Hawaii Renovation 19 December 2010

HAWAII

DECEMBER 19, 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

Time running out on energy-efficient

tax credits

BY KAREN NAKAMURA

he deadline is looming for homeowners looking to save money — and enjoy a significant tax credit — by making energy-efficient improvements to their home.

The stimulus legislation that President Obama signed soon after taking office providing energy-efficiency credits for up to 30 percent or $1,500 of the cost of certain energy upgrades expires at the end of this year.

According to Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical household spends about $2,000 a year on energy bills. By incorporating Energy Star appliances and other energy-efficient components into your home,

(NAHB) green building subcommittee.

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you can save about a third on your energy bill. The expanded tax credit money available to homeowners on top of these savings is icing on the cake!

“Time is running out for homeowners to take advantage of these tax benefits.

It’s a good idea to act now, to make changes in their homes that will not only benefit them immediately, but over the long term as well,” said Eric Borsting, a California homebuilder and chair of the National Association of Home Builders’

Whatt iss included?

Tax credits are available at 30 percent of the cost of the materials, up to $1,500, until Dec. 31 (for existing homes only) for:

Tax credits are also available at 30 percent of the cost of the materials, with no upper limit through 2016

Martin Garage Door* *$200 off garage doors over 15’2” wide. $100 off doors under 15’2” wide.

Details on qualifying improvements are available at

How w to o claim m the e credits Homeowners can claim the 25C and 25D credits on IRS Form 5695 when they prepare their income tax returns. Be sure to retain records that include: • Name and address of the manufacturer • Identification of the component including make and model • Climate zones for which the criteria are satisfied • Additional information for storm windows, if applicable • Manufacturer’s certification — a signed state-

ment from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit To find a builder or remodeler in your area to help make your home more energy-efficient, contact BIA-Hawaii at www.biahawaii.org. You also can find Certified Green Professionals, trained in green building science and energy-efficiency improvements, by using the search feature at www.nahb.org/designa tionsdirectory.

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

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

HAWAIIRENOVATION

New Year,

NEWLOOK

our home is probably the biggest financial asset that you own. Unlike a car, computer or big screen, it is an asset that appreciates instead of going down in value each year.

So, it makes financial sense to invest in and protect that investment.

Did you know that Anlin energy-efficient doors and windows give a 95 percent return on investment? If you spent $10,000 installing replacement doors and windows for your home, once the job is completed you have basicially added that investment to the value of your home. And, like your home, that investment will appreciate year after year.

Windows Hawaii guarantees the installation of Anlin doors, windows and siding for your home for the life of your home..

But that isn’t even the best part. The investment could grow in value over time as well as:

Y

e the e appearance e off yourr home. Make your •Improve home look new with new windows and siding. It can

benefit from a facelift after 40 years! e yourr home e more e secure. Jalousie windows • Make are easily broken into. Anlin windows are rated top for security with “cam” locking systems, doublestrength glass and dead-bolt locks that allow you to lock your windows open so you get the breeze you want without sacrificing security. p you u maintenan n ce e free. Anlin windows • Keep have EZ glass that repels dirt and does not water spot. The Mikron vinyl frames do not corrode or pit like aluminum in Hawaii’s salty environment and

Pull energy savings out of thin air.

INTRODUCING THE NEW

clean easily.

Our acrylic/vinyl siding will last a lifetime and you will never need to paint again. This siding also adds insulation to your home and a deterrent to termites.

Our Hardie cement board siding looks like wood, but will not weather like wood and is impervious to termites.

So, it makes sense to invest in your home, improve appearance and comfort, and reduce maintenance and energy costs.

Call Windows Hawaii at 671-0808 or 383-7233 for a free in-home demonstration and estimate.

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New Home, Multi-Family, Additions & Renovations

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HAMAI APPLIANCE 332 E. WAKEA AVE., KAHULUI, HI 96732 • 808 877-6305

We are also licensed and experienced in excavation, grading, cutting slopes, and driveway alterations

For FREE Estimate & Consultation call 841-1800

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

ServcoAppliance.com SHOWROOM HOURS: MON-FRI: 10am to 6pm SAT: 10am - 3pm

*$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

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DEC. 19, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

HAWAIIRENOVATION

hen looking for someone to build your home, make sure you settle on a general contractor you’re comfortable working with.

To qualify that statement, after interviewing potential contractors, you should base your final decision on the contractor’s quality of recent projects, as well as his knowledge of building, his relationship with sub-contractors

W

and his references.

Steven Wong of Island Home Designs (IHD) is a general contractor you can trust.

He’s on time for meetings, honest, communicates well and finds solutions to problems.

Family and friends say it was a brave task taking on a recent project of tearing down an old house and rebuilding it from the ground up. The house was a virtual buffet station for ter-

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mites, with its foundation blocks literally floating over the dirt.

But Wong had no fear and was determined to get things done. He has a calm demeanor and is patient with customers.

If he doesn’t know about a product, he researches it and provides feedback.

The relationship with your general contractor is a partnership. Like a maestro in a symphony, general contractors orchestrate the sub-contractors, every move.

Many residents don’t have the experience to coordinate home construction from the ground up. Let IHD be the one to help you get started.

For more information, call Island Home Designs at 383-4663.

356-1889

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

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FEATURING AFFORDABLE TOP QUALITY KITCHEN/BATH REMODELS/UPGRADES AND TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSIONS Any Size Job ALSO

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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 | DEC. 19, 2010

CALL 847-4400

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

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Life through Safer bathroom redesign

Making

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 when residents attempt to step into their tubs.

To solve this problem in the traditional way, a contractor would take out the tub and change it into a shower pan, allowing for easy access that would cost thousands and normally take about one week to finish. You need to plan for the down time, mess and hassles associated with this type of job, which include the demo-

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lition of walls and the removal of tubs. If you have only one bathroom, this could be a nightmare.

At All Island Bath, we have a solution that is a fraction of the cost, takes only three to four hours, allows for the tub to be used a few hours after installation and comes with a lifetime warranty.

It’s called a Cut Out. Our trained technicians cut out a section of your tub — 25 inches wide by 8-inches deep — leaving an easy-access opening that greatly reduces the risk of an accident.

Thanks to our 20 years of experience using state-of-the-art restoration technology, All Island Bath has many creative

methods that save Realtors, hotels, property managers and homeowners time and money. Over the years, we have restored or lined more than 30,000 tubs — which equates to 7.5 miles in height if you stacked the tubs atop each other.

Here are some of the methods we employ in bathroom restoration: • Bathtub and wall surround resurfacing. 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 358-7780 or e-mail Allis landbath@gmail.com. You may also visit the website Allisland bath.com or seekitlocal.com, a KHON-2 website.

Year e End Sal 94-480 Akoki Street #4 Waipahu, HI 96797

Call Now

671-0808 • 383-7233 www.northwestexteriors.com DEC. 19, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Building Beautiful

Custom

ichael Mitchell, the owner of East Oahu Home and Remodeling, is a general repair specialist who can do home repairs and renovation work at affordable prices.

Along with wife Teresina, Mitchell runs a complete home maintenance service. With many

M

• “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

Furniture years in the building industry — ranging from cement work to finish work — Mitchell can accomplish just about anything in the business.

Although his specialty is in fine finishing, he also has carved out his niche in the community as a fixer-upper, ranging from general repair work to

high-end finish work. As a result, he is well-respected by both peers and clients.

Mitchell’s creativity and vast experience of 35 years enable him to support his customers when it comes to selecting fixtures or choosing installations to complement their needs. Mitchell can trans-

form space into something functionally beautiful — and all at an affordable price.

For excellence in homerepair workmanship, give Mitchell a call at 396-1969 or 391-9746. He’ll discuss ways to upgrade your home, creating a beautiful, comfortable environment.

• No Interest Courtesy of Archipelago Hawaii

License No. BC28003

Christopher Koike, Owner/Manager CELL: 808-306-2653 FAX: 808-841-6512 email:chriskoike@hawaii.rr.com

• No Payments up to 18 Months!

Call for a Free Estimate 808-377-6686 825 Halekauwila St., Honolulu

www.energyprohawaii.com

Pacific Isle Contractors Ltd. Since 1987

Cabinets, Granite, Flooring, Stainless Sinks, Custom Cabinetry, Installation

2815 Kaihikapu Street • Honolulu, HI 96819 Lic# C-30215

6 | HAWAII RENOVATION | DEC. 19, 2010

Ph: 808.833.8338 Fax: 808.833.8339 Email: sales@ohanabuildingsupply.com www.ohanabuildingsupply.com

“We are so pleased with the results of the renovations we had done on our home in Manoa.”

–Doctor Jill Call for a free in home consultation

Ph. 306-0843

New Construction • Additions • Kitchen/Bathroom Remodeling • House Painting Lic.#BC-19251

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

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Tub-to-

Gerry Peters of HPS Construction Services, is to reject notions that you have to move drains and other plumbing or electrical parts to get a really nice-looking, modern and functional kitchen and bath.

HPS says that, depending on the level of change, and whether there is current water or other damage, these upgrades can be had for between $3,500 and $8,500 for baths, including tub-to-shower conversions, and between $9,000 and $15,000 for kitchens, as a general scope of pricing range, saving up to 40 percent over the old approach of tearing tubs out and starting anew.

Another major area of concern on choosing the right bid, is to determine how detailed the proposal is, and whether it addresses potential unforeseen hidden problems, such as ter-

shower Conversions

a Popular Option

s a large segment of Hawaii’s population moves into its golden years, it’s wise for families to begin converting one of their bathrooms into a walk-in shower and adding assist bars to their walls to prevent injury

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among the elderly.

Taking out and replacing one of the tubs with a low or flat threshold walk-in shower is preferred over ordering one of the socalled walk-in tubs, which usually cost more for the tub and shipping alone

• New & Additions • Roofing & Concrete • Kitchen & Bath Remodeling • Flooring & Tile • Painting & Stucco

than the conversion job altogether. Furthermore, beyond unaffordable pricing, these walk-in tubs are problematic relative to the swing-in hatches developing leaks.

You can install a built-in bench in the walk-in shower and also a convenient sliding, adjustable shower head. This enables you to take comfortable, water-saving showers and save thousands of gallons of water and many dollars to fill a tub. Most importantly, the walk-in shower is safer than a tub and roomier also. That’s because tubs have an inward

slope that takes up space.

Options to have a hatchet job, which requires merely cutting out a slice of the tub and using a shower curtain, is a heartache waiting to happen. Not only do they look awful, but the open sections allow water to rot the floors, rust the tubs, or create large amounts of mold. For a couple of thousand dollars extra, you can get the job done right, enhance your daily living experience and watch the resale value of your home or condo go up.

The secret to cost-effective kitchen and bath improvements, according to

mite and water damage.

Another warning on upgrades, remodels, and repairs and bigger projects is to watch out for “low ball,” “base” pricing to get you hooked, but then you get add-ons for things you thought were included, Peters adds. Unforeseen damage, clearly spelled out in advance, is a legitimate add-on, but only when it is really necessary. On the other hand, keep in mind that you, as a client, cannot add things in that weren’t discussed.

Peters says that residents should never assume that a handyman or socalled contractor knows everything about the projects or jobs you have for them. Remember that a state General Excise Tax license is not a contracting license.

Check and double check whom you choose to do business with. HPS offers licensed handyman services in addition to kitchen and bath upgrades and remodels, plus other general contracting services.

For more information, call 847-8400.

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99-134 Waiua Way • Aiea, HI 96701 DEC. 19, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Match Perfect Drawing power from the rooftop The

he word is out and people are flocking to purchase photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce or eliminate their electrical bills.

There are a virtually unlimited amount of products available today for residential applications and many companies are touting the amount of electricity that their panels produce. This is only part of the equation; once the panels produce electrical power, that power needs to be converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and delivered into your electrical panel.

Choosing the right combination of products to produce the most energy can be challenging, but there is one combination that is clearly the best one available now. We call it the “perfect match.” Sanyo panels and Enphase micro inverters are designed for each other, and together they truly perform better than any other product that is currently available.

We have known for a while now that this combination delivered the most power to a typical household and we have been able to compare systems through remote monitoring, but we have never had our system mounted on the same roof, with the same exact conditions until recently. A customer called to request that we add more PV panels to her roof. She had purchased a system from another vendor approximately a year ago. The company pro-

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vided her with 10 solar panels and micro inverters.

She was told that this was the highest DC watt panel she could purchase with a micro inverter. As a result, she has averaged a little less than 1 kWh per panel per day. This combination produces on average 250 kWh a month, or a reduction of $62.50 from her electric bill. This left her with an average monthly electric bill of $110.00.

We suggested that she add eight of our Sanyo panels with the “Perfect Match” Enphase micro inverters. This second system (with two less panels) has been producing an average of 1.3 kilowatts a day, 312 kWh per month, or $78 per month in savings. Our “Perfect Match” of products is delivering over 32 percent more power per panel than the other products. This translates to $186 a year more, per panel!

A typical residential system consists of anywhere between 10 and 30 panels, which means our “Perfect Match” will potentially produce $1,860 to $5,580 more in annual savings over any of the other systems currently available. These other systems may produce more watts per panel on your roof, but they deliver substantially less kilowatt hours to your electrical system, where it really matters.

For more information, visit the EnergyPro Hawaii showroom at 825 Halekauwila St. in Honolulu or call 377-6686.

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FREE ESTIMATES 8 | HAWAII RENOVATION | DEC. 19, 2010

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

HAWAIIRENOVATION d showerhead. Hand-held • Hand-held showers make it easier to use the shower from a seated position and minimize the need to reach over one’s head — a position that tires arms and potentially leaves one off balance. Such showerheads have become very popular, are available in a variety of styles and are easy to install in most bath settings.

Must-do bathroom upgrades for baby boomers aging in place he bathroom is an oasis for many of us, a place where we not only take care of personal needs, but also relax and decompress after a hectic day. But as people grow older and less mobile, the bathroom can become a risky place.

Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization among aging Americans, and most at-home falls occur in the bathroom. By upgrading their bath with some products designed to facilitate aging in place, baby boomers and mature homeowners can continue to enjoy their bathrooms, with less concern over possible safety risks.

“Good design — in the form of products which specifically address age-related concerns — can support independence as well as increase safety,’ says Diana Schrage, an interior designer at the Kohler Design Center. “Making a few simple improvements in key areas like the bathroom can be a cost-effective way for anyone to ensure their home continues to work for their changing needs.”

Here are a few must-have items to make a bathroom more senior friendly:

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b bars. As we age, • Grab our ability to lift ourselves from or lower ourselves into a seated position can diminish. Grab bars or safety bars positioned near the toilet, and in the bath and shower area, can help people with mobility issues navigate more safely in the bathroom. You can find a wide selection of safety bars specifically made for use in the bath. Choose bars that are easy to grip, won’t become slick when wet, and can be positioned horizontally or vertically. Avoid diagonally positioned bars as your hand could slip off them when wet. d shower. Some people may • A seated feel fatigued from standing, or uncertain of their footing, in the shower. While a shower seat may help, it can also create a slip hazard if the seat moves unexpectedly while in use. A seated shower, like the Accord Seated Shower by Sterling may be a better option. The seat is integrated into the shower for convenience, beauty and stability, but is also removable

234.1129

Hours: Wed-Sun: 11am-5:30pm

46-212 2 Kahuhipaa St. (Directlyy acrosss from m Cityy Mill)) in n Kaneohe

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.islandstylefurnishing.com

• 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

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and movable, so it can suit everyone in the household. Grab bars, designed to fit the overall aesthetic of the shower, offer another layer of safety. And because the unit is easy to install, it can cut down on remodeling costs. Visit www.sterling plumbing.com to learn more. p resistance. Some of the most • Slip popular bathroom floor materials, like ceramic and vinyl, can become very slick when wet, creating a risk of slipping and falling. In addition, acrylic bathtub surfaces can be slippery. It’s important for tubs, showers and bathroom floors to be equipped with slip resistant materials.

For tubs and showers, this could be as simple as a rubber mat with suction cups that keep it in place. You can also find slip-resistant mats and area rugs for the floor itself.

• Levers. People with arthritis or other hand problems that make grasping a challenge often are better able to use levers, rather than traditional doorknobs or twist faucets. Replacing doorknobs with simple lever-style handles can give seniors easier access to the bath. And a lever-style faucet control can make it easier to adjust water temperature than controls with one or more knobs.

• Lighting. As we age, our eyes need more light to see by. Be sure to provide ample light in the bathroom, especially at night. A nightlight not only helps seniors see where they're going, it can help ease the confusion that an abrupt transition from darkness to bright light may cause.

“From seated showers to slip-resistant flooring, homeowners can find plenty of bathroom products designed to help keep them safe and comfortable in their homes well into their golden years,” says Schrage.

We are RevoluSunary!

“We are highly pleased with the RevoluSun system. The installation was performed smoothly and professionally.”

- Dan and Lynn, Mililani

Brian Cunningham Chris Carbonella RevoluSun

Visit revolusun.com or call 748.8888 to Join the RevoluSun!

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DEC. 19, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 9

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Photovoltaic Systems and Your Roof

important to properly “flash” penetrations made through the roof in order to prevent leakage.

Pacific Islands Construction has more than 20 years of experience in roofing and as a licensed roofing contractor; we believe that proper flashing details will in-

hotovoltaic systems are generally installed and connected to a structural element in your home or business through your roof. Since the primary purpose of your roof is to keep your home or business dry and free from water intrusion, it’s

P

sure that the PV system does not compromise the primary purpose of your roof.

What are flashings, you may ask? Roof flashings are industry-standard components that are constructed around penetrations or at horizontal/vertical intersections such as walls or curbs on the roof. Architects typically will draw details on plans specifically detailing how they want the contractor to isolate these roof penetrations and construct these details so they will not become a leak. Roofing systems generally would like to have no penetrations and just be one smooth continuous surface. Since the modules of the PV system need to be secured through the roof, these penetrations are in need of proper flashing details to ensure that they do not leak now or in the future.

Different types of roofing systems use a variety of pre-manufactured flashings such as edge metal, boot jacks, lead vent pipe jacks, and pitch pockets. It is important to understand that these flashing components are designed

to work with the roofing materi- Construction considers the entire als and have become standards installation of the PV system to be because they have proven over important, not just what modules time to prevent roof leaks. Roof and inverters are being installed. penetrations that rely on caulking Contact us at 841-7756 so that we or roof mastic have proven to may consult with you regarding eventually leak and should be how a photovoltaic system should avoided. Unfortunately, since it’s be installed and what components more expensive to construct and we recommend. install proper East Oahu flashings Home Remodeling around A Home Maintenance Service the roof from fixing your screen to penetraremodeling your kitchen. tions that Let us design & build secure the your new home modules to the r o o f , many installations “I’m MICHAEL MITCHELL are being Your East Oahu Neighbor and d o n e General Repair Specialist Who without Can Do Home Repairs and Renovations at Affordable Prices.” t h e s e • Custom Home Designs flashings, • Quality Workmanship A Craftsman With jeopardiz• Upgraded Materials Extensive Experience In: ing the in• Repairs • Remodeling • Friendly Turnkey Service • Painting • Decks tegrity of • Affordable Prices • Kitchen/Bath Remodeling the roof in • Licensed (BC-23733), • Tile/Flooring • Roofing/Masonry keeping Bonded & Insured • Installations water out.

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I want to use our space this week to say a big THANK YOU! to all of our wonderful customers – past, present and future! All of us at the PII Family want to wish all of you a very safe and HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I appreciate your encouraging feedback and working with all of you has shown me how nice and wonderful people really are. Eat, drink, be merry and dance the night away on that wood floor!

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HAWAIIRENOVATION How Water Damage Caused By Appliance Cleaning Could

Clean Out Your Wallet

eing a homeowner means being vigilant. From the roof to the foundation, you need to keep a close eye on your house to guard against damage to your investment and to protect the place your family calls home.

Water damage is one of the most common problems that homeowners need to watch for.

Home appliances like dishwashers and washing machines can be some of the leading causes of water damage inside the home.

That's why it’s just as important to look for potential sources of

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water damage inside your home as it is to check for outdoor problems.

If you catch water damage early, you can save yourself a lot of stress and money, but letting it slide can cost you: Safeco Insurance estimates that the average cost of repairing water damage is around $5,000, a significant figure for any homeowner. However, if you take action to prevent water damage in the first place, you’ll give yourself extra peace of mind for the future.

Signs of water damage can be subtle: a ripple in your wallpaper, a hint of a yellow stain. If you see signs like these, it's best to start investigating them as soon as possible. But where should you be watching for water damage in your home?

Use this check list to protect your home — once you’ve gone through it, you'll be able to relax, knowing that your home is water tight.

• The kitchen. While kitchens are typically a place of warm memories surrounding the dinner table, many of its components have the potential to cause costly water damage to your home. Using your appliances is essential and if something goes wrong, it is nice to have the peace of mind that you'll be protected. You can protect yourself by investing in a dishwasher that has built-in leak-protection technology.

Dishwashers from Bosch home appliances, like the Bosch 800 Plus Dishwasher, are equipped with the comprehensive

AquaStop Leak Protection System. The system features a double walled inlet hose that immediately stops water at the source upon recognizing a leak in the hose. Should the leak occur at the base of the dishwasher, the system will automatically shut off the machine if it detects water and will pump the excess water out to avoid a leak. In addition to your appliances, you should check for and repair any sink leaks and pull out your refrigerator to make sure no water is collecting behind it.

• The utility room. Check your washing machine's hoses for bulging, cracking and leaks, and keep in mind that they should be changed every three to five years as part of regular maintenance. Bosch home appliances also offer a comprehensive AquaStop Leak Protection System on their Vision washers, which gives homeowners the peace of mind that their washer will not cause costly damage.

Also be sure to check your water heater for wet spots on the floor or rust on the tank. If your home has a sump pump,

test it periodically to make sure it's functioning properly.

• The bathroom. Sealants are a key method of protection in this water-friendly room, but if they aren’t in good condition, problems can arise. If the caulk around your shower or bathtub is cracking or coming apart from the wall, remove and replace it. You should also check under your sink and around the toilet for any loosened fittings or existing leaks.

Once you've checked the inside of your home for potential causes of water damage, you should also go outside and check your home’s exterior.

Give the roof, walls and gutters a detailed inspection for any cracks or damage that could let water in.

By carefully checking your home for signs of water damage, you can save yourself the time, money and stress that come with having to make major repairs. And when you’re confident that your property is protected against costly damage, you can sit back and enjoy the comfort of your home.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

HARDWOOD FINISHES More Eco-friendly Than Ever inishes are vital to protecting the beauty and performance of hardwood cabinetry, flooring and millwork. And while these will always be important considerations for today's consumers, the health of their families and overall environmental health are important as well. So before you visit the local home center, the American Hardwood Information Center, www.HardwoodInfo.com, suggests you contemplate the following “finishing facts.”

Whether purchasing factory-finished products or engaging in a do-it-yourself project; be knowledgeable. Ask questions. Read labels. The key words are "volatile organic compounds," commonly referred to as VOCs, usually listed in grams per liter. Lower VOC content products are more environmentally friendly and pose lower health risks. According to EPA standards, to qualify as a zero-VOC finish, VOC content cannot exceed 5 grams per liter, and low-VOC finishes cannot contain more than 200 grams per liter.

Consumers interested in finding the

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healthiest and most environmentally friendly products should be aware of VOC content. While paints, stains and other coatings can be emitters of VOCs, they are not alone. VOCs are emitted from many other products found in the home including carpeting, electronics, cosmetics, plastics, cleaning supplies, tobacco products and more.

Thanks to advances in wood-coating technology, many of today’s finishes are better than ever. Zero-and low-VOC finishes deliver the same quality, durability and performance as their predecessors.

In the not-so-distant past, it was considered practically impossible to make high-quality finishes that did not emit VOCs, both during their application and throughout their service life. But that was then. Some manufacturers argue that today's low-VOC finishes are even better than old solvent-based products.

They require fewer coatings, provide equal performance and do it in a healthier way.

Most zero-and low-VOC finishes are water-based. Because they contain no

Visit Homeowners Design Center and discover Hawaii’s best remodeling and new construction resource for cabinets, flooring, window coverings, countertops, kitchen and bath design.

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solvents, they are safe for people and the environment, and they give off virtually no odor. They're also easier to use because they dry quickly, and clean-up can be tackled with plain soap and water.

Disposal is simple, too. Most manufacturers have online calculators to help you determine exactly how much finish to buy, but if you end up with extra paint, stain or sealer, there’s no need to worry. Because of their natural ingredients, water-based finishes do not need to be taken to a hazardous waste center.

Simply let open containers sit in a wellventilated area, and once they solidify, place them in the trash. Of course, you could always leave the lid on and pass the finishes along to a neighbor or charity organization.

To learn more about flooring, cabinetry, moulding and other products made from American hardwoods, visit the American Hardwood Information Center at www.hardwoodinfo.com, a service of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association.

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