A custom-built home

This is part two of a three-part series.

Anew custom home by Homeworks Construction is in progress on the Hawaii Kai site of a 47-year-old tract home demolished on Oct. 24, 2013. The Kihara family, who owned the home since it was built, decided to replace it rather than remodel due to extensive termite damage and changing family needs.

Homeworks Construction CEO Jim Byxbee, who handled demolition together with machine operator Don Coppola, said it took two hours to level the 1,900-square-foot structure.

“The site was clear in three days and we began laying out the house according to the architectural design,” Byxbee said. “We checked drainage patterns and elevations, then began digging the footings. Underground plumbing was then installed, the ground termite treated and the concrete slab poured.

“Owner Cliff Kihara has been on top of the progress of the project all the way. Cliff is a 35-year veteran of the construction industry serving in various capacities with one of Hawaii’s major general contractors, Hawaiian Dredging Construction, so we were really very pleased to have been chosen by him to build his own home,” Byxbee said.

Architect Mario Tadeo, who visits the job site at each new phase of construction, noted that clients such as Kihara understand the advantage of working with a design/build firm. “We work as a team, and the client can actually become part of the team,” Tadeo said. “The project is outlined in detail in the contract … we all have the same information on the scope and schedule of work. When we start framing this week, I will be there to ensure that all the structural components are consistent with the final design plan approved by the client.”

Completion of the Kihara home will be covered in part three of this series.

HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION
contact // 955-2777
address // 2111 S. Beretania St.