AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. UNCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM. See Page 20 AN EDITION OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM Why do homeowners love Windows Hawaii? Because the company not only delivers top-quality windows, doors and siding, but top-notch customer care as well. See page 3 808-695-3976 SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8-4, SATURDAY 9-4 www.hawaiihomeexpo.com Special Financing Available: 0% interest for 2 years, Payments amortized up to 10 years Summer Sale! Great Time to Remodel Your Bathroom Please come to the Hawaii Home Expo! Serving Hawaii Since 1981
Transcript
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
UNCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM. See Page 20
AN EDITION OFSEPTEMBER 2, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM
Why do homeowners love Windows Hawaii? Because thecompany not only delivers top-quality windows, doorsand siding, but top-notch customer care as well. See page 3
808-695-3976 SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8-4, SATURDAY 9-4 www.hawaiihomeexpo.comSpecial Financing Available: 0% interest for 2 years, Payments amortized up to 10 years
Summer Sale!Great Time to Remodel Your Bathroom
Pleasecome to the
HawaiiHome Expo!
Serving Hawaii Since 1981
W hen it comes to keeping yourwindows clean, the secret doesn’thave much to do with the clean-
ing. It’s what happens in between cleaningsthat really counts. The solution is often verysimple: Avoid dirt.
For starters, think about the area outsideyour windows. What does your landscapinglook like? Many trees, bushes and flowers giveoff pollen. When the wind blows, it carries thepollen through the air, and if your windowsare nearby, that’s just where they will end up.You also want to be mindful of plants that
need watering. Water splatters and hardwater leaves mineral deposits.
But it’s not just landscaping that you shouldpay attention to. Where do you keep yourgrill? If it’s close to your windows, you may beinviting things like grease, oil and sauce to stickaround where they’re not wanted.
And remember not to ignore yourscreens. If you have exterior-mountedscreens, clean them when you clean yourwindows. These screens often trap dust andpollen. When it rains, the dirt washes ontoyour windows — and stays there until youclean it off.
Another solution may lie in the windowsthemselves. Some products use a materialthat actually prevents window spotting. For
example, Anlin™ double-hung windows havethis feature. The manufacturers coat the glasswith thin layers of silicon dioxide and titaniumdioxide. The coating fills in the natural peaksand valleys that are inherent in all glass, andcreates an incredibly smooth surface thatallows rain to sheet away rather than beadand leave spots. The material is also formulat-ed to react with UV rays to decomposeorganic materials on the glass.
As an added bonus, both panes of the win-dow can be folded in. This makes cleaningmuch safer and easier because it allows youto clean the outside of the window andscreens from inside your home. No need forladders for upper-floor windows. You can findAnlin™ products at Windows Hawaii.
An Open, Shut Case for Clean Windows
2 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
JOANNE ROMERO2 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Here’s the dirt on how homeowners can make window washing a relatively “pane”-free experience
Building To Your Lifestyle!
Appointments for free estimates on projects, contact us
808-841-1800Main Office
www.hkchawaii.com Over 35 Years of ExperienceLicense: #BC25837
ACCREDITEDBUSINESS
Multi-Family, Tear Down/Rebuild, New Home, Additions,
Renovations, Kitchen & Baths.Quality, Speed and Efficiency: Cutting Edge Designs and Reputable
Quality Construction with Four Generations of Experience.
94-480 Akoki Street #4 • Waipahu, HI 96797671-0808 • 383-7233 • www.windows-hawaii.com
LIC # C-30910
Expires September 30, 2012. Not valid with any other offers.
FREE CUSTOM OBSCURE GLASSFREE SLIDING DOOR
Not valid with other offers. Expires September 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.
W hen you are considering replac-ing doors, windows or siding inyour home, there are a number
of key elements: quality of material, value,competitive pricing, lifetime warranty.
While all of those things are important,what makes Windows Hawaii stand out fromthe rest? The answer is people. People whotake pride in what they do and are happydoing it. The result is a professional productthat brings about satisfied customers.
At the completion of every job, we send asurvey to find out how we did in every aspectof the job. Here’s the feedback we get:
Just wanted to drop a line and say thankyou so much for everything. The completion ofthe installation of our windows was yesterday.The entire process was a joy and positiveexperience. I thank you for your expertise, sug-gestions and professional manner in orderingthe windows. I would like to exceptionallypraise the timeliness and scheduling of theorder, the solid cost estimate and the organ-ized way you and your company did business.I am blown away by the professionalism ofyour installation crew. They were extremelyhard working, considerate, respectful, neat,really friendly and very talented carpenters. I
could see the pride they took in their work. Iwas continuously impressed and delightedwith what I was seeing everyday. The windowsthemselves are functional, beautiful andsecure.
I am a 100-percent satisfied customer. Ihope to call upon you again later this year toinstall the windows in our upcoming renova-tion.
Aloha, G. Y.
Another letter reads:
Good job! Especially impressed with thisgroup of young men and their supervisor —friendly, polite, with good work habits andtaking pride in their workmanship. Will highlyrecommend your services to anyone showinginterest in improving their homes.
Thank you, J.H.
Another satisfied customer expressed:
I have replaced windows in three homes(Wisconsin, California and now Hawaii). I amvery happy with the service, professionalismand craftsmanship of the employees ofWindows Hawaii, as well as the final result.The products are as advertised and of highquality; the timeliness was as agreed uponand the workmanship was professional, cour-teous and considerate of my needs. Extensiveefforts were taken to minimize the disruptionof day-to-day life and follow-up on minorissues was prompt, efficient and satisfactory. Ihighly recommend Windows Hawaii shouldyou be considering window replacement.
W.H.
If you are considering replacing windows,doors or siding, give Windows Hawaii a call.The company will schedule a free consulta-tion and estimate. Find out what sets itapart by visiting Windows-Hawaii.com andcalling 671-0808 or 383-7233.
WINDOWS HAWAII
Taking pride in quality workmanship
WINDOWS HAWAIION THE COVER
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
UNCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR PLUMBING SYSTEM. See Page 20
AN EDITION OFSEPTEMBER 2, 2012 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM
Why do homeowners love Windows Hawaii? Because thecompany not only delivers top-quality windows, doorsand siding, but top-notch customer care as well. See page 3
HR COVER STORY SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012 3
contact // 671-0808 • 383-7233 web // Windows-Hawaii.com
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Be your own contractor withan owner-builder permit
BY KAREN NAKAMURA
W ith the rising cost of construction and highunemployment in that industry, many ownersare choosing to take on the responsibilities of a
contractor under the Owner Builder Permit Exemptionlaws that allow Owner Builder Permits.
As the owner-builder, you are the contractor on recordand responsible for compliance to the regulations of feder-al, state and county laws that govern construction: OSHA,EPA, taxes, insurance, etc. Violations of these regulationshave heavy fines that are levied by the agencies and igno-rance does not exempt you from compliance. You are alsoliable for all persons who enter the project site.
The two state laws that govern owner-builder permitsare HRS 444-2.5, Owner-builder Exemption; and HRS 444-9.1, Issuance of building permits, owner-builder registration.These permits can be found at www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrs.aspx?query=Owner%Builder%20Owner.
HRS 444-2.5 allows the exemption of the owner-builder.HRS 444-9.1 says that the county shall not issue a build-
ing permit to the owner-applicant until the applicant signsa statement that the applicant has read and understandsthe disclosure form. Portions of the disclosure statementreads as follows:
“The exemption provided in section 444-2.5, HawaiiRevised Statutes, allows you, as the owner or lessee of
your property, to act as your own general contractor eventhough you do not have a license. You must supervise theconstruction yourself. You must also hire licensed subcon-tractors. The building must be for your own use and occu-pancy. It may not be built for sale or lease ... It is yourresponsibility to make sure that subcontractors hired byyou have licenses required by state law and by countylicensing ordinances ... Your construction must comply withall applicable laws, ordinances, building codes and zoningregulations. If you violate section 444-2.5 or fail to complywith the requirements set forth in this disclosure state-ment, you may be fined $5,000 or forty percent of theappraised value of the building as determined by the coun-
ty tax appraiser, whichever is greater, for the first offense;and $10,000 or 50 percent of the appraised value of thebuilding as determined by the county tax appraiser,whichever is greater, for any subsequent offense.”
To read more about the building permit requirements ofthe City and County of Honolulu, visit www.honolulu.gov.For more information, contact the Building IndustryAssociation of Hawaii at www.biahawaii.org.
Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO of theBuilding Industry Association of Hawaii.
4 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
*Ends 9/03/12. Carpet only. See Store for details. **On approved credit. Minimum 25% down payment and minimum monthly payments of 3.75% of the amount financed, but not less than $25 is required. No finance charges will be assessed as long as the minimum monthly payments are made and the amount financed is paid in full by the end of the promotion period.
See store for details. u ] q Welcome. Photo shown are for illustration only and does not necessarily represent actual product. See store for details.
Beautiful Flooring. Made Affordable.
• Locally owned & operated since 1974
• Member of Carpet One network with over 950 stores worldwide
• Tremendous buying power gives you lowest price on brand name flooring
• Huge selection of local stock ready for immediate delivery
• Authorized Stainmaster Flooring Center®
• Hawaii’s Largest selection of Stainmaster® carpets
2-Days Left!Today & Tomorrow Only! Special Store Hours Today,11:00am-4:00pmThis Labor Day weekend carpet prices hitthe floor at American Carpet One! Nowyou can add color to your home plusenjoy the soft & luxurious feel of carpeton your toes without all the hassles ofshopping & coordinating installation. Toensure your carpet is installed right thefirst time & on time, our installers areemployees of American Carpet One. We can schedule your installation at the time of purchase. So don’t miss out on all the savings, come in this weekend or call, 447-2755 for a Free Home Measure.
Carpet Prices Hit The Floor!
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*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.
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Happy Labor Day!Hope you’re having a great weekend! Don’t forgetthat it’s now time to get serious about sprucing upyour house for the holidays. Come see your friendsat Pacific Imports and we’ll give you such a terrificdeal on a new floor, you’ll think it’s Christmas already! ALOHA!
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Offering the industry’sbest in quality, experience United Pacific Builders is an exciting new home con-
struction and remodeling general contractor thatjoined Oahu’s construction community in 2010.
The company has more than 25 years of combined experi-ence in the building industry between its owners.
In addition to providing the full range of “ground up” res-idential construction and remodeling services, UnitedPacific Builders offers expert design consultation to ensurethat homeowners’ needs are met regarding budget, sched-ule and scale. The contractor boasts an impeccable recordfor consistently meeting budget and schedule needs.
United Pacific Builders also has years of expe-rience in implementing the sustainable buildingmaterials and technologies that are quicklybecoming industry standards. It also offersdesign consultation to ensure that all work iscompleted in full compliance with the requirements of theAmericans with Disabilities Act.
United Pacific Builders co-owner Kevin Muir respondspersonally to all inquiries. With years of experience as aquality-control official for military housing developmentson Oahu, Muir said, “I think the most important thing weprovide homeowners, in addition to our years of experi-ence in the industry, is value. Whether you’re building anew home or installing a custom kitchen or bath, it’s impor-tant to know that every dollar is well spent from founda-tion to finish.”
In addition to top-quality design and construction,United Pacific Builders also offers its clients expert adviceand service in negotiating the complex planning and per-
mitting process, and it is endorsed by the Better BusinessBureau.
In just two years, United Pacific Builders has completeddozens of residential and commercial projects. The compa-ny enjoys 100 percent customer satisfaction, and is poisedto become one of Oahu’s leading residential constructioncontractors.
United Pacific Builders is a family-owned business, onewhose owners are homeowners themselves. Muir knowsthe importance of adding lasting value to a home or prop-erty. “Being a homeowner myself,” he said, “I’m most proudof the fact that United Pacific Builders consistently meetsand exceeds the expectations of our clients at a price theycan afford.”
6 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
UNITED PACIFIC BUILDERS6 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
UNITED PACIFICBUILDERScontact // 366-0575web // www.upbhawaii.com
Why do more homeowners choose RevoluSun than any other solar company?
Hawaii’s #1 Solar PV Integrator
Source: Data from City and County of Honolulu’s Daily Permit Bulletin for 10/09 - 7/12 based on “contractor” data field.
One of the reasons: RiSETM
Our industry-leading proprietary solar proposal and project management software provides:
Complete transparency during the quote process
Immediate and accurate pricing
Central portal that tracks all project details
Shining a ray of lighton home energyIn July 2009, a RevoluSun began. Since
then, Hawaii’s leading solar company,RevoluSun, has installed thousands of
solar systems, producing more than 20 MWof energy. That’s about twice the amount ofits nearest competitor.
“When you look at the huge growth inthe solar industry, with both local andMainland companies setting up shop here,we are proud to be Hawaii’s largest localsolar company,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSunprincipal. “It wasn’t our goal to be the largest,but I feel that our team’s mission to provideour customers with the highest level of serv-ice, solar knowledge and installation has res-onated with Hawaii homeowners.”
Proprietary software promotes transparency
RevoluSun’s project developers areempowered through RiSE™, its proprietarysoftware developed right here in Hawaii.RiSE™ allows project developers to clearlywalk homeowners through the quotingprocess, while also eliminating unnecessaryback-and-forth, to develop a bid.
“I was so impressed with my installation— the attention to detail and level ofexpertise my project developer had in cus-tom-fitting our system to my home,” saidJohn Cheever, homeowner. “In fact, my expe-rience with RevoluSun motivated me toenter the green energy industry and I joinedthe RevoluSun team. Now with RiSE™, I canuse this tool to help so many other Hawaii
homeowners understand the process andget the system they really need.”
Partnership with kamaaina companyAmerican Piping & Boiler (APB) is a high-
ly respected contractor with a long historyof successful projects in Hawaii’s energyindustry. Founded in 1965, APB is a locallyowned general and electrical contractor.Through this partnership, RevoluSun pro-vides the design, permitting and exception-al customer service needed to ensure thejob runs smoothly while APB handles theinstallation.
“The opportunity to partner with anexperienced company like American Pipingand Boiler (APB) has been a game changerfor RevoluSun,” said Carlson. “APB runs anincredible operation and their proven instal-lation methods are unmatched in Hawaii.For nearly 50 years, APB has built a reputa-tion for safely completing projects of thehighest quality. We feel it is a perfect matchbetween RevoluSun and APB, and that weare going to continue to raise the bar herein Hawaii for a long time.”
As Hawaii’s leading solar provider, locallyowned RevoluSun is building cleaner,smarter communities one rooftop at atime. To schedule your free home energyevaluation, visit a solar open house or learnmore about how you can join theRevoluSun, call 748-8888 or visitwww.RevoluSun.com.
Many homeowners have found the CountryManor Shake (CMS) roof system to be aninnovative yet cost-effective way to
enhance the value and beauty of their homes. Butthe CMS roof may be an even better solution for atownhouse complex, subdivision or planned com-munity, especially those that are currently coveredwith an aging asphalt composition, or “rent-a-roof.”
Asphalt roofs are unattractive and susceptible toweathering damage. They’re hot and require quite abit of maintenance. They have to be replaced every15 years on average, regardless of what the warran-ty claims, and they double in price every 10 to 15years or so. Even though they appear to be low-cost,they’re actually one of the more expensive re-roofchoices you can make.
Members of The Hawaiian King Home OwnersAssociation (AOAO) have found that one of the bestways to save money while adding real value to theircomplex is to upgrade their conventional roof by select-ing the Country Manor Shake roof system and having itinstalled by Aluminum Shake Roofing Inc. (ASR). Thecompany has re-roofed more than a dozen complexeson four islands and has a reputation for getting the jobdone — on time and on budget. ASR can even set up apayment schedule in which you don’t have to put up alot of cash before the work is actually done.
You will get the look of beautiful, hand-split cedarshakes, but without the drawbacks. Take a look at thephotos on this page. Rust-free aluminum will never rotor blow off, can be walked on without special knowledgeand the roof has the highest fire rating required by thebuilding code. The finish is warranted not to come off orfade more than a very small amount for 30 years. Most ofthe time, the CMS roof can be installed right on top of aconventional roof, which saves the time and expense of atear-off and keeps the old roof out of the landfill.
Call Fred Rehm of Aluminum Shake Roofing Inc. at
383-8020. He’ll come to your complex and prepare adetailed plan and proposal to get the work done. He’llalso meet with your board and answer any questions.Rehm has the experience and integrity to get the jobdone right.
8 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Patented Uniclic® Technology for Fast, Adhesive-Free Installation
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ALTERNATE ENERGY SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012 9
A lternate Energy Hawaii (AEI)recently completed a photo-voltaic (PV) installation for
the Hawk family in Manoa.Customer Aubrey Hawk sent thecompany this note:
Dear AEI,
I wanted to let you know how thrilledwe are with our new PV solar systemfrom Alternate Energy.
Our family had been struggling withour electric bills. Over the last fewyears, we had done everything wecould to reduce our usage. We rarelyused AC. We installed a solar waterheater and then hooked our down-stairs tenants’ hot water line into that.We replaced our washer and dryer
with high-efficiency appliances. Wemoved a chest freezer out of its sunnylocation into the shade. We even builta clothes line! Despite our efforts, ourbills kept climbing each month. I feltreally helpless and frustrated.
The last straw was when I receivedan electric bill approaching $400. Itwas time to make the switch to solar.This was a big investment for our fam-ily. I did a lot of research and decidedto go with AEI. While price was certain-ly a consideration for us (AEI some-where in the middle), we were certainAEI was the right choice when weresearched product, licensing and com-pany history.
Being able to purchase theMitsubishi panels — a top productfrom a trusted, time-honored manufac-
turer — via a certified Mitsubishi EliteDealer gave us peace of mind in thisrelatively new field. We knew this com-pany was not only making the bestproduct, but would be around for along time to honor its warranty.
We also learned that AEI techs holdthe state’s highest certifications. Inparticular, we got to know your ownerand founder, Bruce Ekimura, whoholds a Journeyman Plumber licenseand a Hawaii Solar Power SystemsContractor license, which covers bothsolar water heating and photovoltaicsystems. We were gratified to learnthat Bruce and his team have beensolar energy experts in Hawaii sincethe 1970s. The installation crew wascourteous and professional, allemployed by Alternate Energy and notjust subcontractors.
Our installation was completed inJuly. We have just received our firstpost-install HECO bill — only $18! Welove you, AEI!
With aloha,
The Hawk family, Manoa
ALTERNATE ENERGYcontact // 842-5853 web // AlternateEnergyHawaii.com
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Making the switchto solar energy
Moving
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Don’t let your investment get oxi-dized and crumble away. Repair thepotholes, fill the cracks, fog seal the
surface and restripe with a nice, vibrantpaint.
A fog seal is a light application of emul-sion sprayed on an existing asphalt surface.Plasti-Pave Rejuvenator is an acrylic rein-forced asphalt emulsion. It is used to pene-trate the old asphalt surfaces that havebecome dry and to seal very small cracksand surface voids. It also coats aggregateparticles at the surface.
This product has been used in the pri-vate sector on Oahu and the Big Island. Ithas also been applied as a demonstrationby the City and County of Honolulu andfor the Honolulu International Airport. Thisproduct has been designed for Hawaiiasphalts. When projects cannot affordrepaving, slurry or sealcoating, fog sealingwith PlastiPave is a budget-friendly option.It will allow the surface to receive a main-tenance coat for less money.
The heart of an effective pavementmaintenance program includes periodiccoating with an asphalt-based emulsion
pavement sealer. Asphalt-based emul-sions are not toxic like coal tar, and theyare water-based, which results in an eas-ier clean up. Left untreated, asphaltpavement will deteriorate rapidly. It ismade up of asphalt binder and rock.Almost immediately after paving, theasphalt binder combines with oxygenand becomes brittle or oxidized; thisleads to cracking and weathering soonafter installation. Moisture penetratesthe asphalt causing further damage anddeterioration to the pavement.
A fog seal protects against oxidation. Anunsealed pavement allows water to pene-trate into and through the pavement struc-ture leading to base erosion, and ultimatelypavement failure. Fog seals provide a pro-
tective barrier to stop water penetration.Also, if left unsealed, oil and gasoline willsoften and deteriorate the exposed asphaltbinder. Fog seals provide a protective barri-er that resists attack from oil and gasoline.Once the fog seal begins to wear off fromthe aggregate and the rock is exposed, it’s
time to apply another coat.Walker-Moody Construction has the
latest technology and training. You cancall 839-2781 to talk to one of itstrained professionals. They will comeout and review your property, measurethe asphalt for accuracy, provide recom-mendations in a formal proposal andwill deliver on-time and on-budget proj-ects. If you are part of an association orboard, they will also talk with directorsor attend board meetings to answerquestions. Whether you want a quick fix
or a long-term solution, give them a callbecause they fix it all. Asphalt maintenancework for Walker-Moody Construction isnow approaching 10 million square feet.
Again, call Walker-Moody Constructionto receive your free estimate at 839-2781.
10 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WALKER-MOODY CONSTRUCTION10 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
Discover the solidbenefits of fog sealing
WALKER-MOODY CONSTRUCTIONcontact // 839-2781 • [email protected] web // www.walker-moody.com
Another Manic Monday?
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I don’t likegoing to work. What suggestions do you havewhen it comes to someone who dreadsMonday mornings?
You are not alone. A large percent-age of America’s working popula-tion admits that it does not enjoy
going to work on Monday morning. Lessenthe dread of the “Monday morning blues”by understanding exactly why you do notlike your work. Get clear, reframe yourthoughts, set new intentions, and makechanges to your home and office environ-ment to support a new vision.
Consider the advice that best fits yourcircumstance:
If you dislike the work you do, behonest with yourself about the reasonswhy. Is the job not challenging enough? Areyou in the wrong type of job? Are you shyand introverted, yet work in sales? Do youneed movement and communication, yetwork in a stationary and silent environ-ment? Do you even believe in the workyou do? It may be time to discover whatyou do like and pursue a change.
Feng Shui Support: Bring in morelight. Light represents ideas, illumination,clarity and opportunities. Also, bring inmore water. Water is associated with “flow”and career opportunities. Place a fountainor an image of water in the entryway ofyour home to symbolize and influence theflow of positive movement and energy.
If you have to deal with difficultpeople, look into taking courses to devel-op skills to deal with challenging personali-ties or look within to discover what it isyou are really reacting to. Perhaps you arepart of the problem. Learn skills to controlyour emotions around them, set strongerboundaries and especially learn how not to
take things personally. Meanwhile, placeyour focus on the areas of your work thatare rewarding.
Feng Shui Support: Get two of thesame kind of plant for visual and energeticsupport. Place one at home and the otherin your office to create balance and toanchor you when you are in either space.Choose red blossoms or place them in redpots to boost personal power.
If you dislike the negativity of thepeople, it may just be a matter of seeingthings from a new perspective. For agreater sense of appreciation, write downthe positive attributes of your job. What dolove about it? For example, is it the regularincome, stability, inner-satisfaction, or posi-tive work-related challenges? If you can findnothing positive, it may be time for change.
Feng Shui Support: Use color in yourclothing or accessories to help dissipatenegativity. To help burn off negativity, wear“fire” colors such as red, orange, coral, bur-gundy and purple; and, to ground you, use“earth” colors such as brown, tan and gold.
If you feel over worked andunderpaid, communicate withmanagement about the need formore resources and how theywould benefit the business. Areyou doing other people’s workout of habit? If so, learn to let oth-ers take responsibility for them-selves. If working long hours is typ-ical of the industry in which youwork and you feel burnt out,maybe you need a change or avacation.
Feng Shui Support:Sometimes what you feel at work
reflects what needs tending to at home.Do some repair work around the house.Fix leaky faucets and unclog drains. Replaceburned out and flickering lights to stop theloss of energy. Also, add green to your envi-ronment. Green represents “wood” energyand will help to add the energy of vitality toyour environment.
If you feel that people take advan-tage of you, changing jobs is not theanswer. More than likely, you have devel-oped a pattern of behavior that needs tochange. If you don’t valueyourself, no one else will.Seek resources that helpyou learn how to say “no”when it is appropriate andthen follow through.
Feng Shui Support:First, place the element ofmetal around you in someform. Metal is strong andfirm and does not easilybend. Second, get an ele-
phant figurine and put it near a window ordoor. Elephants have strong trunks and rep-resent power and strength. Third, keep suchthings as your purse, briefcase, or otherpersonal items off the floor. These itemsrepresent you, and things placed on thefloor get stepped on. Promote yourself toa higher position.
Above all, find a way to change your sit-uation whether by changing your job, yourhabits or your perspective. Don’t let yourcircumstances dictate your life. We spendover half our lives at work. Make it a toppriority to find work that truly fits whoyou are and makes a difference in thisworld.
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 and award-win-ning books on feng shui, happiness and spiri-tual life wisdom. Visit www.aliceinspired.comto read her blog, sign up for her newsletters,and download useful feng shui tips.
ALICE INOUE SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012 11
Alice’s Nice Advice: Banish Your Overwhelm
Subtract something from yourenvironment this week. The lessyou see visually, the less mentally
and emotionally overwhelmed you willfeel. What can you take away this week? Junk mail? Oldmagazines? Clutter on your desk? Old files on yourcomputer screen?
withAlice Inoue
“Feng Shui – The Easy Way!” Join Alice for a special presentation, “Feng Shui - The Easy Way!”, on
Sunday, Sept. 23, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., and go home with a feng shuiinstructional DVD of your choice. To register, visit www.aliceinspired.comor call 436-8234. Seating is limited.
Stop working yourself into a lather over the job you dislike going to on Mondays. Get a freshperspective about your career by adopting these feng shui-friendly tips for the home and office
SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 • 11
Choosing hardwood flooring for your home can be avaluable investment. Multiple surveys estimate thathardwood flooring can add as much as $7,000-
$10,000 to a home’s resale value. And a study conductedby the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)revealed that 99 percent of U.S. real estate agents assertedthat homes with hardwood flooring are easier to sell; 90percent said that homes with hardwood flooring sell formore money, and up to 10 percent more in fact.
In order to get the most out of your valuable investmentin American Hardwood, here are the flooring options youneed to know about before you buy:
Solid wood floorsSolid hardwood flooring comes in three basic types
known as strip, plank and parquet:
• Strip flooring accounts of the majority of hardwood
installations. It is installed bynailing the wood to the sub-floor.
• Plank floor boards are atleast three inches wide, andcan be screwed or nailed tothe subfloor.
• Parquet flooring comes in standardized blocks, but spe-cialty patterns can be made much larger. Parquet floorsoften create a dramatic geometric look.
• One tip to keep in mind is that solid hardwood flooringexpands and contracts because of changes in your home’shumidity. Installers can compensate for this by leaving anexpansion gap between the floor and the wall.
Engineered woodEngineered wood is made of multiple layers of different
grades or styles of wood that are stacked and glued togeth-er under high heat and pressure. This type of flooring is lesslikely to be affected by changes in humidity.
Wood laminatesWood laminates consist of a plywood base topped
with a layer of veneer. The veneer coating on wood lam-inate floors can be sanded and refinished. In fact, you can
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12 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
12 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
A closer look at hardwood flooring Types and finishes that instantly add value to your home
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do this up to three times in most cases.After selecting the type of hardwood flooring, the
next step is choosing a finish that will enhance thewood’s beauty and protect the floor from everydaywear, dirt and moisture. The finish will also give hard-wood a rich color and luster to match your home’slook and feel.
You have a few hardwood finishing options tochoose from:
Surface finishesThese are the most popular choice of stains and
involve applying a stain to achieve color followed by atop coat to add a layer of protection. Surface finishesare durable and easy to maintain.
• Oil-based urethane is the most commonly used floorfinish. It is available in different sheens and is generallyapplied in multiple coats. It also ambers with age.
• Water-based urethane provides a clear finish and pro-duces fewer odors, has a quicker dry time and is easierclean-up.
• Moisture-cured urethane is a solvent-based solutionmostly used in commercial applications. It is moredurable and moisture-resistant than other options.
• Conversion varnishes are a professionals-only appli-
cation product that is often used in commercial spaces.
Penetrating stains and finishesThese finishes penetrate the wood to form a protec-
tive seal. The stains soak in to provide the color, and awax coating provides a low-gloss satin sheen. These fin-ishes require special care, as certain products (water-based products) should not be used on the floors.
Sheen optionsChoice of sheen is a personal preference but it’s help-
ful to keep in mind that high-gloss finishes show scuffsand scratches more easily than low-gloss or satin finish-es. High-gloss finishes also reflect more light and are typ-ically used in commercial settings, while satin finishes areusually favored for more traditional applications.
Extra-durable finishesOne of the latest trends in hardwood finishes are
products designed to extend the life of the floor andmake them extra-durable. Some manufacturers statethat these finishes are ten times more durable thanother finishes, and can last for up to 25 years. Swedishfinishes and acrylic finishes are the most popular typesof extra-durable products.
For more information on choosing AmericanHardwood flooring and finishes, visit www.hardwoodinfo.com.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 • 13
Unearthed Paints, a manufacturer of eco-friendly paintsand plasters, is pleased to announce its new, naturalHard Wax Oil finish — a durable surface treatment,
ensuring excellent protection for wood, cork and stone in inte-rior applications.
Unearthed Hard Wax Oil is produced from natural rawmaterials, is non-toxic and VOC-free, contributing to a healthyliving environment. It’s a simple, natural alternative to give a styl-ish update to the wood floors or furniture in your home.
The finish provides a natural, breathable silky-matte finish thatpenetrates deep into the pores to enhance the wood’s naturalbeauty. The transparent, honey tinge hue allows the wood’sinherent characteristics to show through.
To learn more, visit www.unearthedpaints.com.
Making it silky smooth
Does this sound familiar? You’re in astore, looking for a gift or browsingon your lunch hour, when you
stumble across the most gorgeous lamp,painting, rug — you name it. Nothing couldbe more perfect for your home! Exceptonce the purchase arrives, you realize thatit’s too big. Or too formal. Or too red.
I’m all for retail therapy, but the fact isinspired purchases often end up right backat the sales counter as returns. How do weavoid the disappointment and waste oftime? The answer is to shop with focus.Whether you’re furnishing and decoratingfrom scratch or simply updating yourspace, here are some guidelines that willhelp you achieve the space you want withfewer missteps:
Style Tip No. 1: Find your inspirationphotos. Look in magazines, in décor booksand online. Search for styles, colors, linesand shapes that speak to you and workwith the architectural style of your home.Then take those photos with you whenshopping to keep you on track.
Style Tip No. 2: Determine your styleor styles. Is your dominant decorating styleurban? Island? Rustic Asian? You don’t haveto choose just one, but you should deter-mine your choices first, then stick to itemswithin these choices.
Style Tip No. 3: Choose your colors.What colors do you want to play up —earth tones with splashes of gold?Charcoal and cream anchored by blackaccents? Be careful not to overdose onone color, though, unless you’re going for ahighly stylized, monochromatic look. If youknow you need a brown sofa, there’s nopoint in looking at beige. Rather, focus onthe chocolates!
Style Tip No. 4: Contrast tex-tures. Does your room have toomuch wood? Stone? Fabric? Yourmix of texture can spell the dif-ference between boring anddramatic, chaos and sophistica-tion. Juxtaposing different tex-tures makes each one pop, sofind a wool or sisal rug to laybetween wood floor and wood-en furniture, and try glass ormetal bowls on your woodencoffee table, or stone figurinesfor your glass shelves. And hereand there, repeat some of thesetextures to tie the room togeth-er.
Style Tip No. 5: Lay out a furniture plan.Nothing stops irrational furniture purchas-es better than having a plan.
Style Tip No. 6: Measure! There’s aworld of beautiful furniture, ceiling fans,mirrors, rugs and art out there. Knowingyour sofa is seven feet long will tell youthat painting for the wall above should besmaller. An 8-inch shelf will have a hard
time holding a 10-inch bowl.
Style Tip No. 7: Vary heights. Does yourroom look incomplete, or overly imposing?Too many short or too many tall piecescreate these effects. When you shop forfurniture, lamps and accessories, keep inmind the goal of varying heights across aroom — it will look more composed.
Style Tip No. 8: Consider the function
of the space. You’ll need hard-wearing,resistant surfaces, fabrics and accessoriesfor kid-friendly rooms. Save the antiquesfor grown-up spaces, where you can gomore elegant and expensive.
Style Tip No. 9: Have enough pattern?Patterns are the accents of the textureworld. Too often they are overlooked indecorating — rooms have too many clash-ing patterns, or none at all. One or twobold patterns should dominate, and if you
want more, bring in a medium-size or small pattern. My favoriteshowcases for pattern: throw pil-lows and area rugs.
Style Tip No. 10: Threesomeswork. If you have room for agrouping of accessories, look foritems that would work in a trio.They don’t all have to be thesame thing — in fact, theyshould be of varying heights andsizes — but they do have toshare at least one unifying ele-ment, such as color or shape.
These tips will help save youtime, money and frustration. Soget those credit cards out andhave fun shopping!
Cathy Lee is president and designer ofCathy Lee Style and Cathy’s Marketplace, afurniture and accessories showroom withdesign services at 1110 University Ave. inMoiliili. Lee’s interior design work has beenfeatured in local and national publications, onHGTV and in her DIY design workshops thatteach homeowners the basics of style. To findout more, go to www.cathyleestyle.com.
Ten Ways to Shop Like a ProDecorating your home should never be an exercise in futility. Follow these guidelines to keep your next shopping spree in focus and guarantee your abode the character it deserves
Left:Sources of inspiration may comefrom magazines or online sites.
Bottom:Varying the scale of your patterncreates a more unique look.COURTESY PHOTOS
14 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CATHY LEE14 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
CALL 596-2890 FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
*Certain restrictions apply. Not combinable with any other offers or promotions.
Painting your way toa picture-perfect look Deco Painting Hawaii offers residen-
tial and commercial interior andexterior painting as well as wood
staining and a variety of faux finishing serv-ices. But the company’s services don’t endthere. Its sister company, Aloha InteriorDesign & Remodeling, takes upgrading yourhome to new levels, offering wallpapering,Venetian plastering and mosaic tiling serv-ices. The company motto is “dream theunthinkable, build the unimaginable.” Thiscan be seen firsthand in the owner’s per-sonal residence, where a few colors on thepalette are enhanced by contrasting tex-tures and accent colors.
Deco Painting uses a special techniquethat eliminates cutting in and thereforeeliminates those ugly brush lines arounddoors, windows and trim. The companypays attention to details and knows thatproper prep work is the key to qualityworkmanship. Unless otherwise instructed,all light-switch and plug faceplates areremoved; doors are removed, prepped andsprayed before being replaced; blinds,brackets, fixtures and screens are removedand cleaned before being replaced. Deco
Painting does this because it knows that itdoesn’t make sense to put old, dirty itemsback onto clean, fresh walls. Again, it’s all inthe details.
All work is performed by and/or super-vised by the owners to meet the higheststandards of quality. Our service is not justabout the application of materials — excel-lent customer service is promised fromfirst contact through completion of theproject. All materials and workmanship arecompletely guaranteed. Deco Paintingnever charges a consultation fee, and noproject is ever considered too small. Thestaff members at Deco Painting are profes-sionals in their business.
Staffers are currently working on twoprojects, one of which is a 12-by-50-footmural. Pictures will be up on the websiteupon completion.
The company just finished two units inHonolulu and is booked until the last weekof September. Time is of the essence forbooking its services.
Deco Painting has recently completed aPricing Guide, a comprehensive list of baserates for painting services provided by thecompany so that customers can glanceover the cost of labor per painting project.This guide will assist customers in creatingand managing a budget in the beginning
stages of home improvement/renovations.While this guide is a perfect starting point,Deco Painting understands that all jobs areunique and invites customers to call for afree consultation and estimate.
If you would like to receive a copy of thePricing Guide, call 255-8007. You can viewsome of the completed projects on thewebsite, www.decopaintinghawaii.com, orcall the company to schedule a consulta-tion with a free written estimate.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 • 15
DECO PAINTING HAWAII SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012 15
DECO PAINTING HAWAII contact // 225-8007 web // www.decopaintinghawaii.com
Labor Day SaleLabor Day Sale
Ph: 853-2088 • Fax: 853-2058500 Alakawa St.#106, Hon., HI 96817
Since incorporating more thanthree decades ago, RS ToyamaRoofing Service Inc. has been
the to go-to expert in the islandswhen it comes to quality craftsman-ship and competitive pricing.
Well-versed in working withsheet metal, shingles, slate, tile,terne, copper, painted steel, stand-ing seam and flat-lock metal roofsand tear offs, the company generallyworks on private residences,although it has been contracted todo jobs as large as Windward Mallin Kaneohe.
Currently, RS Toyama RoofingService Inc. employs six skilled workers,who range from apprentices to seasonedroofers. Business has been stable, accord-ing to longtime owner Raymond Toyama,and the company receives most of itsbusiness prospects through word ofmouth and referrals.
Humbled by the company’s success,Toyama is no less fierce about his employ
and the service he supplies to customers.He worked for his father for 10 years, fin-ished college and star ted the businesswith a steely determination to providetop-quality roof installation to clients.
“It is important to have people with adeep understanding of how roofingshould be done, to work on your roof sothat your roof will last its expected life,”
Toyama said.The roofing company is dedi-
cated to bringing customersquality product and superior craftsman-ship with its manufacturer material war-ranty. The warranty comes standard withevery job, but RS Toyama Roofing Servicealso guarantees its work with a work-manship warranty. The contractor’sworkmanship warranty will usually getyou seven years of durable roof life fromlicensed roofers. So, of course, the longer
the warranty, the better the investment isfor homeowners.
RS Toyama Roofing Service Inc. islocated at 1321 Harp St. in Honolulu. Formore information, call 847-6265.
16 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
RS TOYAMA ROOFING SERVICE INC.16 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
RS TOYAMA ROOFINGcontact // 847-6265address // 1321 Harp St.
The photovoltaic (PV) industry has been booming overthe last few years, and most people know what solarphotovoltaics are, as they can be seen on rooftops
throughout the state. As the price of electricity rises, more andmore of us are considering PV systems for our own homes.Because a PV system is a big investment, we should do ourresearch before committing to a specific solar provider, espe-cially since PV companies are a dime a dozen.
So what should we be concerned about when considering
PV? First of all, what qualifies a company to install a PV sys-tem? The proper licensing is a necessity. To install PV, a C-13electrical license is a must. There are a few ways to checkonline if a company has the proper licensing. Searches can bedone through http://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app or http://hawaii.bbb.org. A qualified electrician can tell you if your serv-ice needs to be upgraded, if your grounding system is up topar or if any electrical modifications should be made toaccommodate the PV system. After all, you will be producingyour own power and there is a lot of electrical wiring
involved.Next, getting several estimates
from different companies is alwaysa good idea. From these estimates,we can compare pricing andmaterials. Are the materials beingused comparable to one another?Some companies may use roofflashings, while others may not. Aproperly installed flashing willensure a leak-free roof penetra-tion. After all, the bigger the sys-tem, the more roof penetrationswill be made.
Another important factor toconsider is the PV panel manufac-turer. PV panel manufacturers also
are a dime a dozen. Manufacturers may specify certain speci-fications for their panels, but how long have they been produc-ing solar panels? Alternative Electric proudly installs SolarWorld Sun Modules. Solar World is America’s largest solarmanufacturer with more than 35 years of experience in thesolar production industry.
A PV system is a wise investment, but it’s more than justinstalling panels on a roof. Homeowners should do theirhomework before installing a system. After all, a PV systemshould last at least 25 years. Time spent researching will paydividends for the life of the PV system.
For a free PV estimate/consultation, give AlternativeElectric a call at 630-6741 or 285-3663.
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Large yard or small lanai,Container gardenstransfom ordinaryinto extraordinary.
Design a wall that fitsyour personal styleLucky we live Hawaii! Then you
decide to include glass block inyour remodel or new home, and
everywhere you turn, you’re told that it isa special-order item.
Hawaii Glass Block has a full line ofPittsburgh Corning® and Mulia® glassblock in stock at its Kalihiwarehouse/showroom. With so manystyles and shapes available, you have theopportunity to design a wall that will fityour personality and use.
Hawaii Glass Block can prefabricateyour glass block panel as modular sec-tions, making it easy and economical foryou to install. The company also can assistyou with the installation of your glassblock or determine the componentsrequired for the “do-it-yourselfer.” HawaiiGlass Block stocks all components need-ed to install your glass block. Whetheryou choose the vinyl/silicone (Stack ‘nGrout®) or mortar method, all compo-nents are stocked in its warehouse.
Glass block is not only for your show-er. It can be used in kitchens, stairways,hallways, reception areas, for room sepa-
ration and windows. Byletting in natural daylight,you’ll allow more positiveenergy into your home,while providing the uniquecombination of timelessbeauty and the addedbenefits of privacy andinsulation.
Make sure you ask aboutthe company’s Wedi®Waterproof Shower Sys-tem. The shower pan isavailable in several sizesand will adapt easily toyour layout. All Shower pans are pre-sloped to the drain and ready to be tiledin two to four hours.
Hawaii Glass Block is celebrating its25th anniversary this year, and it’s cur-rently offering up to 50 percent savings
on selected patterns and sizesof Pittsburgh Corning® GlassBlock. This sale won’t last forev-er and is limited to stock on-hand.
Call or come by the show-room at 284 Kalihi St. and let theknowledgeable staff assist youwith the design of your dreams.Hawaii Glass Block will ship to allislands. All estimates are com-pleted free of charge.
Hawaii Glass Block is openMonday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4p.m. Call 841-2565 or send an email [email protected].
18 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Over the past several months,Graham Builders has brought youthe story of the Nelson-Keller fam-
ily’s unique, energy-efficient home in HawaiiKai. After razing Alan Nelson’s childhoodhome, the couple focused on creating adesign that features truly spectacularocean-inspired design elements that paytribute to their waterfront surroundings.
The Nelson-Kellers are busy workingwith Graham Builders to put the finaltouches on the new floor, lay tiling andinstall cabinets. We got an up close look attheir stained lattice work wood trim on theexterior in addition to the unique rainscreen system for added ventilation.
“My dream is now becoming a reality,” saidCyndi Nelson. “I’m imagining sitting on ournew lanai with a glass of wine while lookingout onto the Marina. I’m so pleased we choseGraham Builders, as they have become likefamily as we traveled this journey together.”
When looking to build new or embark
on a large renovation, homeowners shouldchoose a company that:
• Is known for using high-quality materialsand doing great quality work.
• Works hard, pays attention to details anddoesn’t cut corners.
• Has people you can trust/communicate with.
• Has community spirit and a true passionfor giving back to the people of Hawaii.
•Is family oriented, local and friendly.
• Has a staff that treats you with care,addresses each of your inquiries as impor-tant and confirms that your feedback iscritical in the construction process.
• Has experience in guiding families withtailoring a home that meets their individualand unique needs.
• Listens to you and understands thatsometimes you might feel really scaredabout the big decisions you have to make.
• Proves it can build better than just acookie-cutter home.
• Has a long-standing history of sharingknowledge and education about thedesign+build process.
Visit the Nelson-Keller home onSaturday, Sept. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m during afree builders open house and talk storywith the Graham Builders team to learnmore about their work.
Meanwhile, homeowners can also attendGraham Builders’ upcoming free “BuildingYour Home for Life” seminar on Saturday,Sept. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the HonoluluCountry Club. Reservations are required forthe seminar and can be made at www.gra-hambuilders.com or by calling 593-2808.
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The truth about your plumbingDo you know what’s behind the drywall in your
home? Unless you’ve ever had a home custom-builtor have personally worked in construction, you
might be unaware of the vital systems hidden within thewalls of your home. But knowing how those systems workcan help you make smart, money-saving decisions whenbuilding or renovating.
Typically, when builders construct a house, they concealelectrical wiring, air ducts, insulation, home-networkingwires and plumbing within the walls. It’s important for allthose systems to be well-made and high-functioning, but inthe case of plumbing, it’s especially vital.
When you’re thinking about plumbing as part of a reno-vation or a new build, what you don’t want it to do isalmost as important as what you do want it to do.Ruptured or leaking pipes can cause massive damage toother parts of your home, so it’s important to choose atype of pipe that can withstand decades of rigorous use —even in harsh water and soil environments.
In the past, builders of American homes used metals thatranged from lead (obsolete now) to copper (the mostcommon metal pipe found in homes today). These days,plastic is the go-to material for home plumbing. Cross-
linked polyethylene products (commonly called PEX) offermany advantages. Flexible Uponor PEX can last longer(rated for 100 years of use), are quieter than metal pipesand resist corrosion, freezing, scale buildup and harsh chem-icals. When used with properly installed expansion fittings
using a PEX-a ring, Uponor systems also resist leaking atjoints and connections.
If you decide to use PEX, it is best to hire a plumbing pro-fessional trained to install this material. That’s because PEXrequires slightly different installation techniques comparedwith copper or even rigid plastic systems such as CPVC.
Also, be sure to check the warranty: Some PEX manufac-turers offer up to a 25-year warranty if their systems areinstalled by a trained professional.
PEX plastic tubing has been proven to be more effectivein plumbing systems than copper, CPVC and other materi-als because of several factors.
One such reason is that PEX tubing provides better insu-lation than copper, so less heat is lost from the hot watermoving through the plastic tubing. Less heat loss means lessenergy is needed to keep water hot.
When it comes to assessing what’s behind your home’sdrywall, opting for a plumbing system made of quality prod-ucts of proven reliability can help save you money on waterand energy, while keeping your home comfortable and safefor as long as you live there.
For more information on PEX, visit “Plumbing Systemsfor Homeowners” at www.uponor-usa.com.
20 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
20 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
A t United Roofing & Rain Gutters,a job well done is worth doing,so we do it right the first time.
Our reputation is everything; we areknown for quality, but remembered forservice.
If you have a roofing project big or small,we can help you by delivering uncompro-mising quality and experience to help youto select the correct roofing system tomeet your needs and budget. We provideisland-wide roofing services for both resi-dential and commercial projects.
United Roofing & Rain Gutters has aworkmanship warranty for followingclosely all manufacturer’s installation pro-cedures to ensure the best results andreliability for your new roof.
Fiberglass (asphalt) shingles are com-monly installed on roofs in Hawaii andhave prorated warranties that rangefrom 20 to 50 years, but typically will lastan average of 20 years in Hawaii’s cli-mate. We can offer you different styles,price points and color choices to meetyour needs.
At United Roofing & Rain Gutters, wealso install seamless gutter systems. Wecan either replace your existing gutters oradd gutters in areas to divert water awayfrom the foundation of your home. If youhave excessive clogging because of leavesand debris, we can install gutter screencovers to minimize down spout and gut-ter clogs.
United Roofing & Rain Gutters is alsothe leader in Apollo-integrated photo-
voltaic panel installations on Oahu. Thesepanels are integrated with an asphaltshingle roof. The Apollo photovoltaicroofing system consists of individualmodules that are 1 foot by 4 feet; eachand have a power rating of 52 watts permodule. This roofing/PV system has aclean and seamless appearance, and iteliminates the need to hire two contrac-tors. The system also qualifies for bothstate and federal tax credits.
We provide free estimates to discuss thissystem and the numerous other benefits itprovides to the homeowner. At UnitedRoofing & Rain Gutters, we have morethan 25 years of experience in the roofingindustry and pride ourselves on deliveringquality work at a fair price. We are fullyinsured with both liability and worker’scompensation insurance, have no com-plaints with the state and have an A-plusrating with the Better Business Bureau.
We believe in providing you a no-pres-sure, informative consultation during theestimating process and strive to makeyour contractor selection a stress-freeand smooth process.
Our installation crews are experienced,hard working, dedicated, professional,friendly and look forward to the oppor-tunity to do your upcoming project.
Call United Roofing & Rain Gutters at428-7947 for all of your roofing needs..We are confident that it will be a call thatyou will be glad you made.
UNITED ROOFING & RAIN GUTTERS SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012 21
UNITED ROOFING& RAIN GUTTERScontact // 428-7947 web // www.unitedroofinghi.com
I f you’ve been thinking about installing a solarphotovoltaic (PV) system to your home, nowis the time to get that project started. By now
you’ve heard all about the benefits of going greenwith a PV system and how it will reduce yourmonthly electric bill. But let’s face it, it isn’t cheap!However, with the help of both state and federaltax credits, PV systems are becoming more andmore affordable.
While the tax benefits and other incentives pro-vide a lot of assistance in the overall cost, the initialcost of a PV system is still a big investment. If youdon’t have the upfront cash to pay for this imme-diately, there are financing options available includ-ing Hawaii Central FederalCredit Union’s (HCFCU)Solar Photovoltaic Loan spe-cial. This loan has flexibleterms that can help you withthe initial purchase and instal-lation costs. With HCFCU’sSolar Photovoltaic Loan, youare able to work with thesolar contractor of yourchoice, and in some cases, youcan qualify for the “cash price,”which can save you thousands of dollars.
If a PV system is still too big of an investmentright now, HCFCU has other loan productsincluding a Solar Water Heater Loan Promotionto help make your home a little greener and
save you money. The com-pany’s loan officers willwork with you to find thebest financing solution foryour specific needsbecause when it comes toany big investment for yourhome, it is important to
find professionals that you are comfortableworking with. To learn more about HCFCU’sSolar Photovoltaic Loan special or any of itsother loan products, call the Consumer LoanDepartment at 536-3677 or visit 681 S. King St.
The tax information is provided as a guideonly. Please consult your tax adviser for officialguidance.
No exposed cordson the back of any Vignette
Modern Roman Shade
The Vignette® Advantage Inside And Out.
Vignette® Modern Roman Shades — uniquely designed with no exposed cords on the back of the shade for enhanced child safety.
Stop by today to see the new standard in Roman shades.
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!
Tired of shopping around and not getting anywhere?
Give us a call!We’ll get you on the right track!
HAWAII CENTRAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION22 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
HAWAII CENTRAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONcontact // 536-3677address // 681 S. King St.web // www.hccu.info
Easy financing options for going solar
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
681 S. King Street(808)529-4599
www.hccu.info
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.
22 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
A t one point or another, many people have heardthe phrase, “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Thesaying might have very different meanings for a lot
of people, but it’s fairly universal that being clean is impor-tant. Americans take a lot of steps to make sure they areclean, from twice a day showers (especially in a humid,tropical climate like Hawaii’s) to brushing thrice daily.However, one aspect in which Americans are a little behindis in toilet habits.
Hawaii Home Expo has been sell-ing Toto toilets for more than twodecades and one of its best prod-ucts, which is often underutilized, isWashlet seats. Every day, people usewater to cleanse themselves, fromtaking baths and showers to washingtheir hands and faces. Nothingcleanses like nature’s most soothingand essential element, which is whyWashlets purify and clean in waysthat cannot be experienced with tra-ditional bathroom rituals. TheWashlet offers a lot of amazing technology cleverly dis-guised as a toilet seat that fits virtually any standardtoilet. At your command, the Washlet extends an integrat-ed wand to release a warm, soothing stream of aeratedwater to provide the ultimate in personal cleansing. But thisis not a conventional bidet; the wand self-washes andretracts after each use.
Though the innovative features vary by model, the
Washlet possibilities include:
• Auto-flush activated by sensors or the simple touch of abutton
• Automatic open/close lid activated by sensors or theremote control
• Gentle, aerated warm water delivered by the wand
• Front and rear cleansing options
• Massage feature
• Warm-air drying with variable three-tempera-ture setting
• Automatic air purifier
• Heated seat with temperature control
• Convenient wireless remote control with largeLCD panel
• Easy-to-remove docking station for easy clean-ing and installation
• Reinforced base plate for enhanced durability
It may take some getting used to, but it’s aninvestment in comfort that is well worth every cent.Football players Tom Brady and Wes Welker use it (checkout http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/wes-welker-big-fan-tom-brady-toilet-175352466.html), somaybe it’s time more people give it a try. Visit HawaiiHome Expo at 2933 Koapaka St. and experience truecleanliness.
Before purchasing a new set of cabi-nets for your new kitchen or bath-room remodeling project, there are
some important things you should consid-er.
First, keep in mind that cabinets accountfor 40 to 50 percent of the total cost ofyour kitchen or bathroom remodel, so set-ting your total budget figure will be one ofthe first things you’ll need to do.
Are stock cabinets for you?Stock cabinets are the least expensive
option and are constructed in standardshapes and sizes. They are, however, avail-able in a limited number of woods or fin-ishes and offer few style options beyondbasic drawers and cupboards.
If you plan on living in your home foronly a short time or are working with atight budget, stock cabinets are your best
bet. But if this is going to be the kitchen orbath of your dreams, you should look fortop-quality construction and materialsfound with semi-custom and custom cabi-nets.
Versatility of semi-customSemi-custom cabinets are factory-built
in standard sizes with many options forstorage, design and style. The high end ofcabinet construction is custom cabinets,which are constructed in either a work-room to designer specifications or on-sitein any style and finish you choose.
Semi-custom and custom cabinets pro-vide endless solutions to your storageneeds: pullout shelves for pots and pans; alazy Susan for spices; a wine rack; verticaldividers for trays and cookie sheets; evenan appliance garage or pullout bins are alljust some of the standard add-ons avail-
able when ordering these higher-end cabi-nets.
And if your space is too narrow for acabinet and counter, a tall pantry closetprovides lots of space for pots and pans in
the kitchen or towels in the bath.
Make quality your first choice No matter what type of cabinet you
select, all cabinets should have solidframes, door and drawer fronts, reinforcedcorners and closed backs, and the finish onthe wood should be smooth.
Also, cabinet drawers and doors will beopened and closed many times through-out the day, so they should operatesmoothly and quietly each time.
Cabinets help establish a moodFinally, remember that the cabinets you
select will set the tone of your newkitchen or bathroom and play a major rolein transforming your space.
Browse magazines and stores to get anidea for what suits you. Look for styles thatblend well with the architecture of yourhome as well as the interior design ofother rooms. But don’t get bogged downby all of these decisions.
Elite Design Group LLC offers free esti-mates and consultations for kitchen andbathroom remodeling projects, and itsprofessional in-house kitchen designer canhelp you realize the perfect set of cabinetsfor your home.
For more information, visitwww.edghi.com.
ELITE DESIGNGROUP LLC
contact // 847-3888 address // 570 A Dillingham Blvd.
ELITE DESIGN GROUP LLCBACK PAGE STORY24 SEPTEMBER 2 • 2012
STORY BYSarahPacheco
PHOTOS BYElite DesignGroup LLC
Set the tone in your homewith the latest cabinet trends
24 • SEPTEMEBER 2, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
