New Home Waikiki
New Home Waikiki: Story from Star Advertiser’s Hawaii Renovation Section on July 14, 2012
Where Projects Run the Gamut From Budget to Luxury
Written by: Connie Wright
“When you enter the lobby of the Homeworks Construction Building, you’ll see an array of awards spanning 15 years — awards for design and construction of new and remodeled homes and kitchens and baths, as well as plaques acknowledging Homeworks as one of the nation’s Top Residential Remodelers.
“We’re proud of our awards, but we also hasten to point out that recognition for the quality of our work does not equate to higher prices,” said Homeworks CEO Jim Byxbee.
“Whether working with a client on a budget or planning a luxury home, the approach is the same. You learn the parameters of their budget, find out what they like or don’t like, show them photos of completed projects to guide their decisions, and refer them to past clients, many of whom have allowed us to hold open houses at the completed home and share their experience in working with Homeworks,” he said. “That’s the best endorsement any builder can get.”
Clients are provided with a preliminary design and estimate. “Most people have an idea of what they can spend and how they will finance the project,” Byxbee said. “If the budget is tight, they often ask for suggestions on alternative materials or finishes, and we are always willing to find ways to keep costs down. For example, if granite is preferred for countertops but exceeds the budget, we’ll point out that there are many attractive, durable laminates available at half the cost. However, if their heart is set on granite, we’ll save them money elsewhere.
“We recently completed a small home on a side street in Palolo. Despite a tight budget and tight space, we were able to build this family a house they were happy with and held an open house there.
“At the opposite end of the spectrum is a multi-million-dollar home we built on the Gold Coast, now listed by Gold Coast Real Estate. Here we were working with a client who could afford top-of-the-line materials and finishes.
“So whether you are spending $30,000 on a new kitchen, or $300,000 or $3,000,000 on a new house, it’s critical to choose a contractor who can produce the home you want, at a price you can afford, and on schedule. When you sign a contract, no matter the scope or cost of the project, you are putting your financial assets on the line. Mutual trust is the key.”
Jim Byxbee answers questions about building and remodeling on the Homeworks Build New Or Re-Do Show Saturdays, 9 to 10 a.m., on KHVH Radio AM830. Call Homeworks for Residential Remodeling questions at 955-2777”
