Top Pool Companies in Oahu

Are you in Oahu and thinking of adding a swimming pool to your property, then you will need to know the top pool designers on the island and its environment? After all, the pool contractor can be the difference between a quality job and a terrible one. Finding a pool contractor might be relatively easy, but finding and choosing an excellent one can be difficult. However, we have helped you to simplify the search by listing some of the best. Of course, there are others. But try these first.

Gemini Pool and Spa:

This is one of the oldest spa and pool contractors in Hawaii. It is also the largest retail company and contractor in the state. Established in 1985, this family-owned company helps commercial and residential homeowners to construct all kinds of pools. They are particular about reducing the cost when building your pool and ensuring that you get quality to avoid the high cost of repairing your pool. The company can help you to construct all kinds of pools and spas, even custom ones that will fit right into your style and budget. They also provide maintenance services for pools and spas. Working with them means you will be benefiting from thirty-five years of expertise and experience. Gemini Pool and Spa also runs a retail store where you can get all the products, chemicals, and accessories you may need for your pool.

Eco-Mana:

This company specializes in constructing natural swimming pools using aquatic plants and gravel stones. If you are looking for a natural pool instead of one that uses mechanical filtration systems and chemicals, Eco-Mana is the company to call. A natural swimming pool is an energy-efficient and low maintenance. The company also partners with Biotop, one of the leading manufacturers of the world’s natural swimming pool. Apart from natural pools, they also construct living pools, premanufactured living, and natural pools, and help clients convert standard pools to natural ones.

Swan Builders International:

This pool company has been in existence since 1983. They are experts in constructing different types of swimming pools. If you are looking to get wowed with your swimming pool construction, this is the company to work with. They construct everything from natural-looking pools to island style swimming pools. Their swimming pools are not just about swimming; they are pools built to improve your landscape using shotcrete, stone works, and water features to improve your landscape.

A’e Loa Pool Service and Repair:

This company specializes in repairing and maintaining swimming pools. It is an insured and certified company that offers only quality services. If you are finding it difficult to keep your pool in shape, this is the company to call for help. They provide full-service cleaning and repairs of your pool. Their services include pool liner replacements, pool lighting installations, tile replacements, salt system installations, motor repairs, sand change, pool supplies delivery, etc. They also train homeowners in pool maintenance so you can keep your pool clean and well cared for all the time. The company is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

Conclusion

Whatever pool services you’re looking for, whether it is pool construction, repairs, maintenance, or supplies of pool accessories and equipment, you’ll find top pool companies that provide the service at a reasonable cost.

What To Look For When Hiring A New Contractor

Are you thinking of starting a commercial or residential construction? Maybe you are only remodeling an existing construction? One big decision you will have to make is in terms of the contractor. You can always get a general contractor who will handle the entire construction, especially when it is new construction. But if it is remodeling, a general contractor might not be the best choice, and you may just have to hire a contractor for every bit of the remodeling you need to do. Whichever choice you make in terms of a contractor; you need to make sure you pick the best because they will determine the quality of your work. You should also pay attention to the scope of your contractor, so you don’t end up doing more than you intend to yourself. That said, you should look for things when choosing a contractor, and we touch on the most basic of those things in this article.

Ensure That The Contractor Is Licensed, Bonded, And Insured:

These three qualities matter most when choosing a contractor. It is what determines if the contractor can even do the job and if the building department will issue a permit for the work. A license confirms that the contractor you are going for can work in that locality. There are times when such license is state-wide, and other times, they are issued according to municipalities. This means it is possible for a client to be capable of working in one part of the state and incapable of working in another part. There are also times when states have agreements that allow contractors licensed in one state to operate in another state. You have to ensure that the contractors you are considering for your job meet these requirements. You should also ensure they are insured and bonded because this will directly affect you if they are not.

Go with A Contractor Specialized in The Job You Want to Do:

Don’t just go with general contractors specialized in all aspects of construction. This is especially important when you are remodeling. For instance, if you want to overhaul your heating and cooling system, don’t for an electrical contractor unless they also specialize in that part of the job. Do your research and go for specialists and experts who have experience doing the particular type of job you want to be done.

Read The Fine Prints of the Contract:

It goes without saying that there should be a contract. It is your job to read through it and make sure it is detailed enough. There is nothing like a contract that is too detailed; the more detail, the better. Ensure the contract mentions everything that you agreed on orally.

Know Who Will Be Doing the Job:

There are times when the contractor you hire is a company, which means an employee will be doing the job. It is also possible you are working with a general contractor who will hire a subcontractor. That is why you must know who will do the job. A contractor should definitely be open to this kind of information.

Conclusion

As a homeowner, you should also set guidelines for the contractor so that they don’t overstep boundaries when working in your home. If you can do all this, you are guaranteed a good experience.

Concrete Finishing and Sealing

After your concrete construction has cured adequately, the next step is to finish the concrete and then seal it. These two processes go a long way in determining the appeal of the final construction, and its durability. That is why we look at the finishing and sealing process for concrete and how they are done.

Concrete Finishing

There are several ways in which concrete can be finished in different ways beyond the natural dull grey that we find in abundance everywhere. There are two ways concrete can be cured; it can be done during the curing process when the concrete is still wet or after the concrete has cured and has already dried. The finishes can be in the form of colors, stains, patterns, textures, etc. 

Color Finishes: color can be added to the concrete at the mixing stage or as a finish after the curing. When it is added as a finish, it can be in the form of stains or paints. When Stains are applied to cured concrete, the concrete still retains some of its dull look on the background, and the stains are just superimposed on it. But for paints, the dull concrete color is covered. Although any paint can be applied to concrete, there is special abrasion-free paint that is designed for concrete.

Clear Finishes: you can also go with clear transparent finishes that will not change the color of the concrete, although they might change its texture, shade, etc. Clear polyurethane spray is an example of finish that is commonly used for the finish in concrete construction. It gives the concrete a wet, slightly shiny look. Mineral oil is also used as a finish in some cases, and it gives the concrete a darker shade that can be exceptionally beautiful.

Why you should finish your concrete

  • It makes the concrete more even and smoother.
  • Finished concrete is easier to maintain and less vulnerable to damages.
  • It prevents dust from entering into the pores.
  • Concrete finishes are used to beautify concrete.
  • Finished concrete is more durable.

Concrete Sealing

A more important type of clear finish material for concrete is a sealer. The essence of sealing concrete is to give concrete a wet look and is prevent staining and abrasion. This is because the concrete is porous and will absorb contaminants and stains and then release dust into the atmosphere. Two types of sealers are commonly used – topical and penetrating sealers.

Topical sealers usually improve the appearance of the concrete and also protect it. They are applied on the clean, dry surface of the concrete and often need reapplication after about five years. On the other hand, Penetrating Sealers are applied on both wet and dry surfaces and chemically bond with the concrete. They do not modify the concrete appearance.

Why Concrete Sealing is Essential

  • Sealing protects concrete from stains such as food stains, oil, grease, urine, tire tracks, etc.
  • Sealing guards your concrete against the effects of weather and reduce exposure to UV rays.
  • Concrete sealing makes it more durable and increases its lifespan.
  • Using sealers can enhance the concrete appearance and help maintain its color.
  • Sealing makes your concrete resistant to mildew and mold.

For more information on concrete contact Concrete Contractors Lafayette LA and they will answer all your questions!

Best Way to Remodel Your Bathroom

The bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house. Despite this, it is arguably the most important. Renovating this essential space is always a headache for homeowners. It requires money, efforts, and a great deal of foresight to remodel a bathroom successfully. That’s why we have written this article, highlighting the things you should do to ensure you achieve the best results for your remodeling project.

Plan Your Project and Work with Professionals

Few people own a “perfect bathroom”, so, identify what is wrong with yours. Discuss with those using it if it’s a family bathroom and get their ideas. Determine the layout of the bathroom, what it is that can be improved, and the extent of your remodeling. You can hire an interior designer to help you with this. Find the right people to execute your plan, whether you’re going with a contractor or individual tradespeople, prioritize quality. A sizable portion of the remodeling cost goes into labor, so be sure to get your value out of it.

Furnish with Luxury Items (Strategically)

Giving your bathroom that chic and luxury look is cheaper than you thought. Since it is a small space and you don’t have to fill it up with high-end items to make it look cool. All you need is one or two items placed in strategic places, and your bathroom won’t appear much different from that of a five-star hotel. We recommend you go with a high-end vanity and countertop as this is usually the focal point of any bathroom.

Paint 

Painting is one cheap way of transforming your bathroom. Always go for bright colors such as white, cream, etc. They give the room a more spacious appearance and compliment other items in the room. When picking paints, choose high-quality waterproof paints with a satin finish. Whatever color you choose, always paint the ceilings in white. For this type of job, the best advice would be to hire interior painters.

Create storage

Maximize your bathroom space and avoid clutter. Storage does not have to take up space in the bathroom. High and open shelves, wall racks, and hooks are simple ways to create extra storage space with stylish improvements to your bathroom. 

Upgrade Instead

Why not update some of the fixtures of your bathroom instead of removing it. Get a new cover and seat for your toilet instead of replacing the entire bowl. Upgrade cabinet pulls, knobs, faucets, showerheads, racks, etc. When you do this repaint alongside, you cut costs and achieve the results you desire.

Lighting

Don’t forget to lighten up your bathroom. Get pendant lights affixed to the ceilings for general illumination and scones to illuminate specific areas. Lighting adds to the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. 

Have a Ventilation System

A bathroom is usually a damp place. All the moisture will not leave naturally and might cause odor or even damage some items made of wood. That’s why need a ventilation fan in your bathroom. If there is one already, the remodeling is a good time to upgrade it. And if there is none, there is no better time to install one than when remodeling.

Unique Things You Can Do With Concrete

There are so many creative ways to use concrete from decorative letters to magnets and even a bedside lamp. Concrete is not just for sidewalks and patios. Can you create your DIY concrete countertops? How about a gorgeous concrete cake stand? You can build amazing things from stools and planters to clicks and even jewelry by using concrete. Most people like to use concrete for home and garden décor. Next time before throwing out leftover concrete in your garage recall these unique ways to use it.

Concrete Stool

A concrete stool can get made for your workshop by just spending $5. Pour the concrete into a five-gallon bucket and add legs that you can cut from a single dowel. Pull out your new stool when the concrete has dried. 

DIY Concrete Bedside Lamp

The concrete lamp is so adorable, unique, easy to make, and will certainly add charm to your room. Build a small wooden box – whatever size you want for your lamp and then use that box to mold your concrete. Once the concrete has set, remove the template, and then add the electrical pieces that you can easily get from an old lamp.

Elegant Concrete Cake Stand

Make your cake stand from concrete that you are going to throw out. You can also mold concrete from items in your kitchen. Use a cake pan itself as the top and then disposable plastic glasses to create the stem. To display your cake, you can have a lovely and durable cake stand from concrete.

DIY Concrete Bowl

One can easily make several lovely concrete bowls from one bag of concrete. You can mold the bowl at the bottom of a flexible rubber bucket – which you can purchase at around $5. You can create taller or smaller bowls as you desire.

DIY Concrete Picture Frame

To have an adorable picture frame; create the mold from an empty cereal box – or any box of the same size which you want for your picture frame. After the mold is created, pour concrete and wait for it to dry. Glue a picture hanging hook on the back or add ribbon to hang.

Easy DIY Crayon Organizer

Concrete crayon organizer is great, versatile can be used as a pencil holder or utensil holder in the kitchen. It can be used even as a planter if you don’t need something for crayons. Kids love to help in such projects and it is a creative activity for them as well. Once it’s dried, you can paint it however you want.

DIY Concrete Box Clock

You can have a perfect clock for your bedroom or den by using concrete. But it demands time from your busy hours rather than money. You can build the mold from a wooden box, whatever shape or size you want. Then pour your concrete and when it dries, place your clock kit. It is a great way to reuse a broken clock if the clock mechanism is still working.

Industrial Style Desk with Concrete Desktop

An industrial style desk with a concrete top and wooden legs seems intricate at first sight. But it is very easy to make by spending a few hours. First, you have to create a mold for the desktop so measuring is essential. To hold top you have to build a complete desk with legs. This is perfect to place in your home office.