Hawaii Renovation 01 Aug 2010

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

HAW

AII

AUGUST 1, 2010

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 1, 2010 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Island Style Furnishings in Ka-neohe is proud to introduceAustralis Leisure brand all-

weather furniture. It was devel-oped in Australia to withstand theharshest of environments.

The key to its success waschoosing durable and appealingmaterials. Wood has the timelessclassic beauty that everyone loves.Merbau wood (also known askwila) is regarded as one of themost durable and stable timbers inthe world. It grows in NorthernAustralia and across Southeast

Asia, so it was well-known as thewood of choice for making docks,decks and flooring. Merbau is theperfect wood for outdoor furniture.It is twice as hard as teak, whichmakes it resistant to abrasion, pit-ting or roughening. Prior to manu-facture, the merbau is kiln-dried toa moisture content of 12 percent.This stabilizes the structure of thetimber so it doesn’t warp or crack.

The furniture contains reddish-brown tannin, which gives it itscharacteristic color. This tanninmakes the wood naturally rot-re-

sistant and insect-proof. The furni-ture is easy to clean and maintain.Periodic application of a product isrecommended, and will help pre-serve the beautiful appearance. Allthe hardward is corrosion-resistant304 stainless steel and nickel-plated brass.

Island Style Furnishings offerscompetitive pricing and a compre-hensive 5-year warranty.

For more information on thecompany, visit the website, Aus-tralisLeisure.com.au, or call 234-1129.

for all seasonsFurnitureHAWAIIRENOVATION

OahuAir Conditioning Unltd 590-9266

Aloha State Rfg & Air Cond. 842-0095

NS Air Conditioning 520-1034

Big IslandGordon Sheet Metal, Inc. 329-7225

Kona Industries 329-7789

Exclusive, locally owned distributor: Carrier Hawaii(808) 677-6339 www.carrierhawaii.com

Introducing the most energy-efficient and

environmentally friendly air conditioner

on Mother Earth. Using the latest

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• “With focus and determina-tion, Chris resolved unavoid-able problems that arose, i.e.40-day rain.• He completed the job in atimely manner.• Chris’s completion of theproject gave me total satis-faction and happiness.• Paragon Builders is a reli-able and trustworthy compa-ny which I would recom-mend to anyone planning todo any renovations.”Ann Keamo, Realtor, Aiea

Paragon Builders:–Specializes in quality work–Does custom upscale

remodeling and renovatons–Is an award winning company–Is insured and bondable–Winner of the 2009 BIA

Renaissance Residential Remodeling Division

–Call for a consultation today

Christopher Koike, Owner/ManagerCELL: 808-306-2653FAX: 808-841-6512

email:[email protected]

License No.BC28003

Courtesy of Archipelago Hawaii

HAWAIIRENOVATION

The Building Industry Associationof Hawaii (BIA-Hawaii) will pres-ent the sixth annual Remodel It

Right Expo Aug. 13-15 at the Hawaii Con-vention Center. Gold sponsor BIA-HawaiiRemodelers and Silver sponsor The NewHawaiian Home will showcase more than200 exhibitor booths displaying Hawaii’stop contractors, suppliers, building in-dustry experts and associates.

These exhibitors will combine underone roof to create over 20,000 square feetof convenient expertise. The event theme,“Remodel It Right, Remodel It RightGreen,” will enlighten and educate home-owners on the latest products, servicesand trends in sustainable living.

“Remodel It Right” panel experts, con-struction and living” experts and Designand Kitchen & Bath experts will presenton-going round table interactive discus-sions focusing on the entire spectrum ofthe remodeling industry. During thisthree-day event, discussions on “Remod-el it Right Green Building,” “Kitchen &Bath Remodeling Basics,” “Top DesignTips” and “The New Hawaiian HomeCase Study” are planned. Three “Remod-el It Right” panel discussions will be con-ducted with a free “The Remodeling Plan-ning Kit” offered to every family (whilesupplies last) who attend the “Remodel It

Right” panel sessions. Chartered in 1955, BIA-Hawaii is a

professional trade organization affiliat-ed with the National Association ofHome Builders, representing the build-ing industry and its associates. The 500members of BIA-Hawaii are develop-ers, contractors, suppliers, Realtors, ar-chitects, financial institutions and a hostof other professionals who serve thebuilding industry. BIA-Hawaii takes aleadership role in unifying and promot-ing the interests of the industry to en-hance the quality of life for the people ofHawaii.

Expertise to be shared at expoLocation: Hawaii Convention Center

Dates & Times: Friday, Aug. 13, 5-9 p.m.;

Saturday, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday,

Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $5 Adults/Free, children under 12 with

paid adult

• $7 Three-day passes

• $2 Senior Sunday Aug. 15/ 55 years+ with ID

• $1 Discount coupons available on-line/ print

ads

• $1 Discount coupons not applicable to Se-

nior Sunday $2 admission

Parking: $5 self-parking at the Hawaii Con-

vention Center

Information: biahawaii.org

BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

HAWAII RENOVATION | AUG. 1, 2010 | 3

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New Construction � Remodels � Maintenance � Trouble Calls

The layout of the kitchen in the Fay family’sKailua townhome was typical of a style popularin the late 1970s, when the condominium com-

plex was built."It was a galley style kitchen ... long and narrow

and closed off from the rest of the home," said ownerKathy Fay. "I could literally be cooking at the rangeand removing items from the refrigerator at the sametime. I loved my condo, but didn’t love the kitchen ...so I decided to tackle a total remodel."

Fay began planning a new kitchen over a year agoand found herself in “overwhelm” with the myriad ofoptions for materials, finishes, and appliances andsuggestions offered by family and friends. She gath-ered information from publications and the internetand attended home shows ... and it was there that shefirst made contact with Homeworks Construction.

“I stopped by at the Homeworks booth at lastyear’s BIA Remodel It Right Expo and talked to thedesigners and builders. I also looked at photos oftheir projects. What convinced me that they were theright company for the job was that they build as wellas design and have a kitchen designer and an archi-tect on the staff ... this would be important becausemy job would involve structural work. I also knewthat there were challenges involved with remodeling

in a condominium apartmentand wanted to make sure wedidn’t violate any of therules of the association orinconvenience other resi-dents. As it turned out, theHomeworks project man-ager Heather Hickox andkitchen designer Sean Brad-shaw had successfully com-pleted a number of condoremodels in the past year.”

Fay’s apartment comprises a total of 1,800 squarefeet with three bedrooms and two baths on the upperlevel and the kitchen, living room, dining area, andhalf bath on the lower level. The mission was towiden the kitchen and open it up to the main livingarea, which involved removing an existing wall andreplacing it with new supporting structural elements.The bathrooms were also updated, which includedremoving the original bathtub and replacing it with awalk-in shower in the master bath.

All kitchen appliances were replaced and newflooring, countertops, and cabinets installed. “I dis-cussed my choices with my daughter, Amanda, whois an environmentalist,” Fay said. “So we made sure

all appliances were energy efficient, and our choiceof Lyptus cabinet material was also influenced byour concern about being ‘green.’ Lyptus, is a hard-wood from Brazil and a fast growing hybrid from twodifferent types of eucalyptus trees...it regeneratesfrom the remains of harvested trees and grows tomaturity in 15 years. Plus, it’s as durable as some ofthe slow-growing hardwoods and has a beautifulgrain. Countertops were my big splurge...I chose agranite called ‘Golden Lightning’ for the workingareas and the new dining bar that separates thekitchen from the main living area.”

The flooring throughout the lower level of theapartment is a white ceramic tile, a style that is no

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Falling Out of Lovewith your Kitchen?Then it’s time to call a remodeler

The condo owner’s choice of Lyptus wood fornew cabinets was based on both aestheticsand environmentalism.

SEE PAGE 5


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longer available, so Fay decided to re-floor the kitchen with a new tile thatwould complement the existing mate-rial. “I chose a sand colored tile andcreated a transition to the main livingarea with a trim that incorporates boththe white and sandy shades. My adviceto anyone laying a tile that they par-ticularly like and hope to match in thefuture is buy additional tile, provided

you have a place to store it. Most tilestyles will disappear off the marketwithin about ten years and maybeless.”

Throughout the entire remodel Fayand her family continued to live in the

home. Cooking was limited to mi-crowaving for a period of time, but abathroom was always available.“Homeworks did a great job of gettingin and out and letting us go on with ourlives ... they started exactly when theysaid they would and finished up a weekwithin the projected completion date.”

Shortly after the completion, Fayhosted an engagement party for herdaughter at the apartment and foundthat the new kitchen layout was work-ing exactly as she had hoped it would.“There are a number of areas wherepeople can gather around the kitchen ...so I was able to cook and conversewith the guests at the same time.”

When the job was completed and the

Homeworks people hadcleaned up and locked up, Faywas at work in her downtownHonolulu office. “I rememberwalking in and thinking, first,what am I going to do nowthat this is all over, then, thisis really fabulous, just what Ihad dreamed of all along. So Isat down at my computer andsent all the Homeworks peo-ple I had worked with a fourword email, ‘I love my kitchen!”

Homeworks Construction will be anexhibitor at the 2010 Building IndustryAssociation Remodel It Right Expo atthe Hawaii Convention Center Aug. 13-15. On Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 6 to 8

p.m., Homeworks will host a free“Build New Or ReDo” seminar at theirshowroom in the Homeworks Buildingat 2111 S. Beretania St.

For reservations, call 955-2777.

HAWAIIRENOVATION


FROM PAGE 4

Kailua Condo Owner Transforms Kitchen

Shock Value Protecting your home, family from electrical fires

when an imbalance of current is sensed,thus eliminating potential shock hazards.

• Does your home have knob-and–tubewiring? This type of wiring was generallyinstalled before the 1960s. As time goes by,the insulation around this type of wiringgets brittle and starts to fall off — leavinglive exposed wiring. Today, most insurancecompanies will not open new policy if thehome has knob-and-tube wiring.

• Do you have problems with circuitbreakers tripping off? Circuit breakers area source of protection for your homes elec-trical system.

“While most electrical contractors shyaway from rewiring older homes, Alterna-tive Electric welcomes all type of electricalwork,” says Matsumoto. “We are a full-service electrical contractor offering solarphotovoltaics, new construction, rewires,renovations, maintenance, trouble calls orjust changing a light or outlet.

Call 630-6741 or 285-3663.

Have you ever had any doubts aboutyour home’s electrical system? Isyour home’s electrical system more

than 50 years old, and is it properlygrounded?

While most people focus on the cosmet-ics of their property, a home’s electricalsystem is often taken for granted until anelectrical hazard occurs. And that’s a riskno one should be willing to take, accordingto Chad Matsumoto and Bronson Apana,co-owners of Alternative Electric in Hon-olulu.

“With all the house fires that have re-cently been occurring on Oahu, an increas-ing number of homeowners arequestioning the safety of their home’s elec-trical system,” says Matsumoto. “If you

ever thought about having your systemchecked out, why wait any longer?”

Matsumoto offers a few do-it-yourselfchecks that can be done before you evencall an electrician:

• Do you have loose outlets in yourhome? Loose outlets may lead to loose con-nections, thus creating an arcing effect.Arcing may cause sparking and excessiveheat, leading to a possible fire.

• Have you ever had rodent problems?Rodents may chew away the insulationaround your wiring, leaving the live portionexposed.

• Are there GFCI outlets in your kitchenand bathroom? Today, GFCI outlets are re-quited in these rooms because of their closeproximity to water. These outlets trip off

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

‘Make under’Give your kitchen a

Think your kitchen needs a makeover? Why not trya “make under”? “Less is more” is the new mantrafor homeowners who want to take control of their

home decor — eliminating clutter, streamlining productsand taking a simplified, minimalistic approach to theirhome-improvement projects. The perfect room to beginthis organized overhaul is the kitchen, as it’s a spot thattends to clutter quickly. Learn how you can make underthis space and uncover its true beauty.

“This concept of a ‘makeunder’ is growing quicklyacross the country,” saysRebecca Kolls, senior direc-tor and consumer strategistof home and garden atIconoculture, a global con-sumer research and advi-sory company. “Whileconsumers are finding theirway back home and findingcomfort in its dry-walledembrace; they’re also be-coming stressed out by toomuch stuff. A make undercan not only make yourspace more simplified andefficient; but it also can al-leviate a lot of the stressthat accompanies a typicalhome improvement proj-ect.”

Takee controll off yourcounters

An area of the kitchen that can quickly become clut-tered — and in desperate need of a ‘make under’ — is thecountertop. From the coffee pot and bean grinder in onecorner, to a mixer, blender and toaster in the next cor-ner, not to mention the bread basket, paper towel holder,

phone charger and more — there are oftenmore gadgets than there is room on yourcountertops.

To take control of your counters, Kollsrecommends seeking out multi-purpose in-novations that save time, money and space.The perfect example is the new KitchenCenter product, which features a stream-lined power base that supports and runs

multiple kitchen appliances — from a coffeegrinder and blender to a power mixer andfood processor. Each attachment runs fromthe same base, enabling you to utilize a num-ber of handy appliances without clutteringyour counters.

Streamlinee thee sinkAnother spot that often becomes muddled

with mess is the kitchen sink. While you maystart with a simple sink and faucet, by thetime you add a side spray, soap dispenser,hand sanitizer, lotion, water filter, dish soapand sponge, you can see this area can quicklybecome strewn with a wide variety of items.

To streamline the sink, Kolls again recom-mends simplifying this spot with as manymulti-functional products and appliances aspossible. One such example is a single-han-dle, pulldown kitchen faucet — like the newArbor faucet from Moen. This efficient —yet stylish — faucet offers a single-holemount (and includes a coverplate for sinkswith up to four holes), for a clean, refined

look without the clutter of additional handles. Plus, thefaucet’s pulldown wand eliminates the need for asidespray and offers added efficiency and maneuverabil-ity — allowing users to switch between several waterflow patterns with the touch of a button and the ability tofill pots or vases on the countertop next to the sink.

If you want to start on the smaller scale, begin by tidy-ing up your cleaning items with a sink caddy. For lessthan $20, a rust-proof stainless steel caddy eliminatescounter clutter because it affixes to the sink with suctioncups and a wire ledge hanger. A sink caddy works per-fectly in a deep bowl sink, such as the Lancelot stainlesssteel sink from Moen.

Rationalizee beforee youu modernizzeFinally, Kolls recommends asking the following ques-

tions before purchasing products for any home improve-ment project — but especially a make under:

• Do I really need this item — or do I simply want it?

• What value will this item provide? Will it save time,money or space?

“Sure, that waffle maker or juicer looks like a lot of fun,but will it really be used — or will it simply become adust collector on your counter?” says Kolls. “Be wary ofimpulse buys and really think about how you will ideallyuse your space before making a purchase. In the long run,you’ll be glad you took the time to think through your de-cisions and will ultimately enjoy your space even more.”

For more information about the Arbor collection fromMoen, call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636) or visitmoen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent


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HAWAIIRENOVATION

When it comesto air condi-tioners, a lot

has changedin the past10 years. So if yourunit is literally fromthe last century, it’stime to think about re-placing it, even if theunit is still in relativelygood condition.

One simple reason iseconomy and energyefficiency. A modernhigh-efficiency airconditioner will payfor itself within two tothree years, sometimessooner, in the form oflower monthly electricbills.

Another reason is toprotect the planet.While most older airconditioner use refriger-ants that threaten ozonedepletion, all modernunits use Puron® refrig-erant, a completelygreen alternative.

Then there is alwaysyour own comfort andhealth to think about.Unlike noisy windowunits of the past, thechoice of air condition-ers today includes mod-els that are quieter,more attractive and abetter lifestyle fit.

For example, the Car-rier Infinity® system of-

fers superb air filtrationto help eliminate aller-gens such as pollen andpet dander. UV lightsprovide mold andmildew control. Infinitysystems are super quiet,operating withone of thehighest energy effi-ciency ratings in the in-dustry. And directdigital controls allow in-dividual zoning with on-board diagnostics fortroubleshooting. Youcan even start and stopit with your cell phone.

Retiring that old airconditioner could justdo you and the planet afavor. It will also en-

hance the value of yourhome as buyers becomeincreasingly aware ofthe high cost of appli-ances that don’t use en-ergy efficiently.

For more informationabout Carrier’s Infinitysystem, contact the is-land’s largest air condi-tioning distributor —Carrier Hawaii. CarrierHawaii distributes prod-ucts from both Carrierand LG Electronics.

To reach the compa-nies on Oahu, call 677-6339 or visit thewebsites, carrierhawaii.com andlghawaii.com.


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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Who wouldn’t love a room filledwith beautiful natural lightfrom above? If the room you

want to light, however, is on the groundfloor — or below an attic — you maythink installing a skylight is impossible.Think again.

Tubular skylights are an inexpensive,energy-efficient way to bring passivenatural light (light without the heatemitted by electrical sources) into yourhome — even in rooms where youmight not be able to put a traditionalskylight. They are “small, roof-mountedmarvels,” says Sandra Tuell, an accred-ited real estate-enhancement profes-sional. “They offer exceptional lightoutput and cost efficiency, are eco-friendly and easy to install, and are bothattractive inside and unobtrusive out-side.”

The health benefits of natural lightare well-documented. And skylights are

a cost-effec-tive, eco-friendly wayto supplementyour home’slighting andenhance yourenjoyment ofyour indoorenvironment.

Skylights are also a great way to bringnatural light into rooms where windowsmay not be possible, like an interiorbathroom, laundry room or closet.

To bring light into first-floor rooms,or rooms below an attic, tubular sky-lights rely on weatherproof domesplaced on the roof of the home. “Lighttravels into the home through highly re-flective rigid or flexible tubing, whichmakes it easy to bypass obstructions inthe attic, ending at a diffuser in the ceil-ing that looks like a traditional in-ceil-ing light fixture,” says Tim Johnson ofVelux America, makers of Energy Star-qualified Sun Tunnel skylights.

And while single tubular skylights areoften used to bring natural light intosmaller spaces including closets, win-dowless baths, laundry rooms and hall-ways, they are increasingly used inmore expansive spaces in the home

with multiple tubes grouped to providebalanced lighting and reduce energycosts.

In many cases, they are less expen-sive than traditional skylights, start-ing at about $200. Some “superefficient” models meet the federalgovernment’s energy efficiency crite-ria, qualifying them for federal taxcredits of up to 30 percent of the pur-

chase and installation cost.“In most cases, the installation

process is very straight-forward,” John-son says, “with many components pre-assembled right out of the box so ahandy homeowner can handle the in-stallation in two to three hours if a pro-fessional installation is not preferred.”

You can find a tubular skylight size to


SkylightsTotally tubular

that work on the first floor

Sun Tunnel (or tubular) skylights are often

grouped in larger areas of the home to provide

balanced lighting and reduce energy costs.

SEE PAGE 10

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Is going green worth it? DefinitelyY

ou’ve stopped buying bottledwater, opting instead for a reusablebottle you carry everywhere you

go. When you go shopping, your list leanstoward the organic and recycled. But whenyou get home, going “green” seems a lotmore daunting.

You hear stories about your ultra-con-scientious neighbors trading their old en-ergy-devouring water heaters and HVACunits for the new energy-efficient models,putting up solar panels and installing thedual flush toilets. Suddenly your effort tocycle out incandescent light bulbs starts tofeel trivial.

And you start to wonder, if you are moreconfined by budget than your earth-friendly neighbors and pals, is going greenworth it?

The trick is figuring out what works foryou and your lifestyle, according to MarkLewison, academic director of the InteriorDesign Department at The Art Institute ofCalifornia-Hollywood. “Find an improve-ment that makes sense for your bottom lineand then look for green options in that areaof improvement.”

Reducing energy costs and decreasingwear on the planetover the long term isas easy as turning thelights down low.“That’s where youget the most bang foryour buck,” saysJoan Jackson, associ-ate professor of inte-rior design at TheIllinois Institute ofArt - Chicago. “Dim-mers are cheap andextend the life of thebulb five to 10times.”

Interior design as-sociate professorEve Fineman addsthat a simple and in-expensive switch inthe type of bulb youuse makes an impact.“An LED light has areally long lamp life and draws much lessenergy.”

Jackson also suggests insulating yourwindows as a simpleway to keep downcosts and keep yourhome comfortable inboth the cold andheat. And what’s theeasiest way to con-serve energy? Ac-cording to Jacksonit’s as simple as un-plugging items whenyou’re not usingthem. “Most peopledon’t realize thatyour appliances areusing energy whenthey’re plugged in,even when they’reoff,” she says.

Going green is notjust about saving en-ergy and the outsideenvironment. Yourindoor air quality

counts too. Fineman says the paint most ofus used in the past was actually filled with

volatile organic compounds (VOCs) thatare bad for you to breathe in. That newpaint smell was actually toxic. Luckily,most paint sold today has low or no VOCs.

If you do decide on more costly up-grades like energy-efficient appliances orsustainable and rapidly renewable materi-als like bamboo flooring, you can still seelong-term savings, says Fineman. “Nowthere are ways to assess and compare yourcost up-front versus how much the costsavings over a 10-year period will be,” shesays. “Most of the time consumers see thatit’s definitely worth the investment, be-cause they’ll save a lot over the long term.”

“Any green or sustainable improve-ments that can be made to a home shouldincrease a home’s value as a whole in addi-tion to helping the owners save money,”Lewison adds.

All three experts agree, whether you’retrying to help your bottom line or the envi-ronment, the way to go is green.

To learn more about The Art Institutesschools, visit artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent


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ishes for your accessories,take your bathroom fromblah to beautiful with asplash of color. Cool colorscan create a calm, serene en-vironment, while darker col-ors can be warm andinviting. And once you’veupdated the walls, considerperking up the cabinets, trimand hardware with a touchof spray paint for a final fin-ished look.

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FROM PAGE 8

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Simple & chicbathroom perk-ups

FROM PAGE 12


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Choosing the best water heater for your lifestyle

When ranking household appli-ances that consume the most en-ergy, no one is surprised to see

heating and air conditioning units at thetop of the list. On the other hand, manypeople are surprised to learn that theirwater heater ranks at No. 2.

“Monthly energy costs have become animportant factor in the decision-makingprocess for homeowners looking for a newwater heater,” says Ed Begley Jr., actor andenvironmentalist. “That’s why manufactur-ers are introducing new technologies thatincrease the energy efficiency of theirproducts.” In order to find the right water

heater for your lifestyle, Begley points outthat you need to consider both the per-formance of the machine and the monthlyenergy costs associated with it.

Your first option is a conventional waterheater. These models typically include aglass-lined tank that holds anywhere from30 to 120 gallons of hot water at a time. A40-gallon tank is generally ideal for two orthree people, while a larger family mayneed a 50- to 80-gallon tank.

A tank-type water heater can run onelectricity, natural gas or propane. A natu-ral gas model is generally the least expen-sive in terms of monthly energy costs, withan electric model costing up to three timesas much to heat the same amount of water.Most homeowners simply select the typeof water heater that matches their currentfuel source.

A conventional tank-type water heatercan operate at anywhere from 75 to 80 per-cent efficiency, depending on the brand. Inother words, 75 cents of your heating dollargoes into heating the water, and the other25 cents is lost.

Within the past 10 years, manufacturershave begun promoting another option - thetankless water heater. These models typi-cally deliver about 82 percent energy effi-ciency. Compared to a conventional waterheater, your savings will typically rangefrom $30 to $75 per year.

A tankless water heater uses a very largeburner to heat the water as it passesthrough a copper pipe on its way to yoursink, washing machine or shower. Thesemodels are measured in gallons perminute.

If you don’t use a lot of hot water, it canrun almost indefinitely without running

out. However, if you exceed the capacity ofthe machine, you will notice a drop in ei-ther temperature or water pressure.

A drawback to a tankless model is theinitial cost. The unit typically has a pricetag between $800 to $2,000, plus another$1,000 to $2,500 for installation. Comparethat to a conventional water heater, whichusually runs about $300 to $500 for the unitand another $300 to $500 for installation.That all adds up to a $1,200 to $3,500 differ-ence.

The third option is a hybrid unit. As thename implies, the hybrid combines thetechnologies of a conventional and tanklesswater heater. The result is a product thatperforms better than both technologieswith energy efficiency at 90 percent orabove.

A hybrid allows you to have back-to-back showers or simultaneous showers be-cause of the stored hot water in the hybriddesign. The installation of a hybrid waterheater is the same as a conventional model,however, the unit itself can cost $1,200 to$1,800.

"For the absolute 'greenest' option avail-able today, homeowners should consider asolar thermal water heating system," Beg-ley says. "These units include a solar ther-mal collector that goes on the roof of thehome in order to supply up to 70 percent ofthe total energy needed to run the unit." Asolar thermal system is typically more ex-pensive, but right now they are eligible fora federal tax credit of 30 percent of the totalinstalled cost in addition to other state andlocal utility rebates.

Homeowners looking for a conventionalelectric model have a new "hybrid" optionto consider. "These water heaters include aheat pump that literally pulls heat out ofthe surrounding air, like an air conditionerin reverse," Begley says. "As a result, theyare more than twice as energy efficient asa traditional electric model." This effi-ciency can translate to savings over $360each year. These hybrid electric modelsqualify for the federal tax credit and thereare also additional state and local utility re-bate programs to encourage the adoptionof these products.


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Want a new bathroom, but thinkthe price tag might be out ofyour budget? Don’t give up so

easily. Many simple updates and uniqueproducts can give you a custom-designedlook on a bare-minimum budget.

“Consumers today are looking to ‘re-model lite’ — that is, refresh a room withonly a few items and with a minimal in-vestment,” says Jack Suvak, director ofmarket research and insights at Moen. “Butat the same time, they want their home im-provement project to make a significantimpact on their home, in terms of bothstyle and functionality.”

To avoid becoming overwhelmed, breakyour bathroom up into smaller sectionsand projects. By thinking of your space in

these smaller sections, goals will becomemore attainable.

Storagee andd spaceWhile you can’t easily add more square

footage to your bathroom for extra storage,little things can make a difference. Addingnew accessories, such as a towel bar, towelbar hooks, a towel ring, shelves and robehooks can easily and inexpensively provideadditional space and storage for your ne-cessities ... and add a bit of style.

“You can change the look and function-ality of your bath for less than $100 just byadding accessories,” says Tim Bitterman,group marketing manager of Creative Spe-cialties International, the accessories divi-sion of Moen Incorporated. “With designer

finishes, such as brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze — and unique accessories,such as hotel shelves or new towel barhooks — your bath can be more beautifulwith more useful storage in no time.”

Moen recently introduced several new

accessory collections, such as the modernMethod collection and the more transi-tional Sage collection in an oil-rubbedbronze finish.


Simple & chicbathroom perk-ups

Simple touches, such as accessories and soft accents can turn your bathroom from blah to beautiful.

SEE PAGE 10

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Hawaii Renovation 01 Aug 2010

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