695-EXPO Look For Bright Orange Roof with a Butterfly Serving Hawaii Since 1981 695-EXPO SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8-4, SATURDAY 9-4 www.hawaiihomeexpo.com Summer SALE AN EDITION OF AUGUST 5, 2012 HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM It’s easy to see why people are turning to Hawaii Home Expo for the latest in home design trends. As the state’s exclusive dealer of Stonepeak Ceramics, the company offers new lines of products derived from nature, including its mold- and crack-resistant porcelain panels, the Plane collection, ideal for any kitchen countertop or backsplash. See page 3 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. INSIDE: Follow our lineup of columnists, who can help you create that beautiful home. see page 11 see page 2 see page 14
Transcript
695-EXPOLook For Bright Orange Roof
with a ButterflyServing Hawaii Since 1981 695-EXPO
It’s easy to see why people are turning toHawaii Home Expo for the latest inhome design trends. As the state’s exclusivedealer of Stonepeak Ceramics, the companyoffers new lines of products derived fromnature, including its mold- and crack-resistantporcelain panels, the Plane collection, ideal forany kitchen countertop or backsplash. See page 3
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
INSIDE: Follow our lineup of columnists, who canhelp you create thatbeautiful home.
seepage 11
see page 2 see page 14
Galvanized pipes dominated as thematerial of choice for plumbing inthe past. If your home was built
before the 1960s, as 20 percent of thehomes on Oahu, according to census data,you probably have galvanized plumbing.The pipes are made of steel, and thencoated in zinc to protect against corrosion.The problem is, when they are used forplumbing, the zinc has a tendency to reactto the minerals in the water. This can leadto plaque forming in the pipes, whichmeans lower water pressure and possiblyeven burst pipes. The coating also tends to
flake, which may lead to lead in your tapwater.
Today, homeowners are getting wise tothe problems associated with galvanizedpiping, and they are opting for copperpipes instead. How do you know when it’stime to make the switch? The experts atD’s Plumbing suggest homeownerskeep an eye out for these threesigns:
1. Rust around your pipe joints and pittedrust spots on your pipes2. Brownish water coming out of yourfaucets3. Lower-than-usual water pressure
To get started, first take a good look atwhat you have. Do all the pipes need tobe replaced? Copper is a pricey material,and replacing all the pipes at once can bea costly venture. Copper may also not bethe best choice for all of your pipes. PVCpipes may work better for drain andwaste, while copper might fair better forwater-supply lines. To help curb costs, con-sider using copper only where necessary.
Just remember : If you are connecting
copper pipes to galvanized pipes, youmust use a dielectric union, which is a typeof fitting that isolates two different metalsto prevent corrosion. Without it, the cop-per and steel connection will produce arapid corrosion, just the thing you want toavoid. You’ll need to solder the brass endof the dielectric union to the copper pipeand the steel end to the galvanized pipe inorder to avoid this. While handy home-owners may be able to tackle this on theirown, consulting a licensed and bonded
plumber is always the pre-
2 • AUGUST 5, 2012
When is it time to replace yourgalvanized pipes with copper?
Home Loans are provided through CU Network ServicesLLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawaii Central FederalCredit Union (HCFCU). NMLS# 412820; NMLS# 375459
Federally insured by NCUA.
Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
S ince 1986, Marblehaus Hawaii hasestablished a reputation for havingthe best selection and variety of
natural stones for interior or exterioruse. However, after merging with parentcompany T. Oki Trading to form HawaiiHome Expo, it became apparent that car-rying only natural stone would not satisfythe needs of a diverse and knowledge-able clientele. While still a leader in themarket for natural stone, Hawaii HomeExpo has also gained a strong interest indistributing porcelain tiles. To that end,the company is constantly on the lookoutfor suppliers that care about quality asmuch as aesthetics. The latest triumph inthat arena is that Hawaii Home Expo isnow Hawaii’s exclusive distributor ofStonepeak Ceramics.
Here is some helpful con-sumer information to under-stand before delving into thebeauty and quality of Stonepeakmaterial. Many people ask whatthe difference is between porce-lain and ceramic. There is notmuch of a difference, except thatthe clays used to create porce-lain tiles are more refined andpurified than the materials usedto produce ceramic. The endresult is harder, denser and lessporous. Since there are manysimilarities, people will often usethe terms interchangeably. Don’tbe confused, however, becausethe products at Stonepeakexceed the standard tests for any porce-lain tiles on the market.
Speaking of tests, the quality can bedetermined by the test results. A typicaltile is tested for things such as waterabsorption, resistance to chemicals, hard-ness, abrasion resistance and breakingstrength. A typical porcelain tile mustabsorb less than 0.5 percent of its volumeof water. The Stonepeak material is testedto absorb less than 0.1 percent. Porcelainsmust be rated at least five on the Mohsscale of hardness. All of the Stonepeakmaterial is a seven or higher. The breakingstrength is listed at more than 400
pounds, whereas the standard is 250. Thelist could easily go on, but the main pointis that this product is manufactured withquality beyond the “standard.”
Another highlight of the products isthat they are color body tiles. This meansthat the body of the tile is made to be asimilar color to the surface. In the unlikelyevent that the tile were to be scratched,the abrasion would be much less notice-able because of the similar color of thetile’s body. In addition to this level of qual-ity, it’s a green product with much of thetile produced from recycled content, andit’s made in the US.
If all of that wasn’t enough to convince
Hawaii Home Expo to bring Stonepeakproducts to the local market, the innova-tive culture of the Stonepeak family cer-tainly sealed the deal. Not only are thedesigns Italian-inspired, but the newestproduct coming out this year is incrediblyinventive. The Plane series introduces tilesthat are as large as 60 inches by 120 inch-
es (that’s five feet by 10 feet) in only a1/4-inch thickness. They are perfect forshower surrounds or large areas whereclients want to minimize grout lines. It’ssure to be as extraordinary as the rest ofthe Stonepeak Ceramics line.
To learn more, please visit HawaiiHome Expo at 2933 Koapaka St.
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 3
HAWAII HOME EXPO
Creating the finest in home design with porcelain tiles
It’s easy to see why people are turning toHawaii Home Expo for the latest inhome design trends. As the state’s exclusivedealer of Stonepeak Ceramics, the companyoffers new lines of products derived fromnature, including its mold- and crack-resistantporcelain panels, the Plane collection, ideal forany kitchen countertop or backsplash. See page 3
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
INSIDE: Follow our lineup of columnists, who canhelp you create thatbeautiful home.
seepage 11
see page 2 see page 14
HR COVER STORY AUGUST 05 • 2012 3
PHOTOS COURTESY OFHawaii Home Expo
A lternate Energy has been Hawaii’slocally owned, family-operated solarenergy provider since 1993. It is a full-
service, fully licensed company with an eyetoward slow, sustainable growth. Today, thecompany is honored to be among the top-three residential PV providers in the state.
What else sets Alternate Energy apart?“We care about Hawaii,” said company
owner and founder Bruce Ekimura. “We’vebeen around a long time, and we’ll be herefor many decades to come. We don’t needto be the biggest, but we do aim to be thebest at what we do, one great job at a time.”Bruce said his customers know they cancount on the highest-quality product, solidwarranties, expert installation and excep-tional service from the entire AEI team.
Meet a few of the pros from the AEI ohana:
One busy guyBorn and raised on Oahu,
Jeff Lum attended St. LouisHigh, Kaiser High, KCC andUH Manoa — that’s a wholelot of teams to root for. Plushe has six great kids (just onebeautiful wife, though). Hisother love is tennis. “Love isnothing in tennis, but in life,it’s everything.”
Surf’s up!Craig Kawamura is an
Aiea High graduate whoknows his way around asurfboard! Craig studiedunder master shaper BenAipa, and still has his ownshaping company, CKSurfboards (which is moreof a hobby now that he’sdirecting the sales team atAEI). He said his UH Manoadegree in Zoology comes inhandy, as he’s “working witha bunch of monkeys.”
A goal-oriented fatherChad Ihara is another Aiea High graduate. He’s the father
of two girls and loves to spend time with them coachingtheir HYSA soccer team, Hawaii Rush. He’s also an avid fish-erman, always in search of a big catch on his boat, Watabozu(a local twist on the Japanese word for rascal). His motto:The worst day fishing is better than the best day working ...unless you sell solar for AEI — then it’s a tough call.
Alternate Energy Inc. is one of Hawaii’s oldest solar energycompanies specializing in the design and installation of photo-voltaic systems and solar water heating. It has been a HECOApproved Contractor (Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program)since 1996 and is Hawaii’s only Mitsubishi Elite Dealer.
4 • AUGUST 5, 2012
A PV company with localroots, long-term vision
ALTERNATE ENERGY4 AUGUST 5 • 2012
ALTERNATE ENERGY INC.contact // 842-5853 (Oahu) 872-9592 (Maui) address // 96-1276 Waihona St. #C124 web // www.alternateenergyhawaii.com
Made 100% in JapanMonocrystalline Cells
Half-Cut Cell4 Busbar CellBlack Frame
Alternate Energy Inc., 96-1276 Waihona St. #124Pearl City, HI 96782, [email protected]
License No. C-26041
18 Years of QualityService to Hawaii
SINCE
1993
Great Durability in High-Saline AreasExcellent Workmanship & Quality
25 Year Power Output WarrantyLead-free Solder Connections
Call Us For Elite Dealer Pricing
842-5853Visit us online at www.AlternateEnergyHawaii.com
We’re Rated A+!
8/6, Pearl City Branch8:00am - 12:30pm
8/18, Makiki Branch9:30am - 12:30pm
8/18, Mililani Town Center10:00am - 1:00pm
8/18, Kailua Branch9:00am - 1:00pm
8/20, Pearl City Branch8:00am - 12:00pm
Upcoming American Savings Bank Events
NewElite Dealer
PricingCall Today!
Come join us at the following Americian Savings Bank branches to learn more about their Clean Energy Loan
Mitsubishi 255W Modules
Premium Quality
Jeff Lum
Craig Kawamura
Chad Ihara with his two daughters
When it comes to construction,standard materials can differfrom one contractor to anoth-
er. The selection of materials can makethe difference not only in the cost of con-struction when it comes time to build, butalso in the cost of maintenance and thelifespan of the products in your newhome improvement project. AtlasConstruction Inc. believes that buildingdesigns should be low-maintenance andhave a long lifespan.
The variation in building materials notonly lies in the material itself, but also inthe different levels of quality within eachitem. One example is granite countertops.You have probably seen them offered at alow price in the classified ads, but did youknow that there are different levels ofgranite and that the grade of the materialhighly influences the cost? AtlasConstruction uses grade-A granite as itsstandard material for all of its projects. Thecompany also maintains a high-level grade
of materials as its standard for all of itsbuilding items.
When you use an inferior grade of abuilding material for your standard com-
ponents, the initial construction cost islowered. When you do this throughout thewhole project, the overall contract pricebecomes lower as well. Problems arise
over time, however, and maintenance costswill increase as the lifespan of your projectdecreases. This means that each compo-nent made with a sub-standard grade ofmaterial needs to be either repaired orreplaced. The overall cost becomes higherfor your construction project.
Atlas Construction uses a high tomedium-high grade of componentsthroughout its building designs. Thisgives homeowners the added value ofknowing that their construction projectis built to last, low- maintenance andmade with building materials that willhave a long lifespan.
ATLAS CONSTRUCTIONINC.contact // 951-9500address // 1513 Young St. #202 web // Atlasconstruction808.com
Wednesday • August 22 • 6:30 pmNeal S. Blaisdell Center
Maui Room
Thursday • August 23 • 6:30 pmPearl Country Club
Hawaii’s #1 Building SeminarFREE BUILDING
SEMINARLimitedSeating!
Call now to
make your
reservation!
• What do I need to start building?
• Where do I start planning?
• Why do I need a budget?
• How much does it cost to build?
www.atlasconstruction808.com Become a fan on facebook:www.facebook.com/AtlasConstruction
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 5
A company built on high standards
BY KAREN NAKAMURA
The Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA-Hawaii) will present the eighth annual Remodel ItRight/Remodel It Green Expo this Friday, Aug. 10
through Sunday, Aug. 12 at a new location, Neal BlaisdellExhibition Hall. More than 200 exhibitor booths will show-case Hawaii’s top contractors, suppliers, building industryexperts and associates. Interested companies are welcometo contact BIA-Hawaii to participate in this convenient cen-tral location showcase of remodeling industry expertise.
The event theme, Remodel It Right,Remodel It Green, will enlighten and edu-cate homeowners on the latest products,services and trends in energy savings andsustainable living.
Unique features of this award winningexpo include the “Meet the Experts” pre-sentations that provide ongoing round-table interactive discussions from theentire spectrum of the remodeling indus-try and the “Remodel It Right” panel ofexperts. These in-depth round-table dis-cussions will cover key topics that will pro-vide a strong foundation for your remod-eling project. Architecture, GeneralContracting, Contractor Licensing,Permitting Basics, Prioritizing YourRemodel and Energy Savings and Creditsare all topics offered in 10-minute rotatingsessions. A free Remodeling Planning Kitwill be offered to every family attending the three-panelsessions, while supplies last.
Come and discover the latest products and services asyou gather all the resources, ideas and contacts you will
need to make your remodeling dreams come true. Formore information, visit www.biahawaii.org.
Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO of theBuilding Industry Association of Hawaii.
Best Prices GuaranteedWith Installation of the Same Equipment
Over 30 Years Track Record • Free Estimates on Split Systems• We Sell, Service, Install & Repair
We also sell Portable A/C’s, Split Systems, Window & Thru the Wall A/C’s, Flush Mount A/C’s
Before you buy a split system, make sure you’re buying the highest energy savings available. The higher the EER the more you save.
Visit us at: www.aireconditionershoppe.com#410
Gas
HONOLULU537-1971
LEEWARD676-1455
KAIMUKI 737-1852
MILILANI625-5666
WINDWARD 262-6163
Call for an Appointment
94-529 Ukee St. #105, Waipio Gentry 96797 (Across from The Womens Wellness Center)
GOD BLESS AMERICAVETERAN OWNEDLIC# C-19622 & C-31915
A+ Rating
• 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
Call for a Free Estimate
358-7780www.allislandbath.com
Over 20 Years ExperienceLocally owned & operated.
GUY KAKUGAWAContractor’s Lic: #C31944, #C31945
Bathtub to Shower Conversions
License No.C-25776
OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
A+ BBB Rating
•New Gutters•Reroofing•New Roofs• Apollo Solar
Roofing (PV)•Repairs
FREE ESTIMATES,CALL
428-794799-205 Moanalua Rd. Bldg. C. Unit #213 • Aiea, Hawaii 96701
2011 BIA Remodel It Right/Remodel It Green ExpoFILE PHOTO
Showcasing the building industry’s best
Sure, you know you can lower or virtu-ally eliminate your monthly electricitybill with a solar electric system. What is
involved with the design, build out and hook-ing it up to the electric grid, though? Andhow will you ever pay for this?
With so many questions, Hawaii home-owners truly rely on their solar professionalto lead them through the process. Beware ofthe solar company representative that handscribbles notes and requires multiple visits todevelop an initial cost quote.
“At our first meeting with RevoluSun, theyanswered all my questions and even ones Ihadn’t thought of. My wife and I immediatelytrusted our project developer, thanks to hisexpansive knowledge and professionalism,”said customer Andrew Gorman of Kaneohe.“He even generated us a custom quotewhile at our home. He was always availablethroughout the process, and we couldn’t behappier with the quality and service wereceived from RevoluSun.”
RevoluSun’s proprietary software systemdeveloped here in Hawaii, RiSE™, allowsproject developers to generate a price quote
right on the spot at the client’s home. RiSE™saves the customer time and gathers all theimportant information quickly. There is noback-and-forth with phone calls and multiplevisits. Where homeowners may have oncestruggled with uncomfortable and some-times intimidating sales techniques,RevoluSun puts its process on the table —literally. Using a laptop, RevoluSun’s projectdeveloper collaborates with a homeownerto create a custom solar electric system.
Through the RiSE™ software, homeown-ers can compare and contrast various solartechnology, side by side, to determine whatproducts are best for their roof and theirenergy needs. RiSE™ also acts as the sourceto manage the project, collecting and stor-ing all of the client’s project information inone portal. This allows for the entireRevoluSun team to easily access projectdata and keep tabs from the initial quotethrough design and permitting. Combinedwith the project developer’s expertise, thistechnology offers clarity and efficiency sohomeowners truly understand the timeline,cost and products.
“We developed RiSE™ to empower ourprofessional developers to provide a clear,consistent quoting mechanism,” said compa-ny principal Eric Carlson. “We perfected itby ensuring it is the single source for projectmanagement from start to finish, allowingfor a smoother and quicker design andinstallation process.”
RevoluSun uses the highest quality panels in the industry because we want you to get the most value for your solar PV system.
DID YOU KNOWthe most valuable real estate onyour property could be your roof?
RevoluSun will have a booth at the BIARemodel it Right Show Aug. 10, 11 and 12 atthe Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
Attendees can work one-on-one with atrained solar project developer to zoom inon their home with satellite imagery anddetermine the optimal solar system for theirspecific home, location and energy needs.
“Stop by the RevoluSun booth and quick-ly understand your home’s potential for solarsavings,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun princi-pal. “Bring your electric bill, and in just a fewseconds, we’ll use our interactive software todesign a customized solar system right atthe show. This provides a homeownerimmediate feedback on the solar powerpotential of their home.”
With today’s solar products, systems areguaranteed for 25 years, but expected to last40 years or longer. At current electricityprices, a solar system pays for itself withinfour to five years, depending on market con-ditions. For a typical Hawaii homeowner,every week without a solar system can beworth $50 or more in electricity costs thatwould otherwise be provided by the sun.
Come on down to the show
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 7
FREE GRANITE(on select colors, while supplies last.)
*Some exclusions apply, price varies with pantry, drawer base and corner cabinets. Promotions not valid with free granite promo. Accessories sold separately. All sales final no refunds or returns.
Must present ad for discount. Only Validuntil August 17th. While supplies last.
Must present ad for discount. Only Validuntil August 17th. While supplies last.
Must present ad for discount. Only Validuntil August 17th. While supplies last.
No other discounts apply.
1030 Kohou Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
www.homeownersdesign.com|808-847-0216
Visit Homeowners Designer Center and discoverHawaii’s best remodeling and new construction
resource for cabinets, flooring, window coverings,countertops, kitchen and bath design.
#C–6122
8 • AUGUST 5, 2012
8 AUGUST 5 • 2012
Whether you are looking for a way to increase the marketability of your home, or simply looking for a way to make your outdoor space more enjoyable, a deckremodel adds living space to your home and value to your house.
Home remodeling is projected topick up steam by the year’s end,according to a recent report by the
Remodeling Futures Program at HarvardUniversity. If you’re one of the many consid-ering a home remodeling project, a deckremodel is a simple project that offers morethan a 60 percent payback according toHanley-Wood’s Remodeling magazine’sCost vs. Value Report for 2011-12. You caneither go all out with a complete redesign,or pick and choose a few small projects thatcan have big effects in upgrading your out-door living space. Whichever way you sliceit, a deck remodel usually ends up being a lotless expensive than remodeling yourkitchen, living room or basement.
Where to startWhen you decide to remodel your deck,
one of the first decisions you’ll make is whattype of material to use for the job.
Composite decking offers a great way toadd beauty, while reducing time you’ll spendon maintenance. While composite hasalways been a low-maintenance option,composite decking providers have come along way since the last time you may havepurchased decking materials.
For example, Fiberon composite deckingoffers capped composite options that close-ly mimic traditional grains and exotic hard-woods, a far cry from the plain and plastic-looking composite of years ago. Withoptions like these, you’ll get the gorgeousappearance of wood without splinters,twisted boards and rot. And you won’t bestaining or painting it every two years. Plusyou’ll have warranties against fading andstaining. Whether you’re redesigning a granddeck that dramatically increases the foot-print of your living space or simply resurfac-ing a small deck, composite is a great option.
Once you’ve chosen your material, it’s
time to decide the layout.Do you like the existingdesign of your deck, or areyou looking to add a level fora little more dimension?Meet with a deck builderwho specializes in outdoor spaces to goover your plans and get a cost estimate, orvisit the Design & Build section atwww.fiberondecking.com to use its free toolthat facilitates designing your own deck.
Other updates to considerUpdating the rails on your deck is another
great option to add fresh life to your out-door oasis. New railings offer a way to addcolor, dimension and character to your deck.Plus, quality railings are needed for safetyaround higher-level deck elevations. This caneither be done in concert with a completeremodel, or as a smaller side project if yourcurrent surface is still in good shape.
Since your deck connects you to the out-doors and allows you to comfortably enjoyyour backyard, consider bringing nature a lit-tle closer by adding plants. Deck builders arecraftsmen who can easily add built-inplanters, bench seating and lighting as part ofyour remodel. Then hit the garden store tobrowse their selection of potted plants,weather-resistant seating and umbrellas. Ifyou already have furniture, adding colorfulnew pillows or painting wrought-iron furni-ture is often all you need to add new life toyour space. Lighting makes evenings moreenjoyable and promotes a festive atmos-phere, or can set the mood just right for apeaceful, relaxing night on your deck.
Upgrade your outdoor space,increase your home’s value
AUGUST 5 • 2012 9
Begin with neutral flooring for ultimate design versatility
Do you pin your favorite bathroommakeover ideas on Pinterest, lookfor inspirational kitchen designs or
dream about new decorating styles foryour home? If so, you’re not alone. Manyhomeowners are opting to makeover theirhomes this year instead of upgrading to anew one.
According to a recent survey by BetterHomes & Gardens magazine, consumersrank “style upgrades” as the most impor-tant component of their upcoming homeimprovement plans, followed by storage.For future projects, consumers said theirtop style upgrades include flooring, coun-tertops, faucets and fixtures.
Laminate flooring experts from Quick-Step suggest beginning a style upgradeproject by installing neutral-colored floor-ing. Neutral floors create the perfect can-vas to help tie all of a room’s design ele-ments together.
What is a fresh, new and widely-popularneutral color within interior design circles?That would be gray. Some of the hottesthardwood flooring designs for 2012 offertraditionally American brown tones thatare delicately infused with a gray influence.
Quick-Step offers a variety of styles andoptions with gray undertones — fromrustic oak plank designs and floors withwire-brushed detailing to the same visualsand charm of a hardwood floor construct-ed from reclaimed, vintage wood. Quick-Step’s Reclaime Heathered Oak flooringcomplements a wide range of decoratingstyles. Gray-toned floors provide the idealbackdrop to let your style and favoritecolors shine through, and they also transi-tion well as interior design styles andtrends change.
Gray is the new brownGray is no longer viewed as a trend
color in design circles, but is now viewed byprofessional designers as the new neutral.
“Gray is the new brown,” said ErinnValencich, interior designer and blogger forHGTV’s Design Happens. “I used a gray-based floor in my new design studiobecause it goes well under a myriad ofother wood tones. You don’t have to usegray-based furniture on top of it — graylooks great with all wood tones.” Anotherbenefit to gray-based flooring, Valencich
added, is that it’s very forgiving.Just look to large furniture retailers to
see how their offerings now highlight gray-based tones. The bleached-out, weatheredScandinavian look is very popular rightnow, Valencich said. It’s perfect to pair witha new gray floor.
Colors that complement Don’t be afraid of color when designing
a room with a gray-based floor, Valencichsaid. She suggests one of these colorpalettes to make a room shine:
• 50 shades of blue. Gray looks beautifulwith any shade of blue, from soft-powderblue to vibrant turquoise to charming daisyblue.
• Bananas Foster. A favorite color trio ofValencich’s is yellow, chocolate and creamon top of a gray-based floor. The subtleflooring highlights the rich colors for abold, decadent look.
• Lovely with lavender. Lavender is one ofthis year’s hottest colors and a long-timepartner for gray. Valencich suggested addingany color of purple to a gray floor forstandout results. “Consider creating a focalpoint around a muted lavender wall andadd some deep, rich, regal purple accentsto bring it all together.”
Need help choosing your colors? Try outQuick-Step’s “Design A Room” online toolthat allows you to select different flooringoptions and see how they look with hun-dreds of different Valspar paint colors.
Or search “The Idea Gallery” onValspar.com for ideas to spark your roommakeover, like Valspar’s “organic elements”color trend. Inspired by the calming energyof nature, this palette of chalky hues, earthybrowns and mineral grays creates balanceand stability. Then add a bright honeysucklebeige for an unexpected pop.
Getting startedWhen beginning a room makeover proj-
ect, the first step is choosing a clear colorpalette. Wall color is a great place to begin,Valencich said, but any object — a rug,chair or artwork — can serve as yourinspiration.
Next, think of the design process in layers— the trick is to coordinate and contrast. “Ifyour paint, accessories, furniture and floor-ing are all the same color, the room will feelflat,” Valencich advised. “So create drama byusing a pop of color or by layering varying
shades of the same color for a refined,tone-on-tone look.”
A well-executed color palette can trans-form any space with great results. For moretips, visit quickstepstyle.com.
Need a style lift?
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 9
Anew kitchen in time for the holi-days may seem like an impossibledream with the year more
than half gone. However, it couldbe an achievable goal.
“Even with an August start, ourdesign/build team could have akitchen, and a bath as well, remod-eled and ready for Thanksgiving,”said Tim Foxen, HomeworksConstruction project coordinator.
Foxen advised that homeown-ers hoping to do their holidayentertaining with a new kitchenshould start the planning processnow by contacting him or any ofthe Homeworks project coordina-tors to assess the condition of thecurrent kitchen and work out a remodel-ing budget.
“A basic remodel usually involvesreplacing cabinets, countertops and appli-ances. What’s important here is to makeselections as soon as possible to be sureeverything is available when we actuallystart removal and replacement.
“We can meet in our showroom and
show clients quality cabinet lines in a vari-ety of styles and finishes with top-grade
hardware. Prices vary, but we always try tofulfill the client’s wishes at the best possibleprice. There are numerous styles of coun-tertops ranging from quartz to laminates,which are attractive and durable andrequire less maintenance than granite. Forappliances, we can make recommenda-tions or accompany the client to our sup-pliers’ showrooms.”
Foxen noted that structural work suchas moving walls to open up a closed-upkitchen or constructing an island canincrease the time needed to complete theproject.
You can meet with the Homeworksdesign/build team at its booth at theRemodel It Right Expo at Blaisdell Center
Aug. 10-12. And plan to attend the nextBuild New Or ReDo seminar at theHomeworks showroom from 6 to 7:30p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21; for reservations, call955-2777. Remodeling questions can alsobe called in to the Homeworks Build NewOr ReDo radio show Saturdays at 9 a.m.on KHVH AM830 (521-8383).
Save $$ by Refacing your existing cabinets or we can build you custom ones!Replace Doors, Drawers, Countertops, Hi-Macs, Raised Panel Hardwood Doors, Corian & Granite
2 2 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S
Servco appliances, GE products & more Dealer prices by
Essential CabinetsUp to 22% OFF
Retail Priceson appliances, faucets and sinks!
ENJOY THE OLYMPICSRemember to call us for a FREE ESTIMATE
We’ll give you EXCELLENT QUALITY,FRIENDLY SERVICE!
We will beat any competitor’s priceby 10% with same products & specs
10 • AUGUST 5, 2012
HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION10 AUGUST 5 • 2012
HOMEWORKSCONSTRUCTIONcontact // 955-2777 address // 2111 S. Beretania St.
Hoping for a new kitchen for the holidays? It’s not too late
As a client walked me through herhome, she felt comfortable enoughto discuss a topic that had been
troubling her. “I feel as if I can’t get away from my in-
laws,” she told me. “They drive me crazyand constantly meddle in our marriage!”
Entering the master bedroom, I immedi-ately saw why. On the walls, a series ofphotos of her husband’s family hung hap-hazardly — most noticeably, a large pictureof his parents facing her side of the bed.
The problem may seem obvious to you,but she did not see the correlationbetween the placement of the photos andher feelings. Family photos are fine, but thebedroom is your sanctuary, and in feng shui,the relationship area of your home is prob-ably not the best place for pictures of yourin-laws.
The chicken or the egg In instances like the one above, the ques-
tion that always comes up for me is, “Whichcame first, the chicken or the egg?” Did myclient always feel her in-laws were intrusiveor did she hang the photos and conse-quently “invite” the in-law-meddling into hermarriage? The photos were a visible clue towhat was going on beneath the surface.
Your pictures are “speaking” to you
When we are out in the world, the sightsand sounds around us “speak” to us, and
we consciously and subconsciously takeeverything in. In our home, the artwork onthe walls “speaks” to us, constantly pouringthe energy of what is depicted into theenvironment.
When you want to improve the energyof your environment, make sure the pic-tures on your wall support, not workagainst you. Do the images in your homedepict what you want in your life? If not,consider replacing them with images thatmake a positive, uplifting statement in line
with your visions and goals.
Where images areconcerned, here are somegeneral guidelines to follow:
• Let go of old times. If the images onyour walls remind you of a time youwould rather forget or from which youwould like to move forward, take themdown.
• Avoid violence and turbulence. Scenes ofbattles, storms and raging waters areunsupportive, unless you enjoy never-end-ing conflicts and chaos at home.
• Let go of fine artthat is “negative.” Ifyou have expensiveart that has unsupportive connotations oran unpleasant past linked to it, ask yourselfif sacrificing the energy of your home forthis “investment in negativity” is worth it.
• Use images that are positive. When indoubt, hang inspiring and uplifting artworkthat has personal meaning — images thatdepict life force, abundance, vitality, peace,happiness and harmony.
• Balance the size of the wall with the sizeof the image. The size of the image shouldbe proportional to the area where it isplaced, so place large paintings in areaswith a lot of space or group small paintingsto fill a larger wall, balancing the yin andyang, or the passive and dynamic energy ina room.
Here are some location-specificguidelines:
• Entrance. Water is associated with theentry because it enhances the flow ofenergy through the front door. Represent
the water element withmirrors, images of flowingwater or abstract art in anundulating shape, makingcertain that the imagesappear to be flowing intothe home.
• Blocked walls. If a wall iswithin six feet of the entryto your home, open up thespace with an image thathas depth perspective. Forexample, landscape paint-
ings draw the eye past the wall by symbol-ically “breaking it down.”
• Top of stairs. Use bright artwork depict-ing fire colors (red, bright pink, orange), onthe wall at the top of the stairs, to help theenergy “climb” the stairs easier. Frame yourchildren’s artwork using bright colors andlet the image “call you” up.
• Behind the bed. Mountain and naturescenes and stationary images depict stabil-ity and are supportive. Avoid too muchmoving water (represents emotions) inthe bedroom and incorporate harmoniouspairs for peaceful relationship energy.
Our homes are a reflection of our innerselves. So bring your dreams and wishesfrom inside your heart and display themon the walls of your home to better sup-port your life.
For more information about life guide andfeng shui expert Alice Inoue, visit the websitewww.aliceinspired.com.
A Picture-Perfect HomeThe type of artwork you decide to hang on your walls can go a long way towardsupporting a positive, harmonious lifestyle.
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 11
We spend hours in the kitchen socializing, keep-ing the family organized and, of course, cook-ing and eating. As the center of the home’s
activities, the kitchen should be as fun as it is functional.With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you cancook up a whole new look for your kitchen.
Warm up the wallsChanging the color and texture of walls is an easy way
to add some spice to any kitchen. Paint the walls a deepred or blue for a dramatic look, or make your space feellight and airy with a coat of sunny yellow or subtletaupe. Feel free to experiment with decorative paintingtechniques such as stripes, geometric patterns or tex-tured finishes.
After you’ve freshened up the color andtexture of your walls, express your per-sonal style through a few newaccessories. An antique clock,picture collage or shelveswith colorful canisters canbe a decorative as well asfunctional addition to thespace.
Change up the cabinetsLiven up basic cupboards by
switching the hardware — it’s a sim-ple way to give your existing cabinetsa whole new look. Use crystal knobs
for a vintage touch or add stainless-steel handles foran ultra-modern, sleek appearance.
And don’t forget about the functional aspect ofyour cupboards — install shelf liner to ensure cabi-nets stay clean and well-maintained. Shelf liner pro-tects cabinet shelves and drawers from wear andtear, prevents scratches and keeps spills or dripsfrom damp dishes from causing damage to surfaces.
“I recommend using shelf liner in any kitchen ren-ovation project,” said Danny Lipford, home improve-ment expert and host of the Today’s Homeownerwith Danny Lipford TV series. “It’s simple for anyhomeowner to install and can be easily cleaned witha damp cloth or thrown in the washing machine. Myfavorite is Easy Liner from Duck brand — it offersan array of non-adhesive and adhesive shelf linersthat are stylish and practical for use in any kitchen.”
The most popular variety, Smooth Top EasyLiner has a smooth surface that catches
messes and spills as they happen,making clean-up a breeze, while the
non-slip, gripped underside keeps theliner firmly in place.
Transform your tableCreate a delightful dining space with a
few changes to your kitchen table. Use astaple gun and a bright fabric to recover yourchairs, making items you already own look likenew additions to your home. You can even
create a new tablecloth using the left-over fabric. Then, design your very ownplacemats using Smooth Top Easy Linerfor a decorative touch that’s easy to
All plywood - No particle board!Personalized service!
Buy direct from the source!
76th Year Anniversary
Islander Granite
countertops!
“In Stock”Islander Granite
countertops!
“In Stock”
LIFETIME EPOXY GARAGE FLOORING808-596-8833
Lokahi Saddle Tan
Many Colors to Choose From, Chemical Resistant, Hot Tire Resistant, Ultra Durable, Lifetime WarrantyLOKAHI STONE INC. 518 KAMANI STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96813
Lokahi Kahala Brown Lokahi Green
www.garageexperts.com LIC#BC-24650
12 • AUGUST 5, 2012
12 AUGUST 5 • 2012
Cook up a whole new look for your kitchen
The pulse of paradise.www.staradvertiser.com
For questions related toyour Honolulu Star-
Advertiser subscriptionCALL
538-NEWS(6397)Request a vacation stop • Make a payment
Billing or delivery questionsStart a new subscription
wipe clean as well asreplace.
Make sure to add achic centerpiece — avase of fresh flowers, a
glass bowl filled withfruit or a collectionof candlesticks — to
transform your exist-ing tabletop and cre-
ate a focal point forguests as they enter
the room.
Brighten the basicsAdding color from floor to ceiling is a great way
to improve the overall feel of your kitchen. To star t,try adding accessories to areas of your kitchen thatfeel blase. Bring in color at the highest points of thekitchen by adding faux plants or interesting knick-knacks to the space above cabinets. Then, look low
and consider the floor. Placing a colorful area rugbeneath the table can bring additional interest andcolor to the kitchen, while also protecting the flooragainst scratches.
Window treatments are another effective, eye-catching way to make any kitchen pop, whetheryou’re adding new valances, cornices or even longpanels. When choosing fabrics, make a statement withbright colors or choose an unexpected, bold patternfor a contemporary approach. Sophisticated stripes,pretty plaids or fun florals are also a nice choice forkitchens. Followthese tips to makeyour kitchen aschic as your dinneris delicious —you’ll create a fla-vorful design thatwill look goodenough to eat.
• Repair & New Installation • Change Galvanize to Copper
BBB Member. Fully licensed, bonded and insured. Non-union, locally owned & operated for 16 years.
KMELECTRICHAWAII.COM
K M
Where Quality, Craftsmanshipand Value Meet.
Kitchens • Baths • AdditionsNew Home & Commercial Construction
FREE ESTIMATES808-366-0575 upbhawaii.com
UP TO
10% OFFwith this ad
BC #: 31288
AUGUST 5 • 2012 13
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 13
Many homeowners who have put off homeimprovement projects for some time havedecided to turn their dreaming into reality —
especially in the kitchen. Updating your kitchen is a rewarding home improve-
ment. Upgrading countertops — which consume a largearea of the kitchen — is an ideal place to start. Whilelaminate is the most cost-effective choice, options suchas solid-surface, marble or granite offer an upscale look,added durability and functionality. In addition, theseupgrades allow you to enhance your sink with an under-mount version, such as the Moen Caldwell double bowlsink, for a seamless look.
Finish off the counter area with a high-end kitchenfaucet. High-arc pulldown styles are the fastest growingkitchen faucet category — and the new Harlon faucetis one of the first to feature Moen’s Reflex pulldown sys-tem, which offers high-quality performance with secureretraction, exceptional range of motion and generousreach.
Finally, flooring, as one of the largest surface areas inthe kitchen, is an ideal upgrade that can set the tone ofthe room from the bottom up. And, today’s flooringmanufacturers offer resilient flooring in a variety ofmaterials, colors and patterns to meet your functionality,style and price needs.
For more information, visit www.moen.com.
Follow the trend and giveyour kitchen a mend
14 • AUGUST 5, 2012
CATHY LEE14 AUGUST 5 • 2012
I’ve always been the type to look for any occasionto celebrate. So when the Honolulu Star-Advertiserasked me to write this column for its publication
Hawaii Renovation and I started thinking about a namefor it, the answer wasn’t at all difficult.
To me, celebrating style means celebrating yourhome, your office, your space — and doing it with yourstyle. I want this column to be all about fun, approach-able ways to design and decorate those spaces so thatthey reflect your style in ways that will make you wantto, well, celebrate!
In this first column, I’ll talk about some tips to livenup your space and bring a smile to your face with quick,simple touches.
Probably the No. 1 issue I run into when giving work-shops or designing for clients is color phobia. You knowthe scenario: rooms that are beige, boring and blah sim-ply because neutrals are safe and easy to match.
So how do you liven up a neutral room? Two words:splash accents.
Splash accents are the pops and sprinkles of colorthat contrast with your dominant colors to add depth,drama and interest. They’re also one of the most effectiveways to make a room look put-together and give it adesigner touch.
What goes great with taupes, browns and creams?Vibrant colors that stand out from those neutrals. To reallygive a neutral room impact and style, try adding somechocolates to those taupes and creams, and fill in with bold,vibrant accents.
Accents don’t always have to be bold, however. You cancreate interesting, relaxing spaces by adding lavender, pow-der blue or apricot to neutral rooms. We’ll talk more aboutcalming spaces later.
It’s also important to remember that if you add thatsplash in a painting or new rug, don’t just leave it there byitself! Repeat it in a few other elements by adding cushions,vases or drapes in the same shade as your accent color. Thiswill carry the color throughout the space and create amore cohesive look.
In rooms that already have a lot of color, splash accentscan introduce energy. For maximum impact, determine thedominant color in your space, then find a color wheel,either online or in a decorating book, and go to that color’s
direct opposite. Thiswill be your comple-mentary, or contrast-ing, color. For exam-ple, if your maincolor is blue, you’llget a dramatic pairing by choosing oranges like persimmonor tangerine.
If you want just a little more energy without the drama,go to the color wheel and find the colors on either side ofyour dominant color. Harmonious color schemes lookgood because all the colors are close to each other. So foryour blue room, you could add a little green or yellow toget some subtle ripples of energy going — or try addingboth.
And a final easy tip: Let’s say you already have a focalpiece like a sofa or rug with a color that you want to repeatas your splash accent. Take a cushion from that sofa, or getpaint swatches or a fan deck and try to match that color.
Reds and oranges, for example, are great to work into anisland-style home, but there are hundreds of shades of red,from cherry to brick to rose. If you only guess at the right
shade, you might go shopping for new accents, only to findwhen you come home that they’re not cohesive with yourspace. To save yourself some time and headaches, it’s greatto have your color samples with you while you’re shopping.
Have fun adding color! You’ll be amazed how splashaccents can add the look and energy that will give you aspace worth celebrating.
Cathy Lee is president and designer of Cathy Lee Style andCathy’s Marketplace, a furniture and accessories showroomwith design services at 1110 University Ave. in Moiliili. Lee’sinterior design work has been featured in local and nationalpublications, on HGTV and in her DIY design workshops thatteach homeowners the basics of style. To find out more, go towww.cathyleestyle.com.
Go Ahead, Color Your World!By adding splash accents to any neutral room, you bring energy and depth toyour home, and turn it into a place worth celebrating.
The real estate market is still in a state of limbo, whichhas many homeowners staying in place and lookingfor ways to make their current abode the most
comfortable it can be. Upgrading a bathroom is a greatplace to start because it’s a smaller room and is used byboth occupants and guests. A remodel can also help yousave money on your utility bills.
Here’s how to change the bathroom of your home intoa beautiful and comfortable space:
• Vanity. Used for hand washing, preening in the mirrorand brushing teeth, the vanity is one item in the bathroomthat is the center of activity. Add an artistic — and econom-ical — touch to your vanity with TOTO’s Wyeth Faucet,characterized by its refined good looks. When on, this budg-et-friendly, universal design faucet runs a mere 1.5 gallons ofwater per minute, earning it the green WaterSense label. Inaddition to the faucet, consider upgrading your mirror witha model that combines beauty and elegance in the room.
• Walls. A fresh coat of paint can go along way in changing the look and feelof a room. Don’t forget about the ceil-ing. Even if you only give it a new whitecoat, the fresh look can make all thedifference. Choose a paint that handleshigh humidity well to give your upgradea longer lifespan.
• Toilet. The toilet tends to be the largest water consump-tion appliance in homes. But replacing your older toilet withTOTO’s 1G, a one-gallon per flush ultra high-efficiency toi-let, can really affect your utility bills. This gravity-fed toiletuses Double Cyclone Flushing technology to provide excel-lent performance and exceptional bowl-cleansing action tocreate a green, clean-flushing system that saves you money,water and time cleaning the toilet, always a thankless task.
• Flooring. High humidity often found in bathrooms canquickly age the flooring, causing dated linoleum to peel and
even crack. Plus, modern flooring products are much high-er-quality and are built to withstand more traffic and high-humidity environments. Consider using ceramic, clay orstone tiles, or laminate in stone or wood styles to modern-ize the look of your bathroom.
Upgrading a bathroom will transform your entire housewith a new look and feel. And if you love the changeenough, you might decide to continue the upgrade toanother room, like the kitchen or master bedroom, turningyour home into the beautiful house of your dreams.
2841 Pukoloa Street in MapunapunaShowroom Hrs: M-F 10am-6pm; SAT by Appointment
Visit our new showroom:
GATES & FENCES
Whether you’re looking to replace, upgrade or add a new garage door, fence or gateto your home, choose Raynor Overhead Doors. From modern styles to classic facades,Raynor StyleView aluminum or BuildMark steel pan and insulated garage doors are thechoice for achieving a contemporary look or accentuating the design of an older resi-dence. Our gates and fences are not only stylish, they come equipped with heavy-dutycommercial-grade hardware, offering the perfect combination of beauty and reliability.
RAISED RANCHSTYLE
ALUMINUM
WOOD
BAMBOO
WROUGHTIRON
STYLEVIEW
GARAGE DOORS
RAISED COLONIAL STYLE
94-480 Akoki Street #4 • Waipahu, HI 96797671-0808 • 383-7233 • www.windows-hawaii.com
LIC # C-30910
Expires August 30, 2012. Not valid with any other offers.
FREE CUSTOM OBSCURE GLASSFREE SLIDING DOOR
Not valid with other offers. Expires August 30, 2012. Surrender coupon at time of sale only.
With installation of Hardie or Crane siding.
Minimum order of 10 squares.
Choose from 6 glass styles that give youcomplete privacy without the need for
blinds or curtains.
AUGUST 5 • 2012 15
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 15
Update your bathroomfrom boring to beautiful
BY KYLE GALDEIRA
While winning awards in any field ofwork provides proof of excep-tional talent and hard work, doing
so among such a strong contingent ofbuilders, architects and designers that existsin Hawaii is a monumental accomplishment.
With more than 50 years of combinedexperience to their credit, Don Holcomband Dan Holt merged their talents by form-ing DH Squared Construction in 2007. Withsuch an impressive resume between the pair,few were surprised when one of the indus-try’s most prestigious honors was bestowedupon the local company for one of its signa-ture projects.
DH Squared Construction and HawaiiArchitecture LLP were honored in May asthe Overall Grand Award winner in theResidential Renovations category and GrandAward winner for projects of more than$500,000 as part of the Building IndustryAssociation (BIA) of Hawaii’s RenaissanceAwards for Building and Remodeling. Thirtyeight entrants from Oahu, Maui and the BigIsland showcased their work that was judgedon creativity, principles of design, materials
used, value, visual appeal, workmanship,functionality and overall quality.
The winning project, dubbed “La PietraCircle,” a condominium unit at 3082 LaPietra Circle in Honolulu, was designed byarchitect Phillip Camp and features thedevelopment of integrated spaces that makeit easier to entertain large groups as well asthe addition of a loft area and a renovatedstructural glass staircase — the focal point ofthe project.
“With so many great contractors inHawaii, it’s nice to win awards, but having itcome from your peers validates the hardwork,” Holcomb said. “The BIA also has sev-eral other categories and we also won a spe-cialty award for an architectural detail, whichwas a stairway that we designed with glassrails.”
The awe-inspiring staircase links the natu-ral stone on the condo’s ground level withthe walnut wood flooring on the upper level.Cast-in-place concrete stair treads werepainstakingly colored to match the brown
walnut flooring, and the structural glass rail-ings were used to allow an unobstructedview of the spacious home as well as the pic-turesque outdoor patio areas.
In addition to specializing in custom homebuilding and remodeling, DH Squared alsoproduces unique and exquisite custom,made-to-order cabinets.
“We started the cabinet business in 2008to provide our clients with a custom qualitycabinet made in Hawaii with a fast turn-around time. We wanted them to have thebest product available with all the desiredfeatures,” Holcomb said. “We’re one of 200manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada thatuses this particular (cabinet design and fabri-cation) system called TenonCam.”
Holcomb explains that through the com-puter system, a client’s plans and design spec-ifications are taken from the schematic stageand transferred to a CNC machine that cuts
and drills each piece of cabinetry. The piecesare then transferred to another machine that“edge bands” the various parts before head-ing to the assembly stations.
“It’s part of a lean manufacturing processthat allows us to work more efficiently,”Holcomb said. “It saves on time and materialcosts as well. In the old days, when we did allthis by hand, what took us a week now takesus a day. We’re more efficient and producemore, so we are able to pass this cost savingson to our clients. One of the good things isthat our cabinets are made in Hawaii, so ifanything changes or any pieces need to bereplicated, we’re able to react right then,quickly. That’s another advantage for our cus-tomers.”
For more information or to arrange anestimate, call DH Squared Construction at383-2218 or visit the company’s website atwww.DHSquaredConstruction.com.
Don’t Replace-ReglazeBathtubs • Showers• Counters
alsbathtubrefinishing.com
• Discounts Available forRealty, Contractors &
Senior Citizens.• Professional Crack and
Chip Repair
20 Years Experience in Hawaii No removal necessary, fast service (1 day)
Learn all about tile tips, trends and tech-niques at a free seminar this Saturdayat Bella Pietra on Nimitz Highway.
Micah Watts of Stonemasters Inc. (SMi) andBella Pietra CEO Layla Dedrick present aninformative workshop aimed at helpinghomeowners learn all about the versatility oftile.
“When it comes to selecting flooring orother finishes for your home project, theoptions may be overwhelming. During thisfree seminar, we will educate you about thevarious tile options and many benefits, whilealso sparking a little creativity in your homeproject,” said Watts. “Hawaii homeowners willleave the seminar inspired and ready tochoose finishes for their home project, largeor small.”
Here are some tips that attendees willlearn:
• How to choose the best tile to suit yourlifestyle and space
• Differentiating between natural stone andceramic tile
• Choosing the right tile for outdoor andindoor spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and path-ways
• The benefits of tile over carpet, concrete,laminate or wood flooring
• How to set tile
“Tile is perfect for high-traffic areas andpeople with children, pets or those whooften host social gatherings,” said Dedrick. “In
addition to being durable, tile also brings abeautiful natural aesthetic to any home ...most Hawaii homes embrace indoor andoutdoor living, and tile smoothly transitionsbetween these spaces.”
Natural tile is hypoallergenic and can last a
lifetime if cared for properly. It is easy to cleanand a lower-maintenance product than otherflooring options.
Bella Pietra is Hawaii’s premier naturalstone company offering the state’s best selec-tion and quality of natural stone materials.
• choosing the best tile for your lifestyle & outdoor or indoor space• differentiating between natural stone & ceramic tile• using tile in place of carpet, concrete, or wood flooring
Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. • 701 North Nimitz Hwy.Register at bellapietra.com 587-7779
FREEFREE
Your Photovoltaic Experts - Complete Turnkey ServiceSolar Hot Water System Installation, Repairs & Maintenance
Prep All Project Documents For Permits & Utilities
Call for a FREE Evaluation808 836-3749)(
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
For Repairs:(808) 927-2169
Your Photovoltaic Experts - Complete Turnkey ServiceSolar Hot Water System Installation, Repairs & Maintenance
Prep All Project Documents For Permits & Utilities
BELLA PIETRA AUGUST 5 • 2012 17
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 17
Free SeminarTile Tips from the Prosat Bella PietraReserve your spot atwww.bellapietra.com
Saturday,
Aug.
18at 9 a.m.
BY ROCHELLE SMOLINSKI
Since incorporating more than threedecades ago, R.S. Toyama RoofingService Inc. has been the go-to
expert in the Islands when itcomes to quality craftsmanshipand competitive pricing.
Well-versed in working withshingles, slate, tile and tear offs,the company generally workson private residences, althoughit has been contracted to com-plete jobs as large as aWindward Mall in Kaneohe.
Currently, R.S. Toyama RoofingService Inc. employs six skilledworkers, who range fromapprentices to seasonedroofers. Business has been sta-ble, according to long-timeowner Raymond Toyama, andthe company receives most ofits business prospects through word ofmouth and referrals.
Humbled by the company’s success,Toyama is no less fierce about hisemployees and the service he supplies tocustomers. He worked for his father-in-law for 10 years, finished college and
started the business with a steely deter-mination to provide top-quality roofinstallation to clients.
“It is important to have people with adeep understanding of how roofing
should be done to work on your roof, sothat your roof will last its expected life,”Toyama said.
The roofing company is dedicated tobringing customers quality product andsuperior craftsmanship with its manufac-turer material warranty. The warranty
comes standard with many qualified jobs,but R.S. Toyama Roofing Service also guar-antees its work with a workmanship war-ranty. The contractor’s workmanship war-ranty usually will get you seven years of
durable roof
life from licensed roofers. So, of course,the longer the warranty, the better theinvestment is for homeowners.
R.S. Toyama Roofing Service Inc. islocated at 1321 Hart St. in Honolulu. Formore information, call 847-6265.
ROOFING SERVICE
FREE ESTIMATESCont. Lic. #C10748 1321 Hart St. #7847-6265
TEAR OFFS TO SHINGLES...WE DO IT ALL!!847-6265
Over 30 Years of Roofing Experience!IslandWide
ServiceACCREDITED
BUSINESS
$200 OFFA Roof
Coating SystemCALL
TODAY!
Provide Comfort and Watertight reliability now, with a New Roof installed by
SURFACE SHIELD ROOFING CO.!Energy Efficient Roof Coatings• Lower the roof temperature of your home
or Building up to 40%• Lifetime Material Warranty Available
Hawaii Kai 396-9599 • Honolulu 739-9599
Windward 261-6686 • Leeward 487-9599Free Island Wide Estimates Lic. #C-28235
We Specialize in:Residential – Commercial
Re-Roofing – Repair – Inspections
S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTIONHome Design • Free Consultations
A roof to last a lifetime RS TOYAMA ROOFINGcontact // 847-6265address // 1321 Hart St.
Do you need a new space to gatherin your home? Are you scared offby the hefty price tag that comes
with a professional landscaping look?Learn how to do it yourself for a fractionof the cost of hiring a contractor. Don’t
miss Geobunga’s free seminar that willteach homeowners how to use beautifullava pavers to create designer outdoor-gathering spaces, footpaths, walkways anddriveways.
“Lava pavers are not only beautiful, but
they can instantly refresh orredefine any outdoor area,”said Andrew Dedrick,Geobunga executive direc-tor. “With just a little educa-tion, practically any Hawaii homeownercan make over their space on their own ina few hours or a weekend, depending onthe size of the project.”
Lava pavers provide better drainagethan traditional concrete, which is impor-tant with Hawaii’s tropical weather. Inaddition, pavers have a much smaller car-bon footprint than concrete, while addingto the natural aesthetic of lava that blendsseamlessly into Hawaii’s volcanic land-scape.
“The goal of the seminar is to inspirehomeowners and also educate them sothey are confident in undertaking this kindof project,” Dedrick said.
Dedrick and the Geobunga staff willdemonstrate how to install lava pavers aswell as tackle common challenges andsolutions. Dedrick also will explain theenvironmental benefits and present designideas using the natural stone. After the
seminar, homeowners are encouraged tomeet one-on-one with Geobunga’s staff tolearn more about their specific yard. Alsoafter the seminar, attendees can get every-thing they need to start their lava paverproject.
Geobunga is Hawaii’s best resource foranyone looking to enhance their outdoorexperience. Providing unique garden ele-ments from all over the world as well asthe best prices, selection and service inthe state, each visit to Geobunga bringssomething new to discover.
Free SeminarDo-It-Yourself LavaPavers at GeobungaReserve your spot atwww.geobunga.com
Saturday,
Aug.
11at 9 a.m.
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 19
BY SARAH PACHECO
Elite Design Group LLC strives toturn dream kitchens into reality byworking hand-in-hand with its cus-
tomers from day one.The Honolulu-based design and con-
struction firm walks clients through theentire design process step-by-step, start-ing with an initial meeting in which Elite
Design Group’s project managers will givea free estimate on the project based oneach client’s personal budget.
“Some people have $50,000 to workwith, while others may have $150,000 towork with. So instead of coming to theclient with a proposal right off, this intro-duction phase lets us know their budgetso we can put together something that isaffordable to them and that they’ll be
happy with,” saidowner Ray Adams.
From there, EliteDesign Group and theclient work togetherover the course ofseveral meetings toput ideas to paper andpiece together whatthe final outcome ofthe project will be.
“We walk the cus-tomer through every-thing step-by-step,”Adams said. “Wecome out and domeasurements, we go
shopping with them for materials ... there’sa whole process.”
Clients remain closely involved evenafter the actual physical labor begins, asElite Design Group stays in daily contactto keep customers updated with theirproject’s progress. And should any unfore-seen problems or setbacks occur, EliteDesign Group’s team of competent, expe-rienced workers inform homeownersimmediately of the situa-tion and their proposedsolutions.
“A big part of the project is to makethe client feel like they’ve actually donepart of the work,” Adams said. “Overall,we make the customer feel like they’vebeen part of the project.”
Call Elite Design Group at 847-3888 toset up an appointment, or visit its showroomlocated at 570 A Dillingham Blvd. during nor-mal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
ELITE DESIGN GROUP LLCcontact // 847-3888 address // 570 A Dillingham Blvd.
BY CAROL JOHNSON
Many years ago, as I wanderedthrough a home improvementtrade show at the Blaisdell, I saw a
large group gathered at a drawing to win aJapanese garden. All someone had to do towin was guess whether the stones on displaywere real or artificial Big Rock.
There were three sets of two identicalstones; one of each pair would be naturalstone. This will be easy, I thought, so I pushedthrough the throngs of people to take a lookand submit my entry.
It all looks like natural rock, I thought. Thesurfaces of the stones felt exactly like rock. Allthe little holes and imperfections that give astone its character were there too. What achallenge — there was no way to tell whichwere real and which were Big Rock. I did notwin the prize, but I was certainly impressedby Big Rock.
This was in the late ’80s. I had neverthought of man-made stone, and it sparkedmy curiosity as to why one would want it,until I saw the Big Rock display. There werewater gardens, pavers, boulders and big stone
walls of coral, lava and moss rock with severalsample pieces to pick up and examine.
Big Rock veneer is like an “anti-gravity” rock— it weighs so little compared to real stone.This is amazing stuff. Without lifting it, therewas no way I could have known it was man-made stone. I could suddenly see the poten-tial to make radical improvements to my owndreary property walls. I decided to learnmore about Big Rock.
Big Rock is Hawaii’s leading manufacturerand supplier of the world’s finest Hawaiiancast-stone products. Since its inception in1983, the company has focused on and spe-cialized in replicating stones indigenous to theHawaiian Islands. These include Volcanic Lava,Moss Rock, Ocean Reef Coral, Blue Rock, CutBasalt stone and Ulupalakua stone veneer.
Each type of stone veneer has been castfrom pieces of natural Island stone. It is man-ufactured daily on Oahu at Big Rock's factoryunder the watchful eyes of foremen Kalaniand Ross, who have been with the companyfor many years.
Big Rock sells everything you need toinstall its rock, eliminating running around topick up additional supplies. If your project is
something manageable like covering columnsor facing a wall, just call Big Rock and the staffwill calculate your needs.
I wanted to see some commercial projectsthat Big Rock has done over the years. I visitedAla Moana Center, where the whole mall leveland front entry is Big Rock, the Royal HawaiianShopping Center in Waikiki, which featuresMoss Rock, and Disney Aulani Resort, whereall the stone on the walls was manufactured byBig Rock. I was very impressed.
Just think of the walls, columns or plantersyou could cover with a rich and warm rock-wall look. Whether you are a novice or anexperienced mason, the installation proce-dure is easy and you can use veneer any-where. I started by covering my concretemasonry unit (CMU) property walls, and
after watching my transformation, the neigh-bors started their own Big Rock projects.
All Big Rock cast stone is manufactured atthe Mapunapuna plant. Big Rock has set thestandard for the cast-stone industry, not onlyin Hawaii but throughout the world. Big Rockis the only leading manufacturer of Hawaiianstone veneer that is truly made in the US.
www.bigrockhawaii.com • (808) 834-ROCK • We ship! Visit our showroom at 1050 Kikowaena Place Honolulu HI 96819
“ We’re Not Your Average Rock
Group .. or garden shop!”
BIG ROCK Moss Rock Bench Hawaii’s Best! For garden goodies & stone veneer.
A perfect garden gi� …. that will last forever!
737-7766 FREE In-Home Consultation & Estimate
Custom Homes • AdditionsRemodeling • Kitchen • Bath
Full Construction Servicestownandcountrybuildersllc.com
BC-11768 • Bonded • Insured
FREE In-Home Consultation & Estimate
2012 SUMMER SPECIAL!Limited Time Discount on our Premium
12 Year Warranty System.
Great for system upgrades, gas conversionsand new construction.
ponchossolarservices.com Lic # C-25358
www.WaltersElectricInc.comLic # C-8876
or
Maui, Big Island, Kauai, Lanai
1-855-417-6527
FREE Estimate! OAHU 422-4266
AND
Poncho’s Solar Limited Time Offer
$1,00000
Rebateon Hot Water SystemOffer good thru 8/31/12. Some restrictions apply. Coupon must be presented at time of estimate.
Cannot be combined with other offers.
926 KOHOU STREET ✦ HONOLULU ✦ 847-7711Hawaii’s Best Flooring!
FACTORY DIRECTAND IN STOCK!
Our company manufactures Hawaii’s highestquality lines of wood flooring--Kahala Floors andBayside. Every day, island families just likeyours are discovering the benefits of a beautifulnew wood floor at factory-direct savings. And wehave thousands of square feet in stock now!Please visit our showroom today. ALOHA!
Please join us for our FREE seminarWOOD AND STONE
FLOORING 101 SEMINARSaturday, August 18, 2012 10AM
Please call to reserve a seat
BIG ROCK AUGUST 5 • 2012 21
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 21
Transform your home, businessproperty with stone veneer
BIG ROCKcontact // 834-7625 (ROCK) • Toll free (866) 344-7625 address // 1050 Kikowaena Place web // www.bigrockhawaii.com
When it comes to thebest in window care,Discount Windows &
Doors has always been at theforefront of new technologicaldevelopments within the fenestra-tion industry. In 2009, owner JerryGriffin, who has more than 20years of experience in the win-dow and door industry, identifieda need for a window system specificallyengineered for Hawaii. Virtually every win-dow being sold in Hawaii was designed onthe Mainland, for the Mainland. The MakaiRange of windows and doors was specifi-cally developed for Hawaii using state-of-the-art technology to develop a windowsystem ideal for this environment.
The first consideration for the MakaiRange was a glass suitable for Hawaii —something stronger and more thermallyefficient than what is currently available,and something with the ability to repel salt,minerals and organic dirt common inHawaii. The solution was Neat® glass fromCardinal Glass Industries. The standardglass in all of the Makai windows is
Cardinal Low-E 366 Neat®: Insulatedself-cleaning, double-strength glass witha Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)of 0.27 that reflects more than 90 per-cent of radiant heat, leaving your home sig-nificantly cooler.
These windows can almost clean them-selves, which is pretty darn “neat.” Andyou get all of the performance benefits ofCardinal’s Low-E glass. Neat®’s naturallyclean glass harnesses the sun’s UV rays toloosen dirt so water can rinse it away,leaving windows virtually spotless. Yourwindows will stay cleaner longer and beeasier to clean. Homeowners and builderswill enjoy the effects that a little sun, rainand Neat® glass bring to windows.
It all starts with the sunThe titanium dioxide layer of Neat®
glass reacts chemically with the sun’s UVrays to cause organic materials that are onthe glass to decompose. It works even oncloudy days, as 80 percent of UV radiationgets through the cloud cover. Thus when itrains, the decomposed dirt no longerclings to the glass and easily rinses away.
Smoother glass is cleaner glassNeat® glass is ultra smooth. A thin
layer of silicon dioxide makes it excep-tionally smooth and hydrophilic — much
smoother than ordinary hydrophobicglass. This allows water to disperse even-ly, or “sheet off,” and evaporate quickly,greatly reducing water spotting. Easier-to-clean window glass just got betterwith Cardinal’s Neat® naturally cleanglass. No manual activation is required,just a little help from the sun. The resultsare almost spotless windows, and you’llspend less time cleaning and more timeenjoying the view.
For more information or a free esti-mate, call Discount Windows & Doorstoday at 673-6656.
Moving
to a New
Location
Huge Savings, Incredible and Unbeatable Price!Over 2000 pre-fab countertops IN-STOCK,
all 112" 3 side bullnose
1299 Kaumuali‘i St. • Honolulu, HI 96817(Kapalama Area, Cross Waiakamilo Road)
Did you know that indoor pollu-tant levels are often two to fivetimes higher than outdoors?
Using the principles of green design willsignificantly improve your home’s indoorenvironment, leading to better healthand well-being for your family.
Simple home improvements can makea big difference, and they can save youmoney. Here’s how:
Water conservation“Efficient use of water has become a
national as well as a regional concern,”said Robert Brown, interior design facul-ty at The Art Institute of Tennessee -Nashville. When replacing appliances orfixtures, look for those that use lesswater, such as low-flow faucets andshower heads, dual-flush toilets, front-loading washingmachines and newer models of dishwashers with twodrawers so you can run small loads. Using less water canadd up to big savings on your water bills.
Air qualityWith many Americans suffering from asthma and aller-
gies, indoor air quality is more important than ever.Household pollutants like mold, radon, carbon monoxideand toxic chemicals from building materials, householdcleaners and pesticides can be health risks. Start by reducingdust and improving ventilation. Clean furniture, floors andcarpet regularly. Consider cleaning and sealing ventilationand air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Ensure that rangehoods and bathroom fans vent to the outdoors. Eliminate
sources of asbestos and lead, andeliminate or properly store airfresheners, pesticides, certain clean-ing products and paint, which canemit pollutants. When you redeco-rate or renovate, look for low- orno-VOC (volatile organic com-pound) paints, stains, adhesives, car-pets and hard-surface flooring, aswell as wood and bamboo prod-ucts manufactured withoutformaldehyde.
Help in making green choicesA Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED)-accredited interior designer canhelp you make sound environmen-tal choices for your home. An inte-
rior designer who has achieved this accreditation knowseffective green design solutions and keeps up with thenewest information about sustainable products.
Renewable resourcesWhen remodeling or redecorating your home, reuse exist-
ing furniture and building materials where possible. Used fur-niture — either your own or items purchased at a garage saleor second-hand store — can often be reupholstered andrefinished to look new. Purchasing materials with recycled-con-tent is also an environmentally sound choice, helping ensurethat recycled materials will be used again to manufacture newproducts. You can easily find construction materials with recy-cled content, including drywall, insulation, plastic lumber, kitchencountertops, glass tiles, carpet and padding — even steel.
Call 630-6741 or 285-3663for a Free Consultation
SERVING ALL YOURELECTRICAL NEEDS
New Construction ■ Remodels ■ Maintenance ■ Trouble Calls
PCO 924®
Free Estimates(808) 754-3393
or (808) 937-7938
✔ 50 Years MaterialWarranty by Gaco
✔ Professionally Installedor Do-It-Yourself
THE COOL ROOF STORE575 COOKE ST.,
KAKA‘AKOwww.leakmaster.com Products shown:
Hawaiian Sunguard & GacoRoof
ACRYLIC & SILI CONE
AUGUST 5 • 2012 23
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AUGUST 5, 2012 • 23
The way to green up yourhome for health, savings
The pulse of paradise. | www.staradvertiser.com
For questions related to yourHonolulu Star-Advertiser subscription
CALL
538-NEWS(6397)Request a vacation stop • Make a paymentBilling or delivery questions • Start a new subscription
Mayor Peter Carlisle joinedthe Department of FacilityMaintenance and the
Hawaii Asphalt Pavement Industry(HAPI) June 27 to demonstrateseveral pavement preservationmethods the city will evaluate aspart of its effort to improve roadconditions.
More than 120 guests from city, stateand federal government agencies, as well ascontractors and consulting firms, attendedthe demonstration to observe the applica-tion of each of the four treatments.
The goal of pavement preservation is totreat a road that is in good condition toextend the life of the asphalt pavement.Mayor Carlisle would like to “protect ourroadways to help stop potholes and otherproblems before they even start.”
The four methods demonstrated are asfollows:
Crack fill Crack filling is the most basic of the four
treatments that were demonstrated. Themayor himself demonstrated the filling ofa crack with CrackMaster PL hot-appliedcrack sealant. Once moisture penetratesthe asphalt, it will deteriorate the underly-ing layers, eventually causing failure.SealMaster Hawaii provides cold- andhot-pour materials that can be used as afirst defense against pavement deteriora-tion and moisture seeping in.
Fog sealA fog seal is a light application of emul-
sion sprayed onto an existing asphalt sur-face. Plasti-Pave Rejuvenator is an acrylicreinforced asphalt emulsion. It is used topenetrate old asphalt surfaces that havebecome dry and to seal very small cracksand surface voids. It also coats aggregateparticles at the surface. This product wasapplied by the City and County.
Seal coatA seal coat is an application of asphalt
emulsion that is usually mixed with coarseangular sand and applied to an existingasphalt surface. In addition to providing aprotective barrier to stop water penetra-tion, MasterSeal Ready-To-Use orOptiPave Plus sealers will also protectagainst oxidation, oils and gases, and willbeautify your asphalt by providing a uni-form black color on the surface. This prod-uct was applied by Walker-MoodyConstruction.
Slurry sealA slurry seal is a mixture of aggregate,
emulsified asphalt (cationic quick-setemulsion, CQS-1h), fillers, additives andwater. Like a fog seal and seal coat, it is asurface treatment for older pavements. Itwill fill the surface cracks, stop raveling andimprove skid resistance. Additionally, it willwaterproof the surface and reduce oxida-tion deterioration. This product was pro-
vided and applied by Alakona Corp., whichis currently using the slurry method inMililani Mauka.
All products used in the demonstrationare available at SealMaster Hawaii. Thesepavement-maintenance techniques havebeen used in the private sector for a num-ber of years and SealMaster is happy toprovide its products to the city, countyand state.
For more than 40 years, quality-drivencontractors have relied on SealMaster, themost recognizable name in pavementmaintenance in the world. With every-thing under one roof, contractors savevaluable time and money on products,tools and equipment needed to do thejob right.
Pavement maintenance is simple withthe help of SealMaster Hawaii. Call 839-2781 to talk with one of the company’strained professionals or visit the show-room at 2927 Mokumoa St. in Honolulu.
24 • AUGUST 5, 2012
How to seal the deal Four solid methods to preserve our roadways
WALKER-MOODY CONSTRUCTIONBACK PAGE STORY24 AUGUST 5 • 2012
