Hawaii Renovation 08 Aug 2010

HAWAII

AUG. 8, 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

FASTER, CHEAPER, AND SMARTER!

HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

Location: Hawaii Convention Center

Expo features experts’ panel T

he Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA-Hawaii) will present the sixth annual Remodel It Right Expo on Friday, Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 15 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Gold Sponsor BIA-Hawaii Remodelers and Silver Sponsor the New Hawaiian Home will showcase more than 200 exhibitor booths displaying Hawaii’s top contractors, suppliers, building industry experts and associates. These exhibitors will combine under one roof to create more than 20,000 square feet of convenient expertise. The event theme, “Remodel It Right, Remodel It Right Green”, will enlighten and educate homeowners on the latest products, services and trends in sustainable living.

The “Remodel It Right Panel” of experts will present the basics of Architecture, Contractor Licensing, Energy Savings & Credits, General Contracting,

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STOP YOUR ROOF LEAKS

• Sunday, Aug. 15 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: • $5 Adult/Children under 12 free with paid adult • $7 Three-day passes • $2 Senior Sunday Aug. 15/ 55 years+ with ID • $1 Discount coupons available online/ print ads • $1 Discount coupons not applicable to Senior Sunday

Parking: $5 self-parking at the Hawaii Convention Center Information: biahawaii.org

AUGUST SPECIALS 5” Engineered Tigerwood $5.25/sf *Nail/Float Install Packages @ $9.00 sq.ft.*

No Extra Cost For Non-Slip Bottoms. We Can Remove And Replace Your Old Shower Fixtures.

Realtors, ers, anag Property M Multiple Senior & unts Disco

AFTER

• Saturday, Aug. 14 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

C

Cracked Fiberglass Bottoms, Tubs & Walls, Showers, Vanities & Counters BEFORE

• Friday, Aug. 13 5-9 p.m.

Permitting and Prioritizing your Remodeling. A Free hartered in 1955, the Building Industry Association of RemodelHawaii is a professional trade organization affiliated with ing Planthe National Association of Home Builders, representing ning Kit the building industry and its associates. The 500 members of BIAwill be ofHawaii are developers, contractors, suppliers, Realtors, architects, fered to financial institutions and a host of other professionals who serve every famthe building industry. BIA-Hawaii takes a leadership role in unifyily, while ing and promoting the interests of the industry to enhance the supplies quality of life for the people of Hawaii. last, attending these three round table interactive dis- present a case study seminar featuring cussion panel sessions. The Friday ex- the elements of green design, green pert will share “The Top Ten Things to construction and green living at 1 p.m.

Revitalize Your Home” at 7 p.m. The Experts will discuss how living in a Saturday experts will share “Kitchen home that is built green incorporates Design & Bathroom Design Remodeling everyday practices that save operation Basics” at 3:30 p.m. Lastly, the Sunday costs, maintenance cost and living costs “The New Hawaiian Home” session will without sacrificing comfort.

Specializing in Residential & Commercial Roof Repairs • 20 Years Experience • Free Estimates • Affordable Prices • Warranty 5% Senior Discount

Dates & Times:

ADVANTAGE RESTORATION, LLC 947-7401

11 YEARS EXPERIENCE 5 YEAR WARRANTY STEVEN ARAKAKI, Owner For more info: www.tubgyz.com

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 8, 2010

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

Prefinished Stair Tread and Riser four species – Acacia, Ipe, Jatoba, Tigerwood

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NOW A DISTRIBUTOR FOR ALL TYPES OF QUALITY HARDWOOD & FLOORING PRODUCTS. We offer a Contractor’s discount and Wholesale pricing and monthly specials.

Quality Hardwood Flooring • Marble • Stone • Ceramic • Porcelain Tile Laminate • Vinyl • Carpet • Services include: Installation of all Flooring, Dustless Sanding and Floor Refinishing, Custom Borders and Inlays, Slab Prep and Leveling, Staircase Fabrication

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

HAWAIIRENOVATION

High-Tech

Craneboard’s revolutionary, lifetime-warranted products can update the look of your home and put an end to the aesthetic and maintenance headaches of years past.

Craneboard is a high-tech acrylic product that looks and feels like wood.

Its attractive products come in a variety of styles and colors and, best of all, never need to be painted.

However, don’t confuse Craneboard with the vinyl siding that you may have seen in the past 10 or 20 years.

Craneboard is an architecturally designed product line that can cover walls, eaves and overhangs, as well as trim and fascia boards. Most importantly, it won’t fade or chalk like vinyl.

Craneboard has included several unique features to increase the value and performance of the product. Insulated backing helps keep your home cool. Its

Siding with Windows Hawaii

Craneboard is a high-tech acrylic product that looks and feels like wood ... Most importantly, it won’t fade or chalk like vinyl.

H

ome siding in Hawaii has always been an area of high maintenance and high frustration.

Sun, rain, humidity and salt are constantly combining their strengths to break down painted wood, vinyl and aluminum siding.

Fortunately, modern technology has developed a new line of products that look great and are guaranteed — in writing — to stay that way.

Windows Hawaii, an established replacement window company, has now expanded its offerings by becoming the Hawaiian Islands’ distributor and licensed installation contractor for Craneboard siding.

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patented solid backing also includes Performguard to repel termites and ants.

Revolutionary Smart-Track technology, one of the product’s greatest benefits, allows your home to breathe so that moisture vapor doesn’t get trapped in the walls and cause mold or dry rot. And for homeowners in Hawaii, that can mean peace of mind.

Craneboard has been testing this product for seven years, and the products are already installed on more than 100,000 homes nationwide.

The company backs its product with the industry’s strongest warranty, which includes lifetime coverage for the original homeowner.

So if you’re looking for an attractive solution to the fading, chalking and cracking, give Craneboard a look you might be surprised by what you see.

Windows Hawaii is offering a limitedtime set of incentives for homeowners.

The company also has affordable window packages.

For more information, see exteriorportfolio.com. For a free, no-obligation estimate, call Windows Hawaii at 671-0808.

www.MartinGarageDoorsHawaii.com www.MartinGarageDoorsHawaii.com

• Repairs • Remodels Protect Your Home From • Updates • Interior/Exterior Hurricanes With HPS! • Masonry • Tile/Granite Tested Strongest & Most • Laminate/Engineered wood flooring Affordable •• Expert Licensed • Best Avail Quality Ext-Int Prep & Painting Installations •• Meets State Tech Specifications • Remodel/add a room, and much more!

• Numerous Great References

FREE ESTIMATES

Insurance Discounts Up to $600/year hpsconstructionservices.com hurricaneprotect.com

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.

CALL 847-4400

AUG. 8, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Quality, integrity from the ground up

C

hris Koike, founder and owner of Paragon Builders, knows what makes the difference between an OK job and a job that leaves the client beaming with happiness. The son of a developer, Koike built upon his natural gifts, trained diligently, and constructed his company according to his basic principles. “Build a solid foundation, take no short cuts, pay attention to the finest details, and don’t accept anything less than the very best,” he reflected recently.

“I formed Paragon Builders about five years ago with the help, guidance and encouragement of my dad. He helped me see clearly what it would take to start my own construction company. As a developer who worked with many contractors, my dad had an intimate knowledge of Hawaii’s construction industry.”

Over the years, Koike worked for several well-established construction companies. The experience, he said, was invaluable. “I worked in several capacities doing a variety of jobs,” he continued.

“During this period, while working full-

time, I attended carpentry classes over four years and obtained my carpentry certificate.”

Most of his work has been in renovating all areas of single-family homes. “I’ve found that it’s the builder’s level of commitment and standards of excellence that will drive the other factors,” he added.

“My clients have said it was difficult to find someone who wouldn’t cut corners,

who cared more about the finished product than the bottom line.

In his work, he pays keen attention to the seen and unseen elements of homebuilding. The aesthetics and visual quality are important, he says, but so is structural integrity. “I take my clients’ trust very, very seriously and give 1,000 percent to ensure safety, structural integrity, comfort and v i s u a l beauty for t h e i r homes,” he said. “After all, a person’s home is his sanctuary.”

Koike’s high standards of integrity and quality have shown tangible results. Last year, he received a BIA Renaissance Building and Remodeling Award for the Residential Remodeling Division.

Ann Keamo, Realtor and president of Properties Unlimited Inc., entered her renovated home, which received the award.

“In October 2007, I hired Archipelago Hawaii to do my renovations. They introduced me to Chris and another gentleman to bid for the job,” she said. “The bids were priced competitively, but I felt that Chris had better qualities and would listen to my needs and goals. We had the 40-day rain while Chris was renovating my home, but he protected it and showed an amazing ability to solve problems as they arise.”

All the cabinets, appliances, and doors were custom-made, she added, and despite delays, Koike managed to protect her home from any damage.

“I clearly remember that we were extending the back lanai to convert it into my office when we had the 40-day rain,” Keamo said. “He couldn’t complete the roof because it was too wet to place the proper roofing on it, but he concealed the areas. He was very creative in solving unexpected problems and was efficient, patient and caring throughout.

“Most of all, he showed amazing compassion. During the final inspection, he made sure that all the discrepancies were taken care of to perfection. I am very happy with the work he performed. I would recommend him to anyone who wants the job done in a timely manner and who wants to reach the final inspection with happiness and satisfaction.”

Visit our Beautiful 3000 sf Showroom

926 KOHOU STREET • HONOLULU • 847-7711

BIA “Remodel it Right” PRE-SALE Get a Sneak Preview of Fantastic Bargains!

THE CONSUMER IS KING AND WE KNOW IT.

Q: If the wood I bought is so hard, why do I see some scratches?

A: That’s because the hardness of wood refers to its “dent-ability”, as measured by the standard of measure, the Janka Hardness test. This tells you how likely someone’s high heel tip, or chair leg, will press into the wood and make an impression. Everything we own and use begins to have wear and tear from day one. Your wood, carpet, vinyl, tile etc are no different. What you most likely see is light surface scratching which is unnoticeable from a standing position. And that is why people refinish after 15-20 years to freshen the look. You can’t do that with carpet! The Kahala Floors line of fine hardwoods all feature a 80-100 years worth of wear—a lifetime of beautiful flooring!

Please email questions to shilton@piiwood.com. ALOHA!

4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 8, 2010

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

A

s you plan your home and office improvements, think long-term by making choices that are informed, responsible and financially sound. The American Hardwood Information Center suggests hardwood flooring — one of the best long-term investments to be made. It is environmentally friendly, forever fashionable, and will last for generations.

Solid d hardwood d flooring Solid hardwood flooring is just that — a solid plank of hardwood milled into a piece of flooring, usually with a tongue and groove on the edges and ends, so that the pieces fit together on all sides. While it comes in a variety of thicknesses, 3/4inch is the most common produced in the U.S. and is usually nailed to a wooden subfloor. Thinner profiles, such as 5/16 inch, can be glued directly on to a surface such as concrete. Widths typically range from 2 1/4-inch strip to 8-inch and wider plank. Favorite U.S. species are red and white oak, hard maple, ash, hickory and pecan, walnut and cherry. All solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished, however special care must be taken with the thinner profiles. And in all cases of hardwood flooring installation, a clean, moisture-free surface is essential to eliminate future problems with movement or moisture.

Two o typess off solid d hardwood d flooring Unfinished solid hardwood flooring comes directly from the mill and is sanded and finished onsite. Most often used in new home construction, the rough sanding

An expert’s guide to

Hardwood Flooring Prefinished solid hardwood floors have already gone through a multiple stage finishing process before leaving the factory.

They are ready to be enjoyed. This type of flooring usually comes with a substantial factory warranty, and species choices and color ranges are virtually endless.

Engineered d orr multi-layer hardwood d flooring Engineered hardwood flooring is typically made from seven to 10 layers of thin veneers or sheets, glued together to form a Natural cherry hardwood floors by Shamrock Plank Flooring enhance type of plywood, then finthe appeal of this rustic kitchen and dining area. ished with a solid hardwood wear layer. It can be occurs during the early stages of the build- installed directly over concrete and most ing process with the final coating being other types of subfloors. The advantage of done just prior to move-in. Today’s nu- engineered hardwood flooring is that it merous dust containment sanding sys- will not react to moisture changes and is tems however, allow homeowners to en- more stable than solid hardwood floorjoy the beauty of site finished, custom ing. Because of this stability, engineered is hardwood flooring practically anytime. recommended over solid in wide plank

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applications. Depending on the thickness of the wear layer, an engineered floor will perform in much the same way same as a solid floor.

Care e and d maintenance Care and maintenance of hardwood flooring is easy; often just a matter of common sense. Follow these simple guidelines and your floors will last a lifetime, providing the warmth and feel only real hardwood can offer: • Water is a hardwood floor’s worst enemy. Clean up spills immediately. Do not use a damp mop or oil-based soap. Always check with the flooring manufacturer for recommended cleaning products. • Sweep hardwood floors regularly. Dirt and dust can grind into the finish. Consider doormats at every entrance — rugs in high traffic areas. • Sunlight can be harmful and can drastically change the color of the wood. Consider sheer drapes, curtains or blinds to limit direct sunlight. • Shoes can also cause damage. High heels can dent. Small stones can scratch.

Consider leaving shoes and the grit of the outside world at the door.

This important information about hardwood flooring options, installation, care and maintenance is courtesy of the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) www.ahec.org and the American Hardwood Information Center.

For more information about American hardwoods visit HardwoodInfo.com, a service of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association.

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AUG. 8, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Saving energy

Investing in energy-efficient appliances is a great way to conserve energy and save money.

in your abode

may be easier than you think

I

t’s amazing what we can do to our homes today to make them more energy efficient, from green roofs to geothermal heating. While some new homes are built with green in mind, you can also make your existing home more environmentally friendly while also saving some cash.

Whether you are looking to conserve energy or save money, reviewing the EnergyGuide label on appliances and looking for the ENERGY STAR label on appliances, electronics and other energyusing products is a great way to identify the most energy-efficient products on the market. By making a few adjustments in your home energy use, such as choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products, you can save on your utilities bills and make a positive impact on the environment as well.

“From switching your light bulbs to your appliances, there are many ways to reduce your energy consumption,” says

Ty Pennington, the host of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and spokesperson for the Sears Big Switch program, which aims to help families make the switch to 5 million ENERGY STAR qualified appliances.

The Big Switch will help educate even more Americans about ENERGY STAR and encourage them to make the switch to more energy-efficient appliances and electronics. You can find out more about the Sears Big Switch initiative, take the ENERGY STAR Pledge, view videos and learn more ways to be green at SearsBigSwitch.com.

Here are a few tips from Pennington on how to conserve energy in your home: • Switch out your incandescent light bulbs for compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs, which use 75 percent less energy and last about 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. An ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL bulb will save about $40 over

its lifetime and comes with a two-year warranty.

• Consider buying energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, electronics, heating and cooling equipment and more. In fact, by switching out non-ENERGY STAR appliances that are more than 10 years old for the following ENERGY STAR qualified counterparts

— refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, room air conditioner and water heater — you could save more than $2,500 over five years.

• Remove and recycle your old, inefficient appliances. Every year, Americans throw away 9 million refrigerators. Collectively, that’s more than a billion SEE PAGE 10

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Lower material costs make it a great time for a

bathroom remodel

H

ave you outgrown your small home, but you’re staying put for financial or economic reasons? Or maybe you recently bought a house in foreclosure that was a great deal, but it needs fixing up?

If so, you’re part of the re-energized remodeling market.

For the first time since 2006, home-improvement spending is up. The surge is being aided by lower materials costs. And with more custom builders swapping out their blueprints for hammers to get in on the remodeling boom, labor costs have fallen in many areas as well.

In short, this is a great time to remodel, and if a new bathroom is on your wish list, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) showed that 28 percent of responding architects are seeing greater interest in kitchen and bath remodels.

Most homeowners aren’t going for dazzle, however.

AIA reports that typical bath projects today reflect practicality and a desire to control utility costs. Although people tend to add or improve bathrooms with comfort and convenience in mind, these projects are also smart values.

According to Remodeling Magazine, creating a new bathroom is one of the most solid investments you can make in your home. The magazine’s 2009-2010 “Cost vs.

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Value” report estimates that a midrange home bathroom remodel will recoup 71 percent of its cost, while a bathroom addition recoups nearly 60 percent.

If you’re thinking about a remodel, here are some suggestions that will add value and save you money in the long run: Up p flush h toilets: One savvy idea is to choose a Saniflo up flush toilet for your new bath project. Because this type of technology, macerating plumbing, doesn’t require digging, a completely new, full bathroom can be installed quickly and for a lot less time and money than conventional plumbing. What’s more, an “up toilet” can go anywhere in your home. Even in the basement.

With up flush technology, there is no need for digging up cement floors. The unique technology pumps waste and water upward, through small-diameter piping, directly into your sewer or septic tank. And unlike sewage ejection systems, up flush toilet waste is removed with every flush, so there is no need for undesirable waste storage.

For smaller homes, nothing could be easier than adding a bathroom with an up flush toilet. These systems can be installed in any room and are ideal for small spaces.

Save e water: According to the AIA survey, water-saving toilets are one of the five most popular bathroom products. The Sanicompact is a low-flow, up flush toilet that uses only 1.3 gallons per flush.

Use e LED D lighting: Long-lasting light-emitting diode lighting can use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights. Choose a product that is Energy Star qualified.

Learn more about low-cost, above-floor bathroom systems by visiting saniflo.com or calling (800) 571-8191.

Save Energy & MAXIMIZE VENTILATION Visit us at with Jalousie Louver Windows the BIA Remodel It Right Expo!

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Locally owned & operated since 1961 AUG. 8, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Time getting short for earning

on New

T

Tax Credits

Garage Doors

he tax credit eligibility for qualified garage doors will expire on Dec. 31.

Now is your last chance to save 30 percent off the price of an energy-saving curb-appeal-inspiring garage door, courtesy of the U.S. government.

The savings come from a federal income tax credit, which is more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction, because a tax credit reduces your tax dollarfor-dollar, while a deduction only decreases the amount of income that is taxed. Through the end of this year, the U.S. government is offering up to a $1,500 tax credit for homeowners who buy and install qualifying insulated garage doors. Full details can be found at GarageWowNow.com, a non-commer-

cial home improvement resource dedicated to garage doors and garage door openers.

Getting a share of the credit Tax credits are available for qualifying garage door purchases placed in service by Dec. 31. A taxpayer may claim a maximum of 30 percent of qualifying home improvement products, and a maximum of $1,500 for qualifying purchases in 2009 and 2010. For example, if you replace two garage doors with two new qualifying insulated doors that cost $1,000 each, you may claim a tax credit of $300 per door, or a total of $600, provided you have not exceeded the $1,500 total over the two years of the tax credit period.

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To be eligible for the tax credit: I The door must be an insulated residential garage door, installed on an insulated garage.

I The door must have a U-fac-

tor and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30, even if the door contains windows.

I The door perimeter must

have a means to control air infiltration.

I The door must be expected

to remain in service for at least five years.

I The garage must be part of

the taxpayer’s principal U.S. residence.

An appealing improvement Beyond saving you tax dollars and energy expenses, a new

garage door can also add curb appeal and value to your home.

Because an attached garage can comprise a third or more of the front of your home, a new garage door can make a dramatic statement. Need proof?

Check out the before and after images at GarageWowNow.com to see how new garage doors can enhance the look of a home.

It’s all about style. Over the past several years, manufacturers have introduced carriage house garage doors that reflect the look of days gone by and provide a

touch of charm and elegance to the home. If your home has a more modern look, contemporary doors that boast bright colors, opaque glass and aluminum, or a range of metallic finishes might be more your style.

A new garage door can also increase the value of your home.

One survey shows that 71 percent of homeowners who replaced their garage doors felt that it increased the value of their home.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Conquer closet creep with these time-saving tips

C

loset creep is real. No, your possessions aren’t multiplying in the middle of the night, though it may seem that way. But it does take resolve to tame the tendency to keep more than is discarded so your home stays organized and clutter-free.

Having the right storage solutions on hand also can go a long way toward helping you get organized and maintain a comfortable, grab-and-go lifestyle. Many do-it-yourself closet systems are available to help with your closet transformation. While professionally installed closet solutions can run thousands of dollars, you can pick up a ready-to-assemble kit containing everything you need to start creating a stylish custom closet in a weekend. So you can have the closet you want without a hefty price tag.

But first, a little planning is in order.

Start by purging the chosen closet of items you no longer use. Banish sentimentality, and police your thoughts for

these familiar closet-killers: • “I’ll be ready when that comes back in style.”

• “When I lose the weight, I’ll wear it again.”

• “I don’t really like it, but it was a gift.”

• “It’s out of style, but I always loved it.”

Just can’t let it go? Try putting the item on probation by taking it out of your active closet and placing it in alternative storage — a basement or attic. In a year, if you haven’t been tempted to dig it out, you’ll be ready to pitch it — and well on your way to a more clutter-free home.

Next, organize the items by type and count them. How many pairs of shoes, pants, belts, suits and dresses do you need to accommodate? Then, measure your closet and investigate solutions that

make the best use of every inch of space.

Many new homes are outfitted with wire closet systems, but adjustable and beautiful wood solutions, such as Home Options Storage Solutions, found in Lowe’s stores, are more attractive and often more flexible.

The unique, all-in-one-box starter kit, containing one tower, three shelves, three rods, three drawers and one wide shelf, has everything you need to get started.

In the meantime, what to do with your closet clutter? Unload it for some quick cash on eBay, craigslist.org, at a local consignment shop or the neighborhood rummage sale, or take it to a donation drop-bin. Or have a “purge party” with friends, where everyone brings and swaps gently used clothing, shoes, purses, scarves and jewelry. Whatever is

left at the end of the party is donated to charity. For more information on how to maximize your storage space, visit homeoptionsstorage.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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AUG. 8, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Saving energy

in your abode may be easier than you think FROM PAGE 6

pounds of metal, glass and plastic, as well as more than 18 million pounds of harmful toxins like CFCs, CPBs, mercury and oil.

As the first retail member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program, Sears will remove and recycle inefficient refrigerators and freezers and take them off the energy grid for good. In fact, by removing 5 million inefficient appliances that are at least 10 years old and replacing them with ENERGY STAR qualified models, Americans could see savings that are equivalent to taking more than 600,000 cars off the road.

• Unplug electronics you aren’t using.

Many electronics products for your home are consuming energy even when they are not on. Using a power strip can make this easier. If you are considering buying a new electronic, such as a TV, DVD player, computer or any home theater or office product, think about buying ENERGY STAR qualified models. According to the EPA, TVs that carry the ENERGY STAR label are about 40 percent more efficient than conventional models. In fact, if all televisions sold in the United States met the new ENERGY STAR requirements, Americans would save $2.5 billion annually in energy costs while reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions from about 3 million cars.

• Be smart about your home climate.

Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR label can cut your annual energy bill by more than $200. Lowering the heat or turning off air conditioners and fans when you are gone can also help keep your energy use down. You can learn more about HVAC equipment by visiting searshomepro.com for additional details.

• Consider conducting an energy audit on your home. During an audit, a professional comes into your home and makes suggestions about things you can do to make your home more efficient. It may be as simple as sealing a few holes, which could end up saving you big bucks in the long run. According to the EPA, in a typical house with forced-air heating and cooling systems, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections.

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energy efficiency

W

hen it comes to making your home more energy efficient, you may have to spend a little to save a lot. And, like most good investments, energy-efficient home improvements may require you to be in it for the long haul in order to see the maximum return on your investment.

Because skylights admit abundant natural light, they can help lower your home’s dependence on artificial light sources — meaning you’ll use less electricity to light your home. You will find tax credits and product rebates in place for certain skylights and accessories. Plus, with modern skylights like the Velux No Leak Skylight carrying not only product but also installation warranties you’re no more prone to experience leaks than with any other properly installed quality window in your home.

When it comes to cost savings, com-

parisons pale between traditional and solar water heating systems. The federal tax credit program makes it possible to recoup up to 30 percent of the installed cost of a solar water heating system.

Visit veluxusa.com to learn more.

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

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Before you remodel,

know how to score

Best

the

Financing

A

mericans are learning to be frugal again, with more of us looking to spend less, and get more value out of the money that we do spend.

That sentiment could well be what’s driving the renewed interest in remodeling one’s current home, rather than moving out and buying something bigger, better and newer.

Homeowners are most concerned about the functionality of their homes, according to a recent survey by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). “The functionality of

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

40-day rain.

• He completed the job in a timely manner.

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• 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

a home is very important, especially over the long term, as many homeowners in this economy have opted for remodeling over moving to new homes,” NARI National President Paul Zuch said in a June 8 press release from the association.

If you’re interested in increasing the value and livability of your home, remodeling might make sense for you. But before you begin hiring contractors, you need to do some basic prep work first.

How will you fund your remodel?

Most homeowners will need to borrow against the value of their homes to pay for remodeling projects. If a home improvement loan is in your future, your first step should be to check your credit score and report. Your credit will affect lenders’ willingness to loan you money, and the terms and conditions they’ll offer on the loan.

Knowing your credit score before you begin applying for financing will give you a better understanding of what terms you might be able to qualify for.

The higher your score, the more desirable you appear to lenders. Checking your score in advance of seeking financing will allow you to work on raising it, if necessary. Or, it can help give you the confidence to negotiate the best possible deal for your renovation project.

You can access your free credit score online at websites with enrollment in Triple Advantage Credit Monitoring.

Once you’re sure of your credit status, you’re ready to take the next step — securing financing.

Just as there are many different types of renovations that will add value and

comfort to your home, there are many ways to fund them. In an ideal world, we would all have savings sufficient to cover home improvements and still leave some money in the bank for a rainy day. In reality, most homeowners won’t be able to pay cash for improvements.

For borrowers with desirable credit ratings, there are still plenty of financing options. You may opt to go with a straight second mortgage. Or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may work for you if you’ve amassed equity in your home. The HELOC basically borrows against the difference between the value of your home (what you could reasonably expect to sell it for) and the amount you still owe on your current mortgage. You may also pursue a government-backed FHA loan.

You can find a variety of tools and information about mortgages at hud.gov.

To obtain your credit score, visit the following website, freecredit score.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Leader in Custom Home Building and Remodeling Presents A free seminar at the Homeworks Showroom Tues., August 17, 6-8 p.m. Call for reservations.

Courtesy of Archipelago Hawaii

1/2” Laminate Flooring .........$1.75 $ 3/4” Hardwood Flooring 2.99 starting at

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AUG. 8, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

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94-480 Akoki Street #4 s Waipahu, Hawaii 96797 808-671-080 s w w w. N o rt h W e s t E x t e r i o r s . c o m AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED