Graham Builders, Hawaii’s premier design+build firm, now offers a Home for Life Modernization program aimed at helping thousands of homeowners on Oahu whose aging residences need a makeover to become more energy-efficient, increase resale value and update the home’s overall aesthetic.
Did you know that using air conditioning in single-wall homes with jalousie windows uses much more energy than homes with modern energy-efficient products? For example, dual-glazed windows and insulated walls and ceilings significantly lower a home’s electric bill. According to energy information publications, air conditioning in single-wall homes can cost drastically more — even exceed twice as much — than insulated homes. One way to insulate your home is with dual-glazed windows with Low-E glazing. Over the years, this can really impact a homeowner’s pocketbook.
Family-owned Graham Builders is Hawaii’s most experienced design+build firm. Owner and CEO Danny Graham, his son and vice president of operations Ryan Graham, president Evan Fujimoto and the tight-knit staff of seasoned architects, designers and project managers guide homeowners through the process of designing, building new or renovating homes to last them a lifetime.
Understanding Hawaii’s community
“We understand that the comfort and beauty of your home is extremely important to you,” said Fujimoto. “The Home for Life Modernization program is for the akamai homeowner who wants to prolong the home they have now with solutions that will increase the resale value and energy efficiency, while taking into account the high cost of living in Hawaii.” The program focuses on replacing worn windows and siding, and provides immediate modernization that gives a great bang for your buck.
With more than two decades in the industry, Graham Builders has identified key improvements that are the backbone of the Home For Life Modernization program. It starts with removing everything attached to the siding, such as exterior lights, hose bibs and laundry trays, and then deconstructing existing siding, trims and windows.
Graham Builders’ crew then installs new energy-efficient dual-glazed vinyl or aluminum windows, insulation in exterior walls, new structural shear-wall paneling (if applicable), siding and exterior wall and window trims. Finally, Graham Builders finishes the program with a first-class paint job using professional grade primers and paints. Tex-Cote COOLWALL, a revolutionary heat-reflective exterior coating, which can reduce the surface temperature of the siding up to 37 degrees, is also available.
Each home is unique, but the typical estimated cost for the Home for Life Modernization program is $35,000 for an 1,800-square-foot, single-story home and $45,000 for a 2,300-square-foot, two-story home. There may be additional costs if landscaping needs to be trimmed or removed to access the work area. However, following the modernization program, the home’s resale value should increase and the home’s monthly electric bill should decrease if AC is being used.
Blazing trails with the launch of a new program
“We identified this major need for aging homes after working with several families in Mililani,” explained Fujimoto. “Thousands of Hawaii families are affected because their homes are deteriorating from years of harsh weather damage that wreaks havoc on the original construction materials like hardboard siding that was very popular in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.”
Graham Builders also is a trailblazer in its industry, leading the effort to design and build multi-generation homes, common in Hawaii, as well as providing its expertise by renovating and remodeling homes for universal and aging-in-place designs. Having identified both these needs, Graham Builders created a niche specializing in these two areas.
“Our ultimate goal is to help homeowners understand everything there is to know about preserving and enhancing their homes, including the costs and timing to overhaul their windows and siding,” said Fujimoto. “Given each person’s unique home and circumstances, we take extra time to discuss the issues that are important to them.”
Important new information for homeowners
Attend a free monthly seminar to learn more about the Home for Life Modernization program, and why replacing your windows and siding can be a crucial decision for your long-term comfort and energy costs.
“More than 5,000 Hawaii homeowners have attended our presentation to better understand the entire building process,” said Fujimoto. “I actually encourage homeowners to attend other seminars, as I’m confident they will see why ours is the longest-running, most informative building seminar in Hawaii.”
Homeowners interested in learning more about the Home For Life Modernization program can attend Graham Builders’ upcoming free “Building Your Home for Life” seminar on Saturday, July 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Honolulu Country Club. The seminar is free, but reservations are required.
Graham Builders is the first builder ever to receive the prestigious Better Business Bureau of Hawaii Torch Award for ethics in small business. For a full schedule of seminars or to register, visit grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808.
Free Homebuilding Seminar – July 28 9 a.m.
Honolulu Country Club
Reserve your spot: 593-2808 or www.grahambuilders.com
address // 1144 Young St.
call // 593-2808
web // www.grahambuilders.com
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