Enhancing property use and value with creative design

As buildable land becomes more scarce on Oahu and property and home prices continue to rise, many owners are maximizing their real estate assets by remodeling and building new while taking advantage of record low interest rates. Homeworks Construction has been the contractor of choice for property owners who have been successful in their endeavor to achieve their goals of redeveloping existing properties.

A case in point is a recent Homeworks project involving a large Kaneohe property with an existing dwelling and space for further improvements. However, the available remaining space was a steep hillside that made construction of an additional structure problematic.

“Once Homeworks provided an approved development plan, the owner wanted to move forward quickly with the project,” says Sylvio Boucher, Homeworks president and chief of field operations.

The unique home is perched on a 10,000-square-foot lot, one of three subdivided by the owner from a total 3.4-acre parcel, and is being built for a family member; the owner occupies an existing house on another lot.

“Preparing the lot for construction was a challenge,” Boucher notes. “Large trees and root networks were removed while preserving surrounding foliage to provide privacy and preserve forest atmosphere. Due to the 30-degree slope, much of this work had to be done by hand, including 300 feet of trenching for installation of utilities.”

The 1,078-square-foot home opens to a 400-square-foot deck and captures views of Windward Oahu and the ocean.

Earlier this year, Home-works completed a custom home in Diamond Head that doubles the size of the 50-year-old structure that previously occupied the 5,000-square-foot site.

“The owner not only needed a lot more room, he wanted his new family home to be an ‘oasis’ with a large lanai for entertaining and outdoor dining overlooking gardens and the swimming pool,” says Homeworks president and chief administrative officer Marshall Hickox.

Other design priorities included taking advantage of views of Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park, architectural compatibility with the historic neighborhood, and creating privacy on a small lot in a densely developed area, which was achieved through orientation of the structure, landscaping, and addition of perimeter fencing and rock walls.

“Although there was not much room to build outward and the front of the property is close to the road, we were able to come up with layout solutions that made better use of available space,” Hickox adds.

Interior living spaces are augmented by a 600-square-foot lanai that includes a study and craft room. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) was added over the garage.

Additions are another option available to property owners looking to increase usable living space as well as enhance value. A ’70s Waialae Iki home, originally 4,000 square feet, gained approximately 1,800 square feet and expanded views with additions designed and built by Homeworks. New construction focused on the rear of the home, which overlooks the valley and mountains.

“We demolished the old deck and lanai of the existing two-story home and built a new upper level dining area,” Boucher says. “On the ground level, adjacent to the new swimming pool, we constructed a deck and 414-square-foot recreation room. Multiple sets of stairs were added to provide access from the pool level to the first and second floors.

“Due to the 40-degree slope and minimal space to access the project area, all work had to be done by hand, including moving materials. This project was a big challenge and required intensive coordination between suppliers, subcontractors and workers.”

Established over two decades ago as a design-build firm, Homeworks Construction has been chosen as one of Hawaii’s “Best Construction Companies” in Honolulu Star-Advertiser‘s “Hawaii’s Best” awards program for the third consecutive year and was named “Builder of the Year” by the Building Industry Association. The National Association of Home Builders has designated the company a “Built Green Professional” and “Aging in Place Specialist.”

For more information or to make an appointment for a free consultation at the Homeworks office or your jobsite, call 808-955-2777 or go to homeworkshawaii.com.

HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION
CONTACT 808-955-2777
ADDRESS 2111 S. Beretania St., Honolulu
WEB homeworkshawaii.com