Consider Incorporating a Half Bath into your Home Design

Image credit: DenyneDesigns

Whether you are remodeling or building a new home, you must think about considering a half bath in your home. First, think about who will use the half bath before you even determine where you will place it in your home. Originally half baths were created for your guests so they didn't have to wander into the private areas of your home. Today they are still used for the same function.

When deciding where to incorporate your half bath you must keep in mind two requirements - one, is it convenient to the social spaces of the home (living, dinning, kitchen, and family areas), and two, is it private enough (in a hallway, under stair case, off any entry way). It can be awkward and sometimes embarrassing to exist or enter a half bath that opens into a room where people gather (kitchen, living, family, and dinning areas). FInding space in the desired location can be a challenge. However, sine the room is not usually used for an extended period of time or a variety of tasks, the area requirements can be minimal.

Pedestal or wall-hung sinks require only a small area and are great for a half bath, helping to create a more spacious feel. Storage is not as necessary in a half bath as in a full bath, so you may only need room for hand soap, some spare rolls of toilet paper and maybe some aspirin or Band-Aids. A wall cabinet or shelves is a great place to store these items.

Depending on the area of the house that you place your half bath, a skylight is a great option for natural light and it brightens up the smaller area! You will have a better opportunity for more finish options and custom details when choosing a half bath because the are is small and the humidity and moisture levels are less. 

Three Phases of a Construction Project

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All-Build Construction follows a three phase concept for each construction project. It's important to understand the details of the process. The three phases followed are the Design Phase, Construction Phase, and Post-Construction Phase.

Design Phase - A projects begins with figuring out the scale of work, which determines project cost and provides enough information to give a beginning estimate. Cost is often an important consideration; All-Build is experienced in managing the budget to meet customer needs. The value we bring to your project is defined by more than just the cost of the work. Once the beginning estimate is accepted, the schedule, materials selection, and construction methods are finalized. A final budget and contract are provided based on completed plans and specifications for the project.

Construction Phase - Before the project starts, materials are checked to ensure they are readily available on Island and that special order items will drive within the required timeframe. Once work starts on a project All-Build focuses on communication clearly with customers throughout the construction process to keep the project running smoothly. We pay close attention to detail and consistently manage the schedule to meet deadlines.

Post-Construction Phase - Relationships with our customers don't end after a project is complete. We provide you with all manufacturer warranties, and maintenance and care guidelines for all new installations. All-Build is there for our customers even after a project is finished. We stand behind the quality of our work and take pride in the continued satisfaction of our customers.

How to Choose the Perfect Dishwasher for your Home?

Image credit: Maytag

Dishwashers have made it so easy to clean your dishes. The new innovations in dishwashers have made them quitter, easier to load, and more energy and water efficient. So, how do you choose the perfect dishwasher for your home? Take into consideration the following tips:

• How much space do you have? Dishwashers come in a variety of different sizes, full size and compact models. Be sure to choose the proper size depending on the size of your kitchen space. Keep in mind the dishwasher will need to be connected to a water line. 
• Research. Shopping for appliances requires researching what will fit within your budget, style, household, and user satisfaction. I would suggest start shopping online or visit your local appliance store to gain knowledge about the specifics before you purchase. 
• More amenity options mean higher cost. The more options available for different washing, rinsing, and soaking cycles, generally the higher the price. It's more complex than your basic model. Also, think about water and electricity consumption. Higher price does not always mean the best product.
• Other types of dishwashers. Instead of your traditional full size dishwasher, there are also drawer type dishwashers. This allows for washes to be done in a smaller load and in a drawer setting. Drawer dishwasher may be seen in a high end home with usually a full size dishwasher as well. Portable dishwashers are also available on the market. 

Image credit: Fisher&Paykel

Overall do your homework to work with in your budget and inform yourself on what types of dishwashers are on the market. Don't forget to use these tips to help choose the best dishwasher for your home!

Which JELD-WEN Window is Right for You?

Image credit: JELD-WEN

JELD-WEN is one of the world's leading manufacturers of reliable windows and doors. They offer a wide variety of style and product lines. Customers are even able create their own custom designs. JELD-WEN has 10 styles available; double-hung, single-hung, awning, fixed, sliding, casement, bay, bow, garden, and tilt and turn. The most popular product line in Hawaii are the premium and builders vinyl, usually seen in double-hung, casement, and awning styles. 

Image credit: JELD-WEN

Vinyl windows are constructed of a strong plastic material that are used for its durability, energy efficiency and ability to stand up to the elements. Plus this material will never fade in color, flake, peel or rot. 

On Oahu, JELD-WEN can be found at one of your local stores: Home Depot, One Stop Windows & Doors, and Jiffy Set.  

Tips on Purchasing a New Refrigerator

It's time to purchase a new refrigerator, whether the reason is because your remodeling and would like to upgrade or your current one stopped working. Take into consideration these tips on what to look for when purchasing a refrigerator today.

Tip 1: To ensure it's energy efficient look for an Energy Star model.

Tip 2: Look for the yellow EnergyGuide label. This label can be used to determine the model's energy use and you can create an annual estimate of operating costs.  Comparing the energy use to similar models will help determine which model is best for your needs. 

Tip 3: Top-mounted freezers use 10-25% less energy than bottom-mounted or side-by-side models.

Tip 4: Choose the right size refrigerator for your space. Generally, the larger the appliance, the greater the energy consumption. 

Tip 5: Besides being a higher cost, automatic ice-makers and through-the-door ice dispensers can increase energy use by 14-20%.

Image credit: GE Appliances

Source: https://www.energystar.gov/certified-products/detail/refrigerators