Learning the basics will help narrow down your options.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone comprised mainly of quartz, mica and feldspar. The word “granite” comes from the Latin word “granum,” meaning a grain, in reference to its coarse-grained structure. Granite is a siliceous stone, meaning it’s composed mainly of quartz-like particles.

Granite is a very durable stone and relatively easy to clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners, sand, dirt and grit build-up, as these will damage the finish. Granite also does not harbor bacteria.

Since granite is a natural stone, no two are alike and there are literally thousands of different colors. Granite should be sealed to increase the life of the finish. Sealing is a relatively easy process and should be done annually unless you purchase a special sealant that requires only one application. Pricing varies, but some colors can be found at affordable prices.

Marble

Marble is a calcareous stone made up of largely calcium carbonate. Marble is technically a limestone that has endured intense heat and pressure. Marble is a porous material, therefore it is susceptible to staining. Use coasters, and protect marble from things that will stain it such as wine, coffee, etc. Marble is extremely sensitive to acidic cleaning products. Also, avoid placing hot items directly onto its surface. Marble should be used in low-traffic areas, otherwise you’ll need to keep up the maintenance to make its look last. Marble must be sealed on a regular basis and it is gorgeous, but labor intensive if you plan on installing it in an area that is used often.

Solid surface (acrylic, quartz and polyester)

LG Hi-Macs, Viatera, Corian, Cambria, Avonite, Caesarstone, Silestone and Kerrock are all types of engineered solid surfaces. Solid surfaces are very durable, non-porous and possess anti-microbial properties. Some, like Corian, can be installed seamlessly.

The acrylic-based solid surfaces can scratch, but typically can be buffed out or partially replaced if needed. Color options are endless, from bright pink to solid white. Acrylic-based solid surfaces can be used to convey many styles and aesthetics.

Polyester based solid surfaces allow for a greater depth of color; however, they are more brittle than their acrylic and quartz counterparts.

Quartz solid surfaces mimic the look of granite, are incredibly durable and are low-maintenance. A quartz-based solid surface is about 90 percent quartz, making it extremely hard in addition to being beautiful. Solid surfaces are not cheap, but can be around the same price as marbles and granites.

Still have questions? Hawaii Home Expo is an authority on countertops, and its staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Hawaii Home Expo is located at 2933 Koapaka St. and is open six days a week. Call the company today at 695-3976 (EXPO).

HAWAII HOME EXPO
contact // 695-3976 (EXPO)
address // 2933 Koapaka St.
web // www.hawaiihomeexpo.com

Photos courtesy of Hawaii Home Expo

What makes a photovoltaic system from Island Pacific Energy such a good investment? Let’s look at how a typical homeowner in Hawaii saves with a photovoltaic system.

Our example homeowner has a monthly electric bill of $300. This represents about 830 kWh of electricity per month.

A custom designed photovoltaic system from Island Pacific Energy can provide 100 percent of the homeowner’s electrical needs. In this example, a 7.5kW photo-voltaic system consisting of 30 photovoltaic modules would provide 100 percent of the customer’s energy needs and cost $32,000.

Without any financial incentives, it would take about nine and a half years for the saving in electricity costs to pay for the system. Not bad, but fortunately, homeowners in Hawaii have two financial incentives to help pay for the purchase of a photovoltaic system. The first is a 30 percent federal tax credit. The second is a 35 percent state tax credit.

A tax credit is a direct reduction in the amount of taxes you owe. For example, if you owe $10,000 in taxes and you have an $8,000 tax credit, you only pay $2,000 in taxes. Or, if you have already paid the taxes, you will get a refund of $8,000.

The tax credits on photovoltaic systems are based on the total cost of the system. In this example, the photo-voltaic system from Island Pacific Energy costs $32,000. Calculating the tax credits, the 30 percent federal tax credit would reduce federal taxes by $9,600 (30 percent times $32,000). The 35 percent state tax credit would reduce state taxes by $11,200 (35 percent times $32,000 and adjusted for limitations).

If you apply the tax credits to the cost of the photovoltaic system, the time it takes to pay for the system with savings is much shorter. In this example, if you include the benefits from both the federal and state tax credits, the time it takes to pay off the system goes from nine and a half years (with no tax credits) to only four and a half years.

The return on investment on a photovoltaic system is excellent. The annual rate of return on the investment in a photovoltaic system from Island Pacific Energy is more than 25 percent per year. That’s more than 25 times the return on a savings account and more than four times the historical returns in the stock market.

Even better, homeowners can get this excellent rate of return with no money down. Island Pacific Energy offers a variety of no money down options. You can finance 100 percent of the cost of the system and use your monthly energy savings and tax credits to pay off the loan in less than five years.

No other investment is as easy and pays back as well as a photovoltaic system from Island Pacific Energy.

For more information on how you can make one of the best investments, call Island Pacific Energy at 377-4570 or email us at info@islandpacificenergy.com.

ISLAND PACIFIC ENERGY
contact // 377-4570
email // info@islandpacificenergy.com
web // www.islandpacificenergy.com

From the belief that it costs too much to operate a pool to the misconception it will go unused, myths about pool ownership abound — and they likely dissuade some homeowners from making this valuable home improvement. If you’ve been considering adding a swimming pool to your outdoor environment, here are five common myths that are all wet:

Myth: Pools are too costly to install.

Reality: A swimming pool is a significant home improvement investment, there’s no denying it. However, the cost of a pool will depend on many factors, including the size of your yard, the dimensions of the pool and the materials you choose. When compared to other significant discretionary expenditures such as a family vacation — which costs the average family nearly $4,800 for one week of fun each year — a pool can be a high-value investment that pays for itself in just a few years. Of course, finding the right installer is key to a positive, cost-effective purchase. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) offers an online member locator to help consumers find an APSP Certified Professional in their area.

Myth: It’s difficult and costly to maintain a pool. Reality: Long gone are the days when operating a pool pump could cost almost as much as running your central air conditioning during the summer. Pool pumps and filtration systems are more energy efficient than ever, saving money on electricity costs. Plus, improvements in filtration system and purification chemicals mean you’ll need less product to keep a pool sparkling throughout the summer. In fact, when it comes to pool maintenance, 63 percent of pool owners say maintaining correct water chemistry is no trouble at all, according to an APSP survey.

Myth: Pools are not energy efficient.

Reality: Modern pool pumps require much less electricity to operate than you might think. Energy-efficient pumps can use up to 30 percent less power to operate. When compared to other household sources of electricity consumption, swimming pools are a small percentage of a home’s overall energy use. What’s more, these systems can be even more cost effective when solar powered. Accessories can help conserve energy, too. For example, using a solar cover on an inground pool when it’s not in use can help the water retain heat and keep debris out of the pool, which means less work for the filtration system — and you.

Myth: A pool won’t enhance my home’s value. Reality: Buyers like homes that have swimming pools: Among people who purchased a home with an existing swimming pool, an eye-opening 78 percent said the presence of the pool contributed to their decision to buy the house, according to the APSP survey. Depending on where you live, a pool may enhance your home’s appeal to prospective buyers even more — especially if you live in a region with very hot summers or a year-round temperate climate.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

Silhouettes are made of sheer front and back facings that have fabric vanes suspended between them. When the shading is lowered, the soft fabric vanes can be tilted to direct and diffuse the sun for variable light control. Sheer facings also diffuse light. With the vanes open, the sheer facings soften the outside view, filter incoming light and provide daytime viewing with privacy. This unique design offers superior UV protection even when the vanes are tilted open. Silhouette Window Shadings help block damaging sun rays, reduce heat/cold loss or gain, help lower utility bills and save valuable resources. When the shadings are raised, the shade completely disappears into the headrail to expose the entire window for an unobstructed view.

Silhouette Window Shadings are beautiful yet practical and graceful yet durable. Silhouettes give you the ability to modify the look of any room by changing the quality of exterior light — from harsh and unyielding to soft and comfortable. You will experience the sun rays transforming into a gentle, diffused beauty.

Silhouette Window Shadings are part of a Hunter Douglas Counterparts^® Refined & The Whole House Solution™ program. It is a new program designed to offer superior coordination for selected fabrics and colors with other Hunter Douglas products. By pairing similarly styled, colored and textured fabrics, you can easily mix and match horizontal and vertical window fashions. Other window treatments in the Counterparts^® program are the Luminette Privacy Sheers and the Vignette Modern Roman Shades. This is an ideal solution for rooms with windows of varying sizes, or if you’re looking to cover windows and doors in any room.

Pacific Islands Window Treatments offers full service from your first shopping visit through final installation. The friendly staff will bring samples to your home, measure your windows, offer expert advice and give you an estimate — all at no cost or obligation to you. The company services Oahu and outer islands.

PACIFIC ISLANDS WINDOW TREATMENTS
contact // 261-0044
web // www.piwindowtreatments.com

A home renovation can be a large investment, so having the right lender is just as important as having the right contractor or architect. With many different financing options available, finding the lender that will work hard to suit your personal needs and save you the most money is so important. CU Network Services’ (NMLS# 375459) home loan experts will sit down with you to set a personalized plan to make your home renovation project affordable.

Before you collect quotes from contractors, you should have an understanding of how much you can afford given your current financial situation. This will give you a clear picture to help keep renovation costs within your budget, rather than stretching your budget to fit these costs.

Depending on your situation and the amount you are looking to borrow, here are some popular financing options that are specialties of CU Network Services:

Home Equity Line of Credit

A Home Equity Line of Credit is the most flexible financing option that allows you to borrow funds as you need them. Rates and monthly payments tend to be lower and may offer tax benefits.

Cash-out refinance

This allows you to take advantage of the equity you have built up in your home by refinancing your current mortgage balance with the cash amount you need for your renovation. With this refinance option, you maintain just one monthly payment.

Owner/Builder Construction Loan

This specialized and innovative loan is one of the best options for homeowners looking to knock down their current home and rebuild a new one. With a construction loan, portions of the loan are given out as each phase of the construction process is completed, and it allows the option of interest-only payments during construction.

While there are many other things to consider when choosing the right financing program, the lowest interest rate may not entirely mean that it’s the most cost-effective option for you. CU Network Services’ home loan experts are available for free consultations to help assess your personal and financial situations to get your budget started. They can help you see what type of monthly payment you can afford and which financing options would best fit your needs.

Call 529-4599 to speak to an experienced home loan expert or visit 681 S. King St. CU Network Services is an Equal Housing Lender.

CU NETWORK SERVICES
contact // 529-4599
address // 681 S. King St.
web // www.cunetworkservices.com

Not only are you doing something good for the environment — and likely your pocketbook — by restoring something, you’re embracing your inner creativity. You can make a truly one-of-a-kind decor piece, tailored to your personality and style.

This notion of restoring and reusing items that would otherwise be cast aside to the junkyard or thrift store is called “upcycling,” and it’s a trend that has caught on quickly, especially in home design. So where do you start? Here are some helpful tips for tackling your own upcycling projects.

Start with a little inspiration

Look through magazines, home design blogs and websites to gather inspiration. Look for pieces that catch your eye and have the same structure and “bones” as items in your home that you’d like to restore.

For example, DremelWeekends.com is filled with inspiring and low-cost do-it-yourself projects, tool recommendations and step-by-step instructions to help you transform just about anything while bringing a new perspective to home renovation and decoration. You can even sign up to receive weekly project inspiration right to your email inbox.

Shop without breaking the bank

Decorating your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Look around your basement, attic, or at yard sales and consignment shops for free or inexpensive items that you might be able to breathe new life into. The old adage “never judge a book by its cover” would apply here. Do your best to look beyond an item’s current condition and let the inspiration you’ve gleaned take over as you see its full potential in a different light. If the piece has some defects, don’t immediately overlook it. Sometimes perfection and personality can be found in the imperfection.

Secrets of upcycling success

The secret to any do-it-yourself project is to plan ahead. Beyond finding the inspiration for a project, gather the supplies and tools you’ll need, read up on step-by-step instructions, dedicate a roomy workspace where everything is at your fingertips, and carve out time to focus on the project.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

Here are some reasons Diamond Head Windows & Doors stands out:

• Experience. The company has more than 25 years in the window business and uses this experience to select and install the windows and doors with the highest ratings and quality.

• Variety. Unlike many dealers in Hawaii, Diamond Head Windows & Doors offers five top-quality brands of windows in any style or material you choose. We can find the best window to fit your needs and budget.

• Experienced installers. The company doesn’t use subcontractors, only its own employees who have been factory-trained in the installation of your particular brand. An average installer has more than 15 years of experience and takes pride in his or her work.

• Made for Hawaii. The company negotiated with its top manufacturers to create windows especially designed for Hawaii and its elements: heat, high exposure to UV light, salt, wind and rain. Its exclusive Amerimax brand has 100 percent stainless-steel hardware (no plastic rollers) and heavy-duty screens, including new “Ultra View” screens.

• Factory-direct pricing. No middlemen or distributors are used. The company purchases directly from factories on the West Coast and packs and ships its own containers to ensure your products arrive quickly, securely and at the minimum cost.

• Consultation. The company will give an in-home consultation that includes educating you on the benefits and differences between various window brands. It brings windows to you so you can see how they operate in your own home. The company can help you choose the brand and style that will fit your budget.

• Warranty. Lifetime warranties from the manufacturer come with the products, as well as Diamond Head Windows & Doors’ lifetime installation warranty. Read the fine print, as many window warranties don’t cover Hawaii or have limitations on coverage for labor, screens or hardware.

• American-made. All of the company’s windows are manufactured exclusively with American-made parts and are engineered to last a lifetime.

• Maintenance-free. The company’s Amerimax windows all contain NEAT glass. Let the rain clean your windows, or use a garden hose to reach windows that are otherwise difficult to maintain. Its lifetime installation warranty ensures that your windows continue to be in good condition for the lifetime of your home. And maintenance-free siding eliminates the need to paint your home ever again.

DIAMOND HEAD WINDOWS & DOORS
contact // 799-8979
web // www.diamondheadwindows.com

Almost every home in the U.S. has a smoke alarm, but most do not have enough. Fire experts recommend installing alarms on every floor and inside and outside of every sleeping area. A recent survey by Kelton Research found less than a quarter of homeowners have applied this rule. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds. The sooner you hear a smoke alarm, the more time you have to escape.

Also, 75 percent of homes have a potential source of carbon monoxide (CO), but only half of the homes have a working CO alarm, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Produced by fossil fuel-burning appliances and engines, CO can cause injury or death if it builds up in your home. A working CO alarm is the only safe way to detect this odorless and invisible gas.

Consider these questions from the experts at Kidde to determine if your home is safe from fire and CO dangers.

1. How old are your smoke and CO alarms? Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years and your CO alarms every seven to 10 years, based on the model you purchased. Consider purchasing an alarm with a sealed lithium battery, such as the Worry-Free smoke and CO alarms, which provide hassle-free protection for 10 years.

2. Do you have enough smoke alarms? Place them on every floor and inside/outside of all bedrooms. Place CO alarms near sleeping areas and on each floor.

3. Have you developed a family escape plan? Make a plan for every room in the house and practice it. Be familiar with two ways out of every room and who will assist children and those with mobility/health issues.

4. Do your children know their address and how to dial 911? Post your home address and emergency phone numbers on the refrigerator.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

What could you do in 23 years? A lot, apparently — you could trip your way to an Oscar win like Jennifer Lawrence. Better yet, what about banking billions by 23 like Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg? You could have a baby, send them to college and buy them their first (legal) libation — all before having to change a light bulb.

With the U.S. incandescent phaseout wrapping up in January 2014, there are a lot of confusing messages in the lighting aisle using unfamiliar words like “lumens” and “kelvins.” You’ve got things to do (and 23 years to do them), don’t get bogged down in technical lighting jargon.

The solution is simple, instead of getting lost in the maze of bulb options, go for the one that will make your life easier and save you money. Most LED light bulbs use approximately 85 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts, can last for up to 23 years and brighten your home beautifully (based on Cree LED bulb 60W replacements at 9.5 watt, 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, 25,000 hour lifetime and average usage of six hours per day).

Go green, save green

Using less energy means spending less money, and after replacing your top five most-used light sources with LED options, you can see an average annual savings of $61 dollars. Now that’s a bright idea.

When LED light bulbs first hit the marketplace, they were ringing up at as much as $50 a bulb. For many consumers, it was too high a price to pay for light bulbs. As technology advanced in recent years, LEDs have become more affordable. This month, The Home Depot and Cree released the most cost-friendly, technologically advanced light bulb to hit the marketplace. Selling for approximately $13, this light bulb is less pricey than earlier LEDs and can pay for itself in less time.

Matching the right bulb to the right room

Your blood, sweat and tears went into creating your home sweet home, and you want to show it off. The final touches on home decor mean finding the right color light to showcase a room. Color temperature is how you measure the color of the light. Incandescent light bulbs give off a warm light with a rating of 2,700 kelvins, a hue everyone has grown familiar with. However, you can achieve a similar color temperature with LED warm light bulbs that are a fraction of the cost to operate. Also an option in energy saving LEDs are bulbs with bright or daylight color temperatures for various rooms. First, think about what you use the room for. Kitchens may be best in brighter, clean daylight light. Living rooms and bedrooms are beautiful in warm lighting with a rating of 2,700 kelvins, similar to a traditional incandescent light bulb. Track lighting is ideal for LED bulbs because you don’t have to climb back up a ladder to change it for a couple decades.

Don’t reinvent the bulb

If you’re comfortable with a traditional-looking bulb, keep it simple and buy a traditional-looking light bulb. The Cree LED Bulb, available exclusively through The Home Depot, is designed to look and feel familiar, although there’s complicated top-of-the-line technology behind the shatterproof glass.Traditional looking bulbs also look great in all fixtures and fit in seamlessly with a variety of decor styles.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

All too often members of the Hawaii community either directly experience or hear of an elderly loved one tripping over a bathtub, causing serious injury, even death.

To prevent this, Island Bath Works offers walk-through bathtub conversions, an innovative process in which the existing bathtub is modified by removing a portion of the side to create a seamless opening that allows for an easy and safe entryway.

The need for bathtub conversions

Available on all the islands, Island Bath Works’ bathtub conversion is a popular option for those with limited mobility. “Many homeowners commit to doing a walk-through bathtub conversion only after having an accident,” said Eric Thompson, CEO and president of Island Bath Works. “Our goal is to help people take the necessary preventative measures before it’s too late.”

With the middle-aged and elderly population in Hawaii increasing, as well as the number of households with multigenerational families living under one roof, there exists a need for bathrooms that can safely accommodate everybody, said Thompson.

Bathtub conversions do not have to be expensive or complex

Oftentimes, the high cost of labor and supplies is the reason why many choose to hold off on bathtub conversions. However, thanks to various cutting-edge techniques, Island Bath Works is able to maintain a significantly lower price tag than most bathroom renovation companies.

“Typically to get a walk-in shower or sit-in bathtub, the conversion process can range anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 on average,” said Thompson. “Our services achieve a seamless, high-quality finish on approximately 80 percent less of what the service would normally cost.”

Unlike most bathroom renovations, the walk-through bathtub conversion does not require major reconstruction or demolition. Labor time is minimal as most conversions can be completed in less than one day and homeowners can start using the shower 24 hours after the job is complete.

“Most people think renovating any part of the bathroom is a weighty and complex job that requires not being able to use your bathroom for weeks,” said Thompson. “Since we are converting your existing bathtub and not replacing it altogether, the entire process is quick and burden-free.”

Homeowners can place the entryway on any part of the bathtub in any desired size up to three feet. Additionally, the conversion process is advantageously versatile as it can also be done on any type of bathtub ranging from fiberglass to cast iron or steel materials. “Most homes in Hawaii were built with high-quality cast iron bathtubs, so for those homes it makes no sense to replace the bathtub completely,” said Thompson.

In addition to the bathtub conversion, customers can also choose to refinish their bathtub. Unlike bathtub replacement, which would involve removing and replacing all components as well as redoing the plumbing configuration, refinishing resurfaces the existing fixtures with an industrial coating.

“We offer the American standard white or almond for bathtubs,” said Thompson. “For walls, homeowners can choose from a variety of finishes like granite, which give the bathroom a very nice stone appearance.”

Island Bath Works ensures the durability of all its products by guaranteeing a lifetime warranty on all labor and materials as well as a five-year warranty on any refinishing.

ISLAND BATH WORKS
contact // 927-9228
web // www.islandbathworks.com