If you live or even occasionally visit Hawaii, you’re probably already aware of the intense housing crunch going on, especially when it comes to affordable rental properties for working families. While homelessness is usually something that happens to people who can’t or won’t work, it’s an unfortunate fact that many families are finding themselves without […]
Need a building permit to build a single family residence, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or Ohana unit on Oahu? An awareness of all relevant regulations and requirements is important. Precise planning increases the chances of a project that smoothly proceeds from conception to completion. Although the permitting process may present a challenge on occasion, it important […]
A typical property owner who wants to embark on an ADU project as an owner-builder finds the advantages very compelling – reduced project costs followed by a new revenue stream from rental income, potential tax benefits, and increased property value. However, there are pitfalls that can quickly erase or seriously postpone the hoped-for gains. In many ways, […]
Housing affordability has long been an issue on Oahu. The challenge remains, according to the 2017 Housing Affordability Table compiled by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. According to the table, urban Honolulu is the 54th largest metro area in the country but has the most expensive single-family homes. Honolulu Leads Top 100 Cities […]
The accessory dwelling units (ADU) is an increasingly popular idea which benefits homeowners, tenants and local governments alike. On Oahu, ADUs provide much-needed affordable housing. Hawaii Life reported on September 14, 2015, signing of Bill 20 by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. By mid-January of 2016, there were already 29 ADU applications pending. Since then, interest in ADUs continues to surge, in […]
Honolulu’s mayor signed a provision for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in September 2015. Now, qualifying owners of freestanding, single-family homes have a new way to generate revenue – by renting a secondary residence situated on their property. ADU’s are a response to the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Strategy, developed in response to the shortage of inexpensive rental […]
Foundation erosion is a common problem in Hawaii. For a number of reasons, not the least of which are rising sea levels and frequent flash floods. Whether your property is beachfront or inland, and no matter which island you live on, foundation erosion is one of the most devastating things that can happen to your […]
Hawaii’s rich biodiversity and unique wildlife are among its most attractive qualities. The tropical climate on the islands is heaven for over 3,000 native species of plants and animals. As a homeowner, however, you probably want to keep nature where it belongs: outside. Here are five house pests you’ll likely encounter in Hawaii, and a […]
How To Protect Your Home From Flash Floods Living in Hawaii may be paradise — but even paradise has its problems. Take flash floods, for example: flash floods can be extremely dangerous and devastating to both people and property, and anything that stands in the way of a flash flood is at risk of being […]
With spring arriving a lot of people are beginning to consider their next home improvement project. Maybe your kitchen needs an upgrade or you work at home and you want to spruce up your home office. Any home improvement worth doing is worth the time it takes to ask yourself these five questions before making that […]