Serving Hawaii Since 1981 2933 KOAPAKA St. HONOLULU, HI. 96819 • SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8am–4pm 808-695-3976 • www.hawaiihomeexpo.com at the Hawaii Home Expo! Hot Tub & HOLIDAY SALE! AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. AN EDITION OF For a restored tub that will transform your bath into the glistening oasis it should be, turn to Al’s Bathtub Refinishing owner Al Fernandez and his team of expert technicians. See page 3 WHY A FRESH COAT OF PAINT CAN BE A SELLING POINT. See Page 22 NOVEMBER 25, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM Leah Friel photo
One of my favorite parts ofThanksgiving is actually eating theleftovers. I have started making a tra-
dition of using leftover turkey and ham forcooking jook and ham and pea soup everyyear, so with a full fridge, I need to make sureour refrigerator stays in tip-top shape.
Many refrigerators require maintenanceevery six months. I find that making a rou-tine of it makes it easier to remember, so Ido mine near Thanksgiving and MemorialDay every year. Here’s the fridge checklistI’ll be running down this year :
• Clean the coils. The condenser coils oftencollect dust and other debris, which makethe refrigerator run less efficiently. Find thecoils, which are usually located on the backof the machine, but can sometimes be on
the bottom of the front. Unplug themachine and remove the coils’ cover. Then,vacuum using the brush attachment.
• Check the temperature. For the perfectbalance of energy-saving and optimal per-formance, set the refrigerator at 37 to 40degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer to 0degrees Fahrenheit.
• Stock up. An empty fridge uses moreenergy to maintain the set temperature.You let cool air out and warm air in everytime you open the door (and even more ifyou leave it open while deciding what toeat). The more space inside, the morepotential for this air/temperature swap tooccur. If you have an empty fridge, fill it withgallons of water. Bonus: These can come inhandy for your disaster-preparedness kit.
• Do the dollar test. First, clean the sealsaround the door to free them from anyfood debris. Then, close the door on a dol-lar bill along the side of your fridge and tryto pull it out. Repeat this for all four sides
of the door. If you can pull it out easily, youmay need to adjust or replace the seals.Consult a professional to take care of this.
• Change the filter. Refrigerators with awater-dispensing system also have a filter.Changing it out regularly will help keepyour water and ice clean and also help toprevent clogs and leaks within the waterdispenser.
Regular maintenance not only extendsthe life of your refrigerator, but it can alsohelp save money on electricity. WithChristmas just around the corner and out-of-town guests coming in this year, I needas much energy savings as I can get. Butperhaps even more important, I can’t risklosing the Thanksgiving leftovers.
2 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
JOANNE ROMERO2 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
There are many home improvementprojects undertaken each year, butthe most common remodel is in
the bathroom. Why is this?Al Fernandez, owner of Al’s Bathtub
Refinishing, explained that the bathroom isone of the few rooms in your house you willuse every day and spend a substantialamount of time in. It’s a place where you canget away — a relaxing oasis in a crazy world.Your bathroom should also serve you andall of your needs. This is why the bathroomis the most common remodel.
Identify your budgetThe average homeowner’s first thought
when they think of remodeling a bath-room is to “tear out and replace” theentire room. Since bathrooms andkitchens usually have many hard surfaces,they are where the largest challenges andexpenses occur. Complete or convention-al remodeling involves messy tear outs ofnot only the fixtures, but also the floors,beams and walls before the room isrebuilt using new materials.
Fortunately, now there is an affordable wayto renew your bathroom and kitchen with-out all the hassles, costs and inconveniencesof conventional remodeling. This process isknown as refinishing, resurfacing or reglazing.
This procedure has actually been aroundfor about 50 years, but it is still unknown bymany homeowners. Refinishing is the mosteconomical and efficient way to revitalizeyour bathroom. Traditional fixture replace-ments involve not only the cost of new fix-tures, but also replacing the wall, tile, wall-board and sometimes the floor. Also, pipesand hardware, which are damaged duringthe removal of the tub, can be very costly
and time consuming. With reglazing, Al’sBathtub Refinishing can change the color ofyour existing fixture to practically any colorimaginable in one day. Using high-qualityproducts and techniques, Al’s Bathtub cancompletely restore the beauty and lusteryour fixtures once had.
niques and the best materials on the mar-ket, the company’s well-trained technicianshelp you realize a savings of up to 80 per-cent over the course of replacement. Thishuge savings can be applied elsewhere inyour overall remodeling plan, therebyallowing you to upgrade in other areas.
Stained, chipped and hard-to-clean sur-faces also are unsightly, unhealthy and cre-ate a negative impression on your guests,customers, clients or renters. Al’s Bathtub
will give the old fixtures a smooth, glossyfinish in a matter of hours. This non-porousfinish actually meets or exceeds manufac-turer’s specifications for stain- and acid-resistance.
The following are answers to some of thecompany’s most frequently asked questions:
Q: Do you only refinish bathtubs?A: No, we also refinish sinks, tile counter-tops and more.
Q: Which surfaces do you restore?A: Porcelain, fiberglass, cast iron, acrylic,formica counters, tile and cultured marble. Ifyou are interested in restoring another typeof material, call the company to inquire.
Q: How long does the bathtubrestoration process take?A: Approximately three to four hours,
depending on the actual condition of thesurface.
Q: What kind of bathtub repairs canyou do?A: Various kinds: we repair chips, holes,cracks, rust, etc.
Q: How long will I be without mybathtub or other surfaces?A: After we restore your bathtub or othersurfaces, you have to wait 24 hours to useit.
Q: What colors do you offer to refinish bathtubs and tiles?A: We offer any color. We also can docolor matching. Most customers preferwhite, biscuit or almond.
Q: Is there a warranty for the bathtuband other surfaces restored?A: Our restoration work is guaranteed forfive years against any failure of adhesion. Awritten warranty is provided upon comple-tion of every job, with all the specificationsand guidelines.
Q: Can you add non-skid componentto my bathtub?A:Yes, we can add it for no extra charge.
Q: What is the best way to clean arestored bathtub?A: Do not use any abrasive cleaners. Youcan easily clean it with soap and water or amild cleaner.
Contact Al’s Bathtub Refinishing at 679-8297 for a free estimate.
AL’S BATHTUB REFINISHING
PHOTOSCOURTESY OFAl’s Bathtub
LEAH FRIEL PHOTO
HR COVER STORY NOVEMBER 25 • 2012 3
NOVEMBER 25, 2012 • 3
Stepping into your newly refinished bathtub, shower
>> Before
AL’S BATHTUB REFINISHINGON THE COVER
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
AN EDITION OF
For a restored tub that will transform your bath into theglistening oasis it should be, turn to Al’s Bathtub Refinishing
owner Al Fernandez and his team of expert technicians. See page 3
WHY A FRESH COAT OF PAINT CAN BE A SELLING POINT. See Page 22
NOVEMBER 25, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM
A company that makesthe grade with customersA s a former University of Hawaii administra-
tor for 22 years, Kenji Sumida knows theimportance of education. So when he
decided to install a solar system in his Windwardhome, he began by educating himself on solar power.
He then invited three Island solar companies totell him what kind of system he should install. Twowere among the largest solar companies in Hawaii.The third, Bonterra Solar, was smaller, but was oneof the fastest-growing solar companies in the state— and continues to be so.
Sumida was concerned because his Maunawilineighborhood, located at the foot of the Koolaus,only gets a limited amount of direct sunlight. Healso knew that there is a limit to how much privatePV-created electricity can safely be fed into theHawaiian Electric Co. power grid.
“All three companies told me my system couldgenerate no more than 10 kilowatts,” he said.
Solving a solar problemThe companies calculated the number of PV
panels Sumida would need to supply enough elec-tricity to his house and a newer attached buildingwhere his daughter lives. And all three said heneeded more than the 10 kilowatts threshold.
“Only Bonterra came up with a solution to the
problem,” Sumida said. “A good PV supplier willurge you to cut your electricity demand beforeadding PV. That’s exactly what Bonterra did.”
Bonterra solar consultant Steve Hochart toldSumida that electric water heaters use much morepower than any other appliance. But by installing athree-panel solar water heating system to serveboth residences, Sumida would then be able toinstall a PV system as well, to meet the rest of hispower needs, and still stay below the 10 kilowattslimit.
“Steve really gave me a lot of confidence,”Sumida said. “He didn’t act like a salesperson.”
The Bonterra Solar solution“It was an innovative solution that the other two
companies couldn’t come up with,” said AndrewYani, Bonterra founder and principal. “Kenji’s solarand PV systems together cost less than what theother companies wanted to charge for a single PVsystem.”
Yani said that Sumida also was able to get the 30percent federal and 35 percent Hawaii tax credits.
“I’m extremely happy with Bonterra’s service andworkmanship,” Sumida said. “My monthly electricbill has dropped from $400 a month to just $50. IfI were grading Bonterra, I’d give them an A-plus.”
4 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Thoughtful design incommercial spacesHave you ever stopped to consider
how much thought and effortwent into the design of the spaces
you visit every day? You may not realize it,but your favorite restaurants, neighbor-hood grocery store and go-to movie the-ater follow some very specific design prin-ciples in order to create a unique spacethat is both visually appealing and user-friendly.
Much like home designers, commercialarchitects and interior designers think ofspaces in their totality. To a commercialdesigner, every area — from the entrywayto the public bathrooms to the behind-the-scenes storage areas — must be consid-ered when working on a new project. Oneway commercial designers help create aunique look and feel throughout publicspaces is through the use of repetition.Repeating a pattern, color or texture inmore than one area of a space lends a feel-ing of continuity.
According to Judd Lord, director ofindustrial design at Delta Faucet Company,this attention to detail makes commercialenvironments a great place to look for
allow people to get a sense of what theirown home may feel like in terms of colorpalette, textures, combination of materialsand accents prior to actually committing toa design,” Lord said. “For example, visitinghigh-end hotels can provide a great way to‘live’ in a particular design aesthetic to seeif it suits you.”
The next time you stay at a hotel, lookfor hints of repetition. You may find that theorange sofas in the lobby, for instance, carrythrough to your guest room pillows ordecorative accents. Or, perhaps thewrought iron door handles match the win-dow hardware perfectly. The small touchesthat regularly go unnoticed help to createa distinct sense of place in commercialspaces.
When deciding what design elements toincorporate into a commercial building,designers consider not only how certainaspects can enhance overall design aesthet-ic, but also how they can be used to pro-mote functionality in the space. The rolethis plays in commercial buildings is per-
haps demonstrated most readily when tak-ing the public bathroom into consideration.For instance, a single-room bathroom witha plush sitting area and vanity mirror mayenhance the shopping experience for cus-tomers at a high-end boutique, while busyshoppers at large malls may prefer multiplestalls to help avoid long bathroom lines. Forboth of these spaces, innovative productscan help enhance the bathroom experi-ence through increased functionality.
With Delta faucets that featureProximity Sensing Technology, the entirefaucet acts as a sensor, activating the flowof water instantly and effortlessly when it
detects the presence of your hands.Faucets that employ this type of technolo-gy are more dependable than traditionalinfrared sensors, which can be unreliable inlow-light or when wearing dark clothing.
The next time you are out shopping atthe grocery store, try to appreciate smalldesign details, such as the layout of shop-ping aisles that makes it easier for you tonavigate the store and return home morequickly. Attention to these details not onlyhelps a business operate efficiently, but alsocreates a better experience for consumers.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
6 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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’Tis the season for safety tips
NOVEMBER 25, 2012 • 7
BIA HAWAII NOVEMBER 25 • 2012 7
BY KAREN NAKAMURA
Planning for the holidays is a busy andjoyful time. But all of the decora-tions, extra electrical cords and the
parade of people going in and out of yourhome call for more safety precautions tohelp you make this holiday season safe andhappy for you and your family.
Here’s a checklist for home holiday safety: • Ask a friend or neighbor to watch yourhouse and take in your newspaper and mailif you plan to spend the holidays away fromhome. Put lights throughout the house ontimers to turn them on and off in your nor-mal living pattern. • If you display a live Christmas tree or livegreenery, select the freshest possible. Amoist tree is less likely to catch fire. Look fora trunk sticky with sap and for green nee-dles that bend and are secure on thebranches. • When using a live Christmas tree, cut the
base at a 45-degree angle. Place it in a con-tainer with water and always keep thewater level above the cut.• Place trees a safe distance from stoves,radiators, vents, fireplaces and any otherheat source that may dry the tree. Inspectthe tree for dryness daily. • Inspect all holiday light wiring. Defective,
worn or frayed electrical wiring should bethrown away. Check for the UL label onlights. Also, be sure to use fixtures specifical-ly designed for outdoor use if you decorateyour house, trees or yard.• Use no more than three light sets on anyone extension cord. Also, don’t run electri-cal cords under rugs. Be sure all lights areturned off before you go to bed or leavethe house.• Place candles and other open flamesaway from decorations. Never leave burn-ing candles unattended and always super-vise children when burning candles.• Keep a fire extinguisher near yourChristmas tree. Make sure your family has afire emergency escape plan. In case of fire,leave your home and call for help from aneighbor’s home. • When buying artificial decorations, checkfor “flameproof” or “fire-retardant” qualities.• Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplaceor wood stove. Certain ink pigments react
with heat and create airborne particulatesthat are dangerous to inhale. Also don’tburn evergreens, they could flare out ofcontrol and send flames and smoke intoyour house. • Cooking is a leading cause of home firesand home fire injuries. When you cook, besure to wear clothes that fit close to thebody so they won’t be ignited by hot burn-ers. Do not leave items cooking on thestove and be sure that pot handles areturned in.
The decorations around your house,lights, gifts, music and the presence of lovedones make the holiday season festive andfun, and with the proper precautions, safe.
Learn more about home safety, mainte-nance and homeownership at www.biahawaii.org.
Karen Nakamura is executive vice presi-dent/CEO of the Building Industry Associationof Hawaii.
The photovoltaic market is explodingand everyone is trying to get a pieceof the action. This has caused a sat-
uration of contractors claiming they caninstall your PV system. The positive side tothis is that homeowners have a plethora ofcontractors to choose from. However, thedecision-making process should not bebased on cost alone. Consider a contractorwho is trustworthy, reputable and providesquality workmanship. Being driven by pricealone can cause you lose sight of theseimportant aspects.
Seek multiple quotesThis will educate you on the general cost
involved and ensure you get a fair marketprice. Even for homeowners who just wantelectrical work, All G Electric LLC alwaysencourages them to seek multiple bidsbefore making a decision. This allows thehomeowner to meet face to face and inter-view more than one contractor to get eachone’s perspective on how the companywould approach the job.
This also educates the homeowner onthe construction process and can preventthe homeowner from feeling taken advan-tage of or “ripped off.” Be cautious of the
contractor whose only concern is to giveyou the lowest price. The saying, “If itsounds too good to be true, it probably is,”tends to be true.
Do your researchTake the time to research the contrac-
tors you are considering and their trackrecord. Websites like the Hawaii BetterBusiness Bureau (BBB) and the
Department of Commerce and ConsumerAffairs (DCCA) are good places to start.
The BBB is an organization that estab-lishes various standards that members areevaluated and rated against. Ratings areunbiased and objective. Any complaints orclaims filed through BBB against the con-tractor can also be viewed. The DCCA is astate run division that primarily governs thefollowing relating to businesses and/or con-tractors: Registration and licensing, Financial
health and soundness, Complaint process-ing, Consumer protection and education.
You can conduct a search on the con-tractors to see if they are actively licensedand compliant with all guidelines andrequirements for running a business in thestate of Hawaii.
Finalizing the agreementFind out if the contractor will provide
you with some type of contract — some-thing in writing that outlines the scope ofwork as discussed and any add-ons youmay have been promised. It should alsoinclude all warranty information andfuture servicing of your PV system. Makesure you receive a receipt of payment foryour records. Be cautious if the contractorinsists on dealing only in cash. Cash has nopaper trail and cannot be cancelled like acheck. Because a photovoltaic system iseligible for state and federal tax credits, areceipt showing your purchase and instal-lation of the system will be required.
All G Electric is a professionallylicensed, bonded and insured electricalcontractor with a proven track record ofsuperior quality of work balanced withawesome service and support. All G isnow partnering with Murakami’s Roofing,a company with an unparalleled localtrack record, to offer its customers a com-plete solution for every electrical andphotovoltaic need.
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8 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ALL G ELECTRIC LLC8 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
Can you feel the heat?
ALL G ELECTRIC LLCcontact // 531-2554 web // www.allgelectric.com email // [email protected]
If you’ve had your eye on the outdoor livingindustry at all, you’ve no doubt seen a per-gola or 10. A pergola, or a large arbor with
enough room under it for a living space, isabsolutely the newest and most popular gardenstructure used for defining outdoor living areas.
But, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed bythe amount of home and garden magazines, tel-evision shows, blogs and newspaper articles fea-turing a wide array of pergolas in different styles,types, materials and uses, you’re not alone!
You probably know that pergolas were onceused as simply an extended arbor for vining allkinds of plants, flowers and vines. And, of course,all pergolas can still be used in this way. But, youmay have noticed that many pergolas are goingbare with no plans of growing vines soon. Aswomen’s fashion seems to be losing more andmore “coverage” with each passing year, so toodo pergolas want to show some more skin.
While pergolas are at the height of fashion,they certainly don’t box you in like many passingstyle trends that can only be executed one way.Pergolas come in all sizes and in pine, cedar, vinylas well as several other materials. You can leavethe beams exposed, or decorate them withvines. Plus, you can create a sitting area, diningarea, pool area or well, any kind of area under-neath it!
If you’re looking to create a pergola of yourown, the best place to design your entire projectis at GazeboCreations.com, which features acomplete step-by-step customization process.Vinyl pergolas need absolutely no maintenance,but don’t really lend the rustic feel of a RedCedar or Pine pergola. Pine pergolas can bepainted if you’re looking to truly personalize yourdesign with expert artistic skills, while a stainedred cedar pergola will have a natural luster thatwill wow you everyday.
To get started on your pergola project, visithttp://www.Fifthroom.com.
This article is courtesy of Home ImprovementNews and Information Center.
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Where dream designsare brought to life Homeowners Design Center has
been family owned and operatedsince 1969. Whether you are look-
ing for flooring, kitchen or bath cabinets,countertops or window coverings,Homeowners Design Center providesone-stop convenience with a large selec-tion of the latest products.
Quality design proves the company listens
The company has a specialist in everydepartment. Consultants have many yearsof experience in their fields and will worktogether to provide you with coordinatingdesigns, quality products and professionalinstallations. The company also providesdesign services for customers with its freeestimates. Kitchens have become the gath-ering place for family and friends. Open andwarm, they are no longer the closed-offspaces they were 20 years ago.Homeowners Design Center’s staff ofexperienced kitchen and bath designers,along with its flooring consultants, candevelop a design that fits your lifestyle,space and budget.
A company that chooses the best for its customers
Access to a variety of products and ven-dors means Homeowners Design Centerwill recommend what will work best foryou, regardless of the brand. The company’sconstantly updated sample and displaymaterials from local and national vendorsmeans less time researching and less legwork for your project.
With so many choices for cabinetry, theNational Kitchen and Bath Association rec-ommends asking for a cabinet that isKCMA-certified (Kitchen CabinetManufacturers Association), CARB-compli-ant (California Air Resource Board) andhas a long warranty. Homeowners DesignCenter features many cabinet lines that willmeet those guidelines or exceed themwith lifetime warranties and U.S.-madematerials.
The company also can help youchoose the perfect granite, marble,maple butcher block, Corian, Staron,Silestone or Zodiaq counter top for yourkitchen or bath. To find the right flooring,choose from wood, carpet, vinyl, ceramic
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Peace of mind and highest valueThe company believes in measuring the
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Free seminarsSign up for the free seminars held every
second Saturday of the month. They fea-ture a panel of experts in construction,finance and design to help you get a betterunderstanding of building a new home orremodeling an existing one.
10 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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When Honolulu’s respected real estate profession-als decide to go solar for their own homes, whodo they choose?
In their daily work, real estate power couple Barry andCorinda Wong have seen countless solar installations allover the island. Barry owns Building Specs Hawaii, a homeinspection firm, and Corinda is a Realtor for PrudentialLocations. They operate their businesses out of two officeslocated in their Kailua home.
When it came time to invest in a PV system, they choseAlternate Energy.
“With the business I’m in, I talk to a lot of clients andsee a lot of installations,” Barry said. “I really liked theMitsubishi panels Alternate Energy offers, so that madeour decision easy. I’m familiar with Mitsubishi’s quality onso many other products like cars and air conditioners. Iknow the brand.”
Barry is also a general contractor. He built the familyhome from the foundation all the way up to its beautifulMonier tile roof, and he was concerned about cracking tiles.“I’ve seen problems with cracking on other job sites. Butafter I saw the special Unirac bracketing system Alternate
Energy uses, with a unique design that elevates the arrays offthe roof and puts no weight on the tiles, I felt comfortablewith the installation.” Mitsubishi’s excellent warranty, and thestrong, weather-proof product helped too.
After consulting with Alternate Energy solar pro AriMatsumura, the Wongs opted for a 9.44 kilowatt premiumMitsubishi MLU255HC system with SMA Sunny Boy invert-ers. Barry said, “The staff at Alternate Energy and theinstallers were all very professional, they explained everydetail. I especially liked the fact that the installers areemployees of the company — Alternate Energy does notoutsource to subcontractors. They worked with me onplacement of panels and inverters, they were flexible and lis-tened to my concerns.” Barry also cited Alternate Energy’s20 years of service as a solar contractor on Oahu, and theirgenerous 10 year parts and labor warranty.
The installation went like clockwork. The system went livein September, and the Wongs’ HECO bill went from $450per month to $16.
Alternate Energy Inc. is located at 96-1276 Waihona St. #C124 in Pearl City. Call 842-5853 (Oahu) or 872-9592(Maui), or visit the website www.alternateenergyhawaii.com.
NOVEMBER 25, 2012 • 11
ALTERNATE ENERGY INC. NOVEMBER 25 • 2012 11
ALTERNATE ENERGY INC.contact // 842-5853 (Oahu) • 872-9592 (Maui)address // 96-1276 Waihona St. # C124web // www.alternateenergyhawaii.com
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The surprising truth about carpetCarpet has gained quite the reputa-
tion in the past decade, fueled by amultitude of assumptions. But is
there truth behind the rumors about thisvery popular flooring option? With a littleinvestigation, you’ll find many are complete-ly false — making carpet a viable flooringoption that can benefit everyone, fromallergy sufferers to penny pinchers to theelderly.
Who can benefit from carpet Carpet isn’t just comfortable and stylish,
it’s a safe flooring option too, reducing slipsand softening falls if they do occur — idealfor both the elderly and very young.Carpet also improves a home’s acousticsbecause it absorbs noise rather thanreflecting it back into the room. Those whowant to save money welcome the fact thatcarpet provides actual thermal resistance(R-value), meaning when it’s cold, it retainswarmth longer, conserving energy andreducing heating bills.
Perhaps one of the biggest misconcep-tions about carpet is that it’s bad for peo-ple with allergies. But the 60 millionAmericans the Asthma and AllergyFoundation of America says live with respi-ratory ailments might be surprised to learnthat the opposite appears to be true,according to multiple studies.
Allergy and asthma carpet studiesA 15-year Swedish study found no link
between carpet and allergy and asthma
attacks. In fact, when carpet usage inSweden decreased by 70 percent, allergyreactions in the general populationincreased by 30 percent. In 2003, a study ofschool children in New Jersey found thathaving carpet in a child’s bedroom wasassociated with fewer missed school daysand less need for asthma medication. Theseare just two of many studies showing nocorrelation between carpet and allergies orasthma.
How carpet helps asthma and allergy sufferers
So if carpet isn’t contributing to allergyand asthma problems, how is it helpingthose with the conditions? Carpet actsmuch like a filter, trapping allergens andkeeping them out of the air you and yourfamily breathe. These trapped allergens,such as pollen, pet dander and dust, can
then easily be removed through propercleaning techniques.
Think of your carpet like you would asweater in your wardrobe. If you wear asweater, it eventually gets dirty and needsto be washed. Your carpet is walked on bypeople and pets frequently, and much like asweater, needs to get cleaned regularly tolook its best and last a long time.
To keep your carpet in great shape,reduce allergens and retain good indoor airquality, consider these tips from the Carpetand Rug Institute (CRI):
1. Vacuum regularlyHow often do you really need to vacu-
um? High-traffic or pet areas should be vac-uumed daily, medium-traffic areas need tobe vacuumed about twice a week andlight-traffic areas should be vacuumedweekly. Use a CRI-certified vacuum for
optimum soil removal, dust containmentand to avoid damage to your carpet.
2. Limit dirt intrusionKeeping as much dirt and grime off the
carpet as possible is ideal. Be proactive andput out a durable entrance mat for peopleto wipe off their feet before entering yourhome. Then require everyone to take offtheir shoes so less dirt is tracked inside.
3. Deep cleanOnce a year your carpet should be
cleaned by hot water extraction by a pro-fessional. This process extracts deeplyembedded dirt that regular vacuumingcan’t reach. To find a CRI Seal of Approvalservice provider, visit www.carpet-rug.org.
If you suffer from particularly bad aller-gies, consider cleaning your upholsteredfurniture, draperies and blinds also. Like car-pet, these also need regular cleaning.Drapes and blinds can build up microscop-ic allergens quickly from open windows.Vacuum and wash regularly and considerhiring a professional cleaner once a year oras needed.
Carpet provides many benefits, so beforeyou spend a lot of money taking out yourhome’s carpet, remember why you chose itin the first place. Then take the proper stepsto clean it so it complements your homefor many years to come.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
12 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
12 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I have heardso many things about clocks, including thatthey are “bad feng shui” because they cancreate negative energy if not placed in thecorrect position. Can you shed some light on“clock feng shui?”
Ilove clocks, and one of the first ques-tions I had when I started learning fengshui was about the energy of clocks.
Clocks get more attention than otherhome accessories because they have adeeper intrinsic meaning and bring the ele-ment of awareness to the passing of time.
Mini history of clocksThe need to tell time was one of the driv-
ing forces behind the industrial and scientificrevolutions, leading to the creation of sundi-als, water clocks (klepsydra) and use of thependulum. Today, clocks are electric, digitaland solar. Clocks create global synchronicityand give structure to our daily lives.
Nature has its own clockClocks bring a symbolic, detailed and
accessible expression of the rhythm of lifeinto the home, mimicking nature’s clock,which brings us the synchronistic cycles ofnature in the reflection of the seasons,lunar phases, tidal changes, and day chang-ing into night and back again, just to namea few.
Clocks bring movement and rhythmIn the same way that nature expresses
movement and rhythm, clocks bring thesetwo elements of nature into our environ-ment. Clocks express the “physical”advancement of time through the visibleprogression of the seconds, minutes andhours in a day, encouraging us to be moreorganized, methodic and productive. If theclock has an audible ticking sound, it addssonic rhythm, sending waves of vibrationthrough the room and adding to the posi-
tive energy of nature in our homes.
Digital or analogue?Both types of time displays offer some-
thing to the environment. Although somepeople prefer the clear accuracy of a digitaldisplay, others want to avoid the electro-magnetic field created by the digital clockand instead opt for the more expressivemovement of the hour and second handson the analogue clock.
Physically, clocks, with their structure,tempo, rhythm and movement, bring active,organizational and planning energy to aroom and are seen as more “yang”(expanding and active) than yin (contract-ing and passive).
Mentally, clocks always engage your mind
and make you think when you look atthem: Am I late? Do I have enough time todo one more thing? Can I sleep a littlewhile longer?
Emotionally, clocks affect you as nothingelse in your house can, because knowingwhat time it is can easily get you in motionor make you either happy or anxious.
On a spiritual level (consciously or uncon-sciously), we know time is an illusion, butclocks remind us that we are human and thatour time is limited. We have only so manyhours in a day to accomplish what we wantand we have only so many years in a life span.
Fast, slow and broken clocks Broken clocks symbolize “time standing
still.” If things have been stagnant in yourlife, check to see if your clocks are moving.If not, get rid of broken clocks or repairthem or replace their batteries to get themmoving again.
Clocks set too fast can cause chaos inyour life. If you feel out of sync, act impul-sively or constantly jump the gun, missingout on potential opportunities, check yourclocks. If they are set ahead, adjust them toreflect the correct time. Develop the habitof being on time by changing your behavior,not the clock’s.
Slow clocks that fail to keep proper timesymbolize procrastination, lethargy, unpro-ductive energy and slowing you down.
Finally, here are a few general “dos anddon’ts” when it comes to clocks:
• Place them where you can easily seethem. You should not have to strain to seethe time. Hang wall clocks just above eyelevel, symbolically making a balanced exis-tence within reach.
• A clock should not be the first thing yousee when entering your home or a room,otherwise you will always feel short ontime.
• For a more restful and relaxed environ-ment, have no more than one clock in thebedroom. Although not practical in this dayand age, your own internal clock is best forthe bedroom.
• In feng shui, it is considered rude when ayoung person gifts an elderly person with aclock, because it symbolizes to the elderlyperson that his or her time is running out.
• If you have a collection of clocks, displaythem on a living room wall or gallery-stylein a hallway.
Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue LifeGuidance LLC, a company committed toassisting people in living empowered lives.Alice shares her wisdom as a professionalspeaker and personal consultant, and offers aseries of instructional DVDs on feng shui, aswell as her award-winning books on feng shui,happiness and spiritual life wisdom. Visitwww.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, signup for her newsletters and download usefulfeng shui tips.
NOVEMBER 25, 2012 • 13
ALICE INOUE NOVEMBER 25 • 2012 13
withAlice Inoue
It’s just a matter of timeClocks that are too fast, too slow or just plain broken can tell you a lot about yourself.Follow these time-honored tips to bring greater energy and structure to your life
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You can tackle homeprojects by yourself On any given weekend, homeowners
can be found climbing around inattics to add insulation, repairing
shingles on the roof, installing new floors inkitchens and bathrooms and handling manyother home improvement projects that,with a little elbow grease, they are able todo themselves.
This trend is crossing many generations.Forty-four percent of millennials (bornbetween 1980 and 2000) and 57 percentof Gen Xers (born between 1960 and1980) prefer to do home improvementand renovation projects themselves,according to Iconoculture researchers.
“Small updates can make dramaticimprovements to the look and feel of yourhome, like adding a fresh coat of paint,replacing an exterior door or installing newflooring,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, PellaWindows & Doors spokesperson.“Renovations can also help increase energyefficiency, which may save money on utilitybills.”
One popular project that affects boththe exterior and interior of the house isreplacing a drafty old entry door with a
stylish, energy-efficient one to transformthe look and feel of the home withoutbreaking the budget.
“As interior and exterior focal points,entry doors add highly-visible curb appeal,”Krafka Harkema said. “Whether you’reexpressing a certain style, your commit-ment to energy efficiency or your passionfor a particular color, Pella entry doors canhelp you reflect your home’s unique per-sonality.”
Fiberglass entry doors are a popularchoice. They look like wood, but withoutthe ongoing maintenance needs of wood.Plus, fiberglass offers exceptional energyefficiency, weather-resistance and outstand-ing durability to resist dents and dings.Pella’s fiberglass door line offers virtuallyendless options featuring decorative glasspatterns, distinctive panel styles and popu-lar factory prefinished stain options. In addi-tion, these doors include the exclusiveAdvantagePlus protection system, withthree low-maintenance features: rot-freedesign, durable frames and tough aluminumexterior trim.
For the DIYer interested in installing a
new entry door, keep these tips in mind:
• Proper installation is critically importantto ensure the door opens and closessmoothly and seals correctly to prevent air,light and noise from passing through. Taketime to read and follow installation instruc-tions. Pella products feature comprehensive
installation instructions to make it easy toproperly install them.
• Take inventory of the tools you currentlyhave. Determine what you will need for theproject. If you don’t have all the necessarytools, check with family and friends aboutborrowing items or consider renting them.
14 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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• Ask for help from a family member or friend to help youcomplete the project. Extra hands can come in handy.
And of course, once you’ve finished installing your newentry door, be sure to show it off to family and friends byinviting them over for a gathering. To learn more about Pellaentry doors or installation of them, visit pella.com.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
NOVEMBER 25, 2012 • 15
NOVEMBER 25 • 2012 15
The festive season is here and for do-it-yourselferswho always have a list of “to-do” projects to tackle,a new tool makes a great gift. From the weekend
warrior to the everyday DIYer, an addition to the toolbox is certain to bring a smile to their face.
Here are some ideas from Craftsman to get you start-ed on finding the perfect gift for the DIYer on your list:
• Stocking stuffer: Craftsman Cap Wrench BottleOpener
A tool box isn’t complete without a bottle cap openerfor use during the rewarding and relaxing time at the endof the workday. Give your loved one’s stocking a littleextra weight with this tool that looks like a traditionalwrench with a fun twist. The patented fulcrum designopens a variety of bottle tops. Personalize it by having aname engraved on the handle.
• Everyday DIYer: 65-in-1 Universal Wrench This innovative wrench empowers users to work on
16 different fastener sizes including inch and metric. Theuniversal design also gives it access to six different typesof fasteners: 2 pt., 4 pt., 6 pt., 12 pt., Spline and ExternalTorx. No matter what size or shape nut or bolt youencounter, this tool has got you covered, lightening upyour tool belt.
• Weekend warrior: Bolt-On Tool SystemWe all know that weekend projects tend to require
more than one type of tool. This modular power tool sys-tem saves you space, time and money with nine inter-changeable attachments that all connect to one toolbase. With its ability to transform from a drill to a routerto a jigsaw and more in mere seconds, it’s perfect to takeon nearly any project. A starter kit comes with the toolbase, 20-volt battery, charger and drill/driver attachment.
Eight additional attachments can be purchased separately,allowing your loved one to expand their power tool col-lection quickly and reasonably.
• Heavy-duty DIYer: C3 XCP Heavy-Duty DrillThis heavy-duty drill can tackle the toughest of jobs and
is the most powerful drill in its class. It is powered by a newextreme core performance (XCP) lithium-ion batterypack that provides 35 percent more run time. It featuresExtreme Weather Performance, which allows for easiertool start up when the temperature drops, so no matterwhat the season, your DIY die-hard can be working.
These gifts are sure to be “Guys FavoritesGuaranteed.” If they don’t love their new tool, the Searsreturn policy has you covered. For more information ontop holiday gifts, visit www.craftsman.com or Sears storesnationwide.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
Holiday gift ideas for the DIYer
Here we go! This is the busiest shop-ping weekend of the year — it’s allabout holiday gift-giving. If you’re
like me and you can’t stand crowds andlong lines, wait a little while, then pick up afew items and make some unique and per-sonalized gifts yourself.
Here at Cathy’s Marketplace, I’m alwayslooking for fun, fresh, creative homeaccents. With the holidays upon us, I put afew centerpieces together, and I’m going toshare my tips on how you can make yourown.
First off, start with your raw materials.Go to home stores, discount stores andcraft stores. You’ll be looking for vessels,filler and cellophane paper. Or maybe youhave an amazing vessel, crystal dish orceramic in a cupboard at home. And don’tforget ribbon!
You know me, I’m all about multi-pur-posing. So the vessel that I want is not justa container. It’s not a plastic piece that willbe thrown away after the potpourri haslost its scent or the wax has melted fromthe candles. I like to find vessels that can beused later as appetizer dishes or interestingfruit, veggie or sushi platters.
Now for your filler : This could be pot-pourri, it could be some nuts, rice, sand,glass rocks, river rocks, you name it. If youwant, you can add a row of mini-votivecandles, double-taped to the bottom.
And since you don’t want to create a giftthat can be found just about anywhere, atthe end you’ll want to add one final, specialtouch. More on this in my examples!
Finally, wrap your centerpiece in cello-phane and tie it with ribbon and a little bitof green. Voila! You’ve got a gift and center-piece in one that can be reused after theholidays.
In my first arrangement, I found thisvery cool, modern, long white dish(because white is white-hot!), layered insome river rocks and then some candles.
This arrangement is natural and earthy,but what makes it edgy and unique arethe special touches of some wired beadsas well as varying sizes of crystals to giveit shimmer and bling.
In the second arrangement, I went abit more traditional. Again, I star ted witha white vessel, then added some coloredpotpourri in greens and purples andbrowns. And for my special touch? Thiscolor scheme works really well withgold, so I put in a gold-plated flowerbranch to add height and dimension.Later on, this branch can be used toadorn almost anything.
Another idea is to use your vessel and
filler as a gorgeous backdrop for sometabletop accents or candlesticks, which youcould simply lay on top.
And finally, to get you thinking outsidethe box, look for little ways to add in yourown personal message for the recipient.These little silver acorns can be added toalmost any gift or be a gift in themselves,complete with a simple handwritten notethat says, “I’m nuts about you!”
So yes, it’s great to open that powder-blue Tiffany box under the Christmas tree,but it’s also nice to get something that waspersonally and lovingly made just for you.Sure it takes a little bit of time, but the sat-isfaction of giving a gift that’s uniquely you
and truly comes from the heart more thanmakes up for that.
Happy shopping — or happy crafting!
Cathy Lee is president and designer ofCathy Lee Style and Cathy's Marketplace, afurniture and accessories showroom withdesign services at 1110 University Ave. Sherecently opened reStyle Hawaii, an affordable,style-conscious consignment warehouse withupholstering and repurposing services at 420Keawe St. in Kakaako. Lee's interior designwork has been featured in local and nationalpublications, on HGTV and in her DIY designworkshops that teach homeowners the basicsof style. Visit www.cathyleestyle.com.
Centerpieces of attentionFor the holidays, create gifts that are uniquely you with these centerpiece arrangements
16 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CATHY LEE16 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
above A traditional arrange-ment featuring potpourri ingreen, purple and brown
far left An earthy arrange-ment with river rocks andcandles
left A gift of silver acornswith an appropriate mes-sage
JUSTIN DOTSON PHOTOS
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A kamai Energy is making the task of purchasing asolar system simple and affordable. A quick phonecall to the company sets you up with a friendly
Akamai Energy representative who will handle a short 30minute on-site survey of your home and review your elec-trical needs. A verbal estimate is given on the spot, followedup with a formal written estimate within 24 hours.
Akamai Energy understands that the clock is ticking andeveryone is in a hurry to take advantage of 35 percentstate credits and 30 percent federal tax credits before 2012is up. For this very reason, the company is prepared withenough install crews to handle the fall rush for photovoltaicenergy.
To help expedite any financing needs, Akamai Energyhas teamed up with one of Hawaii’s top local creditunions with 11 Oahu branches to help you get financedquickly for your solar system. To apply with an AkamaiEnergy solar loan program partner, all you need is yourAkamai Energy contract, signed loan application, twoyears of tax returns and two current pay stubs for allparties applying for the loan, and you can get financed inas little as three to four business days.
Going green can be expensive, and that’s why AkamaiEnergy has the most competitive pricing program on themarket for top-of-the-line Solar World 255 American-made panels featuring 25-year warranties on both panelsand micro inverters, as well as a 10-year installation warran-ty. Did you know that Solar World panels are salt mist-resis-tant, which is perfect for Hawaii? Solar World panels havebeen proven and tested as the No. 1 American-made paneland Akamai Energy is upgrading all its customers to thetop-rated SW255 model at no extra charge!
Akamai Energy even takes care of your permits,HECO net metering agreements and homeowners asso-ciation paperwork to make it as easy as possible to gogreen for 2012.
To make it even more enticing, did you know thatAkamai Energy’s installers have more than 10 years ofexperience in hot water solar and roofing? Wouldn’t you
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Just in time for the holidays, with every complete AkamaiEnergy PV solar system purchase during the month ofNovember, customers will receive a new iPAD, $500 mall
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Capturing the perfecttemperature at homeHappy Holidays from the Aire
Conditioner Shoppe. By optingfor an efficient, split-ductless air
conditioning system, you can guaranteethe ideal climate for your home or office.Systems sold and installed by the AireConditioner Shoppe are available in avariety of styles and price ranges.
“The best time to service your existingsplit-ductless system is between themonths of November and April, so whenthe warm weather hits, it will continue tooperate with high efficiency,” said AireConditioner Shoppe owner NeilWiedemann.
The latest split-ductless systems pro-vide zoned comfort and are engineeredto install quickly and easily. These systemsavailable from the Aire ConditionerShoppe, which specializes in Fujitsu andMitsubishi, provide both heating andcooling with the push of a button on theremote control. They also provide indi-vidual temperature control throughoutyour home or business so each room,zone or floor will be the temperatureyou set.
Concerned about air quality? Thesesystems have the capability to filter outdust, mold spores and micro- organisms.The Dry Mode helps to con-
trol humidity levels, even when coolingisn’t needed. Other standard featuresinclude Sleep Timer Auto Changeoverand 24-Hour Timer Cold Prevention.
Concerned about appearance? Thecooling-only wall-mounted units, designedfor single rooms, are slim and stylish.
Indoor units have a clean, aestheticdesign and are powerful, though small andshorter in length than competing units.The variable-speed compressor helps sys-tems adapt to shifts in heat load causedby afternoon sun.
Concerned about noise? These unitsare so quiet you won’t even know they’reon. How about cost? “The operativeword is ‘efficient,’ ” Wiedemann said. “Oldor malfunctioning air conditioning sys-tems are energy hogs that don’t do thejob effectively and run up your electricitybills. The air conditioning systems availableat the Aire Conditioner Shoppe are thenewest models that incorporate the lat-est technological advances.” He pointedout that split-ductless systems can be just
as efficient as central air conditioning, ormore efficient in terms of energy savings,depending on the lifestyle of the home-owner.
Wiedemann, who has been in the airconditioning business since 1979, sells andinstalls split-ductless systems on Oahu, aswell as portable air conditioners. He alsosells less expensive window units that areoften the choice for apartments, con-dos and houses. “Even the window airconditioning units, which are generallywhat you see in older apartment build-ings or townhomes, have been extensive-ly improved both in efficiency and appear-ance. However, the tenant and/or ownerneeds to obtain permission from themanagement company and/or apartmentowners association to install any type ofair conditioning,” he added.
Visit the company’s showroom inWaipio or log on to www.airecondition-ershoppe.com. Please call for an appoint-ment first. The Aire Conditioner Shoppegives free estimates on new installs ofsplit-ductless air conditioners.
18 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
AIRE CONDITIONER SHOPPE18 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
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BY KYLE GALDEIRA
A s it makes the move from its current location to anew home at 1727 Republican St., HawaiiHardwood Flooring is offering up to 70 percent off
on a wide range of flooring products and accessories. So, asthe company moves to its new digs, customers can movesome high-quality flooring upgrades into their homes andstill have enough money left over to take care of their hol-iday shopping lists.
Hawaii Hardwood Flooring brings more than 30 years ofexperience to every flooring project it takes on, and presi-dent Chris Brenna makes it a priority to offer customers amultitude of residential and commercial flooring options.The company features three installation teams and threesanding and finishing teams that take the worry, stress andmess out of the installation process.
If a brand-new flooring system is not feasible,Brenna suggested refinishing any existing woodflooring to extend its life. He noted that it willusually take a week for his team to sand and refin-
ish 500 square feet of flooring, and the floor will need 30days to harden after the refinishing process, as the floor willcure and become scuff resistant.
“If you live in an older house with existing flooring that islooking pretty old, you can refinish the floor with our dust-less sanding and finishing process that typically takes a weekto do,” said Brenna, who also recommended putting pro-tectors on the bottom of furniture pieces to lessen theirimpact on the floor. “The process will make your floors lookbrand new for company coming over.”
As the holiday season swings into gear, HawaiiHardwood Flooring has some tips for homeowners lookingto brighten or spruce up their living space in anticipation ofhosting parties or guests.
For homeowners with aging carpet who have been con-sidering switching to a hardwood flooring option, Brennasuggested prefinished engineered or solid hardwood floor
types as a quick and effective solution, as installation nor-mally takes one to two weeks.
While prefinished hardwood flooring has grown in pop-ularity, Hawaii Hardwood Flooring is one of the few localflooring businesses also offering sand-and-finish and unfin-ished materials. The wide variety of flooring choices cou-pled with their corresponding installation procedures anddistinct appearances provide customers with a wealth ofchoices throughout each project.
Hawaii Hardwood Flooring also offers a price-match guar-antee, two-year warranties (as opposed to one-year guaran-tees offered by most competitors) and the user-friendlycompany is also able to assist with the moving of furnitureand cleaning. Additionally, the company offers free cleaningkits with each flooring system purchased and installed.
NOVEMBER 25, 2012 • 19
HAWAII HARDWOOD FLOORING NOVEMBER 25 • 2012 19
HAWAII HARDWOODFLOORINGcontact // 842-7755address // 1727 Republican St.web // www.HawaiiHardwoodInc.com
The key to flawless floors
A n important part of any kitchen or bath remodel istaking measurements and drawing a visual map.Measuring the existing cabinets will give you sizes
for replacement cabinets.
WallsThe first step is to measure the walls of where the new
cabinets will be placed. The best way to measure a wall isfrom one corner to the opposite end. It is always helpful tohave someone else hold one end of the measuring tapewhen measuring large areas.
Next, measure the ceiling height, starting from the floor.Measuring the ceiling height will determine the generalheight of the wall cabinets for proper counter space. Whentaking measurements, sometimes there are spaces that willmake taking accurate measurements difficult. In these situ-ations, it is better to round down to the nearest inchrather than round up. Cabinets for a kitchen design withmeasurements rounded down will be sure to fit; the extraspace can always be hidden with a filler piece. Whereaswhen rounded up, a whole cabinet may have to be
changed to a smaller size to fit.
Openings and obstaclesIt is important to jot down all openings
or obstacles, such as windows, doorways or ceiling beams.Measure the placement of the obstacle from one end ofthe wall and the sizes (width and height) of the obstacle.
AppliancesPlan on keeping the existing appliances? Take meas-
urements of their sizes to ensure the cabinet design willallow space for them to fit. Similarly, when getting newappliances along with new cabinets, take note of thenew sizes.
With existing or replacing appliances, measure theirplacement from one end of the wall to one side of theexisting appliance. If the plan is to relocate appliances toa different area, however, make a note of where.
Sink(s) and Plumbing FixturesMeasuring from the center of the sink to one wall will
give a reasonably accurate idea of the existing plumbingand what cabinet sizes may work. Also, take the meas-urements of the existing sink or new sink so the sinkcabinet size will be able to fit the sink. Although plumbingcan always be moved, using the existing setup is mostcost effective.
Stop by Da Wing Trading LLC today for help withdesigning your kitchen or bath layouts. Call 847-3288 orvisit www.dawingtrading.com for more information.
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Falling hard for concreteG ranicrete Hawaii specializes in transforming old,
bland, discolored and outdated flooring with cus-tom concrete finishes. The company brings to
Hawaii the innovative and unique resurfacing solutions ofGranicrete International, one of the nation’s premier deco-rative finish networks. Granicrete Hawaii is the source forconcrete resurfacing in the Islands, with certified installerson Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island.
The company’s polymer-modified concrete overlays pro-vide a great canvas for unlimited design, color and texturepossibilities. Granicrete Hawaii also offers a number of stan-dard finishes, and its staff is ready and willing to work withcustomers in designing a custom look tailored to suit theirneeds. Certified installers craft and color the flooring over-lays by hand. Decorative textures or natural stone looks likeflagstone, slate and travertine are achieved with overlays ofjust 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch thickness. The flooring systems areextremely durable and versatile, lending themselves tonumerous applications. Granicrete overlays are great forpatios, pool decks, walkways, driveways, garages and interi-ors. The company also offers micro-toppings, just 1/16-inchthick, to give a fresh, smooth finish to interior floors. Micro-toppings can be colored with concrete stains or metalliccolors for a contemporary look.
Concrete stains are another solution offered byGranicrete Hawaii. Stains can be applied directly to yourexisting concrete slab or onto concrete overlays. Stains area great way to add some character to interior and exteriorspaces. Various techniques yield limitless looks, and are evenable to simulate natural stone, marble and leather. Stains areavailable in a wide spectrum of colors, from neutral earthtones to pastels to bold, vivid colors in translucent oropaque finishes.
Granicrete Hawaii trains professionals and do-it-your-selfers interested in installing Granicrete overlays as a busi-
ness or in their own homes or rental properties. Take a twoday class or learn at your convenience with the company’snew on-demand online training! Visit www.GranicreteHawaii.com for more information.
You can also visit the showroom to see a variety of floor-ing samples. It is conveniently located at 525 Kokea St., justoff Dillingham Boulevard. Product information, pictures anddirections are available at www.GranicreteHawaii.com. Call
626-5418 or email [email protected] schedule a free consultation and estimate.Take advantage of 10 percent off your nextproject for the month of December.
Unless you’ve been living on a desert island, youknow how tough it is to sell a home these days. Insome neighborhoods, “For Sale” signs are as com-
mon as mailboxes. And the challenge is the same whetheryou live in a small house or a McMansion.
Still, there are ways to get a competitive edge: Realtorsknow that well-maintained homes tend to sell faster, some-times for a much higher price, and there are some inex-pensive ways to spiff up a house.
“One of the best ways to get your home to stand outfrom the crowd is to apply a fresh coat of paint in psycho-logically important areas,” said Debbie Zimmer, paint andcolor expert for the Paint Quality Institute. “At the top ofthe list are the front door and key parts of the home inte-rior.”
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “falling in love with ahome.” That feeling starts at the entranceway, so your frontdoor should create a favorable first impression. Fresh-look-ing paint on your front door tells potential buyers that youcare about your home, giving them a comfort level evenbefore entering.
“Next, take a hard look at the space just inside the door,”said Zimmer. Is it warm and welcoming? Is it well main-tained? If you can’t honestly answer “yes” to both ques-tions, it’s important to do something about it. Zimmer
advised home sellers to repair any imperfections in thewalls and paint the space in a “quiet” color, such as whiteor off-white. “Studies show that these colors appeal tomost people, and they’ll enable potential buyers to moreeasily picture their own furnishings in your home,” she said.
As for the rest of your interior, Zimmer advised repaint-ing any room with loud or overly bright walls in a neutralpaint color. You should also critically evaluate the conditionof rooms where your children or pets spend time — asadorable as they may be, they can take their toll on yourhome interior. Fresh paint can quickly and easily restorethese areas.
Should you find it necessary to take on several of thesepainting projects, don’t be put off. You can probably handlemost of them yourself, and even if you need to hire a pro-fessional painter, the jobs shouldn’t be too costly.
Things get more complicated when it comes to yourhome’s exterior. As with the front door, the overall condi-tion of your outside walls and trim are part of a home’scurb appeal — or lack thereof. Touch-ups can be helpful
Come and visit our showroom at1018 Smith St. • Hon., HI 96817www.cvconstructionhawaii.com
Residential, Kitchen, Bath & RemodelingDesign • New Home •Additions •Renovation •Commercial
Y3 Construction, Inc./Lic#BC15731
For A Free Estimate For All ProjectsCall Victor:428-5191 or 531-3888
NEW HOUSE BUILDHardie Board Siding/Bamboo Flooring
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Fresh paint makes a differencewhen it’s time to sell the house
22 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
22 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
here. However, if your entire exterior is in need of anew paint job, you’ll have to decide how much you’rewilling to invest to improve its appearance prior to sale.
If you’re the handy type and your home isn’t toolarge, doing your own exterior painting can be relativelyeconomical, potentially returning much more than thecost involved. But the calculus of hiring a professionalpainter is different, so weigh your options carefully. Indoing so, you may want to consult with a knowledgeableRealtor who can offer valuable advice on the wisdom ofpainting the exterior.
Whether you do your own exterior painting or hirea contractor, it’s best to complete the work before put-ting your home on the market. Then, when you do, besure to promote your brand-new paint job. Not need-ing to paint for a while will be a big plus in the eyes ofprospective buyers and could help you seal the deal!
For more information about home painting, visitblog.paintquality.com or www.paintquality.com.
This article is courtesy of Home Improvement News andInformation Center.
It’s easy to forget some-thing when you go toyour local paint store or
decorating center to buythe items you need forinterior painting. To helpsave you a second trip tothe store, take this list withyou and check off theitems as you go. And, besure to read the first itemon the checklist evenbefore you leave home!
• Dimensions of the roomor space you’ll be painting
• Top quality paint
• Good quality brushes
• Roller cover(s)
• Roller frame
• Roller tray
• Painter’s tape
• Dropcloth
• Paint can opener
• Paint stirrers
For more tips, checkout www.paintquality.com.
This article is courtesy ofHome Improvement Newsand Information Center.
Here’s a checklist to take withyou to the paint store
• Replace Jalousies at Front Entrance• Free Design-Prefab & Installation Available
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NOVEMBER 25 • 2012 23
Diamond Head Windows & Doors carriesseven major brands of windows available invinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and wood. The
company can help you select the windows andstyles that fit your needs and budget. Most brandsoffer a lifetime warranty. Hawaii’s unique climate,with its combination of wind, salt and sun, can createreal wear-and-tear or destroy many products. Thecompany can help you choose products that have aproven endurance record in Hawaii.
Contact Diamond Head Windows and set up anin-home consultation. The company is availableevenings or weekends so that everyone involved inthe decision and design can take part. The consulta-tion can take from 30 to 90 minutes, depending onhow many questions you have. This is not a “buynow” or pressure sales pitch. The company is confi-dent in its products and pricing, and encourages youto do your homework so that you find the productsthat best fit your needs. If it cannot provide whatyou need, Diamond Head Windows can recom-mend dealers or contractors who can better serve you.
During the consultation, professionals discuss what youwant to accomplish with your window replacement as well
as situations with your current windows: improving opera-tion, ventilation, comfort, privacy, security and appearance.
The company will walk through your home and measureeach of your openings and inspect your windowsand surrounding construction so that we canadvise you on repairing any water damage, dry rotor termite damage.
Diamond Head Windows can then sit down andshow you the differences in various window brandsavailable in Hawaii, as well as their pros and cons, sothat you can determine what is best for your home.The company has sample windows available so thatyou can see how they operate and what they willlook like in your home. These include differenttypes of obscure glass, tints, grids, hardware andsecurity options.
Once you and the company have narroweddown the styles and options that you want for yourhome, Diamond Head Windows can give you an
estimate on-the-spot for each brand selected and tellyou about any promotions or rebates being offerednow or in the future. It also has a database to direct youto friends or neighbors who have installed windowsthat you are interested in, so that you can see what theylook like installed and find out what their experience
has been with our company.Utilize the company’s experience and variety of available
products to get the windows and doors that will fit yourneeds and budget. You’ll see why your neighbors love thecompany’s products and service. Call Diamond HeadWindows & Doors at 799-8979.
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24 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DIAMOND HEAD WINDOWS & DOORS24 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
DIAMOND HEADWINDOWS & DOORScontact // 799-8979
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HOME OF HAWAII’S BEST FLOORINGBAYSIDE AND KAHALA FLOORS LINES
VISIT OUR 3000 SF SHOWROOM TODAY!926 KOHOU STREET 847-7711
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Shirley Pai HiltonPresident & CEO, PII
AFFORDABLE AND BEAUTIFULThat’s what new flooring from Kahala Pacificfloors will make you say! Why suffer with thatold carpet? Treat yourself to new flooring thisholiday season and get “oohs and aahs” fromyour friends and family. I will personally visitand measure your home and we’ll get it lookingFANTASTIC in time for Christmas! Call me at847-7711 today. Aloha, Shirley!
Learn about flooring at our FREE seminar
“WOOD AND STONE FLOORING 101”Saturday, December 15, 2012 10AM
Please call to reserve a seat
Let’s talk about your roof! In this dayand age, the choices for “which prod-uct” and “which contractor” are wide-
ranged and plentiful. Our climate here onOahu, and throughout the Hawaiian Islands,has left us searching not only for a long-lastingproduct, but an energy-efficient one — it’sthe “green era.”
According to recent statistics, home andbuilding owners are going with roof-coatingproducts such as silicone and acrylics morethan ever before. These products are not onlyeconomical, but highly energy-efficientbecause of their reflectivity (not allowing theheat in).
The products are traditionally applied andcan be used over metal, asphalt and concrete.Home and business owners commonly havethis roof installed in white, but it can be tintedto just about any tone under the rainbow.This is an excellent choice for low-slopehomes with existing substrates that are indecent to good condition.
The price of silicone and acrylics rangesfrom $3 to $5 per foot.
Another low-slope product is the Single Plyroof. The product consists of large sheets of
plastic or rubber compoundsthat are mechanically fastenedor fully adhered to the roofingdeck. The seams of the productoverlap and then are heat-welded together, forming amonolithic (seamless) roof. Thisis the new roof of choice forbuilding contractors, and itoffers great warranties andexcellent reflectivity.
Single Ply roof prices rangefrom $4 to $12 per foot, depending on theroof removal and insulation needed.
For steeper roofing surfaces, metal prod-ucts are a great option. Most of them areavailable with a reflective energy-efficient fin-ish and come in many beautiful colors. Thestanding seam metal roof is a great candidate
for solar, as fewer penetrations into the roofhave to be made to attach the PV or hot-water panels.
Metal roofing prices range from $8 to $10per foot.
Asphalt shingles have also come a long wayregarding heat distribution and energy efficien-
cy. Most manufacturers have a reflective shingleavailable that is very affordable. Additionally,there is a wide range of warranty options, from20 years to the lifetime of the structure.
The price of asphalt shingles ranges from$3.50 to $5.50 per foot.
In one word, the future of roofing is “excit-ing.” Manufacturers are hard at work makingproducts available to both home and busi-ness owners that are high-quality, energy-effi-cient and yes, very green.
Contact Surface Shield Roofing Companytoday for more information concerning yournext roof. Call 497-2716 or visit www.surfaceshieldroofing.com.
Having family and friends over for theholidays is always a festive occasionand a time to relax and enjoy lasting
memories. Perhaps Grandma and the auntiesare in the kitchen preparing a feast, others arewatching sports or “talking story” and all thechildren seem to be everywhere.
No matter where the relatives are in yourhome this holiday season, the one place that isoften overlooked, but frequently used by all, isthe bathroom. Revive your bathroom with afew of these quick fixes:
Change out your accessories Replace your old tarnished accessories with
shiny up-to-date fixtures. In Hawaii’s harsh cli-mate, metal-finished fixtures can quickly beginto fade and show their age. TOTO® showerheads, tub spouts, faucets and accessories canrejuvenate the look of a bathroom and areeasily changed in a single day.
Update your vanityReplacing your vanity can instantly enhance the entire
look of your bathroom. Are you lacking space in your bath-room? Do you need more storage? Reducing the size ofyour vanity can make your bathroom appear larger and stillaccommodate your storage needs. Modern vanities fromRONBOW® are preassembled all-hardwood furniturepieces that incorporate design, functionality and storage.
Mix and match to make your own custom-designed bath-room.
Switch out your old toiletReplace that old, stained toilet bowl. Switch to a water-
efficient comfort height toilet from TOTO® to accommo-date Grandma’s frequent trips to the restroom. Choosing a
sleek skirted one-piece toilet will make cleaning abreeze and is sure to make your cousins jealous.Focusing on a strong, balanced flush is a mustwhen the whole family “drops in.”
Add a washletNothing says clean, convenient and comfort-
able like a brand new Washlet® from TOTO®.Everyone will “ooh” and “aah” as they take noticeof your high-tech “heinie” hygiene. With thewhole family visiting, the Washlet’s cleaning fea-tures will spare you from the embarrassment ofrunning out of toilet paper. Step up to a modelwith a built-in air purifier to assure that the only
smell in your home is holiday cooking. TOTO® Washletscan be installed in less than half an hour and will make animmediate impression.
Looking for more helpful ideas? Come by The BathroomStore’s Platinum Showroom soon to see its new products.Happy Holidays from The Bathroom Store!
ALL ISLAND BATH REMODELING LLCOver 20 Years Experience Locally Owned & Operated
• 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
Guy KakugawaContractor’s Lic: #C31944, #C31945
Call for a Free Estimate
358-7780
www.allislandbath.com
Bathtub to Shower Conversions
S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTIONHome Design • Free Consultations
Specializing in design, local fabrication andinstallation of custom metal and glass productsAluminum • Bronze 385 • Stainless Steel • Brass • Glass • Steel
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Over 45 Years of Experience
This year is coming to a close, and inHawaii, the new year brings renewaland renovation to our lives. One of
our customs is to clean out the old andbring a renewed freshness to our homes.What better way than to finally make ourdream kitchens, bathrooms, flooring orhomes into a reality?
Many homeowners plan on renovatingtheir homes and kitchens at the beginningof the year. What they don’t realize is thatin order to begin renovations in January orFebruary with quality materials, they needto star t planning in November andDecember in order to have their homesmeasured and the estimates and designwork done. Because we live in Hawaii,materials need to be ordered from theMainland with a fabrication and shippingtime of one to two months.
Many homeowners hesitate to take thefirst step in renovating because they worryabout finding, working with and coordinat-ing between all the different vendors,designers and contractors involved. As aresult, many homeowners put off the ren-ovations that they want, living unhappily in
spaces they want to change, and anotheryear goes by.
CS Design Builders specializes in theone-stop, turnkey solution to a home-owner’s renovation worries. The companyworks with you for a free measure andestimate, and helps you with designing andselecting what you want. Then it makessure that even when working with multi-
ple vendors, you won’t have toworry about coordinating withthem. The company takes care of allyour worries during the renovation
process and manages in-house builderswho work on your home. CS DesignBuilders handles your entire renovationfrom the beginning all the way to the fin-ishing touches with one point of account-ability and contact.
CS Design Builders customer MasonAllbritten said, “I put off getting my reno-vation because of all the stories of having
such a hard time working with so manydifferent stores and contractors, and howthey got ripped off by the sketchy ones.But once I started working with CSDesign Builders, I was so happy because Ifinally got my dream kitchen without theheadache, and everything went sosmoothly all in one place.”
Take the first step this month in makingyour dream renovation come true in timefor the new year, and call CS DesignBuilders for a free measure and estimatetoday.
Hawaii is perfectly situated for bothsolar water heating and photo-voltaic energy production. With
2013 rapidly approaching, now is the timeto prepare for solar savings.
Let’s consider the latest news in the solarindustry. The State of Hawaii Departmentof Taxation has released temporary admin-istrative rules effective Jan. 1, 2013. These
rules change the way tax credits are calcu-lated. Depending on the size of the system,the new rules may or may not affect theamount of state tax credit a homeownermay take in a given year. The federal taxcredit remains unchanged.
Regardless of any changes to state taxincentives, photovoltaic (PV) electrical sys-tems continue to be attractive from a
financial perspective. With inter-est rates on savings accounts athistoric lows, installing solarenergy may be one of the bestinvestments.
For example, a $25,000 sys-tem yielding savings of approxi-mately $200 per month on yourelectric bill equals a 9.6 percentannual rate of return. Have you checkedthe rates on money-market funds lately?Take a look and you will see what a greatinvestment solar energy is. When federaland state tax incentives are factored in, thereturns are even greater. What other homeimprovement provides such a great return?
If a solar water heating system is part ofyour improvement project, you will notonly have a lower electricity bill and taxcredits, you will also benefit from theHawaii Energy utility rebate of $750. Hi-Power Solar has the expertise to help youwith both solar water heating and photo-voltaic solutions.
The savings start as soon as your systemis operational. Therefore, you maximizeyour benefits by taking action now. After all,every dollar paid to the power company ismoney that will never be recovered.
Is it time for consumers to “pull the trig-ger” and “go green?” Emphatically, yes!
When speaking with potential solar con-tractors, always ask if they assign the workto subcontractors or employ their owninstallers. Hi-Power Solar is a “full-service”contractor with in-house installers.Principals Ron Romero, who has more than20 years of experience, and Matt Adams,who has more than 17 years of experi-ence, are familiar with City and Countybuilding codes and special homeownerassociation rules. Hi-Power Solar offerstop-notch components, expert installationand competitive pricing. The company’sgoal is to provide quality systems at fairprices.
Hi-Power Solar welcomes your inquiries.Visit the company’s website at www.Hi-PowerSolar.com, or call 342-0802.
Start planning for solar savings
HI-POWER SOLARBACK PAGE STORY28 NOVEMBER 25 • 2012
PHOTOS COURTESY OFHi-PowerSolar
28 • NOVEMBER 25, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
