With the holiday season upon us, the professional team at HK Construction has some vital planning tips for homeowners looking to have work done or rebuilding their dwelling in anticipation of the new year.

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While it may be clear to homeowners as far as work that needs to be done to improve one’s home, there are many specific and time-sensitive steps that need to be fulfilled prior to securing a permit in order to begin construction. Alan Twu, vice president of HK Construction, suggested that those interested in starting a project in the near future should begin the planning and design phase soon because, although construction won’t take place during the holidays, it will take “typically anywhere from a month to two months to complete a plan.”

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Once plans are completed, homeowners are required to submit them along with the contract and supporting documents in order to secure a construction loan from a financial institution. That financing process typically takes between 30 to 45 days, while the permitting process usually takes upwards of 30 days for new home projects. Twu also noted that the State Historical Preservation Division requires those with homes built more than 50 years ago to apply for approval before alteration to — or demolition of — the existing structure takes place — this process can add another 45 days to the process.

Twu also noted that a survey of the property is required to establish the actual boundaries of the area prior to construction. This process is now mandatory for all new-build construction and must be included in the process before a permit is issued. Once all these steps are completed and funding is secured, then construction can commence.

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“We want homeowners to know what is required nowadays to build a home and provide an accurate timeline of what they can anticipate,” Twu said. “If you start planning at the time when interest rates are good, by the time the plans are done and approved, that interest rate has most likely gone up.”

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The skilled professionals at HK Construction are available to assist clients with building new and enhancing existing structures with the goal of making one’s home an enjoyable, safe living space for generations to come. A good first step in learning about the home building process and determining what can be done to enhance one’s existing home, is to attend one of HK Construction’s home building seminars. Attendees can have their questions answered at that time, and also set up a free on-site assessment.

HK Construction will be holding three seminars this week. Call 841-1800 for reservations, or to get more information.

Upcoming HK Construction Seminars

• Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pearl Country Club
• Friday, Nov. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Ward Warehouse
• Saturday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. at the American Savings Financial Services Center in Kahala.

HK CONSTRUCTION
contact // 841-1800
web // www.hkchawaii.com

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