45-557 Pahia Rd, Kaneohe Hawaii 96744
Before my grandmother passed she and I would often sketch ideas for when I would eventually convert her Aina Haina home from a single home property into a dual home property. This was the plan and we both enjoyed imagining what that would look like. My grandparents were working class people and grandma made clear that this property was their legacy and should be cherished and handed down to future generations so that our family would never want for a place to live. She and my grandfather took great pride in their home and four generations of our family lived, loved and laughed there.So, a decade after her passing when I started looking for contractors it was important that I choose someone who would not only offer a reasonable price, but would do an excellent job. For me, this was more than a simple build/remodel, this was I promise I made to grams.After interviewing several contractors, I knew immediately that Steel Frame Homes, Rod, Kiha and their architect Jeff were a perfect fit. Not only was the price right, but Jeff’s design was beautiful. Rod was easy to talk to and took time to explain clearly and answer all questions thoroughly.They accommodated all of my requests; that the ADU in the back be wheelchair accessible, yet stylish so that my mom and aunt would be able to age gracefully in place, that the beautiful front door built by my great grandfather in the 1920s be incorporated into the remodel, but respectfully updated allowing for entry using a key, that the carport in the back have ample storage for my mother’s many “treasures.” We worked together to make our vision a reality.And when we discovered that adobe soil would prohibit us from laying the foundation as anticipated, they found a way to incorporate the necessary changes into my budget and still build me the homes we envisioned.The work they did was exemplary. Friends who came by to examine progress were full of compliments about their excellent workmanship and attention to detail. The boys who worked on the project were wonderful and considerate calling my aunt and mom “aunty” and often helped them carry groceries after their shopping expeditions. We enjoyed them very much and were grateful for their presence.And when snags occurred, as they inevitably do, Rod handled them without skipping a beat. The company we ordered our floor tiles from ordered incorrect, more expensive tiles and wanted to charge me for the upgrade. Rod stepped in and I ended up with beautiful tiles that were more expensive than the ones I’d originally chosen at no extra charge. When my range hood was waylaid in China, Rod found me the exact one from elsewhere, ordered it and had it delivered to the house without me having to lift a finger or without it causing a delay to the schedule.Rod’s wife Jessica helped me walk through the dizzying array of choices available…paint color, cabinet handles, floor and roofing tiles, plumbing fixtures, you name it. Her help was invaluable and I am eternally grateful.As the process unfolded, I on occasion would change my mind about something and Rod, with his kind, calm demeanor would always graciously accommodate. I am eternally grateful for that too!Rod was also instrumental in working with various vendors. For example, installing PVs was new to me and Rod’s mitigation of that relationship made the process a breeze.In the end, we had 2 gorgeous homes, and a huge carport with ample storage. The existing house looked brand new. It had an entirely remodeled kitchen, a new roof, a master suite, an extra bathroom and a walk-in closet. The back house was equipped with a split a/c, an ADA compliant bathroom and a spacious walk-in shower. AND everything was finished on time and within budget. We could not have been happier!And that door I mentioned, it was updated with a period perfect doorknob and key. My great grandfather’s door now welcomes people in to our beautiful new home. I think grandma would be proud.