Homeowners will have quieter, greener abode
Last month, we introduced a couple who is currently working with Graham Builders to build a brand-new home to replace their 85-year-old house in Makiki. Working closely with Graham Builders’ design team, the couple is well on their way to having a new home that is both quiet and energy efficient.
The old house was demolished June 21, and Graham Builders began construction of the new home six days later.
“The project is progressing extremely well,” said Evan Fujimoto, Graham Builders president. “The homeowners visit the site daily and we have collaborated on a number of items including fixture layouts, sound dampening, scheduling, among other things.”
“The project is developing nicely and we have to say that during these past few months, it seems to be moving along at a fast pace,” said the homeowners in agreement. “It’s amazing to see the progress from demolition to foundation to framing and to roofing.”
The drywall phase of the construction process is now complete. Interior finish work follows including doors and trim, painting, cabinets and counter tops, showers, electrical and plumbing fixtures, mirrors and shower doors, flooring, interior hardware, and Freedom Rail shelving (a versatile modular closet-organizing system). Installing sidewalks, driveways, fences and gates will be the final phase.
The house is not extremely large in terms of square feet, but will “live large,” meaning it has a feeling of spaciousness from an open and functional layout and from natural light that floods the interiors throughout the day. A big concern for the homeowners was noise abatement since their home is situated down wind less than 50 feet from the H-1 freeway. Insulation in the walls and ceilings and the use of Quiet Rock drywall, in addition to dual-glazed windows, make the interiors very quiet and peaceful.
Ensuring that the new home will be as energy efficient as possible was also high on the couple’s list. Working closely with the homeowners, Graham Builders installed a light-gray “cool roof” that minimizes heat transfer and obscure glass clerestory windows in the great room, which will reduce the need for lights during the daytime, among other green features.
This story is the second of three parts that follows the Makiki homeowners in their design+build journey and shares their experience in building a new home with Graham Builders. The final, completed project will be unveiled in December. Check back next month as you won’t want to miss reading about the finished product!
For more than 20 years, Graham Builders, Hawaii’s premier design+build firm, has worked with homeowners to design and build or renovate their dream homes and is ready to help you with your home construction project. Homeowners interested in learning more can attend Graham Builders’ upcoming “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Honolulu Country Club. Seminars are free, but reservations are required.
For a full schedule of 2011 monthly seminars or to register, visit www.grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808.
ADDRESS: 1144 YOUNG ST.
CONTACT: 593-2808
WEBSITE: www.grahambuilders.com
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