AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. AN EDITION OF HOW TO “GO GREEN” WITH PAINT. See Page 12 When it comes to your next home remodeling project, turn to the professionals at CV Construction LLC, where customers are always treated like family. See page 3 MARCH 10, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM Lawrence Tabudlo photo Project manager Victor Leung discusses the latest remodeling plans with homeowners Marie and Jess Malunao. HHE Scan Here • Call today to talk to our Solar Specialist for free estimate (residential & commercial) • Locally Owned & Operated since 1981 • 0% Down Finance Option Available 808-695-3976 www.hawaiihomeexpo.com | Special Loan Available Now: 0% Interest for 2 years, Payments amortized up to 10 years
Transcript
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
AN EDITION OF
HOW TO “GO GREEN” WITH PAINT. See Page 12
When it comes to your nexthome remodeling project,turn to the professionals atCV Construction LLC, wherecustomers are always treatedlike family.See page 3
MARCH 10, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM
Lawrence Tabudlo photo
Project manager Victor Leungdiscusses the latest remodelingplans with homeowners Marieand Jess Malunao.
HHE
Scan Here
• Call today to talk to our Solar Specialist for free estimate (residential & commercial)
• Locally Owned & Operated since 1981• 0% Down Finance Option Available
808-695-3976www.hawaiihomeexpo.com | Special Loan Available Now: 0% Interest for 2 years, Payments amortized up to 10 years
Hawaii’s #1 Building SeminarFREE BUILDING SEMINARLimited
Seating!
Call now to
make your
reservation!
www.atlasconstruction808.comBonded & Insured - LIC# BC 27277
Call 951-9500 for reservation FREE PARKING
CONTRACTORS OPEN HOUSE
Waialae Ave.
Keanu St.
14
th A
ve.
Eliz
abet
hS
t
15
th A
ve.
Moi W
ay
13
th A
ve.
FREE GAS CARD to First 10 Reservations
Come and visit our showroom at101 96817
Residential, Kitchen, Bath & RemodelingDesign New Home Additions Renovation Commercial
Y3 Construction, Inc./Lic#BC15731
For A Free Estimate, For All ProjectsCall Victor: 428-5191 or 531-3888
NEW HOUSE BUILDHardie Board Siding/Bamboo Flooring
Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll betraveling with my sister throughAsia. I’ve been preparing for this
trip for quite some time. There are severalthings at home that need attention whileI’m gone, so a friend has graciously volun-teered to house sit. This won’t be the firsttime he’s done this for me. Each time in thepast, I’ve come home to a spotlessly cleanapartment with freshly washed sheets andvacuumed floors. He’s sure done his home-
work on how to be a good houseguest. I want to make sure I return the favor, so
I made a list to help:
• Stock the fridge. I’m embarrassed tosay that on more than one occasion ourhouseguest has had to go out and buy milk.This time around, I’ll make sure he haseverything he needs and even take special
care to stock up on his favorites.
• Set out essentials and then kick it up.Fresh towels, toothpaste and a new box ofsoap take care of the basics, while bottledwater (or beer), a box of cookies and freshflowers add a welcoming luxuriousness tothe stay. I like to save hotel niceties to coverthe basics, and make sure there is plenty ofextra toilet paper in the bathroom, too.
• Cut down the clutter. Give your guestplenty of space to spread out. Clear thenightstand and coffee table of any unneces-sary items.
• Dress up the bed. If your guest bed-ding hasn’t been used lately, freshen it up.Wash and press the sheets and provideextra blankets and pillows of various sizesand weights.
• Leave a note. Let your guest know howthankful you are that he or she is there. Fill himor her in on any necessary information.
When I get back from my trips, I alwaysremember to send a thank you card with asmall gift. Having friends who house sit iswonderful, and sticking to these guidelinesmay help secure house sitters for the future.
2 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
JOANNE ROMERO2 MARCH 10 • 2013
Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
A s its business continues to expandon a foundation of 15-plus years ofexperience serving Hawaii, CV
Construction LLC remains dedicated to pro-viding stellar customer service regardless ofhow big or small the job is.
Chuan “Sam” He and Victor Yeung makeup the company’s “C” and “V,” and while theoperation is growing after years of continuedsuccess, it remains just the right size necessaryfor helping local clients with their construc-tion and remodeling needs. As Victorexplained, the company is not so big that itloses touch with its mission of providingunsurpassed customer service, yet not toosmall to prevent it from handling multiple jobsat once — including new house builds,kitchen and bathroom renovations and com-mercial projects.
“We’re definitely more of a family-orientedcompany. We consult the customer asopposed to dictating each job,” said Victor,project manager for CV Construction LLC.
“We try to help our clients out, and that levelof service really sets us apart from the com-petition.”
Recently CV Construction LLC opened aKalihi office and showroom to complementits original location at 1018 Smith St. in down-town Honolulu.
“We’re here to stay, we’re not going any-where,” Victor said of the company’s expan-sion. “We have really good architects and engi-neers, and we try to keep everything in house.By not contracting all the jobs out, we’re ableto keep costs down for our clients and givethem that peace of mind.”
Victor stresses that with every new con-struction project or renovation of an existingstructure, communication plays an integralrole in making the process run smoothly.Victor and his team of experienced buildersand planners, who are all either related orclose family friends, keep clients apprisedthrough each step of the job.
“It’s a tedious process to renovate a house,whether it’s something simple like remodelinga bathroom or flooring system all the way to
building a brand new house,” Victorsaid. “We help our clients through theprocess by keeping them informedthrough each step of the way.
“No project is going to go perfect-ly, but we try our best to communi-cate and keep our customersinformed. If somebody promises a100 perfect project, they’re lying — there’s noway you can do that. But, with all the forms ofcommunication we have at our disposal,including email and text messaging, we canmake the process go as perfectly as possible.”
Having an experienced contractor involvedwith the renovation process is key to the suc-cess of any project. In addition to securing qual-ity materials necessary to complete projects,the professionals at CV Construction LLC alsoensure that jobs falls in line with the budget ofeach customer.
Surpassing customer expectations is a keygoal of the skilled staff at CV ConstructionLLC, which maintains open lines of communi-cation throughout each project so all issues areaddressed promptly and properly.
“It’s never too early to start planning for thatrenovation or new building project,” Victorexplained. “We encourage customers to askquestions and show them examples of whatwe’ve done before through pictures of pastprojects and examples at our showroom.”
For those looking to create that dreamhome, CV Construction LLC is offering aspecial brand-new house build deal for $115per square foot (minimum of 2,000 squarefeet). The new build special includes Hardieboard siding, bamboo flooring and standardplumbing fixtures (restrictions apply).
To schedule a free estimate or to inquireabout current building and cabinetry specialsjust in time for tax season, call CVConstruction LLC at 531-3888 or 428-5191.
CV CONSTRUCTION LLC
LAWRENCE TABUDLO PHOTO
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.
AN EDITION OF
HOW TO “GO GREEN” WITH PAINT. See Page 12
When it comes to your nexthome remodeling project,turn to the professionals atCV Construction LLC, wherecustomers are always treatedlike family.See page 3
MARCH 10, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM
Lawrence Tabudlo photo
Project manager Victor Leungdiscusses the latest remodelingplans with homeowners Marieand Jess Malunao.
HR COVER STORY MARCH 10 • 2013 3
MARCH 10, 2013 • 3
contact // 531-3888 • 428-5191
ON THE COVERCV CONSTRUCTION LLC
A company that takes customersatisfaction to the next level
Hawaii & America’s #1 Authorized Residential Integrator of Solar Frontier
CIS Photovoltaic Technology in 2012!
808-843-8100www.risourceenergy.com
1111 Dillingham Blvd, H-3, #112 honolulu, HI 96817 license# 32709
BC-16446
• Remodeling & New Construction• How & Where to Start• Selecting Your Builder• Designing for Comfort• How to Save Money• Bonding & Much More! The Only Builder
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Your Home. Your Neighborhood.
In Hawaii, our culture is to embraceohana, oftentimes gathering genera-tions under one roof.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau,the number of Hawaii residents ages 65and older grew at a rate of more thanthree times faster than the total state pop-ulation from 2010 to 2011. Given thesestatistics, it is not surprising that multiplegenerations of a family live together in thesame house.
With more than 20 years of helpinghundreds of Hawaii families build theirdream homes, Graham Builders is leadingthe efforts to make multigeneration homesmore common in Hawaii. With threeCertified Aging-in-Place Specialists,Graham Builders helps families who wantto care for their elders at home and makeresidential changes to provide for their
mobility and safety, such as installing grabbars, creating wider hallways and doorwaysand offering barrier-free showers. AsCertified Aging-in-Place Specialists, all threeaccept the responsibilities and obligationsinherent in the National Home Associationof Home Builders’ (NAHB) Code of Ethics,which includes complying with the rulesand regulations prescribed by law and gov-ernment agencies for the health, safety andwelfare of the aging-in-place community.
“With Hawaii residents age 65 and oldergrowing at a rate of three times that of thetotal state population, it is important forhome builders to understand what modifi-cations are needed to help homeownersstay in their homes as they get older,” saidEvan Fujimoto, Graham Builders President.“This is especially relevant when you consid-
er that many of Hawaii’s homes are morethan 50 years old. These homes were notbuilt to handle an aging population or theequipment commonly used by older adults.”
Oftentimes multigenerational familiespool their financial resources together for acommon goal. Graham Builders’ designstaff works closely with all family membersthrough a collaborative process to bringtheir dreams to life, whether it’s modifyingtheir current home or building a brandnew one so that they can live there for alifetime. Designed to be friendly and safefor all ages, multigenerational homes also
take into consideration personal space. Inaddition to shared spaces, there are alsosegregated living areas that are tailored toeach family’s unique needs.
To learn more about how GrahamBuilders can help you build your multigen-erational home, sign up for GrahamBuilders’ free upcoming “Building YourHome for Life” seminar on Saturday, March23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the HonoluluCountry Club. Seminars are free, but reser-vations are required. To register for a sem-inar, visit www.grahambuilders.com or call593-2808.
4 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
GRAHAM BUILDERS4 MARCH 10 • 2013
GRAHAM BUILDERScontact // 593-2808address // 1144 Young St.web // www.grahambuilders.com
FREE SEMINARBuilding Your Home for LifeMarch 23, 9 a.m.Honolulu Country Club
Building to suit yourwhole family’s needs
Get Special 39thAnniversary Savings!Come in tomorrow & get special 39th anniversary savings on carpet, ceramic tile, laminate flooring,vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, window coverings & more! Huge selection from Hawaii’slargest inventory of carpet & flooring. You can Buy TODAY & install TOMORROW on any carpet in stock!
Take a spin on our prize wheel for gas gift cards,special store discounts, doormats, cleaners & more.
Plus, you could win anentry into a drawing for atrip for 2 to Las Vegas viaVacations Hawaii. Whileprizes last. See store fordetails.
It’s just our way of sayingMahalo Hawaii for the
past 39 years! Visitour showroomtomorrow or call 447-2752 for a FREE HomeMeasure
*Ends 3/30/13. One spin per day, per household. Must be 21 years or older. See store for details. No purchase necessary. Las Vegas drawing held on 4/2/13. While prizes last. Seestore 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 storefor details. u ] q Welcome. Photos 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
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a selection of colors and decorative frames for any application or window shape. Come visit us today to experience Palm Beach™ polysatin shutters in person and to see other Hunter Douglas window coverings we have to offer.
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Did you know that at Disneyland there are staffmembers whose only responsibility is to scrapegum off the walkways daily? At Nordstrom, you can
go to the spa and dine, having much more of an experiencerather than a mere shopping trip. These leaders in clientservice make sure that every detail is handled with care andexcellence. RevoluSun, looking at these leaders in impecca-ble quality, now seeks to be the frontrunner for client serv-ice in Hawaii.
RevoluSun, already a strong service-oriented organiza-tion, aims to embody the position of Hawaii's client focusleader in 2013. “It is important that our customers have agood experience because it’s their homes that we’re deal-ing with and it’s our values that we’re sharing with them,”said Shawna Lewis, RevoluSun Customer Care director.“We are a local company. We work with our neighbors andour reputation is everything. It’s vital that we give our cus-tomers a reason to remember us in a positive light.”
In this world of multitasking andhybridization, RevoluSun focuses their clientservice values on specialization. Each teammember has a specific role and strives toshine in his or her area of expertise. Thepartners are each involved in a specializedarea from marketing to design, workingelbow-to-elbow with staff, listening to ideasfrom all angles and incorporating many ini-tiatives that come from the dedicated andempowered team members. Specializationallows for unmatched quality and focus forthe client.
“We had a PV system installed for ourhome in Waipahu,” recalled RevoluSun cus-tomer Louis Shiraishi. “Our experience witheveryone — from the sales representativeto the installers and everyone in the officewho is associated with follow-up and docu-
mentation —was very positive. Workers were courteous,helpful and well trained. We have nothing but praise forRevoluSun.”
After Ruby Sager had 16 panels with three invertersinstalled on the roof of her family home, she was gratefulthat whenever she had questions they were answeredquickly and precisely. “No unrealistic predictions weremade either,” she added. “We certainly appreciated theirhonesty.”
RevoluSun’s staff is experienced, trustworthy and local,which makes for the best results in service, installation andcommunity. As an Elite SunPower dealer, RevoluSun offersthe highest power-producing panels as well as a wide vari-ety of panels to fit each and every customer’s needs.RevoluSun also has the most experienced, professionalinstallers in Hawaii’s PV industry. Excellence in the workmeans extraordinary client service. “We are seeking to beleaders by flexing the maxims of business quality and serv-ice,” said Lewis. “We compete on value and experience.”
6 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
REVOLUSUN6 MARCH 10 • 2013
Now’s the time to power up with a service-oriented business
TRADE IN YOUR WINDOWSFOR $99.00 EACHINSTANT REBATE
ON ALL WINDOW JOBSAll whole house window jobs of 10 openings or more.
Take an additional $99.00 on each window we replace. Applies only on Anlin brand products.
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$1000.00 OFFON ALL CRANEBOARD SIDING
PROJECTSof 10 squares or more
Installation & labor reduced by 50% on first10 homes contracted by APRIL 15, 2013
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Aiea, Hawaii 96701Lic.# 32327
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Let us help you find the right solar solution for your home!$1,000 offPV systems**Offers expire at the end of March.Certain restrictions apply.
Certified windows thatgo above and beyondIn the past, choosing windows and doors for a home
has been either the builder’s decision or the previoushomeowner’s. Today, the choice to replace your win-
dows and doors is not a question of “if,” but rather “when”and “by whom.”
Let’s look at why you should choose a window that isbuilt to a standard versus down to a price. First, there’s AliiExtreme, Anlin’s newest window and door series. The frameis a UPVC proprietary blend of titanium dioxide andacrylics designed for a lifetime of beauty. It won’t yellow andcrack like cheaply made frames.
Second, this product has metal reinforced meetingrails. The locks on the Alii Extreme series have passedthe industry’s toughest forced entry test. Other meetingrails are hollow, saving the manufacturer money, but theylack quality.
Third, Alii Extreme features a high-performance glazingsystem. It uses Infinit E plus, the most advanced energy sav-ing technology that stops fading by blocking 95 percent ofharmful UV rays. Others use single layers of protectants,which barely qualify.
Peace of mind comes with know-ing you are covered with a warrantythat covers the insulated glass andvinyl components for the owner’slifetime as well as accidental glassbreakage. Even if you sell your home,the coverage is transferable. This cov-ers residential and condominiumswhere Anlin’s products are installed.
Clearly the ultimate choice is awindow that provides specifically treated stainless steelhardware, high-performance glass, sleek streamline designand backed up with a lifetime installation warranty byWindows Hawaii.
Windows Hawaii is the exclusive distributor of the AliiExtreme window and door series. They have made it apoint to provide the best choice when it comes to changingyour windows and doors. Now that Spring time is justaround the corner, Windows Hawaii is offering a trade in of$99 for each window and door it replaces.
Also for a limited time, the company is offering free
upgrades on the following options:
• Obscure glass with six choices• Dead-bolt locks and sash bolts for windows • Free Tru-Frame security door included for whole housejobs of 10 windows or more
Come see why the new Alii Extreme by Anlin exceedsyour expectations. Windows Hawaii is located in Waipahu,or visit www.windows-hawaii.com. For a free demonstra-tion and consultation, call 671-0808 or 383-7233.
MARCH 10, 2013 • 7
WINDOWS HAWAII MARCH 10 • 2013 7
WINDOWS HAWAIIcontact // 671-0808 • 383-7233address // 94-480 Akoki St. Unit 4web // www.windows-hawaii.com •www.northwestexteriors.com
BY KYLE GALDEIRA
Jimmy Suh stresses quality and integritywhen it comes to assisting customerswith a wide range of painting projects.
“I’ve been painting for 25 years, and mymain goal is to produce a quality job — that’sthe most important thing,” said Suh, owner ofDeep Purple Painting.
In early 2010, Suh moved to Hawaii to becloser to family and friends, and brought hissuccessful painting business with him to theIslands. The contractor spent nearly 20 yearsin San Francisco building his business and cul-tivating a sterling reputation for producingquality results. Whether the job involves paint-ing a home’s exterior, or a few walls of a com-mercial space, Deep Purple Painting has it cov-ered.
Prior to each job, Suh meets with theowner to determine the necessary stepsinvolved in refinishing the desired surfaces. Thepainter and his experienced crew considermany factors, including the relationshipsbetween colors and how they complimentone another, and present the owner with theviable options. Other aspects that Suh consid-ers include the texture of certain surfaces, andwhat variety of paint will coat them in a waythat protects and beautifies for years to come.
Suh has cultivated a host of positive refer-rals from satisfied customers — a direct resultof his respect for his clients and their needs.When meeting with Suh, customers areencouraged to view completed jobs in personto fully understand the stellar workmanshipthat goes into every Deep Purple project.After the look and feel of the project is deter-mined, the client is presented with a written estimate ofboth the cost of the job as well as a timeline detailing thework to be performed.
“The word-of-mouth referrals that I receive come fromthe extensive preparation and excellent results fromnumerous jobs, both residential and commercial,” says Suhof many notable projects in both Hawaii and San Francisco.“That’s why people like how I do business.”
Suh has honed his craft for over a quarter century, andcan quickly diagnose problems with paint jobs that haveresulted in unsightly chipping and peeling. Suh explains thatthe tedious tasks of priming and smoothing surfaces and fill-ing in any cracks or imperfections with quality patchingmaterials go a long way in ensuring a paint job’s effective-ness. He stresses quality and an honest approach to cus-tomer service throughout each project.
“A painter needs to follow the proper procedures,” Suhsays. “That’s why there are so many problems here inHawaii with painting projects. You need to prime the area,
and prepare it properly. It’s worth the price for a premiumpaint job that’s done right the first time, saving time andmoney in the long run.”
For more information, or to set up a consultation withSuh, call 739-2000.
Made 100% in JapanMonocrystalline Cells
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8 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DEEP PURPLE PAINTING8 MARCH 10 • 2013
DEEP PURPLEPAINTINGcontact // 739-2000
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Homeownership andpolitics: What’s at stake
BY KAREN NAKAMURA
Now that the dust has settled from the elections,Congress will be turning its attention to the debateover housing policy.
Thanks to national policy that has acknowledged theimportance of the home in American family life foralmost a century, generations of Americans have count-ed on their homes for their children’s education, theirown retirement and a personal sense of accomplish-ment.
Policymakers are proposing radical changes that threatenthe dream of homeownership for millions of current andfuture Americans. The policies could negatively impactAmericans’ ability to buy a first home, keep their currenthome or enter into the move-up market.
Mortgage interest deductionEliminating or limiting the mortgage interest deduction
would impose a huge tax increase on millions of middle-class
homeowners and discourage prospective buy-ers. Changing the deduction would cause after-tax housing costs to increase and housingdemand to decrease. Reduced demand woulddepress home prices, producing a sizable lossfor existing homeowners. Such a change inhome values could weaken economic recovery.
Mandating 20 percent downpaymentsThe national Qualified Residential Mortgage standard being
proposed would require a minimum 20 percent downpay-ment and other stricter qualifications, which would keephomeownership out of reach for most first-time homebuyersand middleclass households. According to some research, itcould take 12 years for typical families to save enough moneyfor a 20 percent downpayment on a median-priced home.
Creditworthy borrowers denied opportunitiesEven though there is pent up demand for homes in many
parts of the country, the construction or sale of which
would create jobs and support local economies, lendersare not making loans to qualified homebuyers. This isbecause of overly restrictive lending standards, which slowthe housing recovery and hurt the economic recovery.
Restoring the flow of credit to qualified homebuyers willboost the housing market, help put America back to work,and strengthen the economic health of communities acrossthe country. For more information on the impact of hous-ing and homeownership, go to www.biahawaii.org or [email protected] or www.protecthomeownership.com.
Karen Nakamura is CEO of the Building Industr yAssociation of Hawaii.
MARCH 10, 2013 • 9
BIA-HAWAII MARCH 10 • 2013 9
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Prices contingent on size of kitchen. Pricing set for kitchens 100 sq feet and under, up to 3 countertops. Select colors and sizes.
The glories of choosing graniteA re you planning a renovation of your kitchen or
bathroom? Are you tired of that old cultured mar-ble or Formica surface?
Let’s look at what granite countertops can provide as faras ease of maintenance, beauty and long-lasting value.
Granite can be used in the kitchen and bathroom to givea glossy and sleek surface touch. The term is derived fromLatin “granum” and literally means grain. Granite is found invarious regions of the world including Brazil, Europe, Africaand the U.S. It adds beauty, style and elegance to yourkitchen. In addition to beauty, granite is very hard. Becauseof this hardness, it can stand the constant wear and tear inkitchens and bathrooms. It is immune to premature or longterm wear and tear and offers durability without compro-mising decor. There are easy to use spray cleaners available,or simple soap and water clean up is also sufficient.
Designers enjoy workingwith granite because they cantrust and praise the product,which and is available in abroad spectrum of colors.Granite enjoys a high returnon investment compared toits tile and plastic laminatecounterparts. You can expectyour return to grow to atleast three times the initialinvestment. Homebuyers willgenerally be willing to paymore for homes with granitetops than with the otherforms of surface tops.
It is best to have a clear dia-gram of the kitchen surface that will be replaced with gran-ite. The diagram will come in handy for the installationexpert and will save valuable time.
Granite surfaces are anexcellent addition to anykitchen. They boost the valueof your property and give youan elegant and stylish lookunmatched by any of thecompeting surfaces in themarketplace.
Bella Pietra specializes notjust in a wide selection of countertop choices, but alsoflooring, mosaics, wall cladding, flagstone and trims andmoldings.
10 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I notice thatin many feng shui books I read, there are somany rules and restrictions. This causes confu-sion for me because I can never figure out the“right” thing to do. Can you share simpleinsight on how to bring a new relationship intomy life? I am so ready to jump in and createa home to fully support this! Can feng shuireally help?
Something must be “in the air,” as thisweek I had quite a few questionsabout how to best bring in a new
relationship. Perhaps the advent of spring isstimulating the desire for new relationships!Anyway, all these “relationship” questionsreminded me of a feng shui consultation Ihad a few years ago and why balance isparamount in feng shui, just as it is in allareas of our lives.
The intense longing for a relationship
Anna (not her real name) decided shewas ready for a serious long-term partnerand called me to help her create an envi-ronment specifically designed to supportthis goal. She was 38 years old, had neverbeen married and had not been in a seri-ous relationship for years. Her goal was toget a boyfriend and be married by age 40.She was attractive and successful at herjob, yet just could not land a guy.
When I arrived at her apartment, Iimmediately saw that she had no energeticroom for anyone else. I explained thebasics about “relationship” feng shui andspecifically what she needed to create inher bedroom to make it more “twosome”friendly. She couldn’t wait to get right towork.
A phone call from AnnaAbout four months later, Anna called and
said that right after I saw her, an opportu-nity came up for her to purchase a home,
which she did. She was very excitedbecause she was able to incorporate whatI had taught her about relationship fengshui, and the house was now “fully relation-ship ready,” as she put it, and she wantedme to bless it.
OMG! To the extreme!When I arrived, she couldn’t wait to
show me all the feng shui things she haddone to create space for this future rela-tionship. She bought his and her coffeecups and lounge chairs, had placed inspiringcouple-images throughout the house, andleft her closet half full, leaving “space” forher future man’s things, even purchasing aman’s robe and slippers (in the size of theman she was envisioning) and hangingthem in the closet.
It felt overboard to me at the time, but Iwas new at energy work and consulting,and she certainly had followed the rules.After the blessing, I just wished her thebest.
The second phone callAbout six months later Anna
called saying that she neededmy help again. When I spoke toher she told me that soon afterI did the blessing for her home,she had met someone, whoseemed perfect at the time andthings had progressed quickly.
Within a few months his lease was up, andshe had suggested that he move in and payhalf the living expenses.
After he moved in, they lived blissfully fora short period, but then everything wentdownhill. He lost his job and could not con-tribute to the monthly expenses, and thenhe started demanding money from her,drinking during the day when she was atwork and getting angry and controllingwhen she was home. He had decided thathe did not need a job and that she couldsupport him.
Anna asked me if there was anything shecould do via feng shui to get him out. I sug-gested that she forget the feng shui, endthe relationship, and kick him out. I foundout later that it took her a year before shewas able to get him out.
The lessonThe lesson here was not just for Anna,
but for me too: No matter what you do, itnever serves you to go overboard. I knew
this, but failed to stress it at theblessing. Feng shui is never aboutextremes and neither is life. In life,striving for balance is important,whether we are dieting, clearing outour clutter or quitting a habit.Extremes are never balanced.When we swing too far to the rightor left, we create imbalance. As wesaw in Anna’s case, although herenthusiastic intent and environmen-tal set-up brought in a man, shebrought him in too deeply tooquickly, and then, when she realizedhe was not right for her, it took hera long time to get him to leave.
Relationship feng shuiDo you want to make room for a rela-
tionship? If so, start with your bedroom anddo just a little something to shift the ener-gy. Here are some simple suggestions.
• Use pairs in your décor.• Use “love” colors such as pinks, reds,corals or purples in your bedding.• Use images and symbols of romance onthe wall.• Place candles in pairs in the room.
Before you make your entire home aplace for the two of you, wait until the rela-tionship reaches the point where you trustthat you are ready to move to the next level.
By the way, Anna finally met someoneand got married — at 42. Her new homeis balanced and matches her husband’s andher energy perfectly. Whew!
Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue LifeGuidance LLC, a company committed toassisting people in living empowered lives.Alice shares her wisdom as a professionalspeaker and personal consultant, and offers aseries of instructional DVDs on feng shui, aswell as her award-winning books on feng shui,happiness and spiritual life wisdom. Visitwww.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, signup for her newsletters and download usefulfeng shui tips.
MARCH 10, 2013 • 11
withAlice Inoue
Affairs of the HeartThe rules of feng shui can certainly help you reach your relationship goals,but just remember that as in all other area’s of life, balance is key
ALICE INOUE MARCH 10 • 2013 11
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Popular colors trendtoward the outdoorsIf you’re into what’s “in” when it comes
to interior paint colors, just look out-side in 2013. The greens and blues that
characterize the world outdoors are thesame hues that will be popular when beau-tifying our living spaces this year, accordingto Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expertfor the Paint Quality Institute.
“It’s fitting that green is expected to beone of the top paint colors used to refreshand renew the interiors of homes andbuildings,” said Zimmer. “Green has alwaysbeen symbolic of new life. Only now, it willbe giving new life to tired interiors.”
That’s not to say, however, that the“pure” green we see on the color wheelwill be the people’s (or designer’s) choice.With the growing complexity and sophisti-cation of the palette offered by most paintcompanies, “green” today refers to anextremely wide spectrum of hues.
To visualize the options, think of themany colors that appear in a garden orgrove of trees: apple, asparagus, celery, fern,honeydew, lime, mint, olive, and willow maycome to mind. Wherever you buy yourpaint, you’ll likely find some tints and shades
of green named after such familiar flora.“Then there are the greens that gravitate
toward blue, which just happens to be pro-jected as the other popular paint color thisyear,” said Zimmer. “Bluish-greens like teal,
turquoise, aquamarine and cyan areexpected to be hot designer choices.By selecting one of these hybrid col-ors, you can in a sense co-opt both ofthe trendy color choices.”
That’s not to say we won’t see a lot oftrue blues this year — we will. And manywill be drawn right from mother nature:lighter tints such as sky blue and robin’s egg
to darker shades like slate, navy and mid-night blue and everything in between.
Because various greens and blues workso well together, virtually any combinationfrom these extended color families can beused to create a visually pleasant interior. Tothat end, Zimmer suggests that do-it-your-selfers, and even professional painters anddesigners, mix it up when working with
12 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
If you’d like to incorporate the trendiestcolors of the season into your designscheme, but aren’t sure exactly how to doso, follow these suggestions:
• Use different shades of blue or greenon the walls and trim.
• Paint an accent wall in a slightly differ-ent color from the others.
• Incorporate patterns into the paintcolor scheme used on the walls.
• Paint one or more items of furniture ina contrasting or complementary green orblue.
To learn more about color and decorat-ing, or to download the Paint QualityInstitute’s free color app, visitwww.paintquality.com. More advice on the
use of interior and exterior paint color canbe found at blog.paintquality.com.
These tips are courtesy of HomeImprovement News and Information Center.
Painting with this year’s hottest hues
these hues.“Just as they do in a garden or land-
scape with the sky up above, the variousgreens and blues will tend to harmonizeinto a cohesive picture that will be as
serene and tranquil as the beautifulscenes we see outdoors,” said Zimmer.
This article is courtesy of HomeImprovement News and Information Center.
In the last couple of weeks you’ve seenhow I’ve transformed some spaces at Y.Hata & Co., a 100-year-old food servic-
es company on Sand Island. In this last col-umn of the series, I’ll break down theupdates of two kitchens so you can getsome tips for yours.
Of Y. Hata’s kitchens, where employeesheat up food and have lunch, one was tobe a complete renovation and the other alight refresh. Y. Hata calls them the maukaand makai kitchens. My team lovinglyreferred to them as the Marsha and Jankitchens.
Do you remember Brady Bunch, the sit-com from the ’70s? Marsha got all theattention, while Jan was always in the back-ground. Here, Marsha was getting the com-plete makeover, of course, while Jan wouldkeep her original cabinets, refrigerator,appliances and flooring. Not wanting thoseusing the Jan kitchen to feel like they got
the raw end of the deal, we had to makesure Jan looked as good as possible whilegiving each their own distinct personality.
For Marsha, we started by knockingdown a wall to open up the kitchen andadd space. We also ripped out the flooringand cabinets and replaced them withaffordable but stylish and modern cabi-netry and a stainless steel refrigerator.
I wanted a clean, modern feel. Sticking
with the Y. Hata color scheme of red, white,black and gray, we laid a simple gray-blacktile on the floor. For the accent wall wechose a deep crimson which would allowthe oversized company statement boardsthat we designed in grays to pop off. In thecenter was a simple, contemporary bam-boo table surrounded by white chairs.
We weren’t going for just a kitchen, butmore of a lounge kitchen with a sort of
Starbucks feel — a cool, hip vibe wherepeople can eat lunch and relax. So besidesthe dining table, we gave them additionalseating with a sectional sofa. In a pinch,stools can be pulled up for even moreseating.
The Marsha kitchen looks fresh, modernand strong. The keys to this? Sticking withclean lines, from the dining table to the cab-inetry and even the angular statementboards, and a bold color scheme withbright, dramatic pops.
With the Jan kitchen, our challenge wasto make it look clean and fresh despite itsoutdated oak cabinets and black refrigera-tor. I knew immediately that Y. Hata’s colorpalette would not work here. This spaceneeded a completely different personality,and red and gray tones would make thecabinets feel older. Instead I selected acolor that on its own would instantlyscream fresh and modern: apple green.
My starting point was this set of afford-able green chairs. I tied in that color withthe same company statement boards,which we lit up in apple green instead ofgray. This made the room come alive anddrew your eye to its vibrant colors insteadof to the outdated finishes.
With the Jan kitchen, the goal was tocreate a bright, modern feel against anolder backdrop. The lines of the table andchairs are clean and contemporary here aswell, but it was the big, bold use of a strikingcolor that really did the trick. When creat-ing your kitchen, don’t be afraid of color.You can use it as an accent or in big splash-es to give your room a whole new person-ality — just like Jan’s!
Cathy Lee is president and designer ofCathy Lee Style and Cathy's Marketplace, afurniture and accessories showroom withdesign services at 1110 University Ave. Sherecently opened reStyle Hawaii, an affordable,style-conscious consignment warehouse withupholstering and repurposing services at 420Keawe St. To find out more, go towww.cathyleestyle.com.
A Sparkling PersonalityWhether you’re remodeling an entire room or making a few small changes to aspace, the right design elements can give any environment its own distinct style
14 MARCH 10 • 2013 CATHY LEE
>> The completed “Jan” kitchen
>> The completed “Marsha” kitchen
JUSTIN DOTSON PHOTOS
14 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Ron D. of Ron D Electrical ServiceLLC in Waipahu credits his momand his wife, Elizabeth, for giving him
his positive, generous attitude, and for help-ing him build his business into the successit is today.
“Both my mom and dad came from thePhilippines, and they divorced when I wasvery young,” recounted Ron, “so my mom,who was a nurse and who had to work 12-hour shifts, basically raised me and mybrother as a single parent. We were onwelfare and grew up with nothing.
“So when I got my first job as an electri-cian and I found such work as diggingtrenches so physically exhausting and want-ed to quit, she was the one who encour-aged me to stick with it, to give it a chance;the day-to-day hardships I was experienc-ing as a young worker were nothing com-pared to what she’d gone through to raiseus alone.
“I found that very inspiring as I startedmy own business with only a two-mancrew. I’m proud to say that we’ve nowgrown to 15, including office staff.”
Ron also looks for this sort of hard-work-
ing, positive attitude in his electricians. “I canteach anyone the trade, but not how to bea hard worker or to have a good attitude. Allmy guys are very reliable, responsible, andeasy-going. I don’t even need to check onthem. And at least one worker has been
with me since the beginning, in 2005.”And his mother’s role model translates
to Ron’s commitment to community serv-ice and concern for the customer. “I think itwas in 2007 that we donated about$25,000 in labor, vehicles and materials to
the TV show ‘Extreme Makeover HomeEdition’ for a home in Kalihi,” recalled Ron.“We worked non-stop, from 10 p.m. onWednesday to 12 noon on Saturday, crawl-ing under the house in the rain!
“Then in 2012 we donated about$6,000 in time and materials to HUGS(Help, Understanding & Group Support),which assists families with seriously ill chil-dren, for lighting in its parking lot.
“Sometimes people need help and youjust have to give from the heart.”
Ron D. is also concerned when he hearsabout customers not being treated fairly,such as being charged $1,500-$1,700 persolar panel (Ron normally only charges$1,100 per panel and is having a specialduring the month of March that discountsthat price even further to only $950).
As 1st Class Solar, Ron’s company usesonly the best materials — Solar Worldpanels (“the most efficient panels outthere”) and Enphase inverters, both with25-year warranties.
So for the most dedicated, honest anddependable electrical contracting, call oremail Ron D Electrical Service LLC at 744-9255 or [email protected],Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
MARCH 10, 2013 • 15
RON D ELECTRICAL SERVICE LLC MARCH 10 • 2013 15
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Enjoying the benefitsof plantation shuttersHawaii is definitely one of the most
beautiful places to live, and someof us are lucky enough to call it
our home. We are blessed with greatweather year-round. However, everyhomeowner knows the troubles of heatand moisture and the toll they take on ourhomes. Being able to control the amountof heat that permeates our homes is oneof the best features that plantation shuttersallow any homeowner.
Plantation shutters make it easy to insu-late your home and keep the cool in andheat out. The ability to regulate the temper-ature in your home helps with the interior’supkeep by blocking out harmful heat andUV rays that can wear and damage yourfloors, furniture and paint. Shutters alsohelp to keep your home cooler, which inturn will make it easier to beat Hawaii’sheat.
Polycore shutters are built to last. “Thequality and strength of our Polycore shut-ter is unmatched in the shutter industry,”said Gavin Shibuya, owner of G&S ShutterDesigns. The aluminum core that runsthrough the louvers is one of the best fea-
tures of the Polycore shutter and noother shutter on the market todayhas that feature. “It allows us to takeour panels up to 36 inches in width,and the louvers will not sag becausethey have the additional supportfrom the aluminum core,” saidShibuya. “We really just want to offerour customers a high-quality productalong with the best price on theIsland.”
The Polycore shutter is theworld’s only solid synthetic shutterwith a co-extruded aluminum core.All of the rails, stiles and louvers are rein-forced with an aluminum core. They have abaked-on waterborne paint and are bothfire-retardant and moisture-resistant. “OurPolycore shutter comes in five differentshades of white, three different louver
sizes and a variety of framing options,” saidShibuya.
G&S Shutter Designs has been in busi-ness for seven years and has many satisfiedcustomers all over the Island. “We havecompleted many projects over the years,
which include Kahala Nui, St. FrancisHospice and we currently handle thedevelopment Ka Makana at Hoakalei,” saidShibuya. “G&S Shutter Designs has theexperience to handle any job, and we treatevery home as if it were our own.”
G&S Shutter Designs aims to beautifyand protect Hawaii homes, one home at atime. Contact G&S Shutter Designs todayfor quality plantation shutters at some ofthe best prices on the Island.
16 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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How to minimize allergiesand breathe easier at homeW ith spring on the horizon, airborne allergens and
pollutants can cause much grief to homeownerswho suffer from breathing problems such as
asthma and seasonal allergies. With the potential forincreased irritation, allergy sufferers typically seek long-term,consistent relief any way they can.
Regardless of the season, allergens, dust particles and pol-lutants can penetrate even the smallest of gaps of a home,leading to potential respiratory problems for occupants.When combined with airborne moisture, the potential forbreathing problems is noticeably high. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans,on average, spend around 90 percent of their time indoors,so improving indoor air quality is an investment in lifestylecomfort and well-being.
Indoor and outdoor sources such as chemical cleaningsupplies, insecticides, carbon monoxide, mold, dirt and dustcan all contribute to poorer indoor air quality. For instance,in low-traffic areas such as attics and cellars, an accumulationof dust or moisture that eventually breeds mold can signifi-cantly affect the air quality of the whole home.
Homeowners can take steps to improve the indoor airquality of their home. Regular cleaning with environmentallysensitive products and tools is a great way to reduce theamount of dust within the home. Fewer dust particles in thehome reduces the potential for irritation.
Another effective solution is using an air purification unitto attract dust particles and return cleaner air throughoutthe house. The unit works to provide cleaner, fresher air inthe home and the amount of allergens and particles in thehome is noticeably minimized.
Homeowners can also stop the dust particles and aller-gens from entering their home from the outset. Using anair-sealing product such as spray foam insulation eliminatesair leakage, thereby helping reduce the amount of particlesand allergens that enter the home. The air-sealing qualitiesof spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene,help reduce the infiltration of pollutants, airborne allergens,and airborne moisture. The product both insulates and airseals a home by expanding up to 100 times its size within
seconds to fill any gaps and cracks within the building.The air barrier that spray foam insulation creates helps
prevent pollutants, dust and irritants from penetrating thestructure, even in low traffic areas such as the attic. In addi-tion to helping alleviate respiratory distress, spray foaminsulation has the added benefit of protecting against thethreat of moisture and mold, as well as reducing flankingnoise for a quieter home.
Spray foam insulation works to provide constant indoorcomfort and protection, along with the opportunity forhomeowners to significantly reduce heating and coolingbills, in some cases by up to 50 percent. More informationcan be found online at www.icynene.com.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
MARCH 10, 2013 • 17
MARCH 10 • 2013 17
If you find yourself wondering how you evergot along before your smartphone, laptopand GPS, you’re not alone. Technology is so
much a part of how we go about our days thatwe often take it for granted. However, in manycases, houses haven’t caught up to the sametechnological standards as the gadgets peoplecarry with them 24/7. But that’s all about tochange, as new ideas begin to revolutionize theway we view our homes.
Technology can do two things: First, it canmake everyday tasks simpler and faster. Second,it can enable us to do things that weren’t possi-ble before. So when it comes to your home, hav-ing technology on your side can make a big dif-ference — in terms of time, energy and moneysavings. If you want your home to join the worldof high-tech living, consider these solutions:
Entertaining made easierPart of the fun of owning a home is inviting
friends and family to come over. Because every-one has a busy schedule these days, planning andhosting a party needs to as easy as possible.With the help of some smart new audio sys-tems, setting the mood with music is a snap.Bluetooth-streaming stereos like iLuv’sMobiRock let you control the music from wher-ever you are, right from your smartphone — nomore having to leave your conversation to goturn the music up or down or switch to a newtrack. The Aud 5, also from iLuv, features a dockthat accommodates Lightning, the next genera-
tion connection port on the latest iPhones andiPods. Since you can charge your device whileusing Bluetooth to control it, there’s no worryabout the music stopping in the middle of yourparty.
Staying secureProtecting belongings and family in the home
has been a priority since time immemorial, butnow there are far better ways to do it. Whileeveryone wants protection, in the past state-of-the-art home security technology has been wellout of many homeowners’ budgets. But that wasthen — today, protecting your home is becom-ing much more affordable, and the averagehomeowner can install high-quality security cam-eras that make it easy to always keep an eye onyour property. Polaroid’s line of Wireless IP secu-rity cameras include both indoor and outdoormodels, can be operated via computer or smart-phone and even let you send snapshots viaemail. Whether you just want to check in whileyou’re at the office or during a weekend getaway,security cameras make it easier to know thatyour home is safe.
The automated home: It’s inevitableA few hours into what’s supposed to be a
relaxing vacation, you’ll wonder, “Did I leave thelights on?” or “Were the window shades leftopen?” The stress of not knowing — and notbeing able to do anything about it — might soonbe a thing of the past. Reasonably priced home
automation systems that allow you to take careof those little household chores remotely arealready available. TaHomA, from Somfy Systems,enables you to schedule and supervise windowcoverings, lighting and thermostats. Using an iPad,iPhone or computer, you can make adjustmentsfrom within or outside the home in just a fewclicks.
Technology has changed virtually every facetof business and communication — it only makessense that our homes will be the next frontier ofinnovation. As you consider all the ways to makeyour life simpler, keep in mind that a high-techsolution will be able to help, now and in thefuture.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
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Is your home ready for anelectrical system inspection?Every year, faulty electrical systems cause millions of
dollars in damage. In fact 99 out of 100 homes havesome sort of electrical defect, which oftentimes
causes the entire home to go up in flames. Many homes inHawaii were wired at a time when electrical use was mini-mal. Over the years, computers, microwaves and otherappliances have been added, with more electricity needed.The home’s electrical system may no longer meet theneeds of the household.
When was the last time you had your electrical systeminspected? “Never” is a likely answer. In fact, most homeownersdon’t think about their electrical system until it’s too late. Takinga few preventative measures can make a world of difference.
Today many homeowners are installing solar/PV systems.This is an important time to have your electrical systemthoroughly inspected. American Electric provides anElectrical Hazard Detection program calledCurrentSAFE®. This service is offered exclusively byAmerican Electric and relies on sophisticated ultrasonic andinfrared equipment to inspect wiring, fixtures, appliancesand circuit breakers. The CurrentSAFE® technology looksbehind walls to detect hidden electrical hazards before theybecome a tragedy. Once the hazards are identified, techni-cians can perform the necessary repairs or upgrades tokeep you and your family safe.
American Electric believes in preventative electrical man-agement. Our CurrentSAFE® Electrical Hazard Detection,
SYCOM Whole House Surge Protector and PowerSaveHome Energy Monitor help customers contain costs andensure they have peace of mind as well. Together these sys-tems provide the safest and most effective electrical con-sumption possible.
Call 440-5098 to receive the following with the purchaseof every solar/PV system throughout March:
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American Electric has been providing superior serviceand peace of mind for kamaaina since 1946.
MARCH 10, 2013 • 19
AMERICAN ELECTRIC MARCH 10 • 2013 19
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Boost productivity in yourhome office with these tipsLet’s face it — not everyone has a home office that
inspires productivity. But if you work from home atall — and the Bureau of Labor Statistics says 24 per-
cent of people employed outside the home do at leastsome of their work at home — having a comfortable,organized and appealing home office can make your jobeasier.
Many home offices are less the product of careful plan-ning than something that evolves from a spare bedroom,bonus room or an extra corner in the basement. Even ifyour home office is more of an after-thought, it’s possible tomake some simple improvements that will enhance itsappeal — and your productivity.
Here are three improvement and design choices that canhelp make your home office a hub of good business:
Begin with the basicsRenovating any room should start with the simplest
investment that also provides a big payoff: paint. Repaintingis one of the cheapest, easiest ways to completely changethe look of a room. A fresh coat of paint, no matter whatcolor, imparts a sense of freshness and energy to a room -just the kind of effect that can enhance your productivity.
When choosing a color for your home office, keep inmind that the hue should serve as a backdrop, not a distrac-tion. Red may be your favorite color, and one you love inyour bedroom, but home workers often spend eight hoursa day or more in their home offices. Will the color youchoose hold up to that kind of intense togetherness?
Invest in storageClutter in your home can range from simply annoying to
downright depressing. In your home office, it can spell disas-ter — in the form of lost paperwork, missing projects andeven lost business.
Plenty of storage and an organizational system that makesthe most of it are essential for your home office. Whetheryou opt for open shelving, locking file cabinets, a desk withample drawers or a combination of storage types, it’s impor-tant to find solutions that fit your home office space.
Emphasize natural lightOf course you’re aware of the importance of good light-
ing in an office setting, but did you know that ample naturallighting can boost your productivity? The mood-boostingeffects of natural light are well documented, with manystudies showing that office workers exposed to daylightthroughout their work day are happier, healthier and moreproductive than those who function only under artificiallight.
In your home office, ample natural light from sourcessuch as a skylight can help reduce Seasonal AffectiveDisorder, or SAD, eyestrain and stress — all ailments thatstand in the way of productivity.
Even if your office is on the ground floor, you may be ableto add a skylight. Products such as VELUX’s Sun Tunneltubular skylights allow you to bring natural light to virtuallyanywhere in your home.Visit www.veluxusa.com or energystar.gov to learn more about energy-efficient skylights.
With more Americans working from home, creating aninviting, inspiring office space is more important than ever.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.
20 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
20 MARCH 10 • 2013
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All about engineered wood floorsA lmost everyone knows what
wood flooring is, but do you knowwhat engineered wood flooring is?
You may have seen it at the homeimprovement store or in a magazine. Itconsists of a layer of the actual woodspecies of your choice on the top face, andplywood layers below that. The top layercan vary from the thickness of cardstockto half the thickness of the floor. And theply layers can also range from as few astwo or three plies to as many as nine.
You wouldn’t be alone if your reactionto this “different” wood floor might be thatit is “the cheap stuff ” or “skimping” on thewood. Depending on how much wood ison the top layer, this may be true or false.
Negative reactions to engineered woodflooring are the very reason Shirley PaiHilton of Kahala Pacific Floors decided tostart her Wood and Stone Flooring 101seminars a few years ago.
“Wood flooring and the other productsrelated to this category of floor coveringcan be very complicated,” said Hilton. “Wedo a lot of educating when the customerwalks through that door, so I thought itwould be a great idea to organize thateducation and deliver an organized, consis-tent message.”
Hilton explained that “engineered”wood flooring gets its name from the factthat the wood is arranged or manipulatedto form a product that will overcome thenatural tendency of wood floors to warp,twist or move. “It’s not about skimping, butrather about creating a piece of flooringwith more dimensional stability,” she said.
With a solid piece of wood, the cellularstructure of that piece is all running in one
direction, so the entire piece wants tomove in unison. With an engineered floor,every other layer of ply is crisscrossed sothat while it still wants to move, everyother layer keeps the next one in check.This is known as cross tension. The resultis that engineered flooring does not haveto be secured down with glue or nails —like solid pieces do — and can savehomeowners a lot of money through“floating” installations. This is when the
boards are glued to one another — butnot to the subfloor — sitting on your slablike an area rug and moving as one bigpiece.
A former Certified Public Accountantwith a masters degree in taxation, Hiltondelves into details by nature, and she didthe same when she entered the flooringbusiness a number of years ago.
Over the years, she has been called onfor her expertise in wood flooring andabout five years ago, this led her to devel-op a product that is her pride and joy, theKahala Floors line of engineered woodflooring. Featuring a thick top layer ofwood, the finest Birch plywood andGerman finish, Hilton and her staff inShanghai are literally hands-on at the fac-tory to assure their customers receive thehighest quality products.
Did you know details such as the toplayer on your engineered floor can beconsidered too thick? Hilton invites you toattend the company’s next seminar to findout why this is and so much more. Best ofall, she offers seminar attendees exclusiveprivate sale pricing on all products andservices, the lowest she ever gives. Call847-7711 to reserve a seat for the March16 session.
MARCH 10, 2013 • 21
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Owning a home means giving constant attention tothe building products that go into protecting thestructure of your house. While we’d like to believe
items like our roof, siding and windows will last forever,that’s not the case. Mark Clement, co-host of the nationalhome improvement radio show MyFixitUpLife, offers avariety of tips for knowing when it’s time to replace prod-ucts on your home.
“The first thing any homeowner needs to understand isthat every element of your home’s exterior, from the topof the roof down to the front entry door, will eventuallyneed to be replaced,” said Clement, a professional contrac-tor. “The key is to know when the time is right to invest innew products for your home. This means an ongoing eval-uation of your home’s current products, researching newproduct options and contacting professionals for support.”
Clement pointed out that replacing older products withnewer, more energy-efficient and longer-lasting products isa sound investment for homeowners. “We have a 100-year-old home and just replaced the original decaying wooddoor with a Therma-Tru fiberglass door and trimmed it outwith long-lasting PVC millwork from Fypon,” said Clement.“We also replaced older windows with ENERGY STARqualified vinyl windows from Simonton Windows andadded a new polymer slate roof from DaVinci Roofscapes.These are all man-made products that add more life to ourhouse. Plus, we’re saving more on our daily energy bills
because of the incredible features of these products.”
Tips for evaluating your roof:• Using either a ladder or binoculars from across the street,look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles,along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind.These are indications that a new roof may be in your future.
• Check the sides of your roof. The southern exposureweathers significantly faster than the other sides of the roof,so make sure to carefully examine this area. Also, shallowerpitches weather faster than steeper pitches. So again, if yourroof has a shallow pitch — like a shed dormer — make cer-tain you can clearly see it to get a true indication of thecondition of your roof.
• Many homeowners are proactively replacing woodenroofs with fire- and impact-resistant polymer shake roofs.Along with helping protect the home from potential wild-fires, these roofs oftentimes come with a homeowner insur-ance discount.
Tips for assessing your windows:• Evaluate the functionality of your current windows. If youhave condensation between glass panes, the windows arehard to open or close, your energy bills are soaring or ifthere are drafts coming in around the window units, then
it’s time to seriously consider replacement windows.
• Determine how many panes of glass are in your win-dows. Single-paned windows are the least energy-efficient.You can replace them with double- or triple-paned ENER-
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GY STAR compliant windows to enhance energy efficiencyand make your home more comfortable during all seasons.
• Look at the frames of your windows. If they’re made of aproduct that needs constant maintenance like wood, you’reprobably spending a good deal of time scraping paint andrepainting every year or so. An investment in vinyl-framedwindows that are low-maintenance frames would be smart.
Tips for knowing when to replace a front door:• If you can see light around your main entry door fromthe inside, the door is hard to close or lock or the dooritself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door.
• Even if you can’t see light, air may be moving throughgaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate. On a verycold or hot day, hold the back of your hand an inch or soaway from the bottom and perimeter of your door. If youcan feel air moving or a significant cold spot, that’s a signalyour existing door could benefit from better sealing.
Tips for evaluating trim features of the home:• Take a top-down look at your home. Most houses havelouvers placed high above the attic or garage space to allowventilation in those areas. And, most houses have woodenlouvers that can rot with time. Replacing louvers withinsect-resistant and rot-resistant synthetic louvers canimprove the home’s appearance and functionality.
• Wrap it up. Clement recommends that if you haveunsightly porch posts you can easily transform them intoshowpiece parts of your home by using Column Wrap Kits.The decorative PVC or urethane pieces can generally beinstalled in less than 30 minutes around existing structuralposts and columns to give an upgraded look to any home.
• If you have the opportunity to replace your entry dooror windows, make sure to finish off the job with stylish win-dow and door trim. Lightweight and easy to install, weath-er-resistant synthetic mouldings, shutters and entryway sur-rounds made of durable urethane or PVC are a definite do-it-yourself project for any homeowner.
For more home improvement tips, visit www.myfixituplife.com, www.simonton.com, www.thermatru.com,www.davinciroofscapes.com and www.fypon.com.
This article is courtesy of Home Improvement News andInformation Center.
Lilies, lotuses and other plants that thrive in water pro-vide a calming beauty that turns any space into a tran-quil retreat. Whether you have a backyard pond or
just a small lanai, anyone can enjoy the beauty of a water gar-den. Contrary to what their stunning beauty might imply, theyare fairly simply to maintain for experts and novices alike.
“Why give your loved one cut flowers, when you can givethem a water lily that blooms anew each day,” said AndrewDedrick, Geobunga executive director. “Anytime you pairbeautiful live plants with water, you’ve instantly created atranquil oasis for your home.”
Simple serenityWhether you have a backyard pond or live in an apart-
ment with a sunny lanai, you can enjoy the beauty of awater lily garden. Water plants thrive in Hawaii, with theislands’ year-round sunlight and mild climate.
“I have a water lily on my front step that has bloomedevery day for over a year,” said Dedrick.“It’s so simple to care for — I periodical-ly snip off old flowers and leaves and fer-
tilize monthly. Anyone can enjoy the beauty of theseplants, anywhere they have access to sunlight.”
Free seminar to the publicGeobunga welcomes the public, including garden
enthusiasts of all ages and skill level, to join them.Learn how to capture the living beauty of water liliesin a water garden through a free public seminar.“Water Lilies and Water Gardens” this Saturday, March 16 at9 a.m. at Geobunga’s Salt Lake flagship located at 4299Lawehana St. across from Target, and at 2 p.m. at GeobungaWindward at 41-829 Kakaina St. in Waimanalo.
During the workshop, participants will learn how to prop-erly cultivate and care for water lilies and water plants, andhow to pick the right plant that fits your lifestyle. Geobungahas hundreds of blooming lilies to choose from, and withina year, a purchased lily will generate another lily or two thathomeowners can then replant themselves with knowledge
gained at the Geobunga work-shop. Space for the free semi-nar is limited and reservationsare recommended. Visit www.geobunga.com to register.
Geobunga turns the ordi-nary into extraordinary asHawaii’s best resource for any-one looking to enhance theiroutdoor experience. An out-door space isn’t completewithout the addition of beauti-ful pottery. Geobunga also hasa wide range of decorativepots available for purchase.
Providing unique garden elements from around the world,Geobunga specializes in stone pavers and benches, decora-tive rocks, ceramic pots, fountains, bamboo accents and avariety of plants.
With the best prices, selection and service in the state,each visit to Geobunga brings something new to discover.Geobunga, the state’s largest grower of water plants, offerstwo convenient locations in Salt Lake and Waimanalo. Visitwww.geobunga.com for more information.
Water plants can create aserene setting in any home
24 • MARCH 10, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
UPCOMING FREE SEMINARS• March 16 — Water lilies and water plants• March 30 — Container gardening• April 13 — Composting made easy
Seminars are held at:• 9 a.m. at Geobunga, 4299 Lawehana St. inSalt Lake• 2 p.m. at Geobunga Windward, 41-829Kakaina St. in WaimanaloReserve your spot at www.geobunga.com
