Most of us want to stay in our homes as we age, which often requires making the design choices to help us do that,” said Olshevski. Moving, remodeling or simply redecorating all present opportunities to incorporate design factors that make your home comfortable and safe for everyone you care about, from small children to older individuals. While a life transition might cause you to halt your plans for improvements, Olshevski recommended taking the opposite approach and using it as an opportunity to incorporate more accessible design into the home.

By following the principles of universal design — what’s good for people of all ages, sizes and abilities — you can make sure your home is more livable across your lifetime, and can stand up to any life changes that come your way. Olshevski recommends concentrating on three design elements in order to accommodate changing needs over a lifetime: Adaptability Is your home flexible and functional for family and friends now and in the future? For example, if you’re installing a new bathroom sink, you might consider storage space in the cabinet underneath. You may also want to make sure the cabinet opening is at least 36 inches wide, which allows a wheel chair to slide in between the doors when open and makes the sink accessible to all. Or, if you’re installing new kitchen countertops, think about choosing a design with multiple heights to increase flexibility and comfort for things such as standing for food preparation. Ease Any components you add to your home should be easy to use. For example, improvements like pull-out drawers for easy access in kitchens and bathrooms can help make reaching for items easier.

Openness Open floor plans are becoming more the trend, but it’s not just for style reasons. More open space means additional room to maneuver, eliminating obstacles for those who have mobility challenges. Improvements like rounding edges on countertops can also help eliminate sharp objects.

The Hartford has dedicated a section of its website to helping people make their homes livable across a lifetime. Visit www.thehartford.com/lifetime. This article is courtesy of Bradpoint.

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BIA HAWAII OCTOBER 28• 2012 9

Home financing for the first-time buyer BY KAREN NAKAMURA

uying your first house can be very exciting, but financing it can be a daunting experience. In both cases, knowledge is power, and if you do your research and shop carefully, you will have a successful home-buying experience. Before you visit a sales office, model home or open house, take advantage of sources that can help you get prepared, and take steps to ensure you’re in the best possible financial situation:

• Figure out what you can pay on a monthly basis. Write down all your monthly expenses including loan payments, utilities, insurance, credit cards and don’t forget food, clothing and entertainment expenditures. When determining the payment you can afford, remember that in addition to the monthly

principal and interest, you will also be paying into escrow for property taxes, hazard insurance and possibly mortgage insurance, or a homeowners’ or condominium association assessment. Many real estate-focused websites have mortgage calculators to help figure out what your monthly payments would be. • Pay down your debt. The debt you carry on credit cards will limit the loan amount a lender will be willing to give you. Lenders typically want to see a total debt service ratio that is less than 40 percent of your monthly income. • Attend a first-time home buying seminar or talk to a credit counselor who does not work for a lender. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free housing counseling and seminars; visit www.hud.gov or call HUD’s interactive voice system at (800) 569-4287.

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• HUD also has a booklet on its site called “Buying Your Home: Settlement Costs and Helpful Information.” It describes the homebuying and settlement process and explains most of the expenses you will encounter. It is free and most lenders are required to provide their loan applicants with a copy of this document under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).

you how much money the lender is willing to loan you, and you will know what price range you should be shopping in. Pre-approval also enables you to quickly make an offer when you find a home, and is attractive to sellers who are considering multiple offers. A lender’s pre-approval would still be subject to final verification of your credit and a satisfactory appraisal.

• When you have done your research, visit a lender and find out which loans are available to you. Then, get pre-approved. This will tell

Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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10 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

ENERGYPRO HAWAII

Shedding light on the end-of-year solar rush A

s the end of the year approaches, Oahu residents are in a mad dash to have their future photovoltaic (PV) systems installed. Getting their systems installed within the calendar year is crucial in order for residents to take advantage of the state tax credit program that could be revised or reduced in 2013. Why should this matter to you as a consumer? Many PV companies have been, or are very close to being, booked through the end of the year. This leaves only a few choices to find a quality installer at a reasonable price. Although the time crunch is on for consumers, they should not rush into any decision and choose the first installer available. Installing a PV system is a major decision, and careful research and planning should still be implemented when deciding on a PV installer. You want to be sure the installer can deliver on his promised date, will provide you with a quality installation and also provide you with the best PV panels and equipment. EnergyPro Hawaii receives regular shipments of Samsung’s 255-watt panels and is

ENERGYPRO HAWAII contact // 596-2890 email // energyprohawaii@gmail.com web // www.energyprohawaii.com As of now, EnergyPro Hawaii still has openings available to install PV systems in 2012, but time is running out. With added obstacles such as community association approvals, possible re-roofing and financing options, the process can sometimes be unexpectedly prolonged. Currently, EnergyPro Hawaii has some year-end specials on its Samsung PV systems, and also has a new zero-down, 0 percent interest for a two-year financing program for qualified buyers. This program is

fully stocked for any job, big or small. The company’s install crews have not been hired just for this busy season, but have been well-trained and employed with the company for an extended period of time. We want to ensure that you receive the highest quality work possible and that your installation is done right.

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Fall entertaining made easy with cool decorating ideas T

he golden days of autumn are upon us, signaling a new direction in home decor and entertaining. What are your plans for updating your house? These easy tips will bring the feeling of fall into your home without a lot of money or extra effort. “Fall marks a time for entertaining as friends and families come back together,” said visual merchandiser John Griffith. “The brilliant bursts of reds, oranges and yellows mark the last vestiges of color until spring, and people are looking to grab onto those, especially those who appreciate nature as a decorating tool.” Griffith and his team create seasonal decorating vignettes for the retail store at Replacements Ltd. The company is known as the world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. Griffith’s merchandising team has seen fall decorating become an increasingly popular

trend. Shoppers are requesting recommendations for autumn decor, as opposed to waiting for the traditional winter holidays to start seasonal decorating. Industry insiders say manufacturers are answering the trend in autumn decorating by offering more seasonal ornaments and dinnerware patterns, especially for Halloween and Thanksgiving. “People want a change, but with higher gas prices and the economic uncertainty, they’re worried about spending money,” Griffith said. “Many of us don’t realize we can give our homes a refreshing seasonal style with what we already own. This starts with rethinking how you use your tableware. Fall is a great time to forgo form for function and use your dinnerware in creative ways that aren’t only pretty, but a great conversation starter for fall entertaining.”

While most people think about using their dinnerware for its intended purpose, finding new uses for those pieces opens up fun ideas to style your table. For example, Griffith suggested turning a balloon wine glass upside down over your favorite fall foliage, small gourds or seasonal ornaments, and then placing a votive on the inverted base. This creates a pretty accent on the dinner table or anywhere in the home. You can also fill wine glasses with small seasonal-colored ornaments to use at each place setting, or in various rooms around your home to capture a burst of color. If you are looking to expand your dinnerware collection for fall entertaining, experts say there is no shortage of options.

“You’ll find fall and Thanksgiving dinnerware in traditional browns and yellows, as well as this season’s trend color, pumpkin orange,” said Replacements’ product marketing vice president Robin Long. “You can easily capture the spirit of the season simply by adding accent plates to the patterns you already own. Another great option is to add a decorated turkey platter or other serving pieces featuring colors and designs of the season to your table.” This article is courtesy of Bradpoint.

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GOLDEN CABINETS & STONE

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ince opening its doors in 2007, Golden Cabinets & Stone has gained a reputation for offering quality, affordable cabinetry to Hawaii’s consumers. Owner Wayne Cao noticed how expensive it had become to purchase cabinets in Hawaii and sought to bring more affordable options to residents looking to either build from scratch or remodel existing spaces. “When we transform a client’s outdated kitchen into a new, more functional kitchen, it is most satisfying seeing their face and hearing how much their whole family enjoys this new element in their home,” Cao said. “We’re licensed contractors, so we provide full service from installation to painting.” Cao also noted that Golden Cabinets is fully stocked with inventory, and “plenty of choices” are available for everything from cabinetry to hardware — including handles for an attractive yet functional touch. Golden Cabinets has a new location to serve its customers who have come to appreciate the company’s professional customer service, quality products and “unbeatable” prices. The 3,000-square-foot space offers a multitude of cabinetry in addition to 50 varieties of countertops, 30 choices of sinks and

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high-quality tile varieties — a perfect combination when renovating a bathroom or kitchen. Other cabinetry possibilities include modifying office areas, adding closets or sprucing up a garage or lanai with storage space. The company offers seven wood selections that are used in designing cabinetry.The cabinets are constructed from solid wood doors and plywood boxes, and provide customers with unsurpassed quality not available from competitors that offer particle or press-

board cabinetry. Soon, the company will offer two new cabinet styles including Brown Cherry, and new countertop selections. The Luxurious Cherry is a fine-grain wood that features a smooth texture and satiny feel. The option closely resembles coveted Koa wood in appearance, and is usually finished with a medium or dark stain to bring out the wood’s mahogany-red tones. Cherry is integral in defining the store’s Shaker, Mission and country-style cabinets. Other styles of Cherry wood include Royal Cherry — the company’s top-of-theline wood option — as well as Golden

Cherry, which offers a lighter-toned wood with the same strength as darker alternatives. Golden Cabinets also offers multiple elements of customization, including 30- and 40inch wall cabinets as well as the option of including glass panels as an added artistic element. Special orders are welcomed, and if customers bring in measurements for their desired cabinetry, the company can create a 3-D computer rendering of what the finished product will look like. “We truly appreciate each and every one of our clients who have given Golden Cabinets the opportunity to fulfill their cabinetry needs,” Cao said.

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OCTOBER 28 • 2012 13

Tales from the crib Believe it or not, feng shui consultations can be downright “spooky” at times. Here are a couple of story treats to get you in the mood for this year’s All Hallows’ Eve

with

Alice Inoue

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I read your articles every week and love reading stories about the different client consultations you have done, and I always learn something from other’s experiences. Can you share more stories with us? f course! And since this upcoming week is Halloween, I thought it would be fun to share the “scariest” feng shui consultations I have ever done. I have visited hundreds of homes and businesses since I started doing this work, so I have many stories. Here are just two “spooky tales.” I changed the names of the people and created different situational scenarios for confidentiality reasons. Any details or circumstantial similarity to you or someone you know is purely coincidental.

Lions, tigers and wet sheets, oh my! Monica had me over for a consultation because she was concerned about her 5year-old son, Joshua, who was wetting his bed at night and seemed to be unnaturally scared of many things. She thought maybe his bed needed to be placed in a more empowered position. Walking through the home, I noticed vibrant, bold and wonderfully appealing designer décor. I was taken aback, however, when I entered Joshua’s room. Monica had decorated it with a jungle theme, complete with animal print curtains, and wallpaper with zebras and roaring lions and tigers. “I love how Joshua’s room turned out!” she said with enthusiasm. “Isn’t it so awesome?!” “Yes,” I responded, “but not for a 5-yearold boy and not for a bedroom.” I asked her to imagine what it would feel like to sleep in a jungle surrounded by vicious animals. She said she had never thought of it that way. I noticed that Joshua’s bed had soft bunny-print sheets and many vulnerable looking stuffed rabbits on it.

The symbolism, I shared, suggested that Joshua related to and felt like the vulnerable rabbits. Horrified, she agreed to immediately change the décor per my recommendations. Later, she told me that Joshua had stopped wetting the bed and was much less scared. What happens behind unhinged doors A few years back, Jack called and asked if I could visit his three-bedroom home on the Windward side. He lived with his wife, two children and elderly mother-in-law. He was willing to pay the extra fee to get me to his house as soon as possible. When I arrived, Jack told me that a few weeks earlier a string of “weird” things started happening. One, his mother-in-law choked on some food and had to be rushed to the emergency room; two, while he was waiting

for her, an old client called (whom he had been out of touch with for some time) and told Jack that he was about to commit suicide by pill overdose; three, after rushing his old client to the emergency room, Jack thought these weird occurrences were over, but in a freak accident a few days later, a plank of wood from his house fell onto his neighbor’s cat, killing it instantly, and his children (8 and 12 at the time) began having nightmares; and four, his wife tripped on a step in their home and broke her arm. I had no idea what to expect as I walked through Jack’s home, but within two minutes it was apparent to me what the problem was. Jack had started a home improvement project and was in the process of changing all the doors in his home, so every door in the house was off its hinges, leaning against a wall. What is the correlation? Doorways are

portals that usher us from room to room and are meant to have doors on them to contain the energy and control what goes in and out of each room. Energetically, when doors are taken off doorways, unwanted energy in the form of crisis and unexpected happenings tend to come into our lives. I asked Jack when he had taken down all the doors and he said,“I took off the last door just before joining the family for dinner.Thirty minutes later I was driving my mother -in-law to the hospital. I’ve been too distracted to finish the project since all this started. Why?” After explaining my view of what was going on, I asked him to immediately install all the new doors. A month after my visit he reported that life was back to normal.

Finally, here’s a bit of friendly feng shui advice for the ghoulish holiday: To clear the energy of tricks and welcome only the treats, make sure you remove all Halloween decorations when you wake up on Nov. 1.

Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue Life Guidance LLC, a company committed to assisting people in living empowered lives. Visit www.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, sign up for her newsletters and download useful feng shui tips. OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 13

14 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

Color tips from the pros Easy ways to bring just the right touch of brightness to your home design scheme hy is it that some people can do daring things with color in their living rooms or bedrooms, but stick with the strongholds of beige and white in their kitchens and baths? As bright hues are surfacing in kitchen and bath design trends, existing oft-neutral palettes make it easy to introduce bold splashes. Whether it’s with a new faucet finish, a vibrant wall color, a playful backsplash — even a brightlycolored sink — adding color instantly creates a personalized and pleasing look in your kitchen or bath. Debating the best way to bring new colors into your home? Consider these seven tips straight from two industry professionals:

1. Find your perfect (color) match. Before you begin mixing and matching paint chips with backsplash tile, identify a color that has long resonated with your own design or fashion aesthetic. “If a client isn’t able to answer this question instantly, all I have to do is peruse the closet,” said Kohler interior designer Diana Schrage. “Chances are that repeated pop of color worn over the years belongs in his or her home decor as much as in his or her wardrobe.” Once that signature color has been identified, Schrage said homeowners often feel more confident introducing

Palermo Blue in my collection with Kohler. Every time you dip your hands in it, it’s like taking a dip in the Mediterranean itself.”

those brighter hues in a more permanent manner.

in the powder room, a bright sink is a perfect piece to build upon as you bring new colors into your space,” Schrage said.

2. Make a color splash in the sink. “A brightly-colored sink makes a delightful and memorable impact,” Schrage said. Kohler recently made a color splash in the kitchen and bathroom with four bright and bold colors created in a partnership with color evangelist and design guru Jonathan Adler. The special edition hues, Kohler Colors Featuring Jonathan Adler, include Palermo Blue, Greenwich Green, Piccadilly Yellow and Annapolis Navy — each available exclusively on three kitchen sinks and three bathroom sinks. The color offering doesn’t stop at four — there are 28 in Kohler’s enameled cast iron color offering to choose from. “Whether it’s on a Farmhouse sink in the kitchen or a lavatory

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3. Harness the power of color. Color can have a big impact on mood and what happens in a space. Restaurants and retail outlets often enlist color psychologists to select colors that will encourage diners to splurge on dessert or draw shoppers into a store. So harness that same power in your home. Want your kitchen to be a comfortable space for your family that encourages an appetite in the pickiest of eaters? Incorporate orange. If you long for a peaceful bathroom oasis, bring in calming blues and soothing greens. “Blue in all of its many shades is the universal beloved color in the whole color world,” Adler said. “A crisp light blue is refreshing, calming and serene — like

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4. Make up your own rules. “I feel like the world is often tame when it comes to color,” Adler said. “But embracing color is about embracing life. And to truly make a space your own, you have to make your own rules.” If your powder room feels plain and predictable, its small footprint makes it the perfect space to strengthen your color confidence by experimenting to show off your own design aesthetic. Always had a fondness for chartreuse, for example? Select a Kohler sink in Greenwich Green and introduce a new faucet finish that isn’t used elsewhere in the home, such as Kohler’s Vibrant Moderne Brushed Gold or the new Oil-Rubbed Bronze finish for instant warmth. “The powder room is all about creating a memorable and gracious experience for your guests,” Schrage said. “Make it a fun one by incorporating color in an unexpected fashion by applying your favorite wallpaper to the ceiling with a complementing color on the walls, or a large installation of tile.”

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5. Focus on a focal point. Incorporating color doesn’t require a complete redo. Instead, focus on a smaller project within the space to create a focal point or accent. Color can act as an eye magnet to create a focal-pointworthy design statement that draws a room together visually and gives you a solid foundation on which to build out the room’s design theme. “A striking pairing of a faucet and sink can create a focal point,” Schrage said. “Throwing color into the mix only strengthens it.” 6. Layer for visual interest. If you want use color like a pro, learn to layer. Adler’s go-to layering hue: navy. “It’s a great base color to use with other bold colors,” he said. “That’s why Annapolis Navy was a must-have in my collection with Kohler ; it’s classic. Nautical. Chic.” 7. Do your homework. If you’re considering a fresh coat of paint, a bright backsplash or bold new sink, experiment with apps and different websites to see how new colors can best be applied to your space. Kohler offers an app that allows you to mix and match sink colors with different faucet finishes, and sites like Houzz.com put more than half a million design photos at your fingertips and allow you to store your favorites in your very own idea book on the site. Once homework is done and the concept is complete, conquer any lingering hesitation by remembering Adler’s last bit of advice: “Incorporating an exclamation of color in a more permanent manner — such as a sink — resonates not only with your own design aesthetic, it means more permanent happiness.” This article is courtesy of Bradpoint.

Adding color to your kitchen, bath with decorative tiles

ou don’t have to be a designer to use color and design. And you don’t have to be wealthy to adorn your home with these beautiful accents. California based IdeaStix Inc. has just introduced an elegant collection of TileStix™ Textured Peel & Stick Tile Accents for Bathroom and Kitchen Tiles — designed by Kitty Everett. Removable ... Reusable ... Washable ... Previewed in April at the National Kitchen and Bath Show in Chicago, the product was an immediate hit. Attendees who stopped to sample the accents expressed views that the designs would capture the imagination of homeowners across the country. TileStix, like the IdeaStix®, SwitchStix™, tile and accent collections, are self-adhesive, removable, reusable, washable and heat- and steam-resistant. As one Pennsylvania resident noted, “You can’t lose with TileStix. If you are concerned that your mother-inlaw will wince at the bold color combination you have chosen, simply purchase another set and then put them away until her next visit.” Featured among the new collections for 4 by 4 tiles are:

• The sea life mosaics in a rich neutral palette (The Mediterranean Collection)

IdeaStix Inc. makes unique and easy-to-use products for practical applications in home and office environments. They are inexpensive, colorfast and leave no sticky residue when removed. IdeaStix permits homeowners, and yes, renters, the opportunity to coordinate a room, hide a damaged surface or create a quick new look by moving or changing the Accent on a variety of nonporous surfaces including tile, counters, appliances, bathroom fixtures, mirrors, glass, switch plates and accessories — even kitchen mugs, pitchers and canisters. View the entire line of TileStix and IdeaStix products at www.IdeaStix.com and select from all the latest designs.

• French country designs in blue and yellow (En Provence).

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16 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

CATHY LEE

ast week I introduced you to Catherine Lin’s Waterfront Tower penthouse apartment and the idea of creating a sense of flow with color and style. Now I’ll take you into other rooms and show you what we did with Catherine’s lighting. There are three kinds of lighting: ambient, task and accent. Each serves a different purpose, and for a truly complete space, you want to consider these three forms. Ambient or general lighting can be overhead fixtures, canister lights and yes, even those unattractive fluorescent lights. These illuminate the overall space. Task lighting illuminates individual areas. This includes desk or reading lamps, and pendants over a kitchen island. Regarding accent lighting, some are decorative, while others accent things such as ar t on the wall or add a bit of light to a dark corner. This is where you can truly go wild with shapes, colors and forms, since the main purpose here is to add personality. Some fixtures cross over. Pendants can be task lighting as well as accents. Chandeliers can serve as the main or ambient lighting for a room, and also as fabulous focal points. Wall sconces in many instances are beautiful accents, but are often used as task lighting, for example, to gently light hallways. I wanted the lighting in Catherine’s office to do double duty. She needed general lighting at night to work by. This room had wallpaper that needed to stay, meaning we couldn’t add pizzazz through new paint colors, but it definitely needed some spicing up. It has a fantastic view, with lots of windows and natural light. But at night she needed additional lighting and a focal point to replace the view. If you read last week’s column, you’ll remember that in keeping with her femi-

Let there be light How do you brighten up a home — even one as beautiful as this penthouse at Waterfront Tower? Simple. By adding ambient, task and accent lighting

16 • OCTOBER 28, 2012

>> After

>> Before

nine yet dynamic personality, I was going for a Mediterranean-meets-Hollywood decorating style, full of glam and drama. The home office would be no different. A beautiful drum chandelier from Honolulu Lights did the trick. It provided more ambient lighting when Catherine

worked at night, and the bonus was it looked beautiful even when the switch was off. Glam and drama were the same concepts I had in mind when changing out the fixtures in the upstairs sitting area. Overall lighting was provided by track lights in the ceiling that needed to stay, but the wall sconces could be replaced. I love wall sconces because they provide an opportunity to add personality to a room, and certain fixtures can cast shadows on walls to add even more interest. The old light fixture was brass with frosted glass lights. The new one added the style we were going for, with crystals that kept with our Mediterranean-Hollywood flair. Nearby we placed three Hollywoodstyle mirrors to reflect even more light and give the room some sparkle. Finally, in the adjoining family room, we placed a pair of new floor lamps and beau-

tifully upholstered wingback chairs to provide balance in the room, with the lamps adding light and sculpture to the space. Ambient, task and accent lighting: They’re all important to a space. If you find you’re only using one of these in your room, take a look around and think about it. Who knows? A light bulb may go off!

Cathy Lee is president and designer of Cathy Lee Style and Cathy's Marketplace, a furniture and accessories showroom with design services at 1110 University Ave. She recently opened reStyle Hawaii, an affordable, style-conscious consignment warehouse with upholstering and repurposing services at 420 Keawe St. in Kakaako. Lee's interior design work has been featured in local and national publications, on HGTV and in her DIY design workshops that teach homeowners the basics of style. To find out more, go to www.cathyleestyle.com.

TROPICAL WHOLESALE OCTOBER 28 • 2012 17

Giving your home a makeover with a new set of windows, doors N

ow that summer is here, it’s time for home improvement projects. Call the exper ts at Tropical Wholesale. If you are thinking of installing new windows and doors, Tropical Wholesale is the first and oldest installer of vinyl window and door products in Hawaii. Sometimes it is hard to decide which style or brand to choose, which products have the best warranty, which company will be there in 10 years to back up that warranty and which salesperson is telling the truth. Here are your answers:

• Tropical Wholesale is a local, licensed general contractor and has been installing windows for more than 30 years in Hawaii.The company will be here throughout the following 10 years. All its employees complete window-design training to ensure you will get the right window and door design for your home.

• Tropical Wholesale introduced the first vinyl window in Hawaii and it’s the first expert manufacturer of the product locally.

• The company has had more than 10,000 customers in Hawaii (on Oahu and the neighboring islands of Maui, Kauai, the Big Island and Lanai).

• Tropical Wholesale distributes Simonton windows and doors. Simonton is rated No.

TROPICAL WHOLESALE contact // 263-1252 • 292-2942 web // www.twoahu.com email // tropicalwholesale@hawaii.rr.com 1 by J.D. Power for customer and builder satisfaction. Simonton has the only lifetime warranty in Hawaii that covers all materials, labor, hardware and workmanship. Read the fine print of other factory warranties: They tend to void Hawaii for warranties. Do not be fooled by a fast-talking salesperson. • The company is an authorized service

provider for Simonton windows and doors. Waiting for an expert’s decision from the Mainland is unnecessary. Tropical Wholesale can make that decision while providing the best service to every customer in Hawaii. Tropical Wholesale is 100 percent locally owned and operated with three generations serving Hawaii’s friends and neigh-

bors.The company is a Sam’s Club contractor. To make an appointment or for more information, visit Sam’s Club online at www.samsclub.com. If it’s time to change those old jalousie windows, call the original experts: father and son owners Matt and Mike Houar of Tropical Wholesale. They will treat you like a friend. Call 263-1252 or 292-2942 and ask about the Saint Louis School and University of Hawaii alumni special.

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SURFACE SHIELD

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SURFACE SHIELD contact // 396-9599 • 497-2716 email // surfaceshield@hawaii.rr.com web // www.surfaceshieldroofing.com of the substrate (roofing surface) on your flat or low-pitch roof. This type of roofing can range from roughly $3 to $5 per foot and hold material warranties ranging from five years to the lifetime of the structure. If your home is not a candidate for coating or steeper roofing surfaces, asphalt products are a great option. They also are cost effective and have many great warranty options, from 20 years to the lifetime of the structure. Pricing for this roofing system ranges from $3.50 to $5.50 per foot. Surface Shield Roofing Company is a fully licensed and insured roofing contractor. We offer a free visit to your home along with a free roof assessment and estimate. We will help you understand the options that are now available to you. From the newest in fluid-applied coatings to the breakthrough technology in heat-reflective asphalt shingles, there is always an option for everyone! Call us today at 396-9599 or 497-2716.

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ISLAND STYLE FURNISHINGS

How to relax in style

ince 2004, Island Style Furnishings has established a reputation for having the best selection of outdoor furniture on the island. Owners Rebecca and Tyson Washburn focus on providing customers with personalized service and quality furniture all while keeping their products very affordable.They know that the people of Hawaii love the outdoors, and in order to enjoy the weather to its fullest, outdoor furniture is a must. From benches and dining tables to sun lounges and sofas, Island Style Furnishings has it all and can deliver it right to your door. Customer service is the company’s No. 1 priority, so Rebecca’s husband,Tyson, will not only hand-deliver products himself, but will set up the furniture for free as well. Island Style Furnishings’ bestseller is the Australis Leisure line, a brand that is only available on Oahu through the company. This all-weather furniture is made from Merbau, which is regarded as one of the most durable timbers in the world. Merbau wood is naturally insect- and rot-resistant. This special wood is not only beautiful, but requires a lot less maintenance than furniture made from other varieties of wood. All the hardware used is either 304 stainless steel or nickel-plated brass. Australis Leisure brand furniture is ranked as one of the “best values” on the market at this time.The company also gives a comprehensive five-year warranty on its Merbau furniture so you will have peace of mind. Come visit Island Style Furnishings and its staff will be glad to help guide you in choosing the furniture

that fits you best.The company’s specialty lies in luxury outdoor furniture, but it also carries home décor, paintings and cushions. You can browse the online catalog at www.AustalisLeisure.com.au.

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ISLAND STYLE FURNISHINGS contact // 234-1129 web // www.islandstylefurnishing.com • www.australisleisure.com

SINCE

1993

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Lic# BC-29228

SLAND STYLE FURNISHINGS

Specializing in Luxury Outdoor Furniture

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www.islandstylefurnishing.com | www.australisleisure.com.au

OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 19

20 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

THE BATHROOM STORE

Flush away inefficiency with high-tech bath appliances W

ith today’s current water standards, the term “high-efficiency” toilet often brings to mind a rather inefficient flush. The Bathroom Store understands that to be truly high-efficient, a product must not only conserve water, but work effectively. TOTO has always been a pioneer in water conservation, and uses extensive research and design to ensure a powerful flush. In 1987, a 1.6 gallon-per-flush (GPF) legislation was passed in Massachusetts, giving manufacturers two years to comply. Most manufacturers simply reduced the size of their tanks, which resulted in poor performance and multiple flushes. TOTO had already optimized the performance of its toilets, since they had been designing and developing low-volume flushing systems for decades. In fact, their rigorous flushing tests are more extensive than current industry standards, so they can ensure outstanding one-flush performance and true water savings. Replacing older, larger-use toilets with newer models can result in significant water and sewer savings. If you replace a 3.5- or 5-GPF toilet with a 1.6-GPF toilet, you can save about 9,740 to 17,300 gallons of water per year. It’s a myth that more water will make a toilet work better.Today’s highefficiency toilets use less water than ever, yet outperform many of the older, water-guzzling toilets. Further research and development brought forth the 1.6-gallon Cyclone toilet, which in turn gave life to the 1.28 Double Cyclone Flushing System. Like a cyclone in nature,

20 • OCTOBER 28, 2012

THE BATHROOM STORE

contact // 843-2005 address // 985 Dillingham Blvd. web // www.tbshi.com • info@tbshi.com

the Double Cyclone Flushing System harnesses the power of water and gravity to create a more powerful 1.28 GPF, which maximizes cleaning action. The Bathroom Store is proud to be the first in Hawaii to introduce the new TOTO Drake II 1G. This product is the Industry’s first 1 GPF ultra high-efficiency toilet that offers the company’s state-of-the art Double Cyclone Flushing System.The new gravity-fed, two-piece 1G Double Cyclone

marries flawless performance and exceptional bowl-cleansing action to give ultra high-efficiency water-savings (35 percent compared to 1.6 GPF toilets), creating a clean, green flushing system that saves money, water and time. The 1G’s bowl and concave rim are coated with SanaGloss, TOTO’s nano-technology glaze that seals its porcelain with an ionized barrier, creating a super-slippery, non-porous surface. The 1G utilizes two nozzles instead of rim holes that use water more efficiently for better rim and bowl cleansing. All of these features are beautifully wrapped together in an ADA-approved, comfort-height toilet. Look for this and more water-saving products at The Bathroom Store.

HOMEOWNERS DESIGN CENTER OCTOBER 28 • 2012 21

Putting customers at the ‘Center’ of design expertise H omeowners Design Center has been family owned and operated since 1969. Whether you are looking for flooring, kitchen or bath cabinets, countertops or window coverings, Homeowners Design Center provides one-stop convenience with a large selection of the latest products.

Quality design proves the company listens The company has a specialist in every department. Consultants have many years of experience in their fields and will work together to provide you with coordinating designs, quality products and professional installations. The company also provides design services for customers with its free estimates. Kitchens have become the gathering place for family and friends. Open and warm, they are no longer the closed-off spaces they were 20 years ago. Homeowners Design Center’s staff of experienced kitchen and bath designers, along with its flooring consultants, can develop a design that fits your lifestyle, space and budget. A company that chooses the best for its customers Access to a variety of products and vendors means Homeowners Design Center will recommend what will work best for you, regardless of the brand. The company’s constantly updated sample and display materials from local and national vendors means less time researching and less leg work for your project. With so many choices for cabi-

HOMEOWNERS DESIGN CENTER contact // 847-0216 address // 1030 Kohou St., Ste. 201 web // www.homeownersdesign.com

netry, the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends asking for a cabinet that is KCMA-certified (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association), CARB-compliant (California Air Resource Board) and has a long warranty. Homeowners Design Center features many cabinet lines that will meet those guidelines or exceed them with lifetime warranties and USA-made materials. The company also can help you choose the perfect granite, marble, maple butcher block, Corian, Staron, Silestone or Zodiaq countertop for your kitchen or bath. To find the right flooring, choose from wood, carpet, vinyl, ceramic and laminates. For window coverings, choose from elaborate drapery and valance combinations, or clean vertical blinds as well as matching fabric shades. Peace of mind and highest value The company believes in measuring the value of your investment over the long term, which has enabled its suc-

cess for more than 43 years. High-quality products are professionally installed and designed to last, along with worryfree customer service that saves you time and money.

Free seminars Sign up for the free seminars held every second Saturday of the month. They feature a panel of experts in construction, finance and design to help you get a better understanding of building a new home or remodeling an existing one.

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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.

1030 Kohou St Ste 201 Honolulu, HI • 808-847-0216 M-F 8:00-4:30 • Sat 9:00-2:00 • homeownersdesign.com * Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/15/12 –12/15/12. Ask a sales representative for information on qualifying purchases. All rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars, in the form of an American Express® Prepaid Reward Card. This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Douglas offer or promotion. ©2012 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

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OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 21

22 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

GRANICRETE HAWAII

Creating concrete curb appeal

ress up your front entry with a decorative concrete treatment. Say goodbye to dingy, stained, boring concrete slabs and hello to a stylish, custom-designed entryway. Granicrete Hawaii resurfaces existing concrete, an eco-conscious and budget-friendly choice that will improve your curb appeal and provide easy maintenance.

Decorative concrete overlays Overlays dramatically improve the look of your front entry. Granicrete Hawaii installers simply resurface your existing concrete with a polymer-modified concrete overlay to completely transform its appearance and texture with just 1/8-inch thickness. They handcraft flooring overlays to create virtually any look, including flagstone, slate or tiles. The design and texture are tailored to each installation.

Sustainable solutions Revitalize and beautify your existing concrete with concrete staining or by grinding and sealing it. Concrete stains are a great way to add some personality and warmth to your exterior flooring. Stains are available in a wide variety of semi-transparent and opaque colors. They are applied directly to your existing concrete slab without changing its texture. Choose colors that complement your home and landscaping to create that “wow” factor. The grinding and sealing process removes the top 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch off the surface with a grinder, which takes care of problems such as pitting, flaking, scaling and discolorations. The aggregates found in the concrete are exposed,

adding texture and character to the concrete surface. To add color, it can be stained before it is sealed with a colorenhancing sealant that protects from the elements. Low maintenance Solvent-based sealers provide resistance to moisture, stains, mildew and bacteria, and are also UV-resistant to protect against fading. Simply re-seal every two years to maintain the finish and color so that your floors will stand the test of time. Special offers Don’t settle for discolored, mildewed, drab concrete floors any longer. Take advantage of 10 percent off front entrances in November. Visit the company’s showroom for design ideas. Call Granicrete Hawaii today at 626-5418 to schedule your free estimate. Allow its team of concrete artisans to give your concrete a facelift or learn to do-it-yourself. Granicrete Hawaii offers a DIY flooring and countertop class every second Friday and Saturday of the month. Visit the website for registration information.

GRANICRETE HAWAII contact // 626-5418 web // www.granicretehawaii.com

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Front Entry Ways

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HI-POWER SOLAR OCTOBER 28• 2012 23

The time is right to invest in a solar system for your home N ow that the fourth quarter of the year has started, activity in the solar energy market is literally “heating up.” Potential governmental action with far-reaching effects for consumers is also on the horizon. It is widely believed that the State Legislature is contemplating revisions to the tax code, which could restrict and/or reduce energy tax credits in an effort to combat the state’s budget shortfall regarding tax revenues. A reduction from 35 percent to 25 percent is rumored to be in the works. Some believe that any such action in the 2013 session will take effect in 2014. A recent article indicated the state Department of Taxation plans to unilaterally implement changes to the tax credits that homeowners can claim in a given tax year.While legislative action is necessary to reduce the percentage or amount of the allowable credits, the department believes it has the power to limit the number of PV systems that may be claimed per qualified residence per tax year. So much for the idea that there is time left for consumers to take advantage of the nation’s most generous renewable energy tax credit program. Even without tax incentives, photovoltaic (PV) electrical systems are still attractive from a financial perspective. A $30,000 system that saves $200 per month equals an 8 percent annual rate of return. Less competitively priced designs still return at least 5 percent annually — have you checked the rates on money-market funds lately? The more efficient and aggressively priced systems check in at nearly 10 percent. With the current incentives, returns are in the range of 20-25 percent or more. Some cynics have advanced the idea that solar companies may attempt to drum up more business by using the anticipated state action as a “scare tactic.” This did occur to a small

degree in 2011 when a number of contractors used the “15 percent saturation” argument to rush consumers without informing them of the state Public Utilities Commission’s action in raising that rule to 50 percent. Consumers who undertake action as quickly as possible benefit by saving on their utility costs sooner than later. After all, every dollar paid to the power company is money that will never be recovered. Let’s not deceive ourselves, though. Hasty action has the effect of not doing one’s “due diligence” in making the wisest choice among all the contractors available. In the end, the “wrong” choice could cost the consumer thousands. Is it time for consumers to “pull the trigger” and “go green?” If the homeowner is financially able, “beating the clock” for the higher tax credits makes a lot of sense. The answer is an emphatic yes, but there is one caveat: Based on increased advertising on television, radio and print media, it seems that many solar companies are new players that were not in the business a year ago. It is likely that a good number of them are merely marketing organizations that subcontract their installations.The full-service contractors seem to be a dwindling breed. Hi-Power Solar is one such “full-service” contractor. Principals Ron Romero, who has more than 20 years in the solar business, and Matt Adams, who has more than 16 years, offer an excellent balance of top-notch components, expert installation and competitive pricing. They are familiar with the city and county building codes as well as special homeowner association rules. It pays to be a little cautious in choosing the most appropriate system and exploring financials that impact your pocketbook.

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HI-POWER SOLAR contact // 342-0802 web // www.hi-powersolar.com

OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 23

24 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

DA WING TRADING LLC

A renovation that measures up

n important part of any kitchen or bath remodel is taking measurements and drawing a visual map. Measuring the existing cabinets will give you sizes for replacement cabinets.

DA WING TRADING LLC contact // 847-3288 web // www.dawingtrading.com

Walls The first step is to measure the walls of where the new cabinets will be placed. The best way to measure a wall is from one corner to the opposite end. It is always helpful to have someone else hold one end of the measuring tape when measuring large areas. Next, measure the ceiling height, starting from the floor. Measuring the ceiling height will determine the general height of the wall cabinets for proper counter space. When taking measurements, sometimes there are spaces that will make taking accurate measurements difficult. In these situations, it is better to round down to the nearest inch rather than round up. Cabinets for a kitchen design with measurements rounded down will be sure to fit; the extra space can always be hidden with a filler piece. Whereas when rounded up, a whole cabinet may have to be changed to a smaller size to fit.

Openings and obstacles It is important to jot down all openings or obstacles, such as windows, doorways or ceiling beams. Measure the placement of the obstacle from one end of the wall and the sizes (width and height) of the obstacle. Appliances Plan on keeping the existing appliances? Take measurements of their sizes to ensure the cabinet design will allow space for them to fit. Similarly, when getting new appliances along with new cabinets, take note of the new sizes. With existing or replacing appliances, measure their placement from one end of the wall to one side of the existing appliance. If the plan is to relocate appliances to a different area, however, make a note of where. Sink(s) and plumbing fixtures Measuring from the center of the sink

able to fit the sink. Although plumbing can always be moved, using the existing setup is most cost effective. to one wall will give a reasonably accurate idea of the existing plumbing and what cabinet sizes may work. Also, take the measurements of the existing sink or new sink so the sink cabinet size will be

Stop by Da Wing Trading LLC today for help with designing your kitchen or bath layouts. Call 847-3288 or visit www.dawingtrading.com for more information.

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www.gsshutterdesigns.com 24 • OCTOBER 28, 2012

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847-3288 • 2006 REPUBLICAN ST • HONOLULU Email: dawingtrading@gmail.com • www.dawingtrading.com Open Mon-Sun 8 am - 5pm

Services by Allen Canter Contracting C-13096. Does not include any demo or furniture moving. For an absolutely free estimate, please call us at

847-7711 926 KOHOU STREET • HONOLULU

OCTOBER 28• 2012 25

Bathroom design: It’s all in the details I

t’s most likely one of the top reasons you’ve been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel — you’re not sure where to begin. What should the decor be like? Do you want a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity? Will you incorporate any water-saving faucets or fixtures? And, with all the decisions to make, will it all look good together and still perform well? These questions, and many others, should be at the top of your list when you start mapping out your next bathroom project. Luckily, many manufacturers have made it easier in recent years for you to answer those questions in a painless, affordable way. “We’ve created several complementing suites of fixtures and faucets,” said Kevin McJoynt from Danze Inc. “The elements of each collection were literally made for each other, which makes your job easier.” So what should you look for when you’re planning your next bath or powder room project? Here are a few things to consider when choosing the key pieces:

Sink and vanity Choices are abundant when it comes to the sink area of a bathroom. For those smaller-footprint powder rooms, or where storage isn’t as critical, consider a pedestal sink. If a pedestal doesn’t match your taste or needs, furniture-style vanities can have a significant impact on a room’s decor and add extra storage.

Faucet This can be one of the most noticeable accessories in the room and one that homeowners and guests interact with the most. Make sure you choose a style and fin-

ish that is consistent with the overall decor. A soft brushed nickel or warm oil-rubbed bronze finish can add a distinct detail to the feeling of the room. If environmentally friendly options are important to you, explore WaterSense-certified faucets that can reduce water usage by 30 percent without affecting performance. Toilet This is one of the best places to go “green” in your bathroom. High-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF), saving two or more gallons of water during each use compared to many toilets installed in the 1980s and prior.This saves 20 percent compared to more recent 1.6 GPF designs that are standard today. And, just because it’s a very utilitarian element of a bathroom, don’t skimp on design for this piece. Shape, height, styling and color greatly impact how the toilet can enhance the room’s decor. Shower system Years ago homeowners had a handful of choices for showerheads. Today, there are hundreds of styles, functions, finishes and components that can comprise a home’s shower system. This is a recently discovered area of the bathroom that can really show off your personality and can help you create a unique retreat. Tastes range from building a “shower spa” with wall- and ceilingmounted showerheads to conservationminded shower stalls equipped with WaterSense-certified showerheads. Bath accessories Careful selection of bath accessories is key to creating a finished look to your project. Once again, homeowners have a huge choice. Whether it’s the ornate styling of an old-world towel ring, or the sleek lines of a contemporary towel bar, make sure to select accessories that match your room’s faucet, sink and other elements (all the way down to the robe hook).

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For more information about the variety and beauty of Danze faucets and fixtures, visit www.danze.com. This article is courtesy of Bradpoint.

681 S. King Street (808) 529-4599 www.hccu.info

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Federally insured by NCUA. Home Loans are provided through CU Network Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union (HCFCU). NMLS# 412820; NMLS# 375459

OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 25

SUNETRIC

26 OCTOBER 28 • 2012

Just one more reason to ‘go green’ hen considering a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, customers never fail to ask the following question: How long will it take before my system will pay for itself? Solar energy is an investment, and like any other investment, you should examine the upfront costs and expected return before making a final decision. The net investment is what you pay out-of-pocket after the 30 percent federal tax credit and 35 percent state tax credit are realized. Many factors play into the initial investment costs, including the installation size, material quality, panel-efficiency and quality of the installation work. Couple those incentives with Hawaii’s dubious distinction of having the highest electricity costs in the nation, and the return on investment (ROI) may be even sooner than people think. Generally speaking, it should take about three to four years to have a total payback of the initial investment. That timeline may even be shorter because of still-rising electricity costs. Eschewing formulas and spreadsheets, Sunetric — Hawaii’s top solar installation company — recommends a simple formula for estimating the ROI: Take the gain from the investment and subtract the cost of purchasing, installing and implementing the system. That number is then divided again by the total cost to determine the actual ROI. In addition, application of the tax incentives means that more than half the total cost of a new PV system is refunded to you in the first year of operation, which is a huge contributing factor to the shortened payback period, therefore

enhancing the ROI. The increase in property value and not being subject to continually rising electricity costs are just icing on the cake. “Compare those costs with other big-ticket items, like a car or even a smaller item like a new computer,” said Alex Tiller, Sunetric’s chief executive officer. “Both start depreciating in value immediately after purchase and will likely be obsolete in the next few years.” The positive ROI from a PV system adds economic appeal to the system’s environmental function of providing renewable energy without releasing harmful toxins or greenhouse gases into the environment.

SUNETRIC contact // 262-6600 address // 905 Kalanianaole Hwy. #21 web // sunetric.com

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OCTOBER 28• 2012 27

Projects to boost your home’s value

o matter if the housing market is up or down, you always want to ensure home remodeling projects are wise investments. Luckily, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2011-2012, there are several home improvement projects that will provide significant enjoyment to you now — and could recoup a majority of your dollars whenever you decide to sell.

Beautiful bathrooms According to the report, a midrange bathroom remodel ($16,000) can recoup up to 62 percent of the investment when it’s time to sell. In the meantime, add significant enjoyment with a new, relaxing retreat. To start, determine which updates matter most and how much assistance you’ll need for each. Complex projects, such as structural, electrical or plumbing changes or installing countertops or flooring, may be best left to the professionals. However, to stretch your budget for the most impact, there are many updates you can tackle yourself. Painting is an easy and ideal do-it-yourself task that can make a large impact with minimal cost. Similarly, installing new faucets, accessories and showerheads can be simple — even for a novice. Manufacturers such as Moen offer a variety of styles and full collections for complete coordination. For instance, the Moen Banbury suite offers timeless, traditional styling and is available in several finishes including Chrome, Mediterranean Bronze and Spot Resist Brushed Nickel — a unique finish that does just what it says, resists fingerprints and water spots. In addition, Moen offers matching Banbury bath accessories, such as robe hooks, paper holders, towel bars and tank levers, and matching tub and showering products for a completely coordinated and

sophisticated look in your new bath. All Banbury products are available at The Home Depot. Classy kitchen Once you’ve updated your bath; the kitchen is a rewarding home renovation that — when done moderately ($19,000) — can recoup up to 72 percent of your investment. Upgrading countertops — which encompass a large area of the kitchen — is an ideal place to start. Based on your budget, you’ll need to determine whether to update with a lower-cost laminate or a higher-priced option, such as solid-surface marble or granite, which can offer an upscale look, added durability and functionality. Next, lighting — while functional — also adds a significant style element to a kitchen. Replacing fluorescent fixtures with recessed cans or pendants will add ambiance and luxury to your room. Similar to your bathroom remodel, outsource tougher projects to professionals and utilize your DIY skills to add the final accents to your new kitchen. Update your old appliances with Energy Star qualified energy-efficient models in new stainless finishes. Add a splash of paint to the walls and trim for a polished look. Finally, finish off the counter area with a new high-end kitchen faucet. High-arc pulldown styles are the fastest growing kitchen faucet category — and the new Haysfield and Benton faucets are some of the first to feature Moen’s Reflex pulldown system, which offers high-quality performance with secure retraction, exceptional range of motion and generous reach. Envious entry It’s the first thing that your guests (and future home buyers) see when they approach your home, so if your front door isn’t appealing or doesn’t have significant energy efficiency features, it’s time for an upgrade. A new entry door adds instant curb appeal for a minimal price — and can recoup up to 60 percent of your investment. When choosing a new door, fiberglass options such as the Therma-Tru Classic-Craft Canvas Collection entry door system, a “Best Buy” recipient from a leading consumer magazine, are an ideal choice. The material resists denting and scratching, is easy to maintain and can make your home more energy efficient. To lower your cost, Therma-Tru offers installation guides to help you install the doors yourself; or for the less adventurous, your local home improvement store often offers installation.

professionals. Look to your local window distributor to refer you to a reputable contractor to ensure your new windows are installed properly. When it comes to selecting windows, vinyl is an allaround excellent choice. Unlike wood, vinyl windows resist rotting and don’t require repainting. And unlike aluminum, vinyl windows will never pit or flake. Manufacturers such as Simonton Windows offer vinyl windows that are made from high-quality vinyl and require almost no maintenance. Plus, you can enjoy a pay off immediately with increased comfort and lower utility bills, while potentially adding significant resale value to your home in the future.

When it comes time to think about home improvement, don’t fear. There are many ways to stretch your remodeling dollars to ensure you get the most bang for your buck and enjoy your investment now and in the future. For more information about Moen products, visit www.moen.com. This article is courtesy of Bradpoint.

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Wonderful windows Similar to your front door, replacing your existing windows with new vinyl windows will give your whole home a new look and feel — both inside and out — and payback of up to 68 percent of your investment. As a largerscale project, this is likely a project left for the

OCTOBER 28, 2012 • 27

OCTOBER 28 • 2012

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Protect your water heater before you’re in too deep T

here are a number of phrases that have to do with water: “If you are underwater, it means your home is worth less than you owe”; “If you are in water over your head, it means you spent more than you have”; and, “water, water everywhere nor a drop to drink,” a line from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s late 18th century poem titled Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The last phrase has a number of meanings, one of which we can all relate to, which is: We live on an island surrounded by salt water that we can’t drink. The same salt is in the air, and it’s corrosive. If you’ve lived in Hawaii for even a short length of time, you have seen the outside of your refrigerator, washer or dryer deteriorate — in many cases before its warranty runs out. What you can’t see, though, is what you should be aware of before you get into hot water. We’re talking about your water heater. Our water is “hard water,” and it causes corrosion inside the water heater. For some reason, we never think of water heaters as appliances, but they are. Your good old water heater is hidden in a corner, behind closed doors or somewhere 28 • OCTOBER 28, 2012

else where you can’t see it on an everyday basis. After all, water heaters aren’t very glamorous, and they rarely come in attractive colors with high-tech buttons and bells. It is a workhorse appliance, though. It dependably heats your water day in and day out, until the buildup and corrosion inside the water heater takes its toll. Then one day, without warning, there’s no more hot water. The anode rod inside the water heater is meant to attract the corrosive minerals in the water to delay corrosion in the tank itself. But over time, the accumulation of limescale deteriorates the rod. To prevent that from happening, you need to heed the advice of Harald von Sydow, director of Nano Tek-On. An expert in environmentally friendly nanotechnology, Harald von Sydow is particularly high on a little unit called HydroFlow these days. It stops limescale and calcium buildup from forming in plumbing and water-using appliances. Remember, the water heater is an appliance. The HydroFlow unit, easily installed on your plumbing (installation is a plug-on with no pipe cutting), prevents buildup

NANO TEK-ON contact // 395-2996 web // www.nanotekhi.com

without changing the mineral composition of the water. This means that the water coming out of the water heater will flow more freely, and the water will be hotter, since your water-heater is working more efficiently. HydroFlow breaks up existing scale, maximizing the performance and energy-efficiency of your water heater — and all water-using appliances — at the same time. These include dishwashers, washers, refrigerators, freezers, spas and pools. And it is maintenance-free with no filters to buy. HydroFlow is specifically designed to stop limescale buildup. When a HydroFlow unit is installed, randomly varying electric fields are introduced into the water throughout the entire plumbing system, breaking up corrosion and limescale precipitation. The suspended particles wash away in the flow. HydroFlow normally dissolves existing scale in just a few months. It also makes it possible to slow down corrosion by up to 65 percent, extending the lifespan of existing corroded parts. HydroFlow’s technology also can reverse limescale buildup. For example, HydroFlow technology increases the efficiency of

water heaters by removing the scale that builds up over the electric elements. By keeping all par ticles in suspension, HydroFlow also prevents corrosion-causing calcium deposits from forming on the bottom of the water-heater tank. This greatly lengthens the lifetime of the tank. There is also an added bonus, as this process keeps shower doors spot-free with minimal maintenance. Nano Tek-On specializes in environmentally friendly surface treatments and waterconditioning including HydroFlow; sealants for glass and natural stone; antimicrobial coatings that kill bacteria, viruses, odors, mold, mildew and allergens; and self-cleaning surfaces. To learn more about how nano-technology can work for you, so you don’t find yourself in hot water, call von Sydow at 395-2996 or visit nanotekhi.com.