Hawaii Renovation September 9, 2012 by Oahu Publications, Inc

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

AN EDITION OF

There’s no home design challenge too great for Town & Country Builders contractor John Mowry and his team of highly skilled workers, which include foreman Edward Yamamoto and supervisor Richard Wolfe. See page 3 Photo by Leah Friel

FAN-TASTIC WAYS TO STAY COOL, SAVE ENERGY. See Page 14 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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2 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

JOANNE ROMERO

Seal the deal

License No. C-26041

Learn to caulk like a pro by following these simple steps you like the size of the bead. If it’s too small, cut again until it’s just right. After cutting, break the seal by driving a nail or wire into the nozzle hole. Your gun may also come equipped with a builtin puncture wire. • Fourth and finally, practice making lines before applying the caulk to the area. Angle the nozzle at 45 degrees and aim for slow, smooth and continuous lines. When you’re done, smooth the joint. Use a wet finger and apply firm pressure. Then, remove the tape by pulling it away from the joint at an angle.

aulk reappears throughout the inside and outside of your home. It provides a wonderful solution to sealing both joints and seams around the home, and is relatively inexpensive to replace. Recaulking may seem daunting, but it is easier than you might think. Here’s what you need to know in order to do the job correctly:

• First, buy the caulk specific to the job. If you purchase the cartridge, you’ll need a caulking gun. If you opt for the squeeze tube, you won’t need the gun. Just keep in mind that many professionals usually opt for the cartridge-and-gun combo because it helps to distribute the caulk more evenly than a squeeze tube.

• Second, prep the area. Remove the old caulk with a retractable razorblade scraper and vacuum up any debris. Clean and dry the surface.

Then, mask off the two sides of the joint using either painter’s tape or caulking tape. Use long strips and make sure to keep them straight. • Third, get ready to caulk. Cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle with a utility knife or, if you have a caulking gun, you may be able to use the builtin cutter. Oftentimes these guns will have a hole at the top for this purpose. Insert the nozzle in the hole and pull the trigger to cut. Start at the top and cut just a little bit. Test it to see if

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Once you are done, you can save the leftover caulk for future use. Cover the end with a caulk lid, which is sold separately at your local hardware store, or with a nail or screw.

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TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDERS

HR COVER STORY

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 3

A contractor who’s up to the challenge

own & Country Builders is a licensed general contracting design build firm that has been serving Oahu residents for the past 32 years. The company specializes in new and custom homes, remodels, second-story additions, designer kitchens, bathrooms, Americans with Disability Act (ADA) modifications/ improvements as well as multi generational homes, and it offers full construction services including planning and permitting. On a recent project, homeowners in Hawaii Kai contacted Town & Country Builders about the possibility of constructing a second-story master bathroom and walk-in-closet addition adjacent to their existing master bedroom. They wanted to do this because they had four members in the household sharing one bathroom and shower on the second-floor level. They wanted an additional full bathroom with double lavatories, a toilet, tub-shower combination and a walk-in closet for additional wardrobe space.

Here’s the Challenge The contractor scheduled a site visit to view the situation and discuss the project with the owners. After analyzing the conditions in the area, two options seemed possible:

Option One Because of the proposed location of the new bathroom, tying in the waste connection needed to be addressed. The connection to the sewer lateral was a distance of 85 feet and was at the front-left side of the proper ty. Completing the connection would entail excavating a trench, saw cutting, breaking and repouring a concrete patch across the existing driveway. Beautiful landscape would also have to be torn up. This would be an expensive endeavor that could destroy the lawn and create an unsightly patch in the driveway. This led the contractor to explore another possibility.

Option Two The existing second-floor bathroom was 16 lineal feet from the proposed master bathroom addition. To tie in the waste connection would involve removing the master bedroom carpet and reinstalling it along with a portion of the plywood subfloor. It also would involve removing and

PHOTO COURTESY OF Town & Country Builders

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

Leah Friel PHOTO

AN EDITION OF

FAN-TASTIC WAYS TO STAY COOL, SAVE ENERGY. See Page 14 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

ON THE COVER

TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDERS contact // 737-7766 web // www.townand countrybuildersllc.com Leah Friel PHOTO

replacing the existing bathroom ceramic tile floor covering. This presented an issue that needed special consideration because the bathroom was tiled with the same color tile throughout the floor, walls and shower. By removing the floor tile, it would be difficult to re-match it without removing all the tile. This would be an added expense to the owner. Additionally, a section of the gypsumboard wall and ceiling on the first floor would need to be removed, replaced, textured, primed and painted in order to expose interior drain pipes for connection. An interior connecting door from the existing bathroom and bedroom would require infilling and the existing bathroom

wall paper would need to be primed and painted. Here’s the Solution The homeowners decided to go with option two, even though other building contractors who had conducted a site excluded it as a possibility. Yes, the homeowners were inconvenienced and their lifestyle was disrupted, but for substantial savings in the cost of the project and the beauty of their landscape and driveway. The owners also located marble for the bathroom floor that complemented the existing ceramic tile and looked wonderful.

Quite often it is wise to be cautious and explore several options before making a final decision about construction on your home. It is also very important to engage the services of a seasoned and knowledgeable architect. One such architect is Henry Reese, who has been designing homes/additions and has been responsible for all aspects of new construction, residential renovations and new homes from inception to completion since opening his office in Honolulu in 1986. He is worth hiring to design a pleasing addition, remodel or new home, and he will ensure that the structural requirements for the new work meet guidelines and requirements. Reese is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in Architecture and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. Whether designing a home of your choice or planning a major renovation, you will find that he is congenial, conscientious and articulate in his field and he works in association with this builder to ensure quality construction projects. You can reach Town & Country Builders at 737-7766 for a free in home consultation or visit www.townandcountrybuildersllc.com. Town & Country Builders is a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A-plus rating, a certified remodeler and winner of the 2012 Elite Customer Satisfaction award. SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 • 3

4 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

THE BATHROOM STORE

Bringing style and function together in bathroom designs O ver the past two decades, The Bathroom Store has gained an excellent reputation for having high-quality products and unparalleled customer service. Here at The Bathroom Store, we strive to assist our customers in the best way possible, providing both commercial and residential customers with function, beauty, safety and security. The Bathroom Store is the largest distributor of both TOTO® and RonBow® products in Hawaii; we also complete the spectrum between Economy and Luxury Lines, offering brands such as Grohe, Fluid, Gatco, Jason and many more. Because we understand that function, individuality and saving money is important to our customers, The Bathroom Store carries a wide variety of products in many different finishes, styles and prices. We offer styles ranging from contemporary to traditional, as well as economical options for those who are building on a budget. At The Bathroom Store, we understand that “seeing is believing.” For this reason, we have many of our products on display in our very own Platinum Showroom, including

A residential bathroom

washlets, toilets, lavatories, vanities, lighting fixtures and accessories to complete your vision. Our company realizes that time is of the essence in most projects and situations, so The Bathroom Store has a warehouse

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conveniently located next to our showroom with most items stocked and ready to take home with you on the day of purchase. You can find some of our products in high-end resorts, hotels and businesses

THE BATHROOM STORE contact // 843-2005 address // 985 Dillingham Blvd. web // www.tbshi.com

throughout the state of Hawaii. Many of our customers are successful business people. Because of our excellent customer service and vast knowledge of our products, The Bathroom Store Hawaii has many loyal customers and countless word-ofmouth referrals. The Bathroom Store is a great place to purchase quality bathroom fixtures that you’ll love and appreciate for years to come. One of the most important rooms in your home is the bathroom — it is an oasis away from the daily grind and a place for you to relax. Let The Bathroom Store help create the bathroom you’ve always dreamt of. We look forward to meeting you and exceeding your highest expectations for your building and remodeling projects. Feel free to check out our websites — tbshi.com, totousa.com, ronbow.com, jasoninternational.com, groheamerica.com, gatco-inc.com, fleurco.com, nutone.com, panasonic.com and fluidfaucets.com — and draw inspiration for your next project. You also can follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheBathroomStore.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 • 5

6 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

MURAKAMI’S ROOFING

A roof to last a lifetime ome things get better with age. Other things, like your roof, do not. When installed properly, your roof should be water-tight and worry-free for years. Homeowners should inspect their roofs every few months, especially after heavy wind or rainstorms. Signs to look for are loose tiles or shingles, water marks on the ceiling from leaks or gutters that don’t drain properly. During the last 25 percent of your roof ’s lifetime, you’ll typically see more reasons to call a roofing company like Murakami’s Roofing. Call 348-8270 for a free inspection by an experienced professional. Murakami’s will do a thorough inspection, provide a written estimate and answer all your questions. If you think of more, don’t hesitate to ask. Clinton Murakami, who has more than 25 years of roofing experience, resets his goal every day to “build confidence into every roof.” That means when you go to bed and it’s raining buckets, you’ll be able to sleep

with no worries and no raindrops inside the house. Rest easy and get your roof checked Checking your roof now is a great way to protect your home before the rains come. Check out Murakami’s Roofing on the Web at murakamiroofing.net for special offers and information about its small equipment rentals. If you need a mini-excavator or loader, the company has a great selection for jobs in tight spaces. It also offers island-wide delivery. Call Murakami’s Roofing today.

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8 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

BIA HAWAII REMODELERS

Tips for avoiding dishonest contractors BY KAREN NAKAMURA This is part two of a two-part series

t’s an unfortunate fact of life that after a natural or man-made disaster, there are people who will try to profit from a community’s misfortune. Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, windstorms and other disasters can destroy lives and property without warning. Sadly, in the wake of the tragedy, unscrupulous contractors often flock to an area to take advantage of distressed homeowners who are trying to repair damage or rebuild their homes. But a fly-by-night contractor is one disaster you can prevent if you pay attention to some common warning signs. In fact, it makes sense to look for these signs when

you are evaluating any potential contractor, whether it’s for post-disaster repairs or for a planned renovation. Here are some common warning signs regarding price and payment: • You’re told you have to sign the contract today to get the quoted price and that if you sign later, the price will be higher. • You’re asked to pay the full cost in advance, before work begins. Paying a deposit of anywhere from 20 to 50 percent is common, however. Here are some common warning signs regarding references: • The contractor doesn’t have a verifiable mailing address for his business.

• The contractor won’t provide references for past work, or the references can’t be reached.

• You’re expected to make final payment before the job is completely finished and you are fully satisfied with it.

Here are warning signs regarding contract and completion:

Paying attention to these warning signs will help you select the right licensed contractor. To learn more, visit www.biahawaii.org.

• You’re told that “a contract won’t be necessary.” Make sure you insist on a complete and clearly written contract signed by you and the contractor.

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

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Giving your kitchen a fresh look this fall A

s the season changes, many of us will get the itch to tackle any number of home improvement projects before winter. For some, a complete remodel is in the works. For others, just a few quick fixes are needed to make the home a more enjoyable space in preparation for holiday entertaining. With the kitchen at the heart of the home, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an obvious place to take time for a few updates this season. Here are a few ideas to give your kitchen a fresh look without spoiling the budget:

Overhaul your cabinets without breaking the bank Although replacing kitchen cabinetry can be a very costly home improvement project, it usually makes the biggest impact. Even if your budget is small, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up on the idea of updating your kitchen cabinetry because there are plenty of affordable solutions. For example, QualityCabinets offers its Woodstar series, a line of affordable and stylish cabinets including its newest door styles â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kittery and Brookport â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that are on-trend and available in popular finishes ranging from a classic and airy natural stain to dark and rich tones.

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t underestimate the power of paint With color trends constantly changing, and the focus on color in the home becoming more prominent, a fresh coat of paint can change the look and feel of a space almost instantly. With the changing season, opt for colors that add warmth and comfort. To ensure your new look has staying power, purchase a quality paint specially formulated for the kitchen.

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10 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

C&C CABINETS GRANITE

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re you planning a new kitchen and aren’t sure where to begin? Whether your budget is large or small, you can create a stylish and functional environment with complementary combinations of hardwood cabinets and granite counters. The C&C Cabinets Granite showroom is a great place to start. Known for high quality and low prices, C&C offers finely crafted maple and cherry-wood cabinets, shelves and drawers in a variety of classic designs as well as a selection of beautiful granite surfaces. The C&C Summer Sale is for 10-by-10-foot kitchens with any style of cabinet and selected granite for $1,999 plus tax. If the space you are designing is approximately 10

C&C CABINETS GRANITE contact // 853-2088 address // 500 Alakawa St.

feet by 10 feet, the C&C sales associates will quote you a special price, including design at no extra charge. All cabinets are precision-designed and include high-quality handles, pulls and runners. No particle board or other synthetic materials are used in the fabrication of the cabinet doors, shelves and drawers. Customers who wish to display their glassware or dinnerware can order cabinet doors with glass insets. Call ahead or stop in at the showroom where sales associates are available to work out a preliminary three-dimensional design for the cabinet and counter layout on the computer. If the customer approves of the quoted price, the sales associate will meet with the homeowner at the job site and work out a detailed plan there. C&C Cabinets Granite handles delivery and installation of the items purchased with an additional charge. The company can also give you quotes on remodeling, including carpentry, painting, windows and doors if the customer does not already have a builder.

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SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 11

Moen puts a cool ‘Twist’ on an invigorating shower experience W

hen it comes to showering, today’s consumers know what they want — style, quality, good pressure and coverage. With this in mind, Moen is adding a revitalizing “twist” to users’ daily showering routine with the new Twist™ handheld shower. Twist allows users to effortlessly switch between the handheld shower’s four spray patterns with one hand: simply swivel the showerhead around the handle with a push of a Soft Grip™ thumb pad. Soft Grip is a non-slip, comfortable surface that is soft to the touch for a comfortable and sturdy feel — yet is durable in design for everyday use. The sensible design stops spraying between settings to ensure you don’t spray yourself, the walls or the ceiling. “The Twist handheld shower offers the many features that our research has indicated are desired by today’s consumers — and a new way for consumers to easily switch their spray options,” said Jack Suvak, senior director, Moen research and insights. “With a flick of the thumb, each member of the house can easily create their ideal shower experience and can switch settings as needed — whether to relax, revitalize or clean.” Twist offers a clean and simple transitional style. No matter what your shower preference or mood, you can easily switch between four, high-performance sprays custom designed to fit the multiple needs of

today’s sumer:

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• Immerse. An invigorating, full coverage spray • Soothe. A relaxing, heavy mist spray • Drench. A soft, yet heavy, rinse perfect for bathing kids and pets • Shine. A strong, focused spray ideal for cleaning your bathtub and shower In addition to the functional benefits of Twist, the handheld shower is easy to install. “Within minutes, con-

sumers can have a new showering experience in their bathrooms,” said Suvak. Twist is available through wholesale showrooms in Chrome, LifeShine® Brushed Nickel and Oil Rubbed Bronze. The EcoPerformance model flows at two gallons per minute (gpm), providing valuable water savings, without sacrificing performance. It also features a 30-inch vertical slide bar with shower arm diverter to allow easy height adjustments to accommodate any member of the household. Additionally, Twist can be

found at home improvement retailers as a showeronly model, without the slide bar, and flows at a standard 2.5 gpm. It is available at The Home Depot in Chrome and can also be found at Lowe’s in Spot Resist™ Brushed Nickel finish. The unique Spot Resist finish does just what it says — actually resists fingerprints and water spots. The Twist handheld shower features a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For more information, visit moen.com.

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12 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

ATLAS CONSTRUCTION INC.

Contractor keeps line of communication open

vital part of any home improvement project is having a good relationship and staying in contact with your contractor. Making sure everyone is on the same page as to the cost, timelines and any unforeseen contingencies that may occur during the course of construction is a sure formula for a satisfying experience. This ensures that you receive a completed project on time and on budget. You may do all your due diligence when selecting a contractor for your new home improvement project and still miss one of the most important aspects. How are the communication skills and relationship you have with your contractor? Trust that your contractor will give you a quality product for an honest price. You build a relationship during the build, after you have delivered the final payment and far after the home is

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complete. Trust that the contractor will not sweep a problem under the rug for you, as the owner, to deal with after the warranty period is over. It starts with your first meeting. Does the company representative have your best interest in mind? You should be able to trust a contractor enough so that when you reveal a budget, he will maximize your house, not his profit. The initial estimate should not be misleading or vague. This number should be a consistent one as a basis to work from for your home project.

This is where the discussion of a timeline to complete the project should begin. If at all possible, before building, you should be provided with a schedule that is complete with all the different scopes of work along with the start and completion dates. Construction is not an exact science, so be aware of contingencies that may arise. If some unforeseen item comes up, how will it be addressed? Your relationship with your contractor and the lines of communication should be clear. Builders make judgment

calls on critical processes within your home that a majority of homeowners may not know. You would hope to trust your contractor to make the correct decision for your benefit, to not just pass code for a quick profit. Change orders, once you sign the initial contract, are almost bound to the contractor’s desired charges. You need to trust that you will not get raked over the price. This is a formula for a successful and memorable experience that will leave you completely satisfied with your home project. Remember this is an important step for you and your family. The contractor that takes you through this journey should have your best interest at heart. As a homeowner, you don’t have the time or the experience to understand the full construction process, so be sure you get quality work at a fair price. Short of hiring outside counsel, hire a contractor you feel comfortable with, and more importantly, one you can trust.

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ALICE INOUE

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 13

Greet the Grandparents Before elderly relatives move in, make these sensible changes to your home. Doing so will reduce the number of challenges that living together often brings neuroendocrine systems that regulate the body’s entire homeostasis, so clean the windows and open the shades or blinds.

with

Alice Inoue QUESTION OF THE WEEK: My grandmother will be moving in with my family soon as she is unable to live on her own anymore. She is getting physically weaker, and we think she may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Do you have any advice for us?

oday is Grandparents Day, the perfect day to answer your question and a reminder to appreciate the seniors in our lives. Your question is especially timely as more and more families face caring for aging parents or grandparents in their homes. Diminished strength, impaired hearing or vision and memory lapses are all natural symptoms of aging that you can accommodate in your home to make life easier for everyone. Taking in aging parents should be an act of love, not a sacrifice, so first look at the situation as an opportunity to give back, then make some sensible changes.

Clutter and things … First of all, I know everyone is probably tired of hearing about clutter, but I have to address this, at least briefly. When parents move in, they often bring a lot of their belongings with them. Prepare yourself and your parents by getting rid of anything you no longer need or use. If not, the increased clutter will bring challenges. While I understand it seems wasteful to get rid of things or “perfectly good furniture,” it may be necessary. Whenever you open your home to seniors, you create the opportunity to experience irritation, frustration and more because personal and physical space diminishes. Turn this into an opportunity to do something positive for people you love by purging the clutter from your home.

Why is it important to clear out? Clutter ties you to the past physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually,

reminding everyone of how things “were,” not how to accept things as they are. Remember, everyone’s lifestyle is about to change, so take action now to get ahead of the game. Clutter around the home can contribute to confusion, respiratory problems because of dust accumulation, accidents and a negative mental attitude. Energywise, having too much clutter can be compared to living in the middle of a hurricane or being buried in a landfill. Increase lighting and reduce glare You may not have thought much about lighting and glare before, but when people age, their vision diminishes, and adequate lighting for you is likely not enough for them. What can you do? • Create consistent and brighter lighting throughout the home. Inconsistent lighting levels can produce scary shadows and confusion. Increase wattage in lamps, and add nightlights in hallways, corners and near stairs. • Diminish glare. Glare can create feelings of discomfort for seniors, so put place mats on glass tables, and area rugs on shiny floors (make sure they are secured to avoid a tripping hazard.) • Bring in as much natural daylight as possible. Daylight stimulates the circadian and

Look at furniture through new eyes Choose to keep only furniture that is most supportive for this new multigenerational life-style. Take these tips into consideration: • Keep some chairs with arms to facilitate standing from a seated position. • Get rid of or secure furniture that swivels or rocks to prevent unnecessary accidents. • Remove, replace or alter furniture with sharp edges and corners. Choose round over square and smooth over sharp. • Upholstered furniture is better for comfort and energetic security. Once you choose the layout for the furniture you keep, do not change it. Keeping everything the same creates stability and helps to avoid confusion.

“Feng Shui – The Easy Way!” Join Alice Sept. 23, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., at Macy’s Ala Moana Center location for a fun and insightful presentation, then go home with a feng shui instructional DVD of your choice! To register, go to www.ali ceinspired.com or call 436-8234.

contrasts with the rest of the room. • Avoid busy patterns. Complex patterns, especially on the floors, contribute to delusions and insecurity. • Paint your parents’ bedroom a completely different color from the rest of the house to help them energetically distinguish their area from other areas of the home.

Some simple preparation will help to ensure that everyone can maximize this special time with your loved ones, while minimizing the challenges that living together can bring. Happy Grandparents Day!

Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue Life Guidance LLC, a company committed to assisting people in living empowered lives. Alice shares her wisdom as a professional speaker and personal consultant, and offers a series of instructional DVDs and award-winning books on feng shui. Visit www.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, sign up for her newsletters and download useful feng shui tips.

Use color to create contrast By adding color and contrast in your home, you can help ease the effect of decreasing vision. The simpler you can make it to distinguish between surfaces and areas of the home, the safer it will be, and you will naturally reduce stress levels. Here are some guidelines: Alice’s Nice Advice: Grouping For Power • Use contrasting colors his week, group similar items together to shift whenever you can — for your energy from “scattered” to “focused.” A example, between floors and collection of themed figurines, for example, walls, dishes and tablecloths, makes a greater impact when placed the risers and flat surfaces of together, not dispersed stairs, the fixtures in the baththroughout the home. room, the furniture and floorUse groupings to your ing, etc. advantage. • Define the dining room table. Use a tablecloth color that

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 • 13

14 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

Keeping it cool while saving money, energy W hen the mercury rises, it is hard to remain comfortable inside your home without running up a huge bill. Fortunately, the solution is much more affordable than investing in a new air conditioner or central air system. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), installing a ceiling fan in each living space will help family members feel cooler while saving energy. And if you have not upgraded your ceiling fans in the past eight years or so, you are missing out on saving even more money as many of today’s models are more efficient than ever. “A ceiling fan can save homeowners as much as 40 percent on their air conditioning bills by creating a breeze that makes the ambient temperature feel seven or eight degrees cooler than it actually is,” explained John Moody of ceiling fan manufacturer Fanimation. “You can set your thermostat at 80 degrees and it will feel like it is set at 72 degrees.” How exactly does that work? “A ceiling fan cools the room by creating a ‘wind chill effect.’ It does not lower the room temperature,” Moody stated. “This wind chill effect makes you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on your skin. It’s the same feeling you get when you open the window in a moving car. If you have a ceiling fan in a room with a temperature of 80 degrees, running the fan can make it feel as if it is 72 degrees inside. When used in conjunction with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan can lower energy costs because you can now set the thermostat of your air conditioner at a higher temperature.” Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA agreed. “Ceiling fans have become popular in almost every room where people sit or stand for extended periods of time,” he noted. For large homes, installing ceiling fans in laundry rooms and closets is becoming more common, according to Bethany Pirtle of Emerson Ceiling Fans. “While those may seem like unusual locations, having air circulation in those environments helps prevent staleness,” she said. “Master bathrooms are also a perfect place for smaller ceiling fans because hair dr yers and steam showers can make a bathroom hot and 14 • SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

sticky. A small-span fan can quickly and efficiently add comfort.” Another factor in determining where to install a ceiling fan is the fan’s UL listing. There are three basic UL-listed ratings for indoor, damp and wet locations. Fans that are rated only for indoors should not be used outside — even if

the area is mostly covered. “Moisture and humidity can affect both the performance of the motor and the stability of the blades,” ReyBarreau explained. “Fans that are rated for damp locations can be used either indoors or outside in a setting where they are in a protected environment such as a porch.” Wet-rated fans can be installed outdoors in situations where they will be in direct contact with water, such as in gazebos or mounted above a patio on the underside of a deck. “The popularity of outdoor living environments has meant bringing along all of

the amenities that make the inside so comfor table,” Pir tle said. She suggests selecting a wet location-rated ceiling fan with a light kit to provide nice mood lighting when enjoying the outdoor area after dusk. Besides greater efficiency, the second most improved aspect of modern day ceiling fans is the wide variety. “Fan design has come a long way since the 1970s,” explained Tom Frampton of Fanimation. “You can now select a contemporary model with clean understated lines meant to blend into your décor for a ‘less is more’ approach or step out and select a model that serves as a focal point.” Rey-Barreau concurred, adding, “The range of ceiling fan styles available today is without boundaries. They have become as much a decorative element in a space as a decorative lighting fixture,” he said. “The broad range allows ceiling fans to be selected so that they suppor t and enhance the design style of the furniture.” Pir tle said that the sky (or better yet the ceiling) is the limit when it comes to aesthetics. “Every style you can imagine is available in a ceiling fan,” she explained. “Over the last 20 years, there has really been a shift from viewing the ceiling fan as an appliance to more of a home décor item. People care about how their furniture and lighting define their space and now — more than ever

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 15

3 more ways to be energy-efficient

ne of the greatest tools at your disposal for lowering energy costs is to take advantage of what natural lighting has to offer. Here are three tips for putting Mother Nature to work: 1. Minimize use of artificial lighting Anyone who’s ever paid an electrical bill knows that the simple act of turning on a light can directly impact your monthly expenses. Homeowners looking for a long-term way to power down their lighting costs may consider Energy Star-qualified skylights a good investment. While skylights’ cosmetic appeal can’t be argued, their value goes far beyond good looks. By admitting natural light into your home, skylights can help reduce use of artificial light sources — and help you save on electricity costs. Pair powered venting skylights that come with automatic rain sensors with efficiencyenhancing accessories like designer blinds (available in a varied palette of colors and patterns), and you can

— there are decorative and viable solutions in ceiling fans as well.” There is one caveat. As fans have become more stylish, the decision of which model to buy is often based on its looks alone. “This could result in selecting a fan that may not be properly suited to ser ve the functional needs of a space,” Rey-Barreau cautioned. “There are a number of other issues that should be considered when selecting a fan that is aesthetically pleasing plus functional and practical.” With so much variety available, a consumer’s best option is to visit their local ALA-member lighting showroom. There, they will find trained professionals who can assess which type and size ceiling fan each room needs and suggest the most appropriate, energy-saving choice. To find out where your closest ALA-member lighting showroom is located, visit www.americanlightingassoc.com. The American Lighting Association is a trade association representing the lighting industry. For more information or to find an ALA-member retail showroom, go to www.americanlightingassoc.com.

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improve energy efficiency as much as 37 percent, according to skylight manufacturer Velux America. And, with tubular products like Sun Tunnel skylights, you can even bring natural light into ground-floor rooms or spots where a traditional skylight may not work, such as a first-floor powder room, hallways or walk-in closets. 2. Reduce hot water costs Long gone are the days when solar powering your home was an idealistic, but impractical dream. Solar technology is more useful, accessible and cost-effective than

ever. Solar water heating systems are becoming mainstream and offer homeowners a great, green way to trim energy costs. What’s more, the cost of installing these systems has been steadily declining as technology advances, and you may find adding one makes you eligible for tax credits or incentives from your local, state or the federal governments. You can calculate the costs and possible paybacks online at www.veluxusa.com. 3. Make home a healthier place Every year, ill health costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars, experts say, and your own health woes can have a significant impact on your pocketbook. The health benefits of natural light are well-documented, from promoting the body’s production of Vitamin D to improving mood and even learning ability. Simply opening blinds and curtains to admit more natural light can directly affect the mood inside your home — not to mention the mental state of the people living in it. Take your green lighting efforts to a higher level by adding venting skylights, and you can also help improve the air quality inside your home. While skylights admit ample natural light, their natural chimney effect works with your windows to bring in and circulate much more healthful fresh air. They also passively vent fumes and dampness that can lead to mold and mildew. By incorporating natural light and passive ventilation into their home decor and improvements, homeowners can put the brakes on rising utility costs — and give the green light to energy savings.

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16 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

CATHY LEE

Observe your true reflection When looking to bring any room together, choose a mirror that accurately matches your sense of style and grandeur. Then, make sure you place it in the right spot

’m sure you’re already aware that mirrors often make a room feel larger, but did you know they can do so much more? A single mirror can add style and pizzazz because it often serves as the focal point of a room. So if you’re shopping for the right mirror, I have a few tips to help you locate the one that truly reflects your sense of style.

Find your style. First, take inventory of what’s already in the room. What style do your pieces reflect? What style will your mirror need to enhance? Urban and edgy? Contemporary? Island? Let’s say you’re looking for a mirror to place above a dresser, console table or vanity. You can find one with elements that match the piece. But wouldn’t it be more interesting if it were juxtaposed with a completely different style, color or finish?

Mix styles. If you’re like me and you definitely want to go for a bit more interest and contrast, then opt for a completely different style of mirror — but remember to look for an element that will still tie it in with the furniture piece underneath. If the mirror’s finish of, say, bronze or silver coincides with the hardware on your table, that’s great! I personally love the effect of mixing styles, as shown in the photo at far right. The console table is a carved Asian piece, so the safe route would have been to go with a more traditional mirror, with perhaps a gold frame. Instead, I opted for a super-contemporary mirror with clean lines and no frame. What makes the grouping work is that the contemporary feel of the mirror is repeated in the silver tray on the table, while the table’s Asian style is picked up in both the reflected silver Buddha head and the orchid arrangement. If you want to put a wood-frame mirror over a wooden table, give the pairing more visual interest by searching for a mirror 16 • SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

above The author chose a contemporary and frameless mirror to pair with the carved Asian console table below. left This mirror with a studded lime-green frame just screams for attention. CATHY LEE PHOTOS

with a completely different look from the style of the table. A mirror can be a fantastic focal piece, as the other photo on this page shows. This mirror, with a frame of studded lime green, would work fabulously in a fun and funky room — much like a teenager’s bedroom (imagine the fun she’d have looking at herself!), or an office that wants a splash of life and interest. I would pair it with a very simple table or vanity to allow the color and style of the mirror to be the star.

of having a lot of little things. So when it comes to mirrors and artwork, I prefer to go bigger. However, what I have done — especially when dealing with smaller spaces — is to put several smaller mirrors of varying styles together to create a larger grouping. That can be a fun and interesting look! How big? Consider the layout of your room and the other pieces of furniture in it. If you have a large bookcase, entertainment center or window, you may want a large mirror for balance.

Size matters! Now let’s talk about size. A good rule of thumb is to not go topheavy with mirrors. Generally speaking, the piece of furniture beneath your mirror should be several inches longer on either side, giving the mirror room to breathe. Small can be beautiful. I’m not a big fan

Think of the view. And finally, where do you place this mirror? I’m not the feng shui expert around these parts (see feng shui consultant Alice Inoue on page 13), but a simple question is, what is that mirror reflecting? As a simple rule, you want it to reflect something beautiful or appealing —

not the TV or a closet door. Finally, keep placement in mind. The mirror’s height should rest comfortably at eye level.

Whether you’re shopping at Cathy’s Marketplace or any other furniture and accessories store, mirrors can be a great, affordable way to add style to your home. After all, you want to be sure that the mirror looks as good as you do!

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. in Moiliili. 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. Visit www.cathyleestyle.com.

SEPTEMBER 9 â&#x20AC;˘ 2012 17

Natural paint colors wash ashore

ondering about the hottest paint colors on the market? Wonder no more: This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paint palette continues to draw heavily upon the natural colors in the American landscape, according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Native plants and flowers, oceans and lakes and rocks and minerals are the sources of inspiration for the paint colors,â&#x20AC;? said Zimmer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about repainting your home interior, look to the great American outdoors.â&#x20AC;? Here are some highlights:

blue and red hues, violet can add â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;punchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to any room when used as an accent color or serve as the dominant color in a bedroom,â&#x20AC;? said Zimmer.

Blue, the jewel of the sea Blues gained popularity in 2011 and continue to be red hot in 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From sparkling sea-glass blue to colonial bluegrey, blues are suitable for all living spaces, being a naturally soothing color that is loved â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in one iteration or another â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by almost everyone,â&#x20AC;? said Zimmer.

Patterns Patterned paint is also taking center stage, with increased interest in houndâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;stooth finishes, lacy designs and bold color blocking techniques.

Green, from farm to forest Greens, ranging from celery and asparagus to fir and fern, allow homeowners to bring the comforting feelings of the world outside into the world within. According to Zimmer, dining rooms and kitchens are the

â&#x20AC;&#x153;naturalâ&#x20AC;? spots for in-vogue greens, but the hue is also at home in family rooms and bedrooms. Violet, majestic purple mountains â&#x20AC;&#x153;A harmonious combination of patriotic

Exterior paint combinations On the home exterior, shutters colors will begin to shift away from the traditional look of high-contrast green, red or black to a more monochromatic palette.

For more information, visit blog. paintquality.com or www.paintquality. com.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ 17

18 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

AL’S BATHTUB REFINISHING

Is your bathtub in need of a makeover? R efinishing a tub instead of replacing it is a relatively cost-effective bathroom update that can save up to 75 percent on replacement costs. Al’s Bathtub Refinishing provides a durable, economical service to homeowners, property managers and hotel operators. Refinishing a bathtub only takes a few hours and imparts a brandnew surface on the original tub. The result is a beautiful bathtub that has a brand-new, shiny, clean, durable, highgloss surface in any color the customer chooses. Trying to sell your home? Consider refinishing The centerpiece of most bathrooms is the tub. While porcelain is a classic that never goes out of style, many people prefer the subtle elegance of subdued hues or the uplifting effect of brighter colors.

According to remodeling magazine, buyers love new kitchens and they love spacious, bright, up-to-date bathrooms as well. Real estate agents throughout the nation have said that updating the bathroom is one of the greatest investments an owner can make in a house. In fact, owners generally get $6 back for every $5 they invest in remodeling. Your investment return can be much more if you refinish your bathroom, and your house will sell more quickly. Cost of refinishing tile vs. replacing When you replace tile, you’ll need someone to physically remove the existing tile, repair any damage to the wall and install your new tile and grout. You’ll need to pay for the labor and for your new tile — and don’t forget about dealing with the pile of grungy old tile that was peeled off the wall. All of these steps and supplies can make replacing tile a

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RUI BUILDING SUPPLY SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 19

A finished product like no other BY KYLE GALDEIRA or two years now, Rui Building Supply has served a wide range of clients at both the retail and professional levels after the company branched out from previously established Rui Construction Inc., which initially specialized in commercial projects. With its retail showroom located at 155 Sand Island Access Road, homeowners looking to make improvements now have access to Rui’s stellar product lines and excellent customer service. “We’re just entering our second year in business, and we work with both retail customers as well as contractors,” said sales manager Raymond Yee. “Basically, we sell anything you would need for kitchen and bathroom renovations. We carry a wide variety of products from kitchen cabinets to faucets and sinks, countertops, flooring

RUI BUILDING SUPPLY contact // 848-8820 address // 155 Sand Island Access Road

and other small accessories.” Yee explained that Rui Building Supply is known for its quality cabinetry and has three different styles paired with various color options to match any kitchen. “It’s very reasonably priced for the quality you get,” he said. “We offer Shaker, flatpanel and our newest model, the raised-

A special addition to our early King’s Collection (Oak) and Queen’s Collection (Birch) cabinet products. “Kamalani” features beautiful genuine Walnut Hardwood, Face Frames and Doors.

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panel cabinets. Colors range from maple to light and dark cherry.” The cabinetry comes with hardware, including handles, soft-closing hinges as well as soft-closing drawers. For a limited time only, the company is offering Shaker-style cabinetry for 35 percent off the original price, while light and

dark cherry colored Shaker cabinetry is marked down 45 percent. Flat-panel cabinetry, available in both light cherry and maple, is also discounted to 45 percent off throughout the promotion. “Customers really like the quality of our cabinets, how they look as well as the price,” Yee said. “Compared to most other places, their cabinetry doesn’t look like ours. When they compare our wood finish, thickness of the doors and the hardware to that of our competitors, it’s not even close.” Yee also stresses the importance of working within one’s budget. “Price is important, but also, what you’re getting for the price in terms of quality in the cabinets ... The difficult part of any renovation is the matching of colors. It depends on what you’re buying the cabinets for. If it’s for a homeowner or condominium, we try to remind them that they need to be satisfied with the color because it will be there for a long time.”

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20 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

DISCOUNT WINDOWS & DOORS

Get your home ready for the next big storm L et Discount Windows & Doors strengthen your home against one of the greatest threats to life and property: hurricanes. As the past has shown, the Hawaiian Islands are not safe from destruction caused by these deadly storms. Our tropical waters and warm, moist atmosphere are a lethal recipe for a hurricane. In fact, the chances of one hitting Hawaii are rapidly increasing as ocean temperatures escalate because of global warming. Even with technological advances, there is still no way to know when a hurricane will hit and how much damage it will cause. In 1992, Hawaii was hit with the most devastating hurricane it had ever experienced, Hurricane Iniki. An estimated 130 mile per hour winds hit the coast of Kauai, causing nearly $3 billion in damage. More than 14,000 homes and apartments were damaged or destroyed and six deaths were recorded. A decade earlier, Hurricane Iwa caused $250 million in damage. More than 7,426 houses and apartments statewide, and 30 percent on Kauai alone, were affected or destroyed. The future of hurricanes in Hawaii

According to Oahu Civil Defense, based on past experience, if a storm as strong as Iwa strikes any of the Islands: 12 percent of homes and apartments

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contact // 673-6656 web // www.discountwindowshawaii.com could be destroyed, 38 percent of homes and apartments could be heavily damaged and an additional 40 percent will probably have minor damage. Increased since 2007, Hawaii is now designated as a 105 miles per hour wind zone, which is equivalent to a “Category 2” hurricane. There are plans to increase this figure. A combination of the increased wind zone and the dangers posed by hurricanes has prompted the Hawaii State Building Commission to adopt new building codes. These codes require high-performance windows and doors that can resist hurricane-force winds and the impact of flying debris. Discount Windows & Doors has the expertise and product selection to ensure that you will not only meet, but exceed new building codes. The company’s Makai Range of windows and doors is tested in winds exceeding 180 miles per hour, the equivalent of a “Category 5” hurricane.

Much of this three-story house disappeared following Hurricane Andrew, although its hurricane-proof windows and doors remained intact.

Discount Windows & Doors also offers a wide range of aluminum hurricane-proof products. Hurricane-proof windows and doors must pass stringent tests to be certified.The glass must withstand the impact of a 2-inch by 4-inch beam fired from a testing cannon at 52 feet per second — not once, but twice. Afterwards, the glass must remain in the frame while subjected to 4,500 cycles of positive/negative air pressure, up to -175 psf. The company is your source for window and door needs in Hawaii, whether it be a vinyl residential window or heavy-impact, hurricane-proof door.

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PACIFIC ISLANDS CONSTRUCTION

Doing your solar energy homework T

here are many aspects about photovoltaic (PV) systems that you need to know prior to purchasing. Basic knowledge will help in assuring that your purchase is an informed decision. Pacific Islands Construction believes that with information, consumers will make the right decision for themselves. Almost all manufacturers of solar modules are losing money and going bankrupt, or just leaving the industry. It was reported by local media that Sharp, the latest manufacturer to close its solar operation, would be selling its business in order to help satisfy its $16 billion debt. Weekly earning reports reveal that losses are mounting with almost every manufacturer. Choose a module produced by a manufacturer that is financially solid like Kyocera, which is financially strong and has been in the industry for a long time. Solar equipment needs to be maintained and this includes cleaning the modules and getting the racking system inspected. Also, inspecting/repairing the roof penetrations, all electrical components and cleaning the inverters is recommended. Pacific Islands Construction has a five year maintenance program with every system installed to ensure that it will not develop problems. If you would like to have your system inspected, even if the company did not install it, Pacific Islands Construction maintains systems installed by others on a yearly contract. Not all PV modules are the same, and quality does make a difference. In the last few years, power losses of installed solar modules have been observed when the modules are exposed to high negative-voltage bias. The industry has found this leakage of current flow between cells and is calling it Potential Induced Degradation, or PID. In another recent report, a phenomena called “snail trails” has been found in more than 25 manufacturers’ modules. Discoloration of the contact grids has been observed in these modules and owners claim that they are under-performing. Speculation for reasons why these problems are occurring center around the thickness of the cells, thickness of glass, cell fractures and frame construction. PV systems are installed on your roof, so it is important that they are installed with racking systems and flashings that meet the IBC (International Building Code). The modules must be installed so that they do not fly off the roof during high winds, and to ensure they do not, many roof penetrations are made to secure the racking system that holds the modules. Also, each attachment needs to be flashed properly so that the roof does not leak. Unfortunately, consumers are assured that their systems have been installed properly when, in many cases, this is not true. To know what you’re getting, ask for documentation on the flashings and racking system.

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 21

PACIFIC ISLANDS CONSTRUCTION contact // 841-7756 web // Pacificislandsconstruction.net FREE In-Home Consultation & Estimate

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Finally, be wary of any sales talk that promotes trying to manipulate the state tax code by giving you credits you do not deserve. Pacific Islands Construction has many options available regarding financing. It has consumer loans with no interest for 12 months and no money down. The company can also provide leasing. Call 841-7756, email pic05@hawaii.rr.com or visit www.pacificislandsconstruction.net.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 • 21

22 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

KM ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC.

The smart choice in energy efficiency A

re you thinking about investing in a solar PV system for your home? With electricity costs continuing to rise, more and more of Hawaii’s homeowners are using solar technology to reduce or virtually eliminate their electricity bill and lessen their impact on the environment. The decision is an easy one to make once you have the right information. Hawaii has year-round sunshine, substantial tax credits and record-breaking electricity rates, making PV systems an intelligent economic course of action. Let’s begin by looking at the history of solar energy. In 1839, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered that certain materials produced a small amount of electric current when exposed to light. Then in 1876, William Grylls Adams discovered that selenium produced electricity when exposed to light. Selenium photovoltaic cells were able to convert light to electricity at 1-2 percent efficiency. It wasn’t until 1954, when Bell Laboratory patented the use of silicon-based solar cells as a way to make electricity from sunlight, that our modern photovoltaic (PV) cell was born.

Efficiency levels approached 10 percent in the 1960s as the world began to look at renewable energy, and by the 1980s, PV cells were being made from various types of materials such as copper sulfide. Fast forward by adding in tax incentives and advances in manufacturing technology and we come to today’s systems, which the experts at KM Electrical Services Inc. (KM) will install for you. The specialists at KM Electrical Services Inc. will personally meet with you to assess your electrical needs and determine which solar PV product will work best for your

KM ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC. contact // 595-4503 web // info@kmelectrichawaii.com

home. KM has more than 16 years of experience working with the Honolulu Building Department, the permitting process, the inspectors, HECO, etc. No permit can be issued unless a licensed electrical contractor signs off on the project, so KM is your ideal partner from start to finish on any PV system. Remember, the systems currently installed project a return on investment in

roughly three and a half years. As a general rule, the systems come with 25-year warranties and after that period, they will still provide at least 80 percent of the original energy production.This makes photovoltaic systems the smart choice now for your energy needs. For more information or a free estimate, call KM Electrical Services Inc. at 595-4503 or email info@kmelectrichawaii.com.

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DA WING TRADING LLC

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 23

Maximize your space in the kitchen

a Wing Trading LLC offers a selection of products to free up counter space and ensure that kitchen items are in their place. These products are:

Microwave hoods Most brand-new kitchens don’t include a microwave, and the appliance is usually bought as an afterthought and set up on the countertop near the closest electrical outlet, which may not be the most convenient place. Not only does a microwave take up valuable work space on the countertop, it may also look awkward and out -of-place. Before the invention of the microwave hood combo, most kitchens were designed without a microwave in mind. Now, microwave hoods are the new appliance to include in your kitchen. However, they are not the easiest items to install or replace if they break. If you plan to go with the simple range hood in your kitchen design, but also plan to have a separate microwave, a microwave wall cabinet designed to hold the product will clear up much needed counter space.

Wine racks Wine racks are a great aesthetic add-on to any kitchen. They break up the utilitari-

an look of having an army of cabinet doors on your wall. Also, if you cook with wine or serve it often, wine racks are the way to go. While they don’t offer the ideal climate-controlled storage that high-end wine coolers or cellars do, wine racks provide quick and easy access to your bottles.

Call Da Wing Trading LLC at 847-3288 or visit www.dawingtrading.com for more information.

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

Plate rack cabinets Do you have a lot of dishes? Tired of getting them out of your wall cabinets in a stack? A plate rack cabinet may be the solution for your kitchen. It will relieve the struggles of having to >> Before pull out the entire stack from a wall cabinet or reach for the top plate in a stack. If you store dishes in your countertop dish rack, plate rack cabinets will allow you to free up valuable counter space and give a more open look to your kitchen. Plate rack cabinets enable easy access to your everyday plates. A plate rack has individual slots that will store plates vertically. The slots allow you to grab plates and put them away with ease. A great place for this cabinet in your kitchen design is either above your sink or next to it. All your plates can be dried and put in their >> After own place as you wash and dry them. Servicing All Islands

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 • 23

24 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

G&S SHUTTER DESIGNS

Dress up your view with high-quality window shutters BY BRANDON BOSWORTH ne of the great things about living in Hawaii is being able to enjoy natural light year-round. Yet few of us want the sun’s rays streaming into our homes all day long. We want to be able to control the amount of outside illumination entering our houses. Plantation Shutters are ideal for this purpose. Long popular in the Islands, high-quality shutters offer benefits over alternatives such as curtains. Unlike curtains, shutters allow you to vary the amount of sunlight coming through windows without compromising privacy. Shutters are also very easy to keep clean and maintain. One of the best shutter options is Polycore Plantation Shutters offered by G&S Shutter Designs. “I have seen a lot of plantation shutters and I believe the quality of our Polycore Shutter is unmatched,” said Gavin Shibuya, owner of G&S Shutter Designs. “The unique design of our shutter is different than all the other shutters out there and the structural strength of our product is unbeatable.” Polycore shutters are the world’s only solid-synthetic plantation shutters with a co-extruded aluminum core. This makes it among the most durable shutters on the market today. They are both fire-retardant and moistureresistant, making them impervious to the elements. These shutters are so durable that G&S Shutter Designs guarantees their Polycore Plantation Shutters will never

G&S SHUTTER DESIGNS contact // 383-1407

warp, crack, chip or peel. “We stopped selling all the other window coverings because we knew we had an excellent shutter that was really high-quality that we could sell at a better price than most of the competition,” said Shibuya. “The elegant look, functionality and durability sets the plantation shutters

apart from all other window coverings.” G&S Shutter Designs is a local firm with a very hands-on approach. “My business partner Shaun Harada and I handle every part of the process from the sales to the installation,” said Shibuya. And despite being a small company, G&S Shutter Designs has tackled some big projects that include Kahala Nui and St. Francis Hospice. They are currently working with Ka Makana at Hoakalei, a new development in Ewa Beach. “We have awesome customer service, some of the best pricing out there and a unique quality plantation shutter, which we believe every home should have,” said Shibuya.

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WAYNE’S FLOORING AMERICA

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 25

A floor that ‘clicks’ with kitchens, baths M

etroflor’s new interlocking floor product, Engage, is the perfect floor if you are looking for durability in either your home or business. Engage is backed by a 25-year residential and a fiveyear commercial warranty. This Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) product is installed free floating and clicks together with the industry’s best locking system, Uniclic. Because Engage does not require adhesives, the floor is ready to be used as soon as it is installed. It also eliminates any potential VOCs or off gassing, making it a sound recommendation for spaces with indoor airquality issues. Since Engage is a vinyl product, it is moistureresistant from the top down, making it a suitable option for the kitchen or bathrooms. Here are some reasons to go with the Engage floor product:

• Engage Essential planks come in a 7 1/2-inch by 47 1/2-inch plank size with various color options. • Engage is a great option for homeowners looking for a quality DIY (do it yourself) type product.

Metroflor is the world’s largest LVT manufacturer and has introduced another innovative product with Engage in the largely popular category. Other products manufactured by Metroflor include Hybrid and Konecto. For more information on Metroflor, please go to the website www.metroflorlvt.com. Find the answer to your needs with Metroflor’s Engage at all Wayne’s locations: Kaimuki, Kaneohe and Sand Island. You also can visit The Carpet Outlet in Salt Lake or other flooring outlets throughout Hawaii.

WAYNE’S FLOORING AMERICA contact // 735-3005 web // www.waynesflooringhawaii.com

with LVT is. Here are a few benefits you get with LVT flooring: Reasons to choose LVT flooring Homeowners interested in renovating their flooring may be wondering what the big deal Before

• Durability. Vinyl floors are easy to maintain and care for, especially for people with children or pets.

• Moisture resistance. Luxury Vinyl Tile is more resistant to water than hardwoodand laminate-type products. • Softer underfoot. Luxury Vinyl Tile is softer on your feet and body.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 • 25

26 SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

BIG ROCK HAWAII

‘Rockin’ transformations for any outdoor living area H ave you ever dreamed of turning your backyard into an oasis of beauty and tranquility? It’s easier than you think with stone products from Big Rock Hawaii. “We can help you create almost anything you can imagine,” said coowner Bonnie Cooper. “If you want to do it yourself, we have all the materials you need and we will work with you every step of the way ... If you want a professional to do the job, we can help with that too.” The best way to get a sense of what is possible with Big Rock is to visit the showroom in

Mapunapuna. Displayed in a garden setting complete with a large Koi pond, you can see samples of many of their products including boulders, JapaneseHawaiian stone bowls, lanterns, Moss Rock pavers, ponds, waterfalls, fountains, benches, Buddhas and more. All Big Rock’s garden products have a 20-year warranty, weigh much less than real stone and are easy to place, making it possible to create a peaceful, tranquil garden oasis almost instantly. Big Rock cast stone isn’t just for the garden. The man-made lightweight stone veneer is easily installed on all sur-

BIG ROCK HAWAII

contact // 834-7625 (ROCK) • Toll free: 866-344-7625 (ROCK) address // 1050 Kikowaena Place web // www.bigrockhawaii.com

faces and has a 50-year product warranty. It can instantly transform walls or columns into a maintenance-free stone wall surface that will beautify your home and increase your property value. Since opening its doors in 1983, Big Rock has provided hundreds of thou-

sands of square feet of rock to builders throughout the Islands. “Our rock looks so real that people have a hard time believing that it isn’t natural,” said Cooper. “It is used by many of the top architects on the Islands and the Mainland. And we are proud to say that our

rock has always been manufactured locally, ever since we started the business 30 years ago.” Big Rock is the oldest and largest manufacturer of lightweight Hawaiian cast stone products and it is the only cast- stone manufacturer in the world that specializes in

the duplication of Hawaiian stone. Only Big Rock Hawaiian Stone Veneer is 100 percent made in the US. It is manufactured on Oahu, but the company ships it weekly to all the Islands, the South Pacific, Japan, Canada and the Mainland.

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OHANA BUILDING SUPPLY

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012 27

Where the possibilities are endless hana Building Supply is a one-stop shop for homeowners and contractors alike. The company’s selection includes a variety of high-quality kitchen and bathroom materials at very reasonable prices, from ready-made to custom cabinetry, a full line of granite countertops, stainless steel sinks and hardwood and laminate flooring, all to fit any architectural style. Ohana Building Supply’s in-stock cabinets are constructed of all plywood boxes with solid wood face frames and doors. Locally stocked are Maple, Light or Dark Cherry and Milzen Cabinets’ Espresso Oak and White Oak, constructed of plywood boxes and engineered MDF flat-panel style doors and frames. Ohana Building Supply also has two new styles of cabinets that are available, Elegant Cherry and Honey Beech. These new cabinets are face-framed cabinets constructed of 5/8-inch plywood boxes and 3/4-inch solid wood doors and frames. The cabinets feature solid wood dove-tailed drawers and come standard with soft closing hardware for doors and drawers. These cabinets look as good inside as they do on the outside and would be a great addition to any kitchen remodel.

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OHANA BUILDING SUPPLY contact // 833-8338 address // 2815 Kaihikapu St. web // sales@ohanabuildingsupply.com

Currently all of Ohana’s cabinet lines are on sale and, as always, if you buy a set of kitchen cabinets, you get the granite free (for select colors). Ohana Building Supply is having a blowout sale on its Maple Shaker cabinets, which are being offered at $39.99 per linear foot (some exclusions apply, not valid with free granite promotion). This promo won’t last long and only applies to stock on hand. If you’re on a budget or are thinking of remodeling a rental unit, these cabinets will be the perfect fit. Ohana Building Supply also stocks a selection of granite countertops starting at $99, such as Taisan White, Bainbrook Peach, White Galaxy, River White, Jurparana Golden Kam and Lapidus, just to name a few. Finished with an elegant bull-nose edge, these stylish countertops add character to any kitchen and bath. While supplies last, Ohana is offering free granite (select styles to choose from)

• Tubs, Showers, Counters, Vanities, any type of Wall Surrounds • Rust, Fiberglass, Tile Crack Repair and Refinishing • The thickest tub liners available on the market • Specialist in Cost Effective Alternatives for property managers, realtors, hotels, homeowners & senior citizens • Walk through tub cut for Seniors or disabled • Complete remodeling consultation Over 20 Years Experience Locally owned & operated.

with the purchase of any kitchen cabinet set. Other granites are 10 percent off with the purchase of a kitchen cabinet set. Ohana also stocks an assortment of laminate flooring, under-mount and top-mount stainless steel sinks and ceramic vanity bowls. All of these products are in stock and available for prompt delivery or pickup. Servicing both homeowners and large

FREE GRANITE*

contractors, the friendly staff will provide excellent customer service from design to installation — the completed product is sure to shine. Visit the company’s showroom and ask the sales staff about current promotions and specials that are available. Showroom hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

17 4:45&.4 t 40-"3 )05 8"5&3 t 40-"3 "55*$ '"/4

Introducing Samsung’s New 255-Watt Panel

When you buy a set of Kitchen Cabinets

Maple Shaker Cabinets $39.99/Linear Ft.

10-Year Product Warranty. Higher Efficiency. Superior Quality.

Some exclusions apply, price varies with pantry, drawer base and corner cabinets. Promotions not valid with free granite promo. Accessories sold separately. All sales final no refunds or returns. Expires 9/30/12.

GUY KAKUGAWA Contractor’s Lic: #C31944, #C31945

ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME

CALL 596-2890 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

NEW

2815 Kaihikapu St. | Ph: 808.833.8338 | Fax: 808.833.8339 Email: sales@ohanabuildingsupply.com | Lic# C-30215

www.ohanabuildingsupply.com

CABINET STYLES IN STOCK! *On select colors, While supplies last.

825 Halekauwila St. Honolulu, HI 96813 www.energyprohawaii.com energyprohawaii@gmail.com Lic. #BC-20690 *Certain restrictions apply. Not combinable with any other offers or promotions.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 • 27

SEPTEMBER 9 • 2012

BACK PAGE STORY

PACIFIC IMPORTS INTERNATIONAL

PACIFIC IMPORTS INTERNATIONAL contact // 847-7711 address // 926 Kohou St.

Ready or not, here come the holidays he end of the year always seems to sneak up on us, doesn’t it? Just when we are getting the kids back to school and ourselves back into the groove, fall is here. There are already Halloween items on the shelves of the local grocery store and Thanksgiving things are not far behind. For Shirley Pai Hilton, owner and president of Pacific Imports International, that means getting geared up for the busiest season. “People kind of drag their feet and suddenly realize that they would like to have their home look great for the holidays and that really lights a fire. A beautiful new floor, whether it be wood, stone, carpet or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), will definitely make a total change of character for your home!” said Hilton. Pacific Imports is ready to help in any way possible, from product to installation, and will even give you tips on paint colors and furniture to go with your new flooring.

28 • SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

Since a new floor does take time, now is the time to plan for having a gorgeous new look for the holidays. Imagine entertaining your friends and family on an elegant new wood floor or sitting on a plush new carpet while opening presents. Hilton and her staff can help you find the right product and arrange for quality installation services for all your selections. A free in-home consultation is just a phone call away and Hilton will personally come out to meet with you. Pacific Imports has long been known as Hawaii’s source for the best wood and bamboo flooring, and more recently as home to the best engineered flooring line in Hawaii — Kahala Floors. “The Kahala Floors engineered wood flooring is definitely our best-selling product and we have never had a warranty claim on our Kahala Floors product,” said Hilton. With more than a million square feet sold to date, that definitely says a lot and the company backs it up with excellent,

professional customer service. Over the past two years, Pacific Imports has branched out and is now a full-service flooring company. If you need stone or porcelain tile, the company has a wonderful selection and is a dealer for Mohawk and Dal-Tile. Its carpet selection includes beautiful floor coverings from Royalty, UCL and locally stocked items from Mohawk and Medallion. Don’t know where to start? No problem — just attend the next session of Pacific Imports’ monthly seminar, Wood and Stone Flooring 101, on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Hilton promises you will enjoy the session where you can get vital information on all flooring choices to help you decide what might be best for your lifestyle and budget. Best of all, attendees receive exclusive private sale pricing after completing the session. Call 847-7711 to save a seat today.