Hawaii Renovation 6 March 2011 by Oahu Publications, Inc

MARCH 6, 2011

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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Perfect Marriage of

The

Oldand

New

reating either a traditional design or a modern one is straightforward. Creating a space that marries the two styles can lead to a design divorce. If done incorrectly, the outcome can be awkward — but if done with care, the results can be truly amazing. I put this principle to work during a recent project for clients Anne and Jeff, who had a large ground-floor living room with a large problem. The room was packed with mismatched furniture and jarring styles: chic sofas rubbed elbows with ornate chairs, modern artwork hung alongside antique paintings. Unsure how to make it all gel, Anne and Jeff asked if I could help them unify their old and new pieces and turn the discordant room into a harmonious space. The couple had a contemporary chocolate-

brown sofa and loveseat they wanted to keep. So, I decided to start the process with those two pieces, bring in some of their antiques and make everything speak the same language with color and pattern. To this end, I selected a palette of bright colors (creams, greens, blues and yellows) and chose a variety of bold fabrics (linens, paisleys and weaves). My next task was to give some of the older pieces a new lease on life. I sent out an antique sofa and two cane chairs to be painted white and reupholstered — a blue/green woven fabric for the sofa and a funky paisley for the chairs. I also cut an old dining-room hutch in half and painted the bottom turquoise-blue — a color you wouldn’t normally see on such a traditional piece. I then organized the room into separate zones

CANDICE TELLS ALL by candice olson and brought in new furnishings. I created a reading area by the room’s glass doors, which I furnished with new shades in a distinctive arabesque pattern. I put the repurposed antique sofa against one wall and flanked it with two white bookcases. I also put in a new round wooden

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table, two white and Lucite chairs and hung a cool, globe pendant light above it all. Next to this, I created a lounge area with the brown sofa and loveseat. I added a square glass coffee table, the two antique cane chairs and a floor lamp with an ostrich-feather shade.

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like carvings, bowls, vases and pillows, to mix things up even further. Life is about appreciating the past while embracing the present, and the same can be said for good design. By mixing colors, patterns and styles, Anne and Jeff’s space went from eccentric to eclectic. It is now the perfect marriage of old and new — and I’ll toast that union any day of the week.

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Above the main sofa, I created a gallery of the couple’s artwork that combines both traditional and modern pieces. The whole seating area faces a wall that houses the repurposed turquoise hutch, which now holds a flatscreen television. I moved Anne and Jeff’s piano into a corner beside the seating area and chose a large, ornate wall mirror to anchor that area. I then repurposed an existing chandelier by painting it white and hung it above the piano. Beside the piano, I created a small seating area with a white leather egg chair and an arc lamp. I also put in accessories,

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

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or more than 40 years, quality-driven contractors have relied on SealMaster for all of their pavement maintenance, products and equipment needs. With more than 65 manufacturing and distribution centers throughout North America and in more than 60 countries, SealMaster is one of the most recognizable names in pavement maintenance throughout the world. A franchise was brought to Hawaii in 2003 and since then, the company has been making products designed for Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conditions. Today, SealMaster Hawaii is the one-stop source for pavement maintenance products and equipment. With everything under one roof, contractors save valuable time and money on the prod-

ucts, tools and equipment needed to do the job right. They are staffed by professionals trained to provide the best possible customer service. The heart of an effective pavement maintenance program includes periodic sealcoating with an asphalt-based emulsion pavement sealer. SealMaster premium quality pavement sealers are proven throughout the industry, with more than 500 million gallons applied worldwide. Crackfill (CrackMaster Supreme) Once moisture penetrates the asphalt, it will deteriorate the underlying layers, eventually causing failure. One of the major ways moisture penetrates asphalt is through fatigue cracking, which occurs in

areas subjected to repeated traffic loadings (wheel paths). This cracking allows water into the pavement, which slowly breaks it down until it forms a pothole. SealMaster Hawaii provides cold and hot pour crack sealants, such as CrackMaster Supreme, that will stop moisture. The company also provides all necessary tools and equipment to get the job done. Asphalt Repair (Patch Master) If cracks are not repaired soon enough, a pothole may develop. Potholes are bowl-shaped holes of various sizes in the pavement surface. SealMaster Hawaii has a high-performance pothole patch, PatchMaster. This product can be placed in any weather and is easy to

Oils (Plasti-Pave, SS-1h, CQS-1h) A couple years ago, SealMaster Hawaii invested in an asphalt mill that gave it the ability to make all anionic and cationic emulsions, and custom manufacture any asphalt oil needed for a job. SealMaster Hawaii also is the only manufacturing facility with oil that meets state specifications. SS-1H (tack coat) is an anionic asphalt emulsion designed for use as a tack coat for patching, paving and coating processes. SS-1H is available in 5-gallon pails and comes in any bulk quantity. Tack coat acts like glue and binds the hot asphalt to the current surface. It is sprayed in the patch area and around the edges. CQS-1H is a cationic asphalt emulsion designed for use in slurry seals. Plasti-Pave Pavement Rejuvenator is an acrylic re-

inforced asphalt emulsion sealer and rejuvenator designed to preserve and protect, as well as beautify, pavement surfaces. Sealcoat (Ready-To-Use, OptiPave Plus) Asphalt pavement is made up of asphalt binder and rock. Almost immediately after paving, the asphalt binder combines with oxygen and becomes brittle or oxidized, leading to cracking and deterioration. Sealcoating protects

against oxidation. An unsealed pavement allows water to penetrate the pavement structure leading to base erosion and, ultimately, pavement failure. Sealcoating provides a protective barrier to stop water penetration. Also, if left unsealed, oil and gasoline will soften and deteriorate the exposed asphalt binder. Sealcoating provides a protective barrier that resists attack from oil and gasoline. SealMaster Hawaii provides two main sealcoat products: SealMaster Ready-To-Use and OptiPave Plus. These products are made with local materials at the company shop in Mapunapuna. Pavement maintenance is simple with the help of SealMaster Hawaii. Talk with a professional at SealMaster Hawaii (808-8392782) or visit the company showroom at 2927 Mokumoa St. in Honolulu.

MARCH 6, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Metal Roofing: A proven choice for Hawaii homes

awaii’s weather is great — except when it comes to the wear and tear on our homes. Most of all, the roof on the typical Hawaii home usually takes a beating. As a licensed roofing contractor, Tropical Wholesale has helped thousands of its clients’ roofs across the state look great and hold up to the tough Hawaii climate. When it comes to durability, beauty, value and safety, nothing beats a metal roofing system in the long run. The historical use of metal as the most popular roofing material primarily focused on keep-

ing construction costs low. The standard single-wall construction and lightweight framing prevalent in Hawaii construction were an ideal match with metal, since the average metal roofing system weighs in at less than 2.5 pounds per square foot! And despite its lightweight footprint, metal is a superheavyweight when it comes to longevity and strength. Improvements over the past 30 years in metal roof design and engineering have created the only highly wind resistant systems that survived recent major storms. In fact, Tropical Wholesale had installed more than 200

ant roof during Hurricane Iniki. And as a bonus, these roofs look great, just like a much heavier masonry tile. But instead of weighing in at 20-plus pounds per square foot, they are light for every structure.” Tropical Wholesale’s metal roof systems are available in attractive tile

profiles, with smooth- or light-aggregate finishes, and come in more than a dozen different colors. They are also available in a shingle–type format, as well as traditional ribbed roofing — a good solution for some homes with a low-slope roof design. And the premium metal roofing

Tropical Wholesale installs comes with superior warranties, including warranties for paint and finish. “When it comes to a great roof for our Hawaiian climate, you really can’t beat metal in the long run,” Houar says. Call Tropical Wholesale at 292-2942 or 263-1252.

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metal tile roof projects prior to Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Winds in excess of 175 mph were recorded during this storm nearly two decades ago, and thousands of homes were completely destroyed. In the case of Tropical’s many metal roofing projects, however, not a single home lost even one square foot of roof cover, and many homeowners stated in writing that their homes were saved from destruction by the roofing materials Tropical had installed. “These roofs have longer panels — up to 20 feet — and are applied with 3-inch heavy duty metal screws that work to develop wind resistance ratings as high as 235 mph, according to laboratory tests,” says Matthew Houar, owner of Tropical Wholesale. “Our clients learned first-hand the value of a wind-resist-

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HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

BIA issues

Last Call for Entries

he Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIAHawaii) will present the 26th annual BIA Renaissance Building & Remodeling Awards May 4 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. The deadline to enter the 2011 BIA Renaissance Building & Re-

modeling Awards competition is Friday, March 11. This call for entries is available to all residential, commercial and public works projects and welcomes contractors, developers, architects, designers, kitchen and bath designers. Entry divisions include Residential Remodeling, Commercial Remodeling, New Residential, New Commercial, New Public Works, Details, Landscape & Xeriscape, Hawaii BuiltGreen™, Historical and Kitchen & Bath. Official BIAHawaii submission binders will be provided to all paid entrants.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Making

Life Safer through

bathroom redesign edesigning your bathroom could be the most effective way to reduce the risk of a serious accidents in your home. There are about 25,000 accidents in the bathroom each year in the United States — many of which occur when residents attempt to step into their tubs. To solve this problem in the traditional way, a contractor would take out the tub and change it into a shower pan, allowing for easy access that would cost thousands

and normally take about one week to finish. You need to plan for the down time, mess and hassles associated with this type of job, which includes the demolition of walls and the removal of tubs. If you have only one bathroom, this could be a nightmare. At All Island Bath, we have a solution that is a fraction of the cost, takes only three to four hours, allows for the tub to be used a few hours after installation and comes with a lifetime warranty.

It’s called a Cut Out. Our trained technicians cut out a section of your tub — 25 inches wide by 8 inches deep — leaving an easy-access opening that greatly reduces the risk of an accident. Thanks to our 20 years of experience using stateof-the-art restoration technology, All Island Bath has many creative methods that save Realtors, hotels, property managers and homeowners time and money. Over the years, we have restored or lined more

than 30,000 tubs — which equates to 7.5 miles in height if you stacked the tubs atop each other. Here are some of the methods we employ in bathroom restoration: • Bathtub and wall surround resurfacing. Resur-

face your worn or stained bathtub or wall surround, giving it a new look. • Illusionite Simulated Stone. Transform your countertops from laminate or tile to a graniteor corian-like look. •Bathtub and Wall sur-

round Acrylic liners. Fits a new tub over your old stained or rusted tub or wall surround in one day. Call 358-7780 or e-mail Allislandbath@gmail .com. You may also visit the website Allislandbath.com or seekitlocal.com, a KHON-2 website.

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the structure of the timber so it doesn’t warp or crack. The furniture contains reddish-brown tannin, which gives it its characteristic color. This tannin makes the wood naturally rot-resistant and insect-proof. The furniture is constructed using mortise and tenon joints with cross doweling. This prevents loosening of the components over time. All the hardware is corrosion-resistant 304-grade stainless steel and

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Ronald Cordeiro puts a second coat of paint on the living room wall.

Planning to Paint? Choosing the right contractor is critical

othing is as effective in giving a home a new lease on life as a fresh coat of paint. Painting is also one of the most cost-effective ways to give your home “curb appeal” if you’re planning to sell. Probably the most important first step if you are ready to paint the interior or exterior of your home or office building is to ensure that the painting contractor you choose is experienced and licensed. Price is variable depending on the extent of prep work involved. “A painter who just wants the job may quote low, but the home or business owner may end up repainting because the surfaces were not properly prepared,”

Ted Wexler, third from left, and his team of painters helped beautify a home in Manoa. Leah Friel photos says Island Budget Painting owner Ted Wexler, who has more than 37 years experience in

the business. “There are also many different kinds of painting products on the market today,

and you want to be sure you are being guided to make the right choice. “Another important phase of any paint job is choosing the right colors. Color choice is tricky because of the effect of light on surfaces,” he continues, “the same color paint can look different on walls in the same house depending on the light source. Samples can also be deceiving. This is where experience makes the difference. “Today everyone is conscious of the quality of the products we use in terms of safety and emissions,” Wexler says. “In order to be sure we are compliant with regulations as well as sensitive to the needs of

clients, we actually take certification training to become accredited by the Environmental Protection Agency.” Wexler’s choice of name for his company is consistent with his mission, which is to supply the best possible service at the lowest possible price. “If a home or business owner is interested in finding out what a job will cost, I encourage them to simply call me and I will respond quickly and meet them at their home or business to give them an on site estimate.” Island Budget Painting is known as one of the most competent, diversified companies in the business. They are experienced in residential projects from simple exterior and interior painting to luxury homes in which they work closely with the interior designer and architect. They have also completed numerous large commercial projects and townhome complexes over the years. In addition to painting, Wexler’s company also can repair concrete, wood and dry wall, plus remove wall paper, which he pointed out can be a big money saver for the client in eliminating the need to hire another contractor. For more information, call Wexler at 255-8612.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Best home improvements

Bedroom skylights offer privacy plus natural light with an ever-changing view of the sky both night and day.

omeowners renovate for two basic reasons: money and fun. Or, more precisely, they undertake home improvements to improve their home’s resale value or their enjoyment of their house. The best home improvements, however, are ones that deliver on both objectives. Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. If you’ll be among the many homeowners opting to improve, rather than move, you may be wondering what renovations are likely to give you the best balance of en-

for your

hanced resale value and immediate enjoyment. Here are five home improvements — from budget-friendly to big budget — that provide noteworthy return on investment (ROI) in terms of increased value and improved enjoyment: 1. Skylights You can lower your electric bill by installing skylights that will reduce dependency on artificial light and fill your home with natural light. You can obtain quality, energy-efficient, “No Leak Skylights” from Velux for around $800 per unit for a standard fixed skylight with flashing kit. You can find a local in-

renovation dollars

staller to provide a customized cost estimate at www.veluxusa.com. In terms of positive energy, the mental and physical health effects of exposure to natural light are welldocumented. They’re also an effective privacy preserver for bathrooms where you might not want a wall window. Skylight and sun tunnels (skylights that use reflective tubes to bring sunlight into rooms without direct roof access) not only enhance the energy efficiency of your home, they just may make you feel better about living there. 2. Decks Whether you go for wood or composite, adding a deck is a great way to boost resale value, expand your living space and up your enjoyment of your home environment. On average, homeowners who add a wood deck can expect to recoup more than 80 percent of its cost when it comes time to sell, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. Composite deck additions return about 71 percent at the time of resale. 3. Kitchens It makes sense that the

room where most families spend the bulk of their time would be a popular remodel — and one that pays off big in terms of value and comfort. Even a minor kitchen remodel — costing about $21,000 — will return about 78 percent of its value on resale, according to Remodeling Magazine. A major kitchen job, costing around $57,200, will recoup about $41,200, or 72 percent.

sure to boost your home’s resale value and increase your satisfaction with the room. Remodeling Magazine says the average bathroom remodel costs around $16,100 and returns up to 71 percent of that cost at the time of sale. 5. Basement/attic remodel With more families staying put in the homes they have, rather than moving up to larger homes, many Americans are looking for ways to expand their living space while staying in place. Attic and basement remodels are great ways to

add usable, livable space at a fraction of the cost of building an addition. The lingering effects of the Great Recession have multiple generations living together under one roof again, and many of these families create bedrooms, bathrooms or even family rooms in unfinished attic or basement space. Everyone appreciates the extra room, and attic renovations and basement remodeling yield resale returns of 83 percent and 75 percent, respectively, according to the Cost vs.Value Report.

4. Baths Whether you’re tackling a major job that involves knocking out walls and changing fixtures, or just making cosmetic improvements like Venting skylights in the kitchen provide a decorating flair along with fresh u p g r a d i n g air and natural light. faucets and repainting, remodeling a bathroom goes straight to the heart of our craving for comfort. Americans view their baths as far more than a place to get clean and take care of other necessities. Even if you’re not creating a home spa, improving the bathroom is

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HAWAIIRENOVATION new home: It’s your chance to personalize your living space with details that suit your taste and personality. Or, so you think. Many builders only allow you to choose colors; and offer limited options beyond their builders’ grade materials. Or, if you’ve purchased a previously owned home, it too is most likely

home improvement expert and host of the nationally syndicated TV show, Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Not sure where to

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resin that is stain-resistant and mimics the look of concrete; marble, which in addition to its natural beauty is heat-resistant; or engineered stone, which is a mix of quartz and resins, to create an extremely durable and fashionable surface.

many builders since it’s functional and inexpensive. However, it’s not very aesthetically pleasing. Luckily, replacing fluorescent lighting is a simple project that will instantly make a style statement in your kitchen. Try one of these options: Track lighting, which is a fixture that sits close to the ceiling, but features multiple decorative lamps in a row; pendant lamps, which extend down from the ceiling like a chandelier; or mini pendant lamps, which offer a smaller version of a pendant and are available in a variety of styles and designs; are all ideal and easy-to-install options.

2. Fabulous faucets. Does your faucet have a pullout spout with a beautiful finish that coordinates with the rest of your decor? If not, it’s time for an upgrade. For less than $200, you can easily swap your no-frills faucet for one that adds functionality and fashion. Moen offers a variety of stylish high-arc pullout kitchen faucets with new innovative finishes, such as the Neva pullout faucet. Available at Lowe’s, Neva features Moen’s two newest finishes — Soft Grip and Spot Resist.

4. Wonderful walls. Are your walls still white or beige, plain slabs? Adding color and texture is an easy way to make a dramatic difference. Painting is the simplest tactic — and by using a high-quality paint, in a semi-gloss or eggshell finish, you can additionally make your walls easier to clean. However, don’t stop there. Adding textures with updates, such as wainscoting, crown molding or even a tile backsplash are easy enough for a DIYer — and can be cost effective as well.

3. Luxurious lighting. Fluorescent lighting in the kitchen is a staple for

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to custom

equipped with many basic options. Luckily, it’s easy to bust out of builder basics and add a few easy and inexpensive updates to make your cookie-cutter home stand out from the rest. And what better place to start than the heart of your home — the kitchen? “A minor kitchen remodel is really one of the easiest ways you can make the most of your home — while also giving it your own personal style,” says Danny Lipford, renowned

start? Lipford recommends these four projects: 1. Cool countertops. If your kitchen is like most, you probably have laminate countertops, since they are available in a variety of colors and patterns and are relatively inexpensive. However, they lack style and scratch and buckle easily. To give your kitchen a high-end look, consider updating your countertops with a more resistant surface, such as solid surface, a molded

10 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 6, 2011

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Tips hen you start a home business, you will probably set aside one room or area of your house to be your office. This is the place where you’ll handle general business, customer relations, shipping and delivery of products and services, payroll and many other details that pertain to your company. Of course, this room is also in your house, so you want to make sure it looks good in case you have customers stop by, or if friends or relatives stay over. Setting up your office so that it is functional and looks nice is important, but because you’ll be spending a lot of time in there, you should make it comfortable as well. Here are some tips on how to make your home office functional, yet fun and stylish.

• If you have young chil-

for making your home office comfortable and fabulously functional

dren at home, designating your office separate from the rest of your house with a closed door, or a standing partition, can help your children learn that you are “at work” and not to be disturbed unless they have an emergency. If you plan to use your office space for family business as well after work hours are over, consider making a sign indicating you are busy working to hang on the door or partition. • Your desk probably will be where you spend the majority of time in your home office, which means you need it to match your style perfectly. Your office chair needs to be comfortable, but you also want it to match the decor as well. You can choose a HON Volt or HON Ignition chair, picking from more than 30 different fabrics and colors, allowing you to match your

decorating scheme and comfort levels. Visit www.officedepot.com/customdesign to see how a HON chair can enhance your home office space. • Decorate your office in colors and materials that will help keep you operating efficiently, but also allow you to enjoy the time you spend working. For example, yellow is considered to be a stimulating color, orange encourages creativity and green provides a calming influence. Depending on the energy level you would like to have in your office, consider using file folders, binders, pictures and wall paint to bring colors into your office that would enhance your professional emotions and behaviors.

while talking on the phone or while brainstorming a business idea. Make sure all your electronic cords are bundled and tucked away under your desk so you aren’t tripping over them while chatting with a client on the phone.

• Keeping your home office free of ground clutter is key, especially if you pace

• Get organized with a cubby hole or filing drawer system, which will help

keep the paperwork off your home office desk area and also help you find filed information quickly and easily if you were to have a customer catch you by surprise on the phone. These items are available at office supplies stores such as Office Depot. As you get your company up and running in

your home office, don’t forget to add little personal touches to make it feel even more comfortable. After all, you might be spending a lot of time in your office, so there’s nothing wrong with having inspirational photos or a desk plant or two to provide you with the pleasant atmosphere you need to get your work done.

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Tell your story through

Home Decor

ith more and more people staying put in their homes, homeowners have realized the importance of creating a space that is meaningful to them and their families. Heirlooms and vacation trinkets are no longer hidden in closets and cupboards, but rather displayed to tell a story. Paired with the onset of do-ityourself programs aimed at instilling design confidence in all, this new zeal is leading everyone to stop asking, “How does this look to you?” and start asking “What does this say about me?” Adding personality to a space shouldn’t be a difficult task. Look in your closet, jewelry box or to your favorite home accessories to get a sense of which styles and colors attract

you the most. If you’re getting mixed signals because you love your sleek black suit as much as your vintage watch, don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with mixing and matching styles. Just ensure you tie your design together with one cohesive element, such as a common color. Here are a few ideas for infusing your identity into your home’s decor: Color your world Color is a great way to add personality to a room. Neutral hues can actually make a room appear quite dramatic when

carried throughout in various textures, such as accent pillows, rugs and upholstery. You can go bold with vibrant, saturated hues as well, in anything from artwork to furniture to wall color. “Switching up a room’s color with a quick coat of paint can really change the look, feel and personality of it,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “If you want your room to ooze with energy, you might choose reds and oranges, while those

looking for serenity might like cooler blues or creamy neutrals.” For color inspiration and paint tips, visit Sherwinwilliams.com. Find your inspiration For those looking for a little inspiration, try these fun ideas to personalize your space: Frame your grandparents’ old love letters and hang them in a

bathroom. Use a shadow box to display a collection of concert tickets. Look to your heritage — if you’re Scottish, investigate your “clan tartan” and make a throw pillow out of the plaid pattern. If you like the ideas, but don’t have the history — fake it. Begin your own story and make your home truly one of a kind.

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Save $25 - $300 per unit on select Hunter Douglas window fashions. Hunter Douglas offers an array of attractive colors, fabrics and styles for creating inviting living spaces. With their enduring craftsmanship and energy-efficient designs, they present exceptional value - smart style that’s energy smart, too. And, now you can enjoy smart savings from January 14 through April 29, 2011 with mail-in rebates on select styles. Ask us for details. 1030 Kohou St. Ste. 201 M-F 8:00-4:30 Sat 9:00-2:00 12 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 6, 2011

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HAWAIIRENOVATION dener. As backyard conservationists, gardeners are transforming yards, gardens, rooftops and even urban alleys into green and productive spaces. Nine out of 10 households, in fact, want to manage their lawns and gardens in an environmentally friendly way, according to the National Gardening Association. Since healthy plants start with healthy soil, people are looking for sustainable and organic soils like OMRIlisted, compost-based, premium-blend potting soil from Organic Mechanics Soil Company. This all-purpose premier blend is good for all your plants and good for the earth. Here are gardening trends to watch for: ut on your garden gloves and join in the fun because “gardening with a purpose” is taking root. The purpose may be to grow your own food or create urban sanctuaries, but planting for a greener good is changing neighborhoods and communities — one garden at a time. According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, homeowners are growing more of their own food — more herbs, vegetables and fruit trees — both in dedicated vegetable gardens and mixed in the garden among flowers and shrubs. But it’s not just food production that’s driving today’s gar-

Sustainable containers For small-space gardens, growing food in containers makes sense. Blended containers with herbs and veggies provide a one-two combo for freshness and convenience. And, containers blooming with natives, re-bloomers and ornamental grasses beautify spaces and benefit the environment. Indoor gardening From “steampunk” Victorian hipster decor rocking among young urbanites to upscale

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suburban homes, decorating with houseplants like orchids, ferns and palms is hot. Chic and easy to grow, orchids add a lavish touch to any room. Plus these hard-working beauties clean indoor air of volatile organic compounds and provide oxygen. Phalaenopsis (moth) orchids

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New Urbanism Sustainable urban communities that offer spots to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle are on the rise. Planting water-wise plants, collecting rainwater, building walkable streets, and fostering diversity of shops, homes and apartments with less turf and more plants encourages better stewardship of the earth, and reconnects everyone as fellow stewards of resources and communities.

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Advice for

better remodeling or landscaping projects

re you a homeowner who’s eager to launch into a longawaited home remodeling or backyard patio project? If so, be aware that whether doing a major kitchen remodel, putting on a new roof or taking on even a minor project calls for careful attention to detail. It’s even more important if you’re not a do-it-yourselfer and want to hire a contractor to perform some or all of the work. Doing your homework upfront and being crystal clear in your dealings with a home remodeling or landscaping contractor will reduce miscommunication, frustration and expensive errors. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some time-tested tips from FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online legal resource, for a better remodeling or landscaping project:

Does it make sense? Before you move too quickly, it’s critical to determine if it makes sense to remodel. The first place to look is your neighborhood. Are other neighbors improving their homes and enhancing the exteriors of their homes, as well as their yards? Is your city or town properly maintaining streets and public areas? Are you committed to staying in your home at least five years? Remodeling and landscaping can be expensive and, in many cases, you will not fully recoup your investment. While it’s important to do it for yourself, be careful not to over invest either.

Do your homework Before you call a contractor, do your homework to get a good idea of what you want

from your remodeling or landscaping project. Visit showrooms, talk to friends and neighbors who have recently remodeled, read home and landscaping magazines, and visit open houses and showcase homes to see what’s hot in home remodeling and landscaping projects. Start a notebook to collect your ideas, product information and product samples.

Listen to word-of-mouth If you hire a contractor, make sure that any contractor that you consider is licensed, bonded and insured. Word-of-mouth is the most reliable method of finding a contractor. Ask your friends, neighbors or family members for the names of contractors or landscapers with whom they’ve worked.

Build a budget As you do your homework, start piecing together a budget of what various products and materials may cost. Keep in mind, especially when remodeling an older home, there may be unexpected surprises (such as plumbing or electrical) that could drive up the costs of your remodeling project. To be on the safe side, always add 20 percent to the costs of a remodeling project.

Get multiple bids Always get at least three proposals when selecting a contractor to handle your remodeling or landscaping project. Always meet the contractor in person and never agree to hire a contractor after your first meeting. Obtain all esti-

LET’S TALK FLOORING

with Shirley Pai Hilton, Pres. & CEO, PII Frequent question: Difference between ceramic and porcelain tile? Both are man-made but porcelain tile is made with more refined material than ceramic, making it less porous and more dense. Color also runs through porcelain vs. just on top of ceramic.

mates in writing and carefully compare the details that each contractor has spelled out in his or her proposal. Check your permits Be wary of the contractor who says you don’t need to pull a permit from city hall for your remodeling or landscaping project. A permit typically represents the minimum construction standard set by a local community. In other words, a permit actually protects you as the

homeowner from shoddy construction or landscaping practices. Get references Before you say “yes” to a contractor’s proposal, get at least three to five references from a contractor. Call the contractor’s references and ask about the experience of working with him or her. Also, contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed about the contractor.

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Remodel your

Credit before you

FREE Granite

When you buy a set of Kitchen Cabinets

begin home renovations mproved resale value, more space or better use of the space you have, and a brand-new room to enjoy — it may be hard to imagine a downside to renovating a kitchen or bathroom. But you could discover a dark side to remodeling — if you decide to finance the project by borrowing before you check your credit. With the real estate market still limping along in many areas of the country, you may decide that it makes more sense to improve the home you have, rather than move into a new one. And you wouldn’t be alone in that philosophy. Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies predicts Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of 2011. The economy may be driving the renovation trend in another way, as well. Interest rates are low for those who qualify with good credit. So it makes

sense to know what’s on your credit report and what your credit score is before you make plans to renovate your kitchen, bath or any other room in the house. If you plan to use credit to finance a renovation project (and few of us can afford to pay cash these days), be proactive and understand your credit with these simple steps: Find out where you stand Although it’s fairly easy to obtain a free credit report and score online, many Americans aren’t confident about where they stand in terms of credit. Your first step toward making your renovation dreams a reality is to find out how potential lenders will perceive your credit worthiness. Reviewing your credit score through websites like freecreditscore.com can help you get a clear picture of how potential creditors might perceive your use of credit. Membership in the

site’s credit monitoring service can also help you keep on top of your credit by sending you e-mail alerts when something changes on your credit report. Take action — and keep at it If you find errors on your credit report, contact the major bureaus and dispute the errors. It’s also a good idea to monitor your report regularly, throughout the year, as identity theft or instances of fraud could show up on it, alerting you quickly to a situation you otherwise might not have discovered for months. Your credit score is a fluid number, and it can change throughout the year as you improve your payment records, miss or delay a payment, and open or close lines of credit. Many factors go into calculating your credit score, but generally bureaus take into account how reliably you pay bills on time, the total amount you owe in secured

On select colors, While supplies last

and unsecured debt, and how much unused credit you have available. Get an idea of the impact Knowing your credit score not only better empowers you to bargain for the optimum loan terms, it can also help you understand how that new renovation loan will affect your score and report. You can find a credit score estimator at freecreditscore.com that can give you an idea of how changes in your credit report might affect your score. Whether you’re remodeling just one room in a house or the entire house, funding the project can affect your finances, including your credit score. If you make sure you understand — and have a handle on — your credit before undertaking a project, you’ll be more likely to reap the rewards, and avoid the downside, of home renovation.

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It Pays to

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t pays to overlay with Granicrete Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary concrete surfaces. Homeowners can achieve stunning transformations at affordable prices and receive an excellent return on their investment through Granicreteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services. Whether you are looking to beautify an outdoor space or update your interior, Granicrete will remain an excellent choice. Flooring overlays are available in unlimited designs and colors as certified installers carefully craft and color flooring finishes by hand (no stamping involved). Granicrete Hawaii promises to work with customers to ensure they receive the look they desire. Flagstone, slate, travertine, tile, and

decorative concrete finishes can be easily achieved. Different textures are available and sealed with natural to high gloss sealants. Here are a few common questions about Granicrete Hawaii and its services: Where can Granicrete flooring be used? Flooring is a great solution for kitchens, living spaces, bathrooms, patios, pool decks, walkways, driveways, barbecues, bars, fireplaces, walls, and backsplashes. Which surfaces can be overlaid? Existing concrete, tile, and wood are suitable to overlay. Concrete cracks can be repaired prior to overlay. How thick is it? Flooring is applied at

16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 6, 2011

1/8-inch to 1/4-inch thickness, following the contours of the existing surface, thus it will not add much height or weight to existing surfaces. How durable is it? Granicrete flooring is extremely durable, tested over decades to withstand the harshest of weather conditions and high-traffic areas. It is roughly three times stronger than concrete. How long does it take to install? Typical transformations are completed in about 3-4 days, weather permitting. What type of care is required? Granicrete flooring is easy to care for: sweep, mop, and pressure wash

with low PSI (on exterior flooring). Re-sealing is recommended about every two years to maintain the integrity of the color and finish. Training offered Granicrete Hawaii also holds certification training for professionals and do-it-yourselfers interested in installing Granicrete products as a business or in their own homes or rental properties. The next countertop and flooring class is scheduled for April 2224. Visit www.Granicrete Hawaii.com or call 6265418 for more information and registration forms. Or visit the company showroom Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. at 94-1388 Moaniani St. #302 in the Waipio Business Center. AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED