Hawaii Renovation 05 Sep 2010

HAWAII

SEPTEMBER 5, 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

New Hawaiian Home is a model in

Water Conservation By y Karen n Nakamura

Conservation. They are:

he New Hawaiian Home is a model demonstration prototype home designed to meet the highest level of the six elements of green building: Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Resource Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, Site/Design/Lot Orientation and User Education.

If you are thinking about tearing down your existing home or building a new home, you may want to consider putting in an offer to have this home built on your lot.

The Building Industry Association of Hawaii, in partnership with Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO), the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP), and a total of 80 consultants, contractors and suppliers, have collaborated to build The New Hawaiian Home to record how green building is implemented in design, construction and living. This home will be certified to meet two green building programs; the ANSI National Green Building Standard and the LEED for Homes.

For the next three weeks, we will be presenting Resource Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, Site/Design/Lot Ori-

In n the e kitchen • The dishwasher is a water-efficient model.

• The faucets are low flow and have aerators.

• The garbage disposal is designed to be used sparingly since composting is included for kitchen waste.

T

In n the e laundry • The washer has variable settings for water volume to select the minimum amount required per load.

• There is a short wash cycle for lightly soiled loads; normal, permanent press wash cycles use more water.

entation and User Education. For past articles, see The New Hawaiian Home Blog: biahawaii.org Following are the features that have been included to address the Green Building Element of Water

In n the e bathroom • The toilet is the biggest water user in the house.

• The toilet has a dual flush feature: push up for 1 gallon and down for 1.5 gallons.

• Bathroom faucets are water-saving with low flow restrictors.

Karen Nakamoto is the executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

CUSTOM CABINETS, DOORS AND MORE

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ALL IN-STOCK CABINETS + DOORS Visit Homeowners Design Center and discover Hawaii’s best remodeling and new construction resource for cabinets, flooring, window coverings, countertops, kitchen and bath design.

PH: 847-0216

1030 Kohou Street, Honolulu, HI 96817 www.homeownersdesign.com

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | SEPT. 5, 2010

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For complete kitchen and home renovations Selected Cabinets and Doors in Stock for Immediate Delivery • Fine Custom Cabinets • Hardware • Granite Countertops • Appliances • Expert Design Services • Custom Interior and Exterior Doors 2829 Awaawaloa Street Unit V Honolulu, Hawaii

306 Kalihi Street Honolulu, Hawaii

808.839.2345

808.277.9483

808.352.7666 (mobile) www.pacificcraftworks.com

Lic. #C-24676

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION Making dreams come true at

Golden Cabinets our design consultants will come to your home and help take final measurements, if needed.

Golden Cabinets also is a full-service company. We can remove and install your new cabinets as well as your granite countertops. Additionally, we will coordinate your kitchen remodel in order to minimalize the impact on your daily life. Our quality installers are fast and efficient and will leave your project clean and complete.

t Golden Cabinets, we design to satisfy needs and fulfill desires. Just bring in your rough dimensions of your kitchen or bath, and we’ll do the rest.

We utilize the latest in computer cad design — a program that allows us to create a realistic 3D image of your kitchen or bath in as little as 10 minutes.

Our cabinets feature all hardwood face frames, doors and boxes; no particle boards are utilized. We have oak, cherry and maple hardwood stained in shades to choose from, and all of our cabinets are in stock. This means that you can pick up your cabinets in just a few days — and not six to eight weeks after they were ordered.

You will be impressed with the quality of our cabinet construction. We offer full extension slides on all our drawers, or you may upgrade to Blum whisper close glides.

Steele re-enforced corners and 5/8-inch side walls and door pulls are included.

Once you’ve made your choice, one of

A

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Electric Heat Pump Water Heater • Saves the average Hawaii household approximately $793 per year based on statewide average electricity cost of 26.23 cents per kWh • Similar connections/footprint as standard water heater • 50 gallon capacity, Limited 1-year labor, 10-year parts warranty • Qualifies for Hawaii Energy Rebate Incentive (currently $175) • Qualifies for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Rebate (currently $300) • Qualifies for 30% Federal Tax Credit (check with your tax advisor) OAHU:

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ANLIN WINDOW SALE • Anlin windows are the most energy efficient – block out heat and harmful UV light • Anlin have top security rating – $ Making your home more secure • EZ Clean/Self-cleaning glass allows you to enjoy your view with little maintenance • Top quality vinyl frame best for Hawaii’s salt air • Lifetime warranty – transferable to new owner/occupant

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We carry a number of brands at competitive prices.

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Golden Cabinets is located on Koapaka Street (836-8181) and on Alakawa Street (8533504). We’re open on Labor Day as well.

Call our showroom, 564-2493 2841 PUKOLOA ST • HONOLULU, HI 96819

94-480 Akoki Street #4 Waipahu, HI 96797 671-0808 • www.northwestexteriors.com

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*$300 energy rebate offered through Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. **Based on DOE test procedure and comparison of a 50-gallon standard electric tank water heater using 4881 kWh per year versus the GE Hybrid water heater using 1856 kWh per year

SEPT. 5, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Making

Life Safer through bathroom redesign

edesigning your bathroom could be the most effective way to reduce the risk of a serious accident in your home. There are about 25,000 accidents in the bathroom each year in the United States — many of which occur while residents try stepping into the tub.

To solve this problem in the traditional way, a contractor would take out the tub and change it into a shower pan, allowing for easy access that would cost thousands and normally take about one

R

week to accomplish. You need to plan for the downtime, mess and hassles associated with this type of job such as demolition of the walls and removal of the tub. If you have only one bathroom, this could be a nightmare.

At All Island Bath, we have a solution that is a fraction of the cost, takes only three to four hours, can be used in a few hours after installation and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s called a Cut Out. Our trained technicians cut out a section of your tub 25-inches wide by 8-inches

HPS Home Improvement Services Hawaii’s Leader in Home Improvement Cost/Benefit/Value, Licensed Handyman Services, and Hurricane Protection

• Bathtub and wall surround resurfacing. Resurface your worn or stained

bathtub or wall surround giving it a new look.

• Illusionite Simulated Stone. Transform your counter tops from laminate or tile to a granite- or corian-like look.

•Bathtub and Wall surround Acrylic liners. Fits a new tub over your old stained or rusted tub or wall surround in one day.

Call us at 358-7780 or e-mail us at Allislandbath@gmail.com if you have any questions or if you want a free estimate.

You may also visit our website at Allislandbath.com, or try seekitlocal.com, a KHON-2 website.

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deep, leaving an easy-access opening that greatly reduces the risk of an accident.

Thanks to our 20 years of experience using state-of-the-art restoration technology, All Island Bath has many creative methods that saves Realtors, hotels, property managers, and homeowners time and money. Over the years, we have restored or lined over 30,000 tubs — which equates to 7.5 miles in height if you stacked the tubs atop each other.

Here are some of the methods we use to restore your bathroom:

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Don't miss Hawaii's premier drive time, call-in, home repair and upgrade news/talk/non-infomercial show: "Fix It Fridays on The Mike Buck Show", Co-hosted and content produced by Gerald Peters of HPS, Fridays live 3-4 pm, KHVH 830 AM, now in its 7th year.

4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | SEPT. 5, 2010

CALL 847-4400

Murano Glass Pendants • Natural Shell Pendants Onyx Pendants • “Green” LED Pendants 735-3567 3057 Waialae Ave. Across from City Mill AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION

The Benefits of

Photovoltaics Alternative Electric can help homeowners make a wise investment

mately six to eight years, and maybe even sooner as the cost of electricity rises.

hotovoltaics is creating quite a buzz among Hawaii homeowners.

Also known as PV, photovoltaics is a form of solar. “But instead of heating your water, it actually produces electricity,” explains Chad Matsumoto, who co-owns Alternative Electric with Bronson Apana.

Although the up-front costs may be high, there are many benefits that make PV a wise overall investment, and Matsumoto offers these examples: Lowerr monthly y electric c bill.. This may be the most recognizable benefit.

P

Alternative Electric offers free consultations and estimates on how many PV panels are needed.

A company representative visits a home and looks at its roof design, electrical set up, electrical consumption and a homeowner’s budget before recommending a suitable system.

Tax x credits. Although the initial cost for PV is high, many people may overlook the tax credits. State and federal solar energy income tax credits can reimburse up to 65 percent of the cost of

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Preservess the e naturall environment and d improv v ess airr quality. Hawaii’s electricity is mainly generated from fossil fuels. By producing electricity with a PV system, Hawaii can decrease oil demand and green house gas emissions.

Investmentt purposes. A PV system is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. After tax credits, the payback on a PV system is approxi-

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a solar system.

After the system pays for itself, a homeowner can enjoy 17-19 years of virtually maintenance-free electric production. A PV system also increases the value of a home. It increases equity and it’s a hot seller, according to some Realtors.

Alternative Electric designs, installs and maintains solar photovoltaic systems.

“We take care of all phases of PV installations, so homeowners get the best quality materials, design, and workmanship,” says Matsumoto. “We are also a full-service electrical contractor offering residential and commercial electrical services as well as photovoltaics.”

Hawaii’s year-round sunshine makes it one of the most efficient solar energy sites in the world. For a free estimate/consultation, call Alternative Electric at 630-6741 or 285-3663.

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SEPT. 5, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Educating homeowners about

Wood Stone and

Flooring

ou may be one of the many Hawaii homeowners who have thought about replacing an old floor or dirty carpets with new wood or tile flooring. But are you a bit overwhelmed by the choices, mainly because you don’t quite know what those choices are all about? Well, according to Shirley Pai Hilton of Pacific Imports International, you are not alone.

“What we notice most about the people who call or come into our showroom is their great need for information,” says Hilton. “We can literally spend hours with a particular customer, educating them on the different types of wood and stone flooring, each product’s features, functions, and benefits, and also give them tips on what might best suit their decorating taste. It’s an essential part of helping the customer make a decision that they will be happy with!”

For example, do you know that those lines between the planks of wood flooring are called a micro-bevel?

Do you know what its purpose is? Furthermore, do you know that the top layer of wood on an engineered floor has to be thick — but not too thick? Or how

Y

about what acclimation is? Or what the difference is between ceramic and porcelain tile?

Hilton answers these questions at Pacific Imports’ free flooring seminars.

The next session will be held on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the company’s Kalihi showroom. The program will start with very basic information on the various types of wood, stone, and tile flooring on the market and there will even be installation professionals on hand to answer questions.

These professionals also will touch on such subjects as environmentally friendly products and native Hawaiian woods.

“People always walk away very happy with the information that they gain, and the feedback has been incredibly positive. If you are looking for new flooring, you should definitely attend,” says Hilton.

The public is invited to come down and experience

the beautiful, spacious showroom while enjoying refreshments and receiving an education in flooring choices. And most importantly, everyone attending the seminar will be given a free gift and an invitation to a very exclusive private sale on flooring and installation.

Visit our Beautiful 3000 sf Showroom

926 KOHOU STREET ! HONOLULU ! 847-7711 Sept. 4th & 5th ONLY

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Essential Info on Wood & Stone Flooring Plus, Private Sale for Attendees Only SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010 10:00 am Please call to reserve a seat

LET’S TALK FLOORING with Shirley Pai Hilton, Pres. & CEO, PII

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about moldings?

A: Moldings are trim pieces used to finish off your wood or laminate flooring and give it a beautiful professional look. An end molding (aka end cap aka threshold) wraps off the raw ends of the floor to give it a smooth finish, either freestanding or butting up to another floor. A t-molding bridges a gap between two different floors (say wood and tile, or a break in the wood). A reducer is used to slope down to a lower floor, like carpet or vinyl. And lastly, perimeter moldings such as quarter rounds, base shoe or base boards, cover the expansion gap that needs to be left when you interface with a wall or other finite space. Wood and laminate constantly expand and contract and that gap provides breathing room. Please email questions to shilton@piiwood.com. ALOHA!

6 | HAWAII RENOVATION | SEPT. 5, 2010

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AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION

What all consumers should know about

onsumers looking into the purchase of solar energy systems need to acquaint themselves with the nuances of the industries. It is our opinion that the more one knows about the technology, the better one will be able to make informed decisions. The intent of this article is to give you information you can use to qualify your purchase. Solar energy systems are an excellent idea, but consumers should know how this technology works before making a purchase.

The following information is provided to give you some facts regarding solar energy:

C

• Solar panels or modules are generally installed on roofs. Consumers should be concerned about the racking systems that

Solar Energy Systems

hold the modules in place.

The roof penetrations for the racking systems have waterproofing issues requiring proper roof flashings to ensure the roof will not leak.

Also, there is the issue of the wind uplift. If the racking system consists of field fabricated u channel metal and a bolt to hold it in place, it has not been tested as an assembly to meet wind uplift ratings. The result is that it will have a high probability of leaking and failing during high winds. As a result, the homeowner will be faced with the possibility of having the modules fly off the roof and damaging the panels or

causing property damage to the neighboring residences. A worst-case scenario is having a panel strike someone. Only racking systems that have been tested to meet 105 mph winds should be consid-

ered for your home.

• Flashing systems for the roof penetrations should be roofing standard flashing details. We are seeing far too many installations where flashing details rely on caulking around the penetration in order to function as a barrier to water entering the living space below. Consumers should expect that the flashing details are roofing industry standard and accepted details. The roofing industry has far more experience regarding roof leaks, and reputable roofing contractors would never flash a roof penetration with just caulking. We suggest that the solar contractor you are considering provide you with the flashing detail that they plan on using and you contact a roofing contractor to see if they are acceptable. As a cautionary note, most roof warranties are voided if improper flashing details are installed.

• Solar modules warranties are provided in two forms — one for the power efficiency and the other for panel construction. Generally, consumers are told that the solar modules come with a 20- or 25-year warranty. The warranty for this period of time is the power efficiency warranty SEE PAGE 10

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Flooring for Everyone Wayne’s offering durable Hybrid line Hawaii stocked patterns include Acacia Koa, Carbonized Bamboo, Ice Maple, Buttercream, White Hazelnut and Hackberry.

Interest in Metroflor Hybrid has increased tremendously since it was introduced at the Building Industry Association of Hawaii’s Remodel it Right Home Expo.

Metroflor:: A Design n thatt Performs

he new Hybrid line offers customers the next generation of flooring products by combining the benefits of wood, laminate and resilient flooring. The line fuses a highly durable resilient top layer to a high-density fiberboard. Hybrid offers the latest technology in high-performance flooring at an affordable price, thus creating an incredible

T

value.

The product will give many years of sustainable performance and durability with some of the most beautiful styles in the industry.

With four convenient locations on Oahu to serve you, Wayne’s Flooring America now offers the entire Hybrid Collection.

Do you have a passion for great design?

At Metroflor, we are committed to bringing you the latest trends in flooring with functionality. We have a great appreciation for style, design and color. We search the globe for floors that make a statement.

Best of all, our prices are designed to fit your budget.

Another unique aspect is that our floor-

ing is built to last, whether it is being used in residential or commercial application.

We never sacrifice performance and quality at Metroflor and we are passionate about making sure our floors are built to last for today’s demanding lifestyle.

Without a doubt, our floors are: • quiet, warm and comfortable underfoot; • environmentally responsible and sustainable; • strong and require no adhesives; • durable for residential and most commercial applications; • easy to maintain, and no waxing is necessary • dependable and come with 25-year residential/7-year commercial warranties.

LIMESCALE in SHOWERS,DISHES,PIPES? HYDROCARE Solves All of This and More!

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• “With focus and determination, Chris resolved unavoidable problems that arose, i.e.

40-day rain.

• He completed the job in a timely manner.

• Chris’s completion of the project gave me total satisfaction and happiness.

• Paragon Builders is a reliable and trustworthy company which I would recommend to anyone planning to do any renovations.”

Ann Keamo, Realtor, Aiea

Paragon Builders: –Specializes in quality work –Does custom upscale remodeling and renovatons –Is an award winning company –Is insured and bondable –Winner of the 2009 BIA Renaissance Residential Remodeling Division –Call for a consultation today

8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | SEPT. 5, 2010

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AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION

What’s your

Water Footprint and why must it be reduced?

hat’s the one natural resource you rely on most in a day? If you think about it from the first things you do in the morning, to the chores you do, to the last things you do to wrap up your day, you’ll likely conclude it’s water.

We use it for showering, brushing teeth, flushing the toilet, washing dishes, cleaning, cooking, drinking and more — without water, we’d be lost. The problem is, high demand is leading to concerns about water shortages. With fresh water supplies diminishing because of misuse and pollution, the worldwide water crisis will eclipse many other environmental issues in the coming years. That’s why it’s so important to learn what your water footprint is and how you can begin reducing it now.

Your water footprint — how much water you use on a daily, weekly or monthly basis — might be a lot bigger than you think. If you tend to go about your daily activities without considering how much water is literally going down the drain, it’s likely that there’s room for improvement. The good news is that there are plenty of easy fixes that can help you

W

reduce your water footprint. Here are a few ideas to help you get started: • In the laundry room. The average American household uses 16,000 gallons of water each year, just on laundry, so it’s a major factor in your footprint. One way to cut back on water usage in the laundry room is to use a high-performance frontloading washing machine. They typically use far less water than top-loaders, and washers from Miele use less than 13 gallons — which is less than other Energy Starrated washing machines. Also, take a thoughtful approach to how you run the washer — only use it for full loads, unless the unit is equipped with a load recognition sensor that only fills the washer with enough water to manage that load.

It’s also important to have a washer that treats your clothes well. Your clothes themselves affect your water footprint — it takes 3,600 gallons of water to produce just a single cotton T-shirt and a pair of jeans. In addition to saving on water, all Miele’s front-loading washers treat clothes gently with their patented honeycomb

drum technology that is proven to extend the life of clothes up to four times longer than other washers. The fewer clothes you buy, the smaller your water footprint. It also lessens strain on your wallet.

• In the bathroom. Long, hot showers might feel good after a long day, but they’ll expand your water footprint quickly. Limit the amount of time you spend in the shower by setting a timer — or keep a clock in your bathroom so you can watch the time. If you have the option to do a bit of remodeling in your bathroom, consider installing a new toilet that offers a dual flush option (a half flush and a whole flush). By using the half flush option more frequently, you’ll save a good deal of water. Other water-saving steps include installing a high-efficiency showerhead and turning off the water as you brush your teeth and wash your face.

• In the kitchen. Think back to how you approach washing clothes, and apply it to your dishwasher — make sure you’re washing a full load and using the most efficient setting. If your machine is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new water- and energy-efficient model.

From your washing machine to your garden, some simple adjustments can shrink your water footprint to a more earth-friendly size.

For more information about saving water, visit the EPA’s WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense; or to learn about how much water goes into making your clothes and how best to protect them, visit mieleusa.com.

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358-7780 • www.allislandbath.com SEPT. 5, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Furniture for all seasons

sland Style Furnishings in Kaneohe is proud to introduce Australis Leisure brand allweather furniture. It was developed in Australia to withstand the harshest of environments.

The key to its success was choosing durable and appealing materials. Wood has the timeless classic beauty that everyone loves.

Merbau wood (also known as kwila) is regarded as one of the most durable and stable timbers in the world. It grows in Northern Australia and across Southeast Asia, so it was well-known as the wood of choice for making docks, decks and flooring. Merbau is the perfect wood for outdoor furniture.

It is twice as hard as teak, which makes it resistant to abrasion, pitting or roughening. Prior to manufacture, the merbau is kiln-dried to

I

What all consumers should know about

Solar Energy Systems FROM PAGE 7

a moisture content of 12 percent.

This stabilizes the structure of the timber so it doesn’t warp or crack.

The furniture contains reddishbrown tannin, which gives it its characteristic color. This tannin makes the wood naturally rot-resistant and insect-proof. The furniture is easy to clean and maintain.

Periodic application of a product is recommended, and will help pre-

serve the beautiful appearance. All the hardware is corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel and nickelplated brass.

Island Style Furnishings offers competitive pricing and a comprehensive 5-year warranty.

For more information on the company, visit the website, AustralisLeisure.com.au, or call 2341129.

and not the module construction warranty. The warranty states that the panels will produce in the anniversary year, Year 20, at least 80 percent of what they produced in Year One. The warranty that deals with the construction of the module is usually not mentioned and only lasts from five to 10 years. If the modules break after the panel construction warranty expires, you will have to replace the panel.

The point that consumers should understand about warranties is to not be misled to believe that your investment is protected beyond what these warranties state. Furthermore, warranties are written to protect the manufacturers — not the consumer. Most consumers hear “guarantee� when the word “warranty� is spoken. Warranties have all the limitations the manufacturers want in the document to protect themselves, not the consumer. Consumers should ask for a copy of the warranty and read the document closely to see what rights have been taken away from them and what is actually being protected. Let the buyer beware and understand some things may sound too good to be true.

Pacific Islands Construction believes that an informed consumer will make a bettor decision when purchasing their solar energy system. We can be contacted at 841-7756 to discuss your solar energy needs.

We also can be reached at pic05@hawaii.rr.com.

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Five

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keys to smooth sales, bargain buys in a slow market

nyone who has bought or sold a home has heard the standard advice: Find a good agent, be aware of local home values, fix up the house you’re selling and research school districts and crime rates where you’re buying.

Keep these five themes in mind from the moment you start planning your next move:

A

1. Dig deeper. If you need to sell quickly, keep a close eye on what other houses are selling for in your neighborhood and “stay ahead of the market” by pricing yours lower.

2. Be involved. Just because you’re working with a Realtor doesn’t mean you can’t do some of your own legwork.

3. Accept a helping hand. Take advantage of a wide range of services, beyond your local Realtor’s, that could help you streamline the buying and selling process. Some cost money, such as home “staging” services that can help whip your house into selling shape. Others are free, such as relocation benefits offered by some employers, or the military’s Homeowners Assistance Program.

4. Get creative. If you know that a potential buyer is wavering on whether to make an offer on your house, buck convention by making a “reverse offer,” where you try to win the sale with an attractive price.

5. Remain flexible. According to the experts, buyers and sellers should keep their pride in check and be willing to make some concessions, especially in a tough market.

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Locally owned & operated since 1961 SEPT. 5, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

HAWAIIRENOVATION

A guide to getting rid of

Clutter

in your home

ou’re feeling like the walls are closing in. You’re not a hoarder, but you just have too much stuff. It’s not that difficult to change your ways. If you want to take control of clutter, get a few boxes, one for each room in your home. Start by organizing one room at a time.

Begin this initiative by removing everything on top of your cabinets, tables and in bookcases and place it all in a box, says Keith McCleary, academic director of Interior Design at The Art Institute of York-Pennsylvania. If there are other random accessories in the room, remove

Y

them as well. Keep just the basic furnishings. Now sit with the room in its simplest form for a while.

“In room design, make good decisions about what you choose to put in the room and, often more importantly, in what you choose to leave out,” McCleary says. “Simplicity and clean lines make a room feel livable and that’s what it’s really all about: comfortable living.” Think about the kind of focal point you’re trying to create. How should you orchestrate this space and show off your special pieces in terms of size, scale, color and texture?

After a day or two has passed, go back to the box and look for items that define your personality, or will be noticed by guests visiting your home. “Ask yourself: when is enough, enough?” says McCleary. “Each piece of furniture in the room can function to complement. Accessories and works of art should contrast.”

When you look at your well-designed room, you should see positive elements, as well as appreciate negative space by removing unnecessary pieces that don’t add to the design composition.

Interior design students at The Art In-

stitute of York - Pennsylvania are taught to help their clients step back and ask themselves: Is it finished now? You can err when you go shopping and purchase nice pieces for your home, because before long you begin to accumulate too many of those nice things. Much of what you have is stuff you don’t need or want.

It might be time to share those boxes, which are full of stuff you haven’t missed in years, with your local Goodwill.

Sometimes, you might think you have to keep memorabilia or outdated gifts from Aunt Ethel in your home all the time. “Not so,” says McCleary. “It’s perfectly acceptable to remove those items when you do your box exercise.” If you get a call from auntie who’s planning a visit, head to the attic and put those old Beanie Babies she gave you when you were a fanatical collector decades ago on a shelf in your den, temporarily.

She’ll be happy for the gesture. When she leaves, feel free to replace them in the box of memories until her next visit.

After you complete this exercise in each room in your home, you’ll notice that the clutter has disappeared. Now you can recognize how attractive the remaining items are in that same space.

This initiative takes determination and focus, but when you’ve completed the exercise, your focus can be on the lovely space you’ve recreated.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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