Solar Port

Solar-1038Kunkel Works, a local contractor is now offering “Solar Port”, an exterior freestanding structure that can be used as car port or patio cover and can support solar panels on top. “
We are still awaiting detailed information on how many solar panels each particular model can hold; there are numerous sizes. It can accommodate panels from Sharp and Sanyo and potentially others. System output will depend on the panels you choose to install, but given an effective area of approximately 15 x 15(300 sq ft), we believe we can get about a 3kw system on it using Sanyo HIT Power 205 panels(16.4 watts per sq/ft). That about $1700 per year in electricity at current rates. A typical unit that is large enough for two cars that is about 17' x 17'. There are larger sizes available, up to 4 cars wide. http://www.exteriorworld.jp/english/carport/mts/index.html

Contact us if you would like more information or to start working with this vendor.

Color Psychology

The Impact of Paint Color On Your Living Space
By Debbie Zimmer, The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

Perhaps many of you are contemplating new decorating and painting projects and perhaps aren’t aware of the impact that color has on our mood. Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our color psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.

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Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.

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Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.



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Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.



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Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.


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Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.


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Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.

A Hawaii Kai condo renovation

A recently completed renovation of a condo unit in Hawaii Kai. The scope of work focuses on the kitchen and 2 bathrooms, plus alot of plumbing work behind walls. Hardware products were specified from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.
Total project cost: $84,000
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Plaza Hawaii Kai 1001bath 2
BEFORE

Click here to see more pictures from this project.