Hawaii Renovation Mar 25 2012 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

MARCH 25, 2012

AN EDITION OF

In addition to providing customized solar systems, dynamic duo Poncho’s Solar and Walter’s Electric actively support Hawaii’s economy through initiatives like Poncho’s Solar Outstanding Educator award and partnerships with local suppliers. See page 3 Walter’s Electric owner Kaimi Chung (left) and Poncho’s Solar salesman Derrick Yamamoto (right) present $5,000 to award winner James Au (center).

INSIDE: SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE ‘SPRING CLEANING’ A BREEZE. See page 14 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Clearing out

THE CHAOS

o you have too many things in your home and not enough room? It may feel that way when you live in a disorganized space or fail to make a regular practice of clearing out the old to

make room for the new. We are connected to everything in our environment, so when physical things in our environment have no “home,” we mirror that internally and feel unsettled emotionally and

mentally, becoming frustrated and irritable. Putting some thought and effort into the organization of your environment is a key to mental and emotional peace.

Organizing from a feng shui perspective Hiring professional organizers or finding helpful-hint sources to maximize every square inch of a closet or shelf is a great

start, but you can create even smoother energy by looking at storage and organization from a feng shui perspective. With awareness, you’ll move toward your dream of “having a place for everything,” and get the energy flowing by looking at supportive feng shui organizational solutions. Keep these tips in mind: • Refrain from putting shelves over a door or on a wall where they hang over your bed. These shelves create energetically challenging downward-pressing energy that symbolizes

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COVERSTORY

BY SARAH PACHECO

oncho’s Solar Service and Walter’s Electric Inc. are two shining examples of companies dedicated to supporting Hawaii’s economy. Though known for high-quality workmanship and a stellar reputation built on more than 30 years of experience, Poncho’s Solar and Walter’s Electric are perhaps most proud of their partnerships with local solar suppliers R&R Solar Supply, U.S. Distributors and InterIsland Solar Supply, which keep business and much-needed dollars in Hawaii. “We buy from local distributors because this helps stimulate the local economy, instead of us going factory-direct,” explains Kaimi Chung, owner of Walter’s Electric. “It would be easier for me and Poncho to go to the Mainland and container all our stuff in, and we can probably go even way cheaper than what we

already do, but it doesn’t help our economy down here. If we don’t start helping out local businesses, we aren’t going to be sustainable ourselves, and that’s what separates us — we’re two local guys that do local business with local distributors.” These relationships also allow Poncho’s Solar and Walter’s Electric, together known as “The Winning Team,” to carry one of the largest selections of namebrand solar products that includes SolarWorld USA, Sharp, Canadian Solar, SunEarth, American Water Heaters, Enphase Energy, Samsung, ET Solar, Morningstar, Sanyo, SunPro, Motech, AUO and IronRidge. And unlike other solar system installation companies, Poncho’s Solar and Walter’s Electric will work one-on-one with customers to create a solar system unique to the specific needs of their homes. “We don’t have a kit; we cus-

PONCHO’S SOLAR SERVICE Kaimi Chung (right), owner of Walter’s Electric, presents $500 to Shyja Vasquez

tomize our systems to meet your needs,” Chung states. “Every package is different because everybody’s house is going to be different … so we customize (each package) to give the customer an affordable system,” adds Poncho’s Solar owner Poncho Safranca. “I’m trying to give you the most for your dollar.” Along with customizing all kits and systems, the Winning Team provides in-house design and permitting, along with a warranty that is custom-made, based on each customer’s specific solar system package. In 2011 alone the team completed more than 1,000 job permits on all islands, helping

ADDRESS: 650 KAKOI ST. CONTACT: OAHU: 422-4266 • BIG ISLAND, MAUI, KAUAI & LANAI: 1-855-417-6527

household owners save hundreds on their home electric bill, as well as reduce their impact on the environment. This year, Poncho’s Solar and Walter’s Electric are going a step further in making Hawaii a better place to live through Poncho’s Solar Outstanding Educator Award. Every month now through March 2013, Poncho’s Solar and Walter’s Electric will reward a local teacher with his or her choice of a free 10-panel photovoltaic system, solar hot water system or $5,000 in classroom supplies from Education Works. “Teachers have had it rough. They get pay cuts, they get Furlough Fridays … They need a break, and we’re here to support the teachers and support them all year,” Safranca says. The contest received dozens of entries after its launch in late February, which made selecting the first month’s winner a difficult task. But in the end, Shyja Vasquez’s nomination of Wahiawa Middle School eighthgrade teacher James Au stood out. An excerpt from the eighthgrader’s letter reads: “We learn about things beyond our reach, so that we the students know what will become of us in later life, whether it’s good or bad.”

The brands we carry allow us to build your perfect system

“That’s what really got me:

He’s not only an educator, he’s a life-changer, that’s what this person wrote about,” says Chung. “To me, that’s where the world should be right now — he’s teaching more of life lessons than just the ABCs.” To nominate a teacher who has impacted your life, visit www.ponchosolar.com or go to the www.staradvertiser.com homepage to find the link below the “Breaking News” section. Entries should be 250 words or fewer and state why the educator is special and deserving of this award. Additionally, the nominator whose letter is chosen will receive $500. “I thought it’d be easier, but it’s hard to pick just one,” Safranca admits. “I think next round we’re going to receive even more letters.” “Everybody is impacted by their teachers,” adds Chung. “We’re not gaining from this — we’re just giving away products to a deserving person.” To learn more about Poncho’s Solar, located in Mapunapuna on Oahu, visit the webstite www.ponchossolarservices.com or call 422-4266 on Oahu for a free professional estimate of systems starting at $1,000 per panel (1-855-417-6527 on Maui, Kauai, Lanai and the Big Island). For more information about Walter’s Electric, based in Hilo on the Big Island, visit the website www.walterseletric inc.com. MARCH 25, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

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No site too difficult for the experienced builder

hen planning a new custom home, major renovations or additions to an existing home, the first step should be selecting a licensed, experienced contractor. But there’s another important consideration: What kind of experience does the contractor have? Not all contractors, although licensed and experienced, have a track record of building on problematic or challenging sites. If the property is sloping, in a neighborhood with narrow streets, close to other homes or oceanfront, there could be significant challenges. Before making a decision, ask the contractor to provide photos, descriptions and cost information for projects similar to yours. Ask for addresses where you can view their projects, whether completed or in progress. Over the past 16 years, Homeworks Construction has handled virtually every type of construction project — from simple renovations to large custom homes built on the ridges and oceanfront in Waikiki. “One of our most challenging projects was a lux-

HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION ADDRESS: 2111 S. BERETANIA. ST. CONTACT: 955-2777 ury home we built in the gated community, The Pointe, in Hawaii Loa Ridge,” said company founder and CEO Jim Byxbee. “The architect, Richard Bass AIA, chose

4 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 25, 2012

Homeworks as the general contractor. The tri-level house is at the edge of the cliff on a lot with steep, difficult access. Site preparation involved breaking up rock and hauling it away. Preparing the foundation is the most important phase of a job like this ... and finding rock on a site is a mixed blessing because it contributes to the stability of the structure. Despite the difficult

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visit to the Servco Home & Appliance distribution showroom may convince you that in fact you are “seeing double” — double ovens, that is. And you’ll be seeing them in places you never thought possible. Appliance company GE has introduced its first slide-in range with a double oven — the GE Profile PS978. This 30-inch wide range fits in a standard opening, but offers two ovens instead of the usual one. Now you can bake different dishes at different temperatures in the huge, 6.6-cubic-foot ovens at the same time. The upper, smaller oven is ideal for small meals, while the larger, lower

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unit features a convection oven and a heavy-duty roller rack for easy access. And, both ovens are self-cleaning so you can

spend more time enjoying your meals. Best of all — you can take advantage of two special cycles. The upper oven offers a special “pizza” setting, while the lower oven has a slow-cook selection. Just imagine the meals that will come out of the great new range. Need a double oven but only have room for a single? The GE PT925 offers two self-cleaning

oven cavities in the space traditionally used by one. Take advantage of new technology that allows GE to place the controls in the glass door, leaving room for 5 cubic feet of cooking space. The PreciseAir convection feature means better tasting meals in less time. The GE Café CGS990 range rounds out our double-oven offerings. The gas range features a powerful 20k BTU triring burner and an 8K BTU oval burner with a griddle as part of the five-burner cooktop. The two self-cleaning ovens combine to provide 6.7 cubic feet of baking space. Become the chef you’ve always dreamed of being with this professionally styled

range in your kitchen. Visit the Servco Home & Appliance showroom to see this and many more innovative products on display. We are located at 2841 Pukoloa St. in Mapunapuna, or visit us online at www.servcoappliance.com. Our showroom is open to the public for viewing Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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MARCH 25, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 5

HAWAIIRENOVATION

An ‘Essential’ kitchen that fits most budgets

id you have to dig through all your dusty pots and pans to find your roasting pan? Well, now is the time to start planning your kitchen remodeling by saying, “Out with the old and in with the new!” Reorganize, de-clutter and make a plan with your remodeling expert from Essential Cabinet

Refacing Inc. (ECR) on how you could have a more efficient and modern kitchen. Remember that ECR can do the job and make it fit your budget. Refacing is an excellent way to use your money wisely. ECR has more than 20 years of experience in satisfying customers. The company can save you

money by refacing your cabinets — a method that gives the kitchen a new look without having to rip everything out. The doors and drawers are replaced and the faces of the cabinets are resurfaced, but the rest of the cabinet box remains intact and in place. Your kitchen will have an entirely new look! Refacing saves on cost and makes everything more convenient for you. ECR also can make problem areas more efficient and accessible. Need more cabinet space and have room for a new pantry? Need to replace your dishwasher with a cabinet? Need some rollout drawers in the pancabinet for easier access? ECR can build it. All the company’s cabinets are custom made at its Sand Island shop so the price is very affordable (no middle-man sales commission). And if you’re ready to have all your cabinets replaced, ECR can build new custom cabinets —

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evoluSun boasts an impressive 93 percent client satisfaction rating, based on an internal audit Hawaii’s largest residential solar firm conducted in late 2011. In addition, solar panel manufacturer SunPower interviewed RevoluSun clients who installed SunPower systems, calculating a 94 percent client-satisfaction rating. “This recognition means so much to us, as it reinforces our commitment to helping people easily turn to solar,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun principal. “We may be the largest residential solar firm, but without great client service, we have nothing. Ensuring our homeowners are happy is so important that RevoluSun employs a fulltime person to work with clients to ensure their experience is extremely positive, from the first meeting until the system goes live.”

Customer care director RevoluSun customer care director Nerene

Merlino is committed to frequent and clear communication with homeowners, as they embark on the sometimes complex journey of “going solar.” “My goal is to not only provide exceptional customer service to all RevoluSun clients by immediately addressing any concerns, but also determine best practices toward making installing a system quick and easy. Our ultimate goal is to see homeowners delight in producing clean, renewable energy and a much lower electric bill as soon as possible.”

Best technology and experience RevoluSun offers its clients the very best in solar panels, and recently began offering the SunPower E20 series 327 solar panels. The most efficient commercially available solar panels in the world, the E20/327 panel produces more power in the same amount of space — up to double the amount of power compared to con-

ventional systems — thereby saving homeowners significant amounts in equipment and installation costs. Meanwhile, RevoluSun project developers and project managers are masters of their craft. In fact, RevoluSun has had an almost 100-percent approval rating following system installations because of the precision involved in the construction process. In addition, thanks to RevoluSun’s advanced industry knowledge, the Hawaii-owned company is able to provide a myriad of ways to finance a solar system so almost any homeowner can create clean energy.

more about solar power and financing options should attend one of RevoluSun’s free monthly solar education seminars. Or, stop by a solar open house for a chance to talk story with other local homeowners about their experience in “joining the RevoluSun” and see their system in action. For a

Best source of solar education Hawaii homeowners interested in learning

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MARCH 25, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 7

HAWAIIRENOVATION TAKING A FEW STEPS TOWARD YOUR

AFTER

BEFORE

DREAM HOME W

hether building a home or renovating it, it’s important to understand the steps to reaching your goal. First, set your budget, which will help to determine the amount you can afford. Second, get pre-qualified from a bank or credit union if you don’t have the liquid assets to purchase a home. Third, use a Realtor to help you find a place. Give the Realtor your ideal locations and price range. And fourth, once you acquire the place of your desire, find the right contractor to help you with the build or renovation work.

Here are a few other things to look for: • Referrals. Find someone who has

CVCONSTRUCTION CONTACT: 531-3888 • 428-5191 used the company before and speaks highly of the business. • Extensive customer service background check. Search for a contractor who not only does a great job for your project, but deals with problems swiftly. • Completion, timeliness record. This is key to keeping costs down and ensuring that your expectations are fulfilled. CV Construction LLC does all of the aforementioned and more. From the company’s initial free estimate and its

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HAWAIIRENOVATION Taking hold of challenging job sites FROM PAGE 4

space wanted a swimming pool, which required massive footing work and retaining walls. The design plan was very successful with the main living area opening up to the view and swimming pool.â&#x20AC;? Homeworks recently completed a moderately priced home on a sloping lot at Kamehame Ridge where the challenge was to provide a view of Maunalua Bay to the main living areas. The solution was to design a layout

with the living room, dining area, kitchen, a bedroom and bath on the upper entry level, and additional bedrooms and baths downstairs. Homeworks met the â&#x20AC;&#x153;oceanfront challengeâ&#x20AC;? with a luxurious customdesigned home at 3047 Kalakaua Ave. The only single-family home on the Gold Coast, it is currently listed by Gold Coast Real Estate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This home has three master suites upstairs, an elevator, private park at the edge of the

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Introducing the all new seawall, a heated salt water pool, spa and security camera system,â&#x20AC;? Byxbee said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had to deal with tight access and little or no parking, creating difficulties in delivering materials. As with any build close to the ocean, special permitting is required and water runoff regulations must be observed. Oceanfront

construction is a real specialty.â&#x20AC;? The Homeworks Build New Or ReDo radio program is broadcast Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on KHVH Radio AM830. Listeners can call host Jim Byxbee and co-host Rick Hamada on air with their questions (521-8383). For a free consultation, call Homeworks at 955-2777.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION feng shui perspective, it is better to have only a few treasured items on display. Store the others behind closed shelving and rotate them when you need a change of energy. Themed collections can be grouped together to create a unified energy. For example, if you have many rabbit-themed items, place them in one place for a powerful visual.

ORGANIZING STORAGE SPACES FROM PAGE 2

a person or a situation hanging over you. • Avoid filling your storage space completely. When your shelves or closets are completely full, energetically you leave no space for something new. Full shoeboxes block new sources of support and prevent new movement. Full kitchen cupboards block new opportunities for wellness; full bookshelves block new sources of wisdom, promoting stagnant thinking. Full bedroom closets show that you are not open to new relationships or new ways to relate to those in your life. • If you have a bed with storage drawers built in, only store items that have “restful” energy, such as linens, blankets and towels. Avoid shoes (symbolizing “movement”) and items from the past, such as pho-

tos of old relationships that symbolize emotional upset. Never store sharp objects, books or media or exercise equipment in your bedroom (keeps your mind and chi active). • Avoid too many storage units that hang from the ceiling. An excess of overhead storage is not only visually heavy but contributes to supporting feelings of overwhelm. If you have a lot of things weighing you down in your life, more overhead storage only exacerbates that feeling.

• Hooks on the back of the bathroom door are fine to hold towels, but refrain from putting hooks on the back of all the doors in your home, especially your main and bedroom doors. Doors are the portals to the energy flow and if they are overburdened, transitioning your life from one stage to the next may be difficult. Doors should open freely. • Avoid visual overwhelm. This happens when you store everything you own that is nice, cute and meaningful on open shelves around your home. From a

• Functionality is important, but so are aesthetics. Store the things you use often in convenient, but outof-sight places. Open shelving promotes visual clutter. So the more you can hide (in an organized way) the better you will feel. Discard and donate as you go. You will create valuable physical space, and eliminate a drain on your energy. It doesn’t make sense to store items you really don’t need. To learn more about feng shui expert and life guide Alice Inoue, visit www.ali ceinspired.com.

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innovative financing program is designed to stimulate private lending by providing participating lenders access to loan-loss reserves. This allows those lenders to make the approval process easier for those looking to purchase home energy appliances or improvements. EnerBank USA specializes in unsecured home improvement and home energy loan solutions. They are committed to the home improvement industry and have extensive experience and longstanding relationships with leading manufacturers, distributors, franchisors along with their dealer networks as well as independent home-improvement contractors. EnerBank USA offers 100 percent financing for eligible improvements and 0 percent interest on certain loan

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hana Building Supply is a onestop shop for homeowners and contractors alike. The company’s selection includes a variety of high-quality kitchen and bathroom materials at very reasonable prices, from ready-made to custom cabinetry, a full line of granite countertops, stainless steel sinks and hardwood and laminate flooring, all to fit any architectural style. Ohana Building Supply’s instock cabinets are constructed of all plywood boxes with solid wood face frames and doors. Locally stocked are Maple, Light or Dark Cherry and Milzen Cabinets’ Espresso Oak and White Oak, constructed of plywood boxes and engineered MDF flat-panel style doors and frames. Ohana Building Supply also has two new styles of cabinets that are available, Elegant Cherry and Honey Beech. These new cabinets are face-framed cabinets constructed of 5/8-inch

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and only applies to stock on hand. If you’re on a budget or are thinking of remodeling a rental unit, these cabinets will be the perfect fit. Ohana Building Supply also stocks a selection of granite countertops starting at $99, such as Taisan White, Bainbrook Peach, White Galaxy, River White, Jurparana Golden Kam and Lapidus, just to name a few. Finished with an elegant bull-nose edge, these stylish countertops add character to any kitchen and bath. While supplies last, Ohana is offering free granite (select styles to choose from) with the purchase of any kitchen cabinet set. Other granites are 10 percent off with the purchase

of a kitchen cabinet set. Ohana also stocks an assortment of laminate flooring, under-mount and top-mount stainless steel sinks and ceramic vanity bowls. All of these products are in stock and available for prompt delivery or pick-up. Servicing both homeowners and large contractors, the friendly staff will provide excellent customer service, from design to installation — the completed product is sure to shine. Visit the company’s showroom and ask the sales staff about current promotions and specials that are available. Showroom hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION becomes an uncomfortable and frustrating time. The answer to this frustration is to change those jalousies windows or cheap aluminum sliders CONTACT: 263-1252 to Lifetime Vinyl Windows. Tropical • 292-2942 Wholesale installs Simonton Win• tropicalwholesale@hawaii.rr.com dows, the No. 1 rated windows by J.D. Power Train for the last three years. They are No. 1 in customer satisfaction and the only window that has a lifetime factory warranty on frame, hardware and workmanship. While changing those old windows, Tropical Wholesale also will repair the damaged areas and weather-tight all the windows free of charge. Tropical Wholesale also gives a voluntary lifetime-workmanship warranty on all window installations.

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Roofing

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When your windows let in water, you get out all the towels in your home and watch your walls drip. This

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Problems with roofing are the most frustrating of all. Get out the buckets and the tarps and call Tropical Wholesale. The company has been installing roofing in Hawaii for more than 30 Contract License: #BC-27653 years. Tropical Wholesale & #BC-14660 does all types of roofing, but specializes in Gerard Roof-ing. It is the only type Simonton Windows & Doors of roof with a 50-year, nonRated #1 by prorated warranty from the J.D. Powers & Assoc. Over 10,000 Satisfied Customers manufacturer that covers materials and labor as well Vinyl & Aluminum WINDOWS & DOORS All Types Replacement Windows as carries a 50-year leak Specializing in Security Awning Windows warranty if installed by an authorized installer.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

A PASSAGE TO INDIA’S SOLAR ELECTRICITY 2.

Know what kind of warranty is being offered in the written literature from the manufacturer, because different warranties vary greatly.

Select the most efficient solar panels to maximize the electricity production in the space you have on your roof.

Select a manufacturer that is well known, one that has a track record and most importantly one that has the financial capital to stand behind the warranty.

Pick up a paint brush

To freshen up any room for springtime, pull out your paint. Don’t try to redo the whole house — pick the room where a fresh coat of paint will make the biggest impact. Choose a fun new color, or add some flair with a unique design like stripes or chevron. And, don’t forget to touch up the trim if you have the time. To ensure painting is a painless process, be sure to select the right tape for your surface, like FrogTape Multi-Surface.

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14 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 25, 2012

Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO of the Building Industry Asso-ciation of Hawaii.

Fort We

just returned from incredible India where I walked into caves that were temples carved into mountains with walls that were carved recordings of the life of civilizations that existed in the 7th century B.C. I experienced and felt the respect for religious freedom, religious tolerance and harmony among the people. In Kerala I walked through streets where there were Hindu temples near a synagogue, near an Anglican cathedral, near a Catholic cathedral, near a Muslim temple, and it took us about 40 minutes to walk to each of these temples of worship. I was amazed to find out that 60 percent of the population uses cell phones. I was more a-mazed to see a house boat using photovoltaic panels, which are now called solar panels, to generate the electricity to run the air conditioner in the bedrooms aboard. Yes, solar panels on a house boat in India!

So this brings me to a very hot topic in Hawaii: The cost of electricity and the buying decision in selecting a solar system for your project. The manufacturing of solar panels is global, and there are hundreds of manufacturers of solar panels worldwide. When making your buying decision, do your homework. Inter-view the supplier and the contractor. Find out how long they have been installing solar panels. Find out how they warranty the roof penetrations. Get testimonies from their customers and get referrals from your friends. Go look at their installations. Here are a few guidelines on how to select the solar panels for your project:

Nothing makes the house feel drab like dirty windows. Make any room feel bright by cleaning the inside glass of your windows. A quick once over with a paper towel and glass cleaner should do the trick and look for a “streak-free” formula. Get the outside just as clean by using a cleaner that attaches directly to your garden hose.

BY KAREN NAKAMURA

Let there be light

Sea Rd

REMODELERS

pring is here, which means one thing: It’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. By completing a few easy tasks, you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time on interior projects. Here are ways to give your home that “spring cleaning” feel without spending the entire spring, well, cleaning:

Coral

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Simple ‘spring cleaning’ tips

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; into relaxation with easy cleaning tips dow treatments, even couch covers in the washing machine to get rid of germs. Then, hang them outside to dry in the sun and soak up that springtime scent.

Dust your digs

Wash away grime Some spots in your home may be home to lots of germs. Increase your interiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clean factor by tossing throw blankets, pillows, win-

Spring brings more than just sunshine â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the bearer of seasonal allergies. Help fight the sniffles by shaking out rugs and giving rooms a good onceover with a feather duster. If wiping down the entire house seems too tedious, focus on areas that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in plain sight. Throughout the

year, you probably wipe down surfaces that are clearly visible â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tables, shelves, countertops. But, when was the last time the top of the refrigerator or the ceiling fan saw a duster? You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regret using spring cleaning as a chance to focus on those areas that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t often get cleaned.

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BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

COVERING YOUR FLOORING NEEDS WITH CUSTOM CONCRETE SOLUTIONS

hen homeowner Bruce Carlson was ready to spruce up the front entry of his new home, he turned to Granicrete Hawaii. The concrete walkway was previously painted and the area needed brightening up. The curves in the walkway would make it difficult to tile, and he was aware that concrete could achieve a “variety of textures and colors,” so Carlson decided that Granicrete would be a great solution. He had seen a Granicrete Hawaii ad in Hawaii Renovation and decided that the featured look was what he wanted for his walkway. Carlson visited the company’s showroom, conveniently located in Waipio, just off the H2 freeway. There he saw a number of flooring samples, consulted with the staff, and scheduled a free estimate. A Granicrete Hawaii-certified installer took measurements of Carlson’s front entry and then provided a written estimate. Next, Carlson needed to secure approval to install the overlay from his neighborhood associa-

GRANICRETEHAWAII ADDRESS: 94-1388 MOANIANI ST., #302 CONTACT: 626-5418 • GranicreteHawaii.com tion. He completed a form and submitted it along with a Granicrete Hawaii brochure and photos of the desired flagstone look overlay. In the meantime, Carlson scheduled his installation with Granicrete Hawaii. Carlson’s overlay was a typical three-day installation. On day one, installers removed the existing paint and thoroughly cleaned the surface. Once dried, they poured and troweled a thin layer of gray-tinted Granicrete Base Blend onto the walkway. This layer bonds to the existing concrete and provides a smooth, blank canvas that enables installers to create custom looks such as flagstone, slate and tile. The second day of installation involved creating the flagstone design that Carlson

16 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 25, 2012

desired. Granicrete grout line tapes were laid onto the dried base layer in a random stone pattern. Next, tinted Granicrete Authentic Finish Blend was poured and troweled on to create just enough texture to provide slip resistance. As the texture layer dried, the tapes were pulled up to reveal the base layer which gives the look of grout lines. On the third day, installers sponged dry accent colors onto the dried overlay to create color variations as found in natural stone. The last step involved rolling a solventbased sealer onto the handcolored overlay.

Carlson is pleased with the transformation of his front entrance. The overlay “brightened it up and added a lot of value,” claims the homeowner. “Once we save up more money, we’ll do the back of the house.” Don’t settle for drab, discolored or mildewed concrete floors any longer. Visit the company’s showroom in the Waipio Business Center to see various flooring and countertop samples. Call Granicrete Hawaii today at 626-5418 to schedule your free estimate. The company specializes in custom decorative concrete flooring overlays and staining. Stains are available in a wide variety of colors and are applied directly to your existing concrete slab without changing its texture. Granicrete Hawaii’s decorative concrete overlays and stains are great on interior flooring, patios, pool decks, walkways and driveways. Concrete floors are easy to maintain and provide resistance to moisture, stains, mold and bacteria. They are a great

choice for those with allergies, as concrete floors won’t trap dirt, animal dander, dust mites and other allergens. Solventbased sealants used on exterior flooring also provide excellent weather and UV resistance. Simply sweep, mop or hose off stained concrete or decorative concrete overlays to keep them clean. Re-sealing exterior floors is required every couple of years to maintain the finish and color, while waxing helps to maintain interior flooring. If you are interested in learning to install your own overlays, Granicrete Hawaii offers a DIY flooring and countertop class every second Saturday of the month. The class is hands-on, designed to meet the needs of do it yourselfers, and no experience is necessary. Students create three sample pieces while learning techniques that yield the looks they want to create at home. Upcoming classes are on April 14, May 12 and June 9. Visit the website or call 626-5418 for registration information.