Harnessing the Power of the Sun for Energy

More than eight and a half years ago, Sean Mullen was an idealistic adventurer in his 20s. His vision: People should leave the world a better place than the way they found it. His adventure: to do his part in…

A New Space to Grow

Attention Windward Oahu: Love Geobunga but hate driving to Central Oahu? Now you can shop Hawaii’s best selection of lilies, water plants, pottery, river rock, bamboo and more at Geobunga Windward in Waimanalo. Be among the first to explore the…

Builder Offers Tips to Extend Life of Home

When a home is well maintained, it can last a lifetime and beyond. It can become an appreciating asset contributing to the financial stability of the owner and future generations. Homeworks CEO Jim Byxbee, past president of the Building Industry…

An Open and Shut Case

Got a door that won’t close properly? Here’s advice on how to get out of this jam While visiting a friend’s place recently, I realized that every time I tried to shut one of the doors, it wouldn’t cooperate. In…

Issue September 30, 2012

A Construction Company You Can Trust

Whether it’s constructing a brand-new home or implementing an addition to an existing structure, Hua Xia Construction is poised to handle the job. The family business is equipped to assist customers with everything from additions of full rooms or levels…

Simplifying Your Home-Building Process With Pre-Designed Abodes

The story of The Island Homes Collection, Honsador Lumber’s premier program of prepackaged homes, is one that focuses more on nurturing a vision into reality than the building materials that go into each model. For decades now, hundreds of curious…

HydroFlow Product Wins the Battle Against Hard Water

Almost everyone in Hawaii has minerals such as calcium and magnesium in their water that make it “hard.” Hard water causes several problems, mainly the buildup of limescale. Minerals precipitate out of hard water and build up on the inside…

Remodel Your Kitchen, Bath for Great Return on Investment

Town & Country Builders is a licensed general contracting design build firm that has been serving Oahu residents for the past 32 years. The company specializes in new and custom homes, remodels, second-story additions, designer kitchens, bathrooms, Americans with Disability…

The Pros, Cons of Owning Your Photovoltaic System

The mantra, “no money down,” has flooded television airways in recent weeks. It’s a reference to solar contractors promoting the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) method of obtaining a photovoltaic (PV) electrical system. First, there are a few basic assumptions: monthly…

Finding Safe and Efficient Electrical Solutions For You

BY BRANDON BOSWORTH Summer may have come and gone, but here in Hawaii we can still count on plenty of sunshine. For savvy homeowners, all this sun translates to cheaper utility bills. Advertisement By installing photovoltaic systems, better known as…

Easy Updates for Your Bath

Homeowners today constantly put off updating their bathrooms because they have no idea where to start. The inconvenience and the cost are fear factors for some homeowners, while others may only have one bathroom. These homeowners have no idea what…

Uncover a World of Cabinetry for Any Kitchen, Bath Renovation

Since opening its doors in 2007, Golden Cabinets & Stone has gained a reputation for offering quality, affordable cabinetry and countertops to Hawaii’s consumers. Owner Wayne Cao noticed how expensive it had become to purchase cabinets in Hawaii and sought…

A Clear View of the Industry’s Latest Window Innovations

In 2010, President Obama established a new standard of energy efficiency for the fenestration industry, requiring that windows and doors achieve a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 to qualify for the government’s tax credit. The SHGC is a…

Workmanship From the Heart

In the past year CV Construction LLC has built a strong reputation among its clients as a trustworthy company that provides honest, reliable service for a great value. “We always try to give that extra and make sure the client…

A Multigenerational Dwelling That Harmonizes Indoor-Outdoor Living

This is the first of a three-part series. When the Palakiko ohana decided to return to their quaint family home in Kapahulu, it was too small and did not reflect their family’s current lifestyle and personal character. In 2008, they…

Home, Sweet Office

By utilizing fundamental design principles such as layering and repetition, this office reception area got a much-needed homey-feel makeover Last week, I shared with you how we overcame some key challenges in restyling Primary Properties’ new office at Stadium Mall.…

Simple Steps to Care for Granite, Marble and Other Natural Stone

Natural stone is one of the most sought-after upgrades in a home. Providing both versatility and timeless beauty, it’s no surprise that granite is the most popular natural stone option. Though very durable, the composition of stone can make it…

Happy Pet, Happy Home

Feng shui isn’t just for humans and their abodes, but animals, too! Keep the energy positive and free-flowing in your home by following this paw-fectly good advice “Feng Shui – The Easy Way!” Join Alice today from 3 to 5:30…

Learn How to Spice Up the Kitchen

If you’ve been thinking about the possibility of embarking on a kitchen remodel, now is the time to do so. Bella Pietra, Hawaii’s premier natural stone company, hosts a free Kitchen Remodeling 101 workshop to educate homeowners about everything they…