Hawaii Renovation 30 Oct 2011 by Oahu Publications, Inc

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OCT. 30, 2011

Making A Splash Nano Tek-On earns the confidence of homeowners with environmentally friendly products such as EnduroShieldâ&#x201E;˘, a protective coating used on tile and grout, and HydroFlow, a system that prevents limescale buildup inside pipes. See page 3

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indestructible design D

o you have to sacrifice style when you have kids? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an age-old design question many parents ask â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and my clients, Nicole and Trevor, are no exception. The young couple live in a charming house with their two small children, but when I met them they were up to their ears in diapers and teddy bears. The couple spent a good deal of time in a large living/dining room that was disorganized and uninspiring, but they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to

improve it. They longed for a stylish, adult space where they could relax and entertain, but also needed a place that could weather juice boxes and muddy sneakers. Now, I know a thing or

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 30, 2011

two about managing crayons, sticky, chocolate-pudding fingers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the occasional babyfood spit-up. So, I happily called in my crew and geared up to give Nicole and Trevor a kid-proof

space with a cool, industrial, â&#x20AC;&#x153;grown-upâ&#x20AC;? vibe. The secret to this type of makeover centers around the principle of indestructible design â&#x20AC;&#x201D; blending form and function in ways that ensure materials, fabrics and furnishings are durable and chic. With this in mind, I chose a variety of stylish, hardworking elements for the redesign. Things like raked wood, impenetrable stone and smudgeproof metal fit well with my design. I began by painting SEE PAGE 18 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION

How HydroFlow Saves the Aina

e all know how important it is for us to conserve our natural resources and protect the environment. This is especially true when you think about the limited amount of land we have living on an island. Yet, when large appliances, hot water heaters and solar panels wear out, we have no recourse but to add to our landfills. And

NANO TEK-ON

CONTACT: 395-2996 • www.nanotekhi.com the fact is, our landfills are filling up and we need solutions. Nano Tek-On director Harald von Sydow understands this serious problem. Always up on the latest technology, von

Sydow recognizes the importance of the state’s recently passed a law that requires newly built homes to include solar panels. Solar hot water is an expensive venture and not that old a process. So why are we seeing solar panels in the landfill? Shouldn’t they last many, many years? “Lime scale builds up wherever water is used and if there is heat and/or pressure exchange, it builds up heavier and faster,” von Sydow explained. “With solar panels, lime scale attaches to the pipes. Eventually, crusts (crystals) form inside the pipes and around the joints, decreasing efficiency. The homeowner is now seeing his water and electric bill going up. The crystals expand with the heat from the sun and contract at night when it’s cooler. Eventually, welded places will break and leaks will occur. The old unit goes to the landfill and the homeowner has to get a new one — years before the equipment should be wearing out. “With the water tank and/or hot water heater, minerals in the water — minerals are heavier than water — sink to the bottom of the tank forming a paste that eventually corrodes causing the tank to leak,” he continued. “The tank ends up in the landfill long before its time.” Is there a way to stop this cycle and do some-

thing positive to save our aina and the solar hot water systems that are saving energy and dollars? This is where one of the latest technological advances, HydroFlow, plays an important role, von Sydow said. HydroFlow is a system that prevents the buildup of limescale inside the pipes and around the joints, where there is the greatest temperature and pressure exchange. “This same technology keeps all the water particles in suspension preventing minerals from settling on the bottom of the hot water tank,” he explained. “The HydroFlow system breaks up deposits and corrosion and washes them away, and it does this for all the plumbing and water-using appliances in a home or business.” And while this may sound expensive, von Sydow said the price is “actually quite reasonable.” “HydroFlow can double the life of your hot-water solar system, and cut your electricity and water costs,” he promised. “And, we can explain how to install it yourself or we can do it for you.” Nano Tek-On specializes in environmentally friendly surface treatments, including sealants for glass and natural stone, antimicrobial coatings and self-cleaning surfaces. To learn more about HydroFlow, call 395-2996 or visit www.nanotekhi .com.

OCT. 30, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION MARTIN

GARAGE DOORS HAWAII ADDRESS: 2839 KILIHAU ST. CONTACT: 836-0029 • www.MartinGarageDoors Hawaii.com

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an you imagine a garage door as a hot new fashion statement? Absolutely! Because so many homes are now built with the garage door as the most prominent feature, style-conscious homeowners are replacing old, drab doors with fashionable new garage doors to increase their home’s curb appeal. Let’s face it — you don’t get a distinct personality when you buy into a development. Your garage door

Be in the know.

looks pretty much like every other garage door on your street. A trendy new garage door is not only a fashion statement; it says something about your personality — that you’re unique, or that you’ve got style and flair. Unless you’re selling your house, you’ve got to look at that huge garage door day-in and day-out as you come and go. Why not liven it up with a stylish new look?

Garage door makers heard the demand for more decorative doors, and boy, have they answered! You can now choose from more than a thousand different looks in elegant and stylish carriage-house or fashionable contemporary doors. “People are definitely becoming more style-conscious when replacing their garage door,” said Chris Long, editor of International Door & Operator Industry, a garage door industry magazine.

And replacing your garage door with a new upscale model just may boost the resale value of your home. It makes sense. For most homes, garage doors take up 30 percent of the front view of the home. With one easy purchase, you can add dazzle to a major portion of the curb appeal of your home. And with professional installation, the job can be

done in a few hours. But don’t try to install the door yourself. It’s a complex and dangerous task. Martin Garage Doors Hawaii can help you find the right look for your home and install the door correctly, quickly and safely. There’s more to new garage doors than just beauty. Martin Garage Doors Hawaii uses the garage door as the main

before

way to get in and out of our homes more than ever. The key to the front door is now the garage door’s remote control. It’s just more convenient. Getting in through the garage makes it easy for us to get groceries into the kitchen. You can leave muddy slippers or drenched jackets in the garage and keep your house cleaner. And with a keyless entry pad, you don’t have to fiddle with a key, and neither do your kids. Martin Garage Doors Hawaii’s trained professionals will help you select the design that’s right for you. For more information, visit www. martingaragedoors hawaii.com or call 8360029 for a free estimate and consultation.

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Mortgage interest deduction changes would hurt middle-class families ry, Americans have counted on their homes for their children’s education, for their retirement and for their financial security. According to the 2007 Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth of a homeowner is $234,600, compared to $5,100 for renters. REMODELERS But as policymakers seeking to reduce the fedment and a primary eral deficit consider elimisource of wealth and nating or decreasing the financial security. As the mortgage interest deducfoundation of the tion, it is younger, middleAmerican dream, home- class families who would ownership has long been see their long-term finana milestone that middle- cial prospects significantclass families strive to ly and negatively affected. Tampering with the achieve and maintain. For more than a centu- mortgage interest deduc-

BIA-HAWAII BY KAREN NAKAMURA

wning a home for most Americans means having a place to raise a family and build a sense of stability and pride. Additionally, the home is the single best long-term invest-

GARAGE DOORS

tion would place more downward pressure on home prices, which would cause more homeowners to have mortgage balances that are higher than their homes are worth, spur more foreclosures, and act as a further drag on the housing and economic recovery. Millions of existing homeowners who are struggling to make ends meet, but still manage to stay current with their mortgage payments, would face a big tax increase they cannot afford. And claims that the deduction benefits only wealthy taxpayers and that only a small number of homeowners utilize the deduction are misleading.

In reality, 70 percent of homeownership tax benefits go to middle-class homeowners who earn less than $200,000. And out of 75 million homeowners, 35 million claimed the mortgage interest deduction in 2009. This doesn’t even take into account the millions of taxpayers who are renters and one day aspire to own a home of their own, and the roughly 25 million who now own their homes free and clear, but used the deduction in the past. Policymakers looking to create jobs and boost economic growth need look no further than housing. According to data

recently shared by economic experts at the National Association of Home Builders in testimony to Congress, building 100 single-family homes creates more than 300 full-time jobs. Learn more about the threat to the mortgage interest tax deduction and find out how you can take action to protect it at www.SaveMyMortgageIn terestDeduction.com, or contact Building Industry Association of Hawaii: www.biahawaii.org. Karen Nakamura is executive vice president / CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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hether you’re looking to replace, upgrade or add a new garage door, fence or gate to your home, choose Raynor Overhead Doors. From modern styles to classic facades, Raynor StyleView aluminum or BuildMark steel pan and insulated garage doors are the choice for achieving a contemporary look or accentuating the design of an older residence. Our gates and fences are not only stylish, they come equipped with heavy-duty commercial-grade hardware, offering the perfect combination of beauty and reliability. Visit our new showroom:

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

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ith more than 20 years of experience in Hawaii’s roofing and solar industry, Surface Shield Roofing’s Shon Gregory has seen the business change as materials and technologies are adapted to the needs and priorities of property owners. “Our clients are becoming increasingly concerned with rising energy costs,” Gregory said. “Traditional technologies and materials are still in use, but we’re finding that more and more people are looking to advancements in roofing to help defray their costs.” Because of our state’s dependence on imported oil, energy costs in Hawaii are the highest in the U.S., and the need to reduce the price of cooling a home or business has led to innovations. “The market demands that we work with the latest materials and technologies,” said Gregory, “because our clients want to save on their energy costs over the long term.” “Cool roofing” is an approach that has a variety of cost and environmental benefits, and the number of home and business owners adopting that approach is

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growing rapidly. Because such coatings are applied to existing roofing substrate, demolition that sends waste to a landfill is unnecessary. Buildings using cool roof materials and technologies can save up to 25 percent on energy costs. Roof coatings are seamless and when installed correctly, can solve roof leaks on almost any type of roof substrate. Fieldapplied reflective roof coatings can extend the useful life of nearly every roof substrate, keeping a roof surface cool and providing a level of protection from the sun and weather. Roof coatings can add 25-plus years to the service life of a roof and reduce the amount of discarded roofing materials that end up in landfills. “Large commercial properties were the first to embrace cool-roofing

6 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 30, 2011

technologies because of the size of their buildings,” explained Gregory. “But in the past years, we’ve seen a major spike in the number of residential property owners opting to go with roof coating technologies previously used mostly by the commercial sector.” Surface Shield uses a variety of roof coating products. Here are a few benefits of one of the highly efficient coatings used daily by the team: • 95 percent solids Silicone contain no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that will evaporate into the air. • Silicone coatings are the only non-sacrificial coatings available. Other coating systems will degrade with UV rays from the sun. Silicone does not

• Silicone coatings are capable of withstanding permanent ponding water with no effect to the product. Because of this, silicone coatings can be used to waterproof water fountains and man-made ponds. Ponding water will break down other coatings, making these soft and greatly reducing their life span. • Silicone coatings will not support mold or mildew growth. Silicone will not blacken because of mold or mildew. Silicone coatings are fast-drying. In tropical climates, silicone is dry enough to walk on in two hours. This means multiple coats can be applied in the same day. Work is completed sooner than with other coatings.

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StarAdvertiser.com Empowering Communities Keep your cash with these water-saving tips

he average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill, but by making just a few simple changes to use water more efficiently, you could save approximately $170 per year and help the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. From replacing inefficient appliances to taking small steps at home to eliminate water waste, you can make a huge dent in your water usage and save some cash. Here are some easy tips to follow:

Bathroom blunders

Did you know toilets are the single largest wateruser in a home? A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day, and it is estimated that nearly 20 percent of all toilets leak, reports the EPA. Slow leaks can go undetected for years, but there is an easy way to check yours at home. Start by adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If you have a leak, you’ll start to see that color come through in the bowl within 15 minutes. Flush immediately after

you’re done so you don’t stain the porcelain. If you can’t fix the leak, consider purchasing a high-efficient toilet like the Kohler Persuade two-piece toilet. What makes this toilet so efficient is Dual Flush technology, which includes a 1.6-gallon flush and an eco-friendly .8-gallon flush option. The Persuade toilet can save as much as 6,000 gallons of water annually over a traditional 1.6-gallon toilet.

Kitchen conundrums Have a leaky faucet in your kitchen? According to the EPA, a drip rate of just one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. So even if it seems like a small leak, it could be costing you big time. Many faucets can be easily tightened and fixed to eliminate leaks — otherwise, consider installing a new WaterSense-labeled faucet. Dishwashers can be another huge water drain. Remember to only run loads when the dishwasher is full, or invest in a dishwasher with a halfload cycle option, like most of the new Bosch dishwashers.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

It’s time to upgrade, rebuild your home I

f you’ve outgrown your present home — or if it’s simply outdated and no longer suits your lifestyle — you’re faced with a major decision: remodel, rebuild or move. “Although family wants and needs will be primary considerations in making a decision, it will ultimately come down to what they can afford and how the project will be financed,” said Homeworks Construction CEO and founder Jim Byxbee, 2011 president of the Building Industry Association. “With the record low rates currently being offered by financial institutions both for home equity lines of credit and construction loans, it’s a great time to get started with any kind of home improvement or building project. “After remodeling and building hundreds of new custom homes for families on Oahu over the past 15 years, we’ve seen just about every scenario, and I believe we’ve been good problem solvers. We start by asking the client to tell us what their choice would be. If they are happy with their present neighborhood, they will probably want a remodeled home or a new home on the same property. In this case, we would meet with them at the home, inspect it, and give them our opinion on the best way to proceed … some older homes may not be worth saving and remodeling could end up costing more than building a new custom home on the site. We also acquaint them with the applicable zoning and building codes for the area.” Byxbee said the architect generally brings along photos and plans of completed projects to help identify the size and style of house that would suit their needs. As a design/build firm, Homeworks is 8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 30, 2011

HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION

ADDRESS: 2111 S. BERETANIA ST. CONTACT: 955-2777 able to provide a free estimate for the total cost of planning, permits, engineering, architectural design, construction and interior finishes. If the job is a rebuild, the cost of demolition would also be included. “A big percentage of the new homes we’ve designed and built in older neighborhoods such as Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Palolo and Kalihi, as well as some of the Windward communities, have been rebuilds for owners who didn’t want to move. Many of these clients were second and third generation owners who grew up in the home built by parents or grandparents. They had long-time friends in the neighborhood and children in local schools. Then there were a number of instances where the older family members owned the property outright and were willing to finance a multigenerational home that their children and grandchildren would share with them ... a win-win situation for everyone.” Byxbee explained that creating a successful multigenerational home that will accommodate the needs of people of all ages requires a degree of expertise gained from experience. Access, privacy, soundproofing, easy-to-maintain non-slip surfaces, special bathroom and kitchen fixtures are all factors that need to be considered. Whether the project is a remodel or a

new custom home, Homeworks makes it a point to incorporate all the latest energy efficient materials and features, which means savings in terms of energy consumption going forward. This is becoming an increasingly bigger factor in the equation with skyrocketing energy costs. Homeworks has won numerous awards for design and construction of homes ranging from budget to luxury. The company has consistently been ranked among the nation’s “Top 500” residential remodelers by Qualified Remodeler magazine. Homeworks Construction offers free

consultations at the client’s property or at their offices in the Homeworks Building at 2111 S. Beretania St. Anyone planning a project is welcome to schedule an appointment for a consultation in the conference room or to review finishes, fixtures and appliances in the Homeworks showroom by calling 955-2777. Byxbee also invites the public to call in their questions to his popular “Build New Or ReDo” radio show broadcast every Saturday morning from 9 to 10 on KHVH Radio 830AM.

HAWAIIRENOVATION ESSENTIAL CABINETS

ADDRESS: 212 MOHONUA PLACE CONTACT: 847-7835 • essentialcabinetrefacing.com

Quality at a great price I

t’s time to give that kitchen a new look since it is the most visited room in the house. Since you are spending so much time there, don’t you deserve a room that is efficient, modern and pleasant? Undoubtedly you want to make improvements that make sense and fall within your budget. You also want quality within a price range you can afford. Most of all, you need an

experienced licensed contractor who has proven himself time and again capable of completing the job at an affordable price. Essential Cabinet Refacing Inc. is in its 22nd year of business. For owners Ringo and Michele Pauly, the first advice they got as young entrepreneurs came from Lex Brodie, who encouraged them to run their business with integrity. To them, this meant listening

to their customers, sharing their remodeling expertise with clients to ensure the job performed was the right match to the customer, and doing the job at a competitive, yet fair price. Since then, their mission has been to have satisfied customers at the end of every project. Over the years, materials and remodeling methods have changed a great deal. ECR has kept current in the industry and offers

up-to-date styles, designs and materials. ECR has offered refacing as an economical option for upgrading cabinets since 1989. Refacing is the method of giving cabinets a “facelift” without going through the time and expense of ripping out existing cabinets and installing new ones. Since the doors and drawers are replaced, the exterior of the cabinets is brand new and gives a modernized

look. The interior remains the same and a lot of money is saved. This gives customers the freedom to increase their budget and add features such as new countertops, appliances or special features like rolling pull-out drawers. As the needs of its customers changed, ECR has continued to expand on its scope of work to include new custom-built cabinets and countertops. Custom cabinets are locally built in

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ECR’s shop. Owners have their choice of materials in the cabinet structure, hardware and exterior finish. Countertops come in almost any material customers desire. ECR’s office and shop are located at 212 Mohonua Place. Showroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 847-7835 or visit www.essentialcabinetre facing.com.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Don’t shop till you drop: Tips to make paint supply shopping easier

write it down and bring it with you to the store so you can get the right amount of paint for each area. This way you’ll get what you need during the first — and only — trip.” Beware of high-contrast color changes, like painting a light wall a dark color, or vice versa. This will likely require extra coats and, thus, more paint. Ask your paint retailer about selecting the right primer to reduce the number of coats you’ll How much paint is need, since it’s less expensive than paint, saving you enough? You don’t want to run money in the long run. out of paint mid-project or have gallons of a custom Tools of the trade color left over when your When you’re standing in project’s complete. But the aisle, cheaper is how do you make sure you always better, right? buy the right amount? Wrong! In order to Simply measure the room. achieve professional-look“It might seem like the ing results, you need to most obvious tip, but think — and shop — like a measuring the area you’re pro. “Invest in high-qualipainting is an easy way to ty tools that deliver a persave yourself some aggra- fect finish every time, and vation, time and money," not the least expensive LaPorta said. products that will leave Typically, one gallon of brush marks or streaks,” paint covers 375 to 400 LaPorta adds. “For more square feet. Measure walls than 85 years, painting with a tape measure, and professionals and home multiply the height by the improvement experts like width (in feet, not inches). me have turned to Purdy “Once you have your for the best in applicators square footage calculated, and tools.”

ll painting projects begin the same way — with a trip to the hardware store or home center to gather supplies. But you’re going to need much more than paint and a paintbrush. As you think about what you’d like to make over in your home with paint, take the “pain” out of paintsupply shopping with helpful hints and tips from celebrity designer Lisa LaPorta.

Purdy’s new 9-inch cageless frame features a “dog-bone” design, which eliminates skipping and thumping on the wall when you’re painting. You’ll feel — and see — the difference as soon as you start rolling. “This lightweight, durable, highperformance roller will become a mainstay in your DIY painter’s kit for years, helping you finish more jobs flawlessly than if you were to purchase inexpensive ‘throw-away’ sets each time you paint a space,” LaPorta said. Be sure to use this painting supplies checklist — and a few extra tips from LaPorta — to ensure you have everything you need to get your project done right, without running back to the store in the

middle of it:

• Roller tray and liner. pet and furniture while You’ll need a tray to dip you're painting • Painter’s tape. Helps to your roller cover and keep clean lines as you cut brush into • Screwdriver. When in or paint trim using paint in a metal can, • Roller cover. Use a this helps remove the lid • Primer. Use a primer high-quality roller cover; to seal the walls so that for drywall or plaster, use “Although you won’t paint covers smoothly and covers designed for find it in the aisles of the evenly smooth/semi-smooth sur- hardware or home faces improvement store, a box • Stir stick. Make sure to of baby wipes is good to ask the paint desk for stir • Paint brushes. keep handy to quickly sticks; it’s always a good Available in various sizes, clean up any mistakes,” idea to stir paint and/or brushes help when paint- LaPorta said. “If you take primer before you begin ing corners and trim; the time to do a little planangled options perform ning before you head to the store or start painting, • Pour spout. Helps to better for detailed work it will go a long way in pour paint with less mess; also keeps the can clean • Drop cloths. Good to saving time and creating a and label directions visible protect your flooring, car- perfectly painted space.”

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The ideal choice for solar panels in Hawaii FROM PAGE 11

Dealer. But customer demand speaks loudest of all, and owner Bruce Ekimura says Alternate Energy already has become a recognized High Volume Mitsubishi Dealer, approaching five megawatts sold. It’s easy to see why. With its new MLU Series panels, Mitsubishi increased the number of cells per module and improved cell efficiency, bringing more power per square foot to better utilize limited space and give a higher return on investment. Perhaps most importantly, Mitsubishi panels are engineered to withstand tough outdoor conditions including winds up to 130 mph and coastline corrosion. While all other manufacturer warranties specify a 500-meter minimum

Bruce Ekimura Alternate Energy, owner installation distance from salt water, Mitsubishi is the only manufacturer to extend warranty on modules installed near salt water, making the panels an ideal choice for Hawaii. If installing quality modules is crucial, so is the experience and track record of the installer. Make sure that the “years

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of experience” an installer claims are actual installation experience — not just years in business. Visit http://hawaii.gov/dcca/ri co/ to see whether your installer has the C-60 license, required to sell and install photovoltaic systems in the state of Hawaii. “Our customers tell me it feels good to know they are working with a longtime, established local company and proven manufacturers when they make this all-important investment for their home or business,” Ekimura said. Alternate Energy Inc. is located at 1111 Dillingham Blvd., #H3, in Honolulu. For more information, call 842-5853 (Oahu) and 8729592 (Maui), or visit the company online at www.alternateenergy hawaii.com.

Countertops and sinks: Smart, affordable upgrades that remake your kitchen

eplacing countertops and the sink can give your kitchen a whole new look — for a fraction of the cost of a major remodel. Mix in simple cosmetic upgrades such as a fresh coat of paint and cabinet hardware, and kitchen remodeling becomes affordable and achievable. To minimize the risk of a style clash between these two important kitchen design elements, seek out a sink with clas-

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Lighting Tips To Create Home Ambiance A

re you looking for a way to spruce up your home but don’t want to spend a bundle? Consider your light bulbs and fixtures. Lighting can go a long way in creating ambiance in a home, and it’s often cheaper than painting. Plus, it’s more functional than unnecessary knick-knacks cluttering your living spaces. Here are some lighting tips to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home:

• First impressions count. Make your guests feel at home by using floodlights, which provide illumination across a wide area. And consider adding a light bulb dimming switch, which allows you

to illuminate the entry but creates a lower level of light to help visitors adapt to sudden changes in light levels when coming in from outside. Floodlights also can create added drama in hallways, kitchens and guest rooms.

• Add color. Looking for a subtle shift in the color of your living spaces? Light bulbs are available in a variety of color temperatures — from warm, soft white to cool, natural daylight. Each changes the look and feel of a room. You can filter out dull yellow rays produced by standard incandescent bulbs with CFL or halogen lights. Or use a special incandescent light, such as GE’s Reveal bulb, to make colors “pop,” bringing out

the vibrant colors and textures of fabrics and furniture that would typically go unnoticed.

• Cozy up in the kitchen. Often a main gathering place, the kitchen should be well-lit for both cooking and entertaining. Create a cozy look using recessed downlights that also offer a well-lit work surface for creating those gourmet meals. Place them 6 to 8 feet apart for even illumination. • Let the dining room glitter, not glare. To achieve a welcoming ambience in the dining room, keep your chandelier dimmed. For extra sparkle, consider installing small recessed

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Choosing the Correct Sealer N

atural stone surfaces, such as marble and granite, are porous and need to be sealed to prevent stains. Impregnating sealers penetrate into the stone surface, still allowing the stone to “breathe” while protecting against oil, water and other surface stains. Sealing your stone surface is a part of maintenance and depending on use, the sealer should be reapplied every 12-18 months. Choosing the correct sealer depends on the stone surface. For stones with a textured or honed finish, like most travertine and limestone, Tenax Protex offers superior stain protection without creating a superficial film. Protex is one of the top premium sealers on the market today. It is highly

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ADDRESS: 1111 DILLINGHAM BLVD. #E-1B (in the Kokea Shopping Center near Subway) CONTACT: 848-0989 • www.islandstonecenter.com effective for marble or travertine showers where water protection is necessary. Outdoor slate and flagstone will often become sun-faded, looking grey and dull. Tenax Ager sealer is a high-quality sealer that enhances all types of stone, creating a “wet” effect, bringing out a deep rich color. Ager also works well on black granite, enhancing the color and making the grey color disappear.

Stones that have a shiny polished surface are generally not as absorbent as stones that are honed or textured, but still need to be sealed. Kitchen countertops are primarily polished granite. Tenax Proseal is recommended for this type of application and offers protection up to five years. Proseal fills the microscopic pores of the stone and protects the stone from oil and water stains, without changing the natural color of the stone or leaving a film on the surface.

For large stone floor surfaces, Tenax Hydrex sealer offers protection from water, oil and other stains. Hydrex sealer operates on the surface, preventing liquids from penetrating into the material, while still allowing the stone to breath. It does not change the color of the stone and can be used on any polished stone. Hydrex works well on marble thresholds, windowsills and granite coun-

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oes your home feel drab or dark? Are you tired of the same old rooms and color schemes? There are many easy, cost-effective ways to brighten your home’s appearance, cheering up its occupants in the process. From fresh coats of paint to sunny lighting schemes to lively window treatments, small changes can have a big impact on your home. And some projects can be tackled in just one short weekend.

Window Treatments By literally letting more light into your home, you can make your days more cheerful. Try replacing heavy drapes or dark-colored shades with translucent curtains or blinds. This way, you let in natural light while keeping prying eyes at bay. Other ways to invite natural light into your home include adding internal windows within rooms to let light flow from one space to another, or installing skylights.

Your lighting scheme can set different moods in different rooms. To make a room both cheerful and efficient, use three different types of lighting: ambient — or background — lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. Stylish new options for background lighting abound, such as pendants, chandeliers, ceilingmounted lights and new kinds of fixtures that can be hung in multiple ways. LED lighting is perfect to illuminate places for reading, food preparation, dressing or other tasks. With a very long lifespan, such lights may never need to be replaced and can save you money on electricity bills because they are brighter with lower wattage. The latest in accent lighting includes strings of remarkably thin LED light pods that can easily bend around corners and fit into small spaces, such as those from manufacturers like Kichler Lighting. This type of sleek, modern lighting adds drama when entertaining, while also lowering electricity costs. “Accent lights like these use little energy so they can stay on all night, an

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Liven up rooms by selecting a bright color scheme. Paint sets the basic tone, so choose a light color, such as inviting yellows or cheery pastels. Remember, dark colors can absorb light and make rooms darker. You can paint an entire room a bright color or just one wall. And you can add warmth as well as color by layering on pillows and throws to accent favorite pieces of furniture. For more creative home decorating ideas, visit the American Society of Interior Designers at www.asid.org and click on “Consumer Center.” And for new energy-efficient home lighting ideas, visit www.kichler.com. The brighter you make your home, the more cheerful it will become for you and your guests.

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Vanity Sanity

t’s the room where you start and end your day, so it should be one of the most enjoyable places in your home. But, most of the time, your bathroom is not the relaxing retreat you hoped it would be. Whether it is overrun with towels and toiletries — or is tough to keep clean with smudged mirrors and faucets — today’s bathrooms are in need of some serious updates and organization. Luckily, a few simple tips and tricks can

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Haven’t updated your bathroom fixtures in a while? The new Boardwalk bath collection from Moen can take your faucets from drab to fab with their glamorous vintage looks. Boardwalk centerset and widespread faucets are certified to meet WaterSense criteria, reducing water usage by up to 32 percent. The best part is that they feature Moen’s new prints and water spots. Now women state that leaving dirty Spot Resist finish that does just you can add style to the bath clothes on the bathroom floor what it says — resists finger- since you won't waste time is a top annoyance in the bath. Freeing the floor can be simcleaning. ple. Store your items in style by installing racks, towel bars Organize odds and ends Have your bathroom draw- and robe hooks to hang extra ers become a catch-all for hotel towels, clothes or bathrobes. samples and unused cosmet- The back of the door is an ics? Then it’s time to sort, often overlooked area to install purge and organize. Once these essentials. And don’t forget about your you’ve decided what you cannot live without, find a spot for countertop. Soap, bath salts, everything. Try gathering your and other bathroom essentials bathroom cleaning supplies that you need to keep within and store them together in a reach can also quickly create handled tote under your sink unwanted clutter. Organize or in an upper cupboard. For these items in style by incorposmaller items, rating glass bath accessories Containerstore.com offers a into your decor. For small host of drawer organizers and spaces, place the canisters on a bins to hold your bathroom decorative wall shelf or just essentials. arrange by the sink for a chic and simple look.

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Getting by with a little ‘Help’ from solar friends BY SARAH PACHECO

n the famous play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare questions, “What’s in a name?” Well, when it comes to a company, the name can say it all, which is why Dale Domen made sure he took great care when it came time to pick out the perfect moniker for his solar service business. “It’s all in the name,” said Domen, president of Solar Help Hawaii LLC. “And the key is the ‘Help,’” he added. “I wanted ‘Help’ to be in it to give people the idea that we’re not just here to sell new systems; we’re here to help people who need help with systems installed by someone else too.” Domen first realized

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CONTACT: 548-4357 • www.solarhelphawaii.com there was a huge gap in the solar service industry when he was working at solar panel manufacturer and wholesaler R&R Solar Supply more than 20 years ago. “In 1990 I started in the solar industry at R&R … and as we began wholesaling equipment, a lot of homeowners who already had solar systems would come in to purchase parts to repair their systems. After the transaction, they would ask if I knew anyone who could install it for them,” Domen recalled. “Because the industry is fairly new, there’s really

no training or schooling for (solar servicing),” he continued. “Some companies outsource or subcontract the installations to other companies, some do it in-house and have installation crews, but a service department is something that most are lacking. It takes more skill to fix an old system than to install a new one. That, together with the fact that there is more profit in new installations causes a lot of companies not to have a good service department. “On Oahu, out of the many companies in the industry, there are only a handful of solar contractors who actually do service and have someone who can successfully troubleshoot problems with an existing system.” Because Domen had

learned first-hand all sides of the solar industry — from manufacturing solar panels to their distribution and installation — he did have the know-how in these technical matters, and soon he found himself offering his assistance to customers-in-need afterhours. “I would feel bad for (the homeowners) because they would all say the same thing — they would try to call companies to service or repair their system and were told that (the companies) don’t do repairs, or after making an appointment no one would show up,” Domen explained. “They worked with a lot of contractors or companies that wanted to sell the new product, but when it came to little repairs, no SEE PAGE 18

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Fabulous furnishings, finishes for all ages FROM PAGE 2

Living up to its name FROM PAGE 17

one wanted to deal with it.” Eventually his side job took over as a full-time occupation, and in 2007 Domen founded Solar Help Hawaii. In addition to being on-call to help customers with their existing solar system needs, the company installs brand-new solar hot water systems, solar exhaust fans, photovoltaic (PV) systems, swimming pool heating systems and PV pool pumps. “Because of my distribution background,” Domen added, “it differentiates us from our competitors. Dealing with

multiple brands, we have the background knowledge of each component’s pros, cons, warranty issues and history. I was kind of able to see what products did well and which ones didn’t, so when we sell our products now, it helps because we combine system packages that are made to withstand the test of time and have the best warranties on the market.” And that is Domen’s main objective: that Solar Help Hawaii lives up to its name by providing clients the highest standards of service and professionalism, whether it be saving money on their electric

18 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 30, 2011

bill or offering a solution to an existing solar system problem. “I want to make sure that our company will always try to help customers and take responsibility to do repair and service work — doing the smaller stuff that may not have great profit but is so meaningful for consumers who need it,” Domen said. “Helping is our mission, not just selling new systems.” For more information about Solar Help Hawaii or to schedule a free consultation, call 548-HELP (5484357) or visit www.solarhelphawaii.com.

function as a side table. I then upped the color ante with a beautiful Ikat-patterned fabric that contains shades of blue, green, brown and cream. The material was used to make drapes for both rooms and it served as my jumping-off point for the accent colors in the space. I also put down a rugged, multicolored patchwork rug that can be trusted to hide all manner of kid spills. In the dining room, I installed a long, durable white vinyl banquette along the cork-papered wall. This banquette will function as part of the seating for a new table that consists of reclaimed wood atop an indestructible steel base. I chose cool white dining-room chairs and two funky high chairs that can later be converted into toddler chairs. When choosing furnishings for children, I look for durabil-

much of the wall space a relaxing shade of cream, and putting up gorgeous brown cork wallpaper along one wall of the adjoining living and dining rooms. The living area had a big non-functioning fireplace, but its brown stucco finish made it an eyesore. So, I painted it a beautiful shade of cream, put down some stone tiles and flanked it with new shelving units. I wanted to install a gas insert, but (because of venting issues) opted instead for a decorative look that features candles, a mirror insert and a tempered glass safety screen. I got rid of the room’s outmoded furniture and put in a three-piece sofa in a resilient, creamy-colored outdoor fabric. I also chose a beautiful brown armchair, a round wooden coffee table and a dentproof vintage steel footlocker that will

ity. After all, design is an investment — and it has to grow with you. I then lightened and brightened the rooms by putting up two industrial-inspired pendant lights above the dining-room table and two lamps on either side of the fireplace. Lastly, I added a host of accessories — vases, artwork, accent pillows — and made sure the “breakables” were well out of reach of curious little hands. The verdict? Ignore the naysayers. I say you can have it all — kids and style! By combining resilient yet fashionable fabrics, finishes and furnishings, Nicole and Trevor’s space went from bland to beautiful and is now ready for splendid dinners, relaxing evenings — and a messy tyke or two.

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808-487-3043 www.allweathersurfaces.com OCT. 30, 2011 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 19

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

Beautify your home with high-quality cabinets, countertops BY SARAH PACHECO

DA WING

here’s a new kid on the cabinet-and-granite supplier block, and its name is Da Wing Trading, LLC. A family-owned and –operated venture, Da Wing Trading opened its doors earlier this year at 2006 Republican St., offering solid wood cabinets with plywood boxes (no MDF, particleboard or pressed wood) and granite countertops out of its 8,000-square-foot showroom. “We own the property where we store in-stock cabinets and granite, thus we don’t have to pay rent, which enables us to pass the savings on to our customers,” said Harry Kwan, manager. “We sell (our products) at affordable prices, which are the people’s prices,” added Kwan’s uncle Tommy Chan, who works in the sales department. Kwan goes on to note that the family decided to invest in the 10,000-square-foot property rather than renting it out because they saw it as a good long-term investment for future generations. Additionally, the property has ample on-site parking, a scarcity in the industrial Kalihi area. “That’s something very important to have,” Chan stated. Though Da Wing Trading only deals in cabinets and countertops at the moment, Kwan explains that they carry those made of quality materials. For example, countertops are made from granite imported from China, while cabinets are made using alder and maple woods. “These are solid woods, the good woods,” said Chan of

TRADING

CONTACT: 847-3288 • www.dawingtrading.com the cabinets, which come standard with soft-close hardware and are available in four different color variations, including light cherry, maple, white (maple) and dark cherry (alder only). “Cabinets and countertops go hand-in-hand,” Kwan said. “We chose to focus on granite for countertops because it is a unique, sturdy, natural rock, and a high-quality addition that can enhance the look and feel of a kitchen or bathroom.” And for home-improvers looking for a little advice on their next kitchen or bath renovation, Da Wing Trading’s staff of professionals — which, in addition to Kwan and Chan, includes Kwan’s father, Yue Fung Kwan, and cousin Josh Guan — is ready to help. Just bring a rough draft or sketch of what you want and the measurements of the space, and Kwan says they can come up with a free design and quote for what you’ll need. “We are hands-on in helping our customers,” Kwan said. “We help the customers design their kitchen and bathrooms and work with their budget and needs. “Customer service is our main concern, and since we own the property, we will be here for a long time to service our customers.” Da Wing Trading operates between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. For more information, call 847-3288 or visit www.dawingtrading.com.

20 | HAWAII RENOVATION | OCT. 30, 2011