While homeowners can spend anywhere from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars on a wide range of renovations, there is one aspect of the construction process that is truly priceless.
“You can’t buy experience,” said Frank Duarte, owner of D’s Plumbing when referencing his 50-plus years of on-the-job training.
As the owner of D’s Plumbing and Ohana Home Additions and Remodeling, the general contractor has been honing his craft as an integral cog in the family business since before Hawaii was declared a state. Duarte and his knowledgeable staff, including his son, Aaron, will work with customers to improve their homes while also accommodating various budgetary constraints.
After learning the ropes with his father at the helm, Duarte — the oldest of three boys in his family — started D’s Plumbing more than 31 years ago, and is still going strong today.
“Working in my dad’s plumbing business wasn’t easy,” said Duarte. “He was a hard worker who only went to the eighth grade because, being the oldest boy, he needed to work to help support the family. I owe everything to my dad. Now it’s my turn to train my son, Aaron, who I’m very happy to say has taken a huge step in becoming the third generation of plumbers in the Duarte family.”
Customer satisfaction is the top priority at D’s Plumbing. The 73-year-old Duarte recounts stories of contractors who fail to deliver, whether it be botching a job because of lack of experience or certification, or simply taking payment and not living up to the contract.
“The old saying is still true to this day, as my dad used to say, ‘you get what you pay for,'” he said. “As a small company, we offer personal service like no other. Our commitment to our customers is as good as gold.”
Duarte is an expert at replacing aged materials with modern alternatives, including swapping out old, dark wood to enhance lighting and replacing galvanized piping with copper. Other techniques, including modernizing bathrooms by expanding shower areas to accommodate the disabled, or adding housings in a kitchen to free up more space by getting a microwave off the counter are just a few in D’s arsenal.
“It’s all about the details,” Duarte said. “In today’s times, you have to meet the customers’ budget, and present something to them where they won’t have to struggle down the road.”
D’s Plumbing also offers a great deal for seniors ages 60 and older. Customers with that distinction will receive 10 percent off the cost of their project — whether it’s plumbing, or another construction job that the general contractor is well-versed at addressing.
“Heck, I know how it is in times like today,” Duarte said. “We need everything we can get, and being a senior myself, a discount is always welcomed.”
For more information, log on to www.AffordablePlumbingHawaii.com or call 230-8308 or 734-2032.
contact // 230-8308 • 734-2032
web // www.AffordablePlumbingHawaii.com
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