Questions for Ohana Life

In each issue of Hawaii Home + Remodeling, we’ll round up the latest advice, information and innovations from industry pros in our Home Guide. For the Ohana Issue, you’ll find answers to three frequently asked questions from local families.

When decluttering or downsizing your family’s spaces, reflect on what you have and review what you would like to keep, says professional home organizer Chelsea Tsuchida.

Q: Our children are growing — and so is the clutter! How do we downsize our bedrooms and family room?

Physical clutter affects mental clarity. When our environment is cluttered, our brains work overtime to process the visual stimuli and information.

Creating an approach to decluttering depends on your family, schedules and lifestyle. To get started, add it to your calendar and make it nonnegotiable. Start with items that have little sentimental value. Lay them on a flat surface, hold each item and decide whether to keep, donate or toss. Consider what motivates you and your family.

In my four-step R+R Method, the first step is to reflect. This helps to identify your “why,” because when life gets busy, you might feel tired, or unmotivated. The second step of the R+R Method is review. The goal is to have a clear picture of what you already have, and [worry] less about eliminating as much as possible.

You might want to consider a haul-away service if you intend to get rid of larger items like furniture. Hire a professional organizer to help expedite the process. Some professional organizers, including myself, will take your donations to local drop-off centers or organizations. That way, the items are not sitting in a bag in your closet or in the trunk of your car for months!

— Chelsea Tsuchida, founder of Revise and Refine, a professional home organization service

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, work with your contractor on a budget and connect with a local finance expert to learn more about home improvement loans and other payment options.

Q: We want to remodel our 35-year-old kitchen. What financing options are available?

Often, homeowners want to know their qualifications and monthly payments. Your credit history and score are important. A higher score means a better chance for loan qualification. Some good practices to remember: Make timely payments; check your free credit report annually for fraudulent or misreported items; keep your revolving balances to 20% or less of their credit limits; and avoid unnecessary credit inquiries and opening new credit lines in short periods of time.

For renovation projects with price tags that are too hefty for a credit card, consider a home improvement loan. The processing isn’t as complex as for a mortgage, and the longer terms allow for easier, monthly payments.

Another option, a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, allows you to borrow up to the limit of your home’s equity — only when needed and not all at once. The HELOC’s interest-only payment feature is for the first 10 years and may be tax deductible.

— HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union

Comfort and privacy are key points to keep in mind in a multigenerational household. Soundproofing bedrooms, hallways and common areas can help to minimize disruptions.

Q: We are building a new house that will be occupied by three generations. How can we maintain our privacy and comfort?

Before working with your designer, consider these questions: How much privacy will each family member want? How much collective and individual space will be necessary? And what group activities will be done in shared spaces?

Then, as you build your home, please keep in mind these tips: Soundproof your bedrooms, hallways and common areas to absorb noises and loud sounds. Provide a secondary living area for the comfort of family members. And consider using QuietRock [panels] for sound-dampening, insulation and plumbing.

When building the kitchen and bathrooms, leave plenty of space for storage and counters. Provide enough amenities for each family unit, based on needs and wants. And finally, consider building an additional bathroom to allow family members to have their own facilities.

— Lenore Smith, client care manager, Graham Builders

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.