Getting back to Work

I have just returned from California and a visit with family for Thanksgiving.
Now I must turn to following up on past projects that need attention as well as looking towards new jobs that have crossed my desk.
Today I am picking up some special order glass for a project that the customer wants for some large windows that do not currently meet code.
The code requires all glazing that is withing 18" of a walking surface or within 12" of a door to be tempered. This home was built in 1980, and it seems as if that particular part of the code was not being enforced at the time. It may have to do with availability of materials at the time but probably more due to lack of knowledge on the contractor or inspector involved. I encounter this type of thing quite a bit.
Another common safety violation is using a hollow core door between living area and a garage.
this door must be a 1 hour fire door with self closing hinges. Also enclosed garages must have sloped floors. I can go on but there have been so many of these types of non compliant issue over the years that it would get boring.
Later I am looking at modifying some recently installed kitchen cabinets  in order for a larger refrigerator to fit. Then I am checking out a project where the client wants a new patio door.
I can post the details of those projects later as the may prove helpful to anyone that is contemplating a similar project.
Feel free to post questions about your projects and I will do my best to assist you.

Locations of Projects (updated)

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Red placemarks indicate Blogged projects
Blue placemarks are other project to be blogged soon

Custom Made Hickory Cabinets

This is a kitchen we just finished in Captain Cook off of Middle Keei Rd. We custom built the Hckory cabinets at my home shop. Many of the components were pre made at the shop of an associate in Corvallis, Oregon.

we made the doors and drawers as well a some of the trim items and hardware off island because of the greater availability of those items and better pricing as well as the controlled environment that the Oregon shop offers.

We built the boxes themselves and assembled the pieces at my home shop which is mostly outdoors and under canopies.

We also applies the spray on lacquer finish here. We had excellent success doing this as our climate is great for applying lacquer.

You might notice that we construct large boxes rather than small boxes you would get at Lowes or Home Depot. This saves on material and makes installation go quicker. They are heavier and rquire two people to install.

This is the kitchen before picture. the cabinets were 25 year old plywood and particle board built in place. The client did their own demolition.

In addition to the cabinets we made the window above the sink larger, changed the location of the gas stove, added some lighting above the stove and ran a new water line for the icemaker.
I retruned after 1 month to ,make some adjustments to the cabinet door as the had climatized to the new environment and required a little adjustment to close properly.

we think we saved the client considerable expense, working with their budget and design ideas this job was around $11,000.00

Coffee Shack Makeover in Kainaliu.

This new kitchen is in a completely remodeled coffee shack that was built in 1912.

Complete Makeover in Holualoa

Very Small Condo Kitchen

This is the end result on my latest project.
As you can see it isa very small kitchen.It is in a condo in Waikoloa village.
The old cabinetry was particle board painted several times and was just really falling apart.
I recycled a microwave from another project.Many times I have appliances from other projects that are too good to throw away or recycle for scrap. I try to reuse or donate them whenever i can.




The client was on a really tight budget of $6,000.00.
Our original bid came in a several hundred dollars over budget, so we made a few changes and we were able to do the job on budget.
We reused the original sink which was still in good condition. A more affordable new faucet was selected. The configuration of the cabinetry was
changed a little and the garbage disposal was still servicable. By donating the microwave we were able to get the job and meet the clients expectations. In this tough economy it really pays to be creative in your approach and flexible on our pricing so anyone considering some improments on a tight budget has a chance at a nice new kitchen.

To get an idea of the time frame for a project like this, our work schedule was as follows:
Cabinets were delivered by Home Depot on a Tuesday morning. I began removal of old cabinetry on the same day. I was able to load all the old materials and debris on my truck and take to the landfill any unsalvageable materials and return and begin the installation of the upper cabinetry and verify layouts fo rthe next day. On Wednesday I was able to complete the installation of all the cabinetry. Completion of adjustments and trim details were done on Thursday and the countertop contractor was able to make a template for the new Corian countertops. The following Wednesday the countertops were installed and the sink was installed. So as you can see, substantial start and completion were achieved in just three days and a week later everything was 100% complete and usable.
we try to disrupt your routine and lives as little as possible.

Before and After

On the left is a photo of a project that was taken after the removal of the old cabinetry and a section of wall. The walls are CMU or concrete block, commonly called hollow tile here in Hawaii.

To the right is a picture taken after the new kitchen has been completed.