We use Buildertrend. Here’s why.
Buildertrend powers our projects and gives you a better construction experience
If you’re shopping for a construction pro to help with your next project, now you can expect a better – and more digital – construction process with BKC’s latest power tool: smart technology.
We’re different from other construction companies because we have Buildertrend in our tool belt. We use Buildertrend to deliver the digital experience you expect. When you work with BKC, you’ll enjoy:
- Real-time visibility into the status of your project through an online dashboard, app notifications and email updates
- One place to communicate and track job progress
- The ability to make selections, pay for your project and sign agreements all online
Others in the industry rely on paper and pen. They bounce from system to system. Inefficiency is their norm.
With Buildertrend, BKC forges forward and leaves the old way of managing jobs in the past.
From start to finish, our entire project process comes together in one powerful platform. All-in-one software like Buildertrend boldly solves common challenges faced by construction professionals and, more importantly, their clients. Your next home project just got a whole lot easier when you work with BKC.
Barker Kappelle Construction LLC Top Builder 2019 Profile
By: Lennie Omalza
These full-service contractors with a strong office and field team are your first and last home building stop.
For the past 13 years, Phil Barker and Brett Kappelle have been guiding homeowners through the entire building process, from building a design team, to pricing projects, all the way through completing construction. As full-service contractors with a strong office and field team, they’ve positioned themselves to be the first and last stop for homeowners who are starting a construction project.
The duo has found success by always standing by their word and doing right by the customer; this has led to strong relationships, excellent referrals and a name that is trusted in the industry.
“Brett and I come from different backgrounds, but we both enjoy the craftsmanship and business aspects that come with owning a construction company,” says Barker. “We both are carpenters by trade and have that attention to detail that makes for a successful contractor.”
Kappelle adds, “We’re a tight-knit, efficient company that works hard for our clients and believes in building relationships.”
970 N. Kalaheo Ave., Suite A-306, Kailua; 664-9212; www.barkerkappelleconstruction.com
A 1950s Kahala Home is Transformed Into a Dreamy Resort-like Refuge
By: Jade Snow, Hawaii Home + Remodeling Magazine
Twelve years after purchasing their charming Kahala home, John and Yoko White realized their modern vision with the help of Barker Kappelle Construction. Though the couple initially purchased the home in 2006, professional obligations rooted them on the Mainland for the next nine years. Seeing the beloved neighborhood community as the property’s greatest asset, the couple was ready to transform the modest 1950s home into a restful resort-themed sanctuary upon their move back to Hawaii in 2017.
The Whites enlisted the help of local design-build firm Barker Kappelle Construction to reimagine the property’s livable space, with the help of architect Paul Sheffield. The result was a collaborative effort, with the full renovation completed in less than 10 months.
The single-story home was reframed and restructured, with a new roof and windows to maximize natural light; the single-walled framework was transformed to include double walls and thicker drywall for better insulation and sound properties. Inside, the cottage-style design features timeless board and batten siding, giving the home a plantation feel. Lofted ceilings add height to common living areas and open up spaces such as the living room, bedrooms and kitchen.
Originally separated by a double door, the kitchen wall was removed to open up the kitchen and create a seamless, expansive common area composed of the kitchen, living room and dining room. A hidden office beside the dining table remains unseen as desired thanks to a faux wall of stacking doors. The far side of the new laundry room was once an exterior storage room, which has been transformed, giving way to an added mud room with exceptional storage as well as a laundry room and third bathroom.
To maximize the space for John and Yoko, a third bedroom was removed to allow for two spacious bedrooms, bathrooms and a small walk-in closet. The extended master bath offers both a large shower and deep bathtub with clean tiles in soothing grays to wash off the day.
Heat was a primary concern for John, who noted Barker Kappelle’s thoughtful attention to detail when it came to cooling down the home. Stacking doors were added for the front and back entries to allow for natural wind flow, as the couple prefers to keep the doors open. Though the home includes central air conditioning, whole house fans were installed throughout the home in the newly lofted ceilings to simultaneously eliminate heat. “It keeps the temperature balanced, drawing the hot air out of the house so it ultimately feels as if you are standing in the shade outside,” Phillip Barker explains.
Now distinguished by a roadside wall, the home is unrecognizable from the street. Barker Kappelle transformed the outdated 1950s style peach aesthetic into a luxurious modern resort-style sanctuary. “The idea was to create a lot of space in a small area and have more room for a yard, so we transformed the front entry to maximize every inch of livable space,” Barker shares.
Elegant entryway details add to the resort feel, including exposed aggregate, lava rock and a rain chain. The L-shaped driveway adjacent to the garage was removed in favor of a pool lined with heat-resistant ceramic tiles that remain cool despite direct sunlight, and accented with decorative Mexican-inspired tiling. Tiki torches and tropical plants were added along the inside of the wall to create a natural canopy for added privacy and shade. “We wanted to create more of a jungle feel in the garden area to make the yard bigger and open everything up,” Barker explains. His firm collaborated with HHF Planners for the landscaping, which was meticulously installed by Akamine Lawn & Landscape, and wraps around the property with tropical plants including rare and colorful varieties of ti leaf, hibiscus, taro, native Hawaiian ferns, pua kenikeni and more.
As the Whites prepare for retirement in their two-bedroom, three-bath home, they are able to truly enjoy their next chapter together. Whether taking a refreshing dip in the pool, keeping cool indoors or waving to passing neighbors from the comfort of their front porch, they are finally home.
The Best Custom Home Builders in Honolulu, Hawaii
Home Builder Digest just released their 2019 ranking for best custom home builders in Honolulu, Hawaii and we were pleasantly surprised to see our name at the top of the list! Per Home Builder Digest: “The tourist ads have told you about the calm, laid-back vibe that invites visitors and newcomers to fantasize about a permanent vacation. What the ads may not have told you is that Honolulu has a surprisingly diverse blend of cultures and ethnicities. That diversity shouldn’t be a surprise, as the Hawaiian islands are positioned almost perfectly between Asia and North America: Honolulu has historically been a gateway city between the East and the West, and the homes of this diverse city reflect that eclectic, historic blend.
Honolulu is also one of the happiest American cities, ranked at #35 as one of the best places to live in the country. It’s such a happy city that it drives up property values. The median home price in this city exceeds $500k, so many people choose to rent, rather than buy. Honolulu homes come in a wide variety of styles: the three most common styles you will see on this list are the plantation style, the Asian style, and the modern Hawaiian. The first is the signature 20th century home style reminiscent of ‘Old Hawaii.’ The Asian style was brought in by immigrants a few generations ago; it usually includes moon gates and upturned eaves. Finally, we have the modern Hawaii style, a rich fusion of the plantation style and the Asian.
The firms in this list often employ these styles but since Honolulu is a popular tourist destination and has numerous hotels, these excellent home builders have the experience to build a wide variety of homes that function perfectly in the country’s tropical weather and capture the Hawaiian culture’s love of nature.”
1) Barker Kappelle Construction
Website | 808-664-9212 | 970 N Kalaheo Ave. Suite A #306, Kailua, HI 96734
Years of building experience is a great advantage for any company; Barker Kappelle Construction has that advantage in spades. The firm was established in 2006, but founders Phillip Barker and Brett Kappelle have 40 years of combined experience in the construction industry. Phillip Barker is an experienced New Zealand contractor who has completed projects in the Cook Islands, in London, and in the Maldives. Brett Kappelle, meanwhile, has sharp management skills and a nose for getting things done. Together they provide the firm’s projects with great balance. That balance explains the firm’s numerous awards and its diverse magazine features. Just this 2018, the Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIAH) and Hawaii Home + Remodeling gave the firm the Overall Grand award for the Kailua Road Modern Plantation.
Recipe for a Dream Kitchen
Modern bright and crisp: Hawaii Loa Ridge project by Barker Kappelle Construction
Looking for Inspiration?
Where to start when planning to remodel your kitchen?
We find that every Kitchen Remodel has a unique personality that say a lot about who our clients are. It’s never an identical footprint which makes Remodeling Kitchens interesting and fun. From “Trophy Kitchens” that say “look but don’t touch”, “Modern Kitchen” that say “welcome and sit”, to “Country Kitchens” that say “get cozy let’s talk”. What does your kitchen say about you?
Renovating your kitchen can be an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the keys to a successful kitchen renovation is forethought. Take the time to research, plan and find the style that’s right for you before you begin. Picking the perfect paint colors is something that you want to have time to set with. Feeling rushed and needing to make decisions on the spot won’t make this an enjoyable experience. It doesn’t have to be that way if you start planning early.
Whether you’re renovating your kitchen to help your home sell or to create the kitchen of your dreams you’ll need to plan your budget. Starting with high expectations and all of the bells and whistles. Then decide what you definitely will not negotiate on and what you are willing to bend on to bring the cost closer to your budget.
Ok, you’re now ready to hire the team to make all this happen for you. To make your Remodel a success you will need “A good contractor”!
One with integrity and reliability. Who will have references and a good track record. One that will help to keep your budget on track, to give his/her professional opinion that will help with the quality and bring successful results to your project which will help keep your mind at ease. Don’t be afraid to ask if they are licensed, insured and ask for references.
Ok, time to create your own recipe….
Prep:
- Check out lots of magazines for ideas on a style that best fits you. For example, https://www.hawaiihomeremodel.com or https://www.architecturaldigest.com/home-renovation-guide
- Open, Light, Airy and Warm
- What is the flow of the kitchen, Master Chef or Master Host?
- What prominent feature (focal point) will make this kitchen special
- Special hang-out spot for a small and cozy or large growing family
- How do you want your work area to flow
- How will your kitchen greet you with your first cup of coffee in the morning
| You will need the following ingredients: | Stir & Mix Ingredients with the following: |
|---|---|
| Fresh paint | A well-established General Contractor (BKC recommended) |
| Natural Lighting | Take an old run-down kitchen |
| New Cabinets | Remove old cabinets, appliance & plumbing fixtures |
| New Counter Tops | Lightly dust all walls with fresh paint |
| New Flooring | Spice up with Frameless European Cabinets |
| New Appliance | Frost with bright new appliances and plumbing |
| New Plumbing Fixtures | Sprinkle on cool and fresh counter tops |
| Pat down floors with large cool tiles or Wood floors |
Design meets durability at a Kailua seaside sanctuary
After winning the award for best New Residential Construction at the 2018 BIA Awards Gala, we returned to our dinner table and reflected on the experience. Sitting at tables around us were other top rated contractors and many of the best builders on island, making the award even more meaningful. Toward the end of the night, copies of the November issue of Hawaii Home & Remodeling Magazine were handed out. We got a kick out of seeing that the magazine featured a full list of the night’s winners, and also a feature on our most recently completed new custom home. This seaside home in Lanikai was a long term project with home owners were really enjoyed working with and we’re very proud of the end result.
Here’s an excerpt, but please click this link to read the whole article:
“…The Barker Kappelle Construction team transformed the windswept property into a refined beachfront estate with more than 7,400 square feet of living space. The two-story dwelling’s layout orients east toward the Mokulua islets.
Divided into three volumes, the home’s private spaces are placed to the left and right of a central great room boasting a 25-foot coffered ceiling crowned with sapele wood beams. A custom sapele stairway leads upstairs to the master suite, the children’s bedrooms with attached baths and an ample laundry room.
Downstairs, the open-concept kitchen’s severely modern profile is softened with elements including walnut cabinet paneling, gemlike pendant lighting and Neolith countertops. Designed as a collaboration between Ito Ryuji and Kailua’s own Trigg-Smith Architects, the kitchen includes luxury amenities such as a pullout warming drawer, six-unit gas range and built-in Miele coffee machine…”
~Brooke LaPorte, Hawaii Home & Remodeling Magazine
2018 Building Industry Design & Construction Awards
Friday, October 12 was the 2018 Building Industry Design & Construction Awards Gala. We were excited to win both the Grand Award for New Residential Homes over $999,000.00 as well as the Overall Grand Award in the New Residential Homes category.
Designed by Trigg Smith Architects, the home we built on Kailua Road was a joy to work on. We were very pleased with how the home turned out, as well as the strong relationship we developed with the homeowners. Each year the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, along with Hawaii Home & Remodeling Magazine, reviews completed residential and commercial remodels and new builds and judges projects based on the following criteria: Creativity, Materials used, Visual appeal, Environmental & sustainability, Functionality, Principals of design, Value, and Interior space. We were both proud and honored to have received the highest total combined score in this competition considering the strong competition.
Click on the image below to see the entire list and description of the 2018 winning projects:
New Home Construction – Is there a right time of year to build?
Each quarter, The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism gathers data on construction in Hawaii..
The 2018 data tables can be downloaded here. As a home or property owner looking into building a new home, one question you may not have consider is how the time of year can affect the cost of the project. The question is, does a new home cost less if it is begun between January and June vs July through December?
After analyzing the current data tables, a pattern emerged. First and second quarter construction costs are lower than third and fourth quarter. Since 1982, home construction costs have been close to 2% lower January through June, than yearly average.
Two percent may sound small, but on a $500,000 house that could be a $10k savings!
One likely explanation for the cost difference is a seasonally affected competitive market. Studying the quarterly employment number for the construction industry in Hawaii, as found here, shows a strong correlation. On average, more construction workers are employed in the third and fourth quarter each year, than the first and second quarter. In a competitive market, construction companies have lower operating costs with fewer employees – which could partly explain a cost difference when costs are passed onto the consumer. Another possible explanation would arise from reduced workloads in early months of the year (explaining the need for fewer employees) creating an incentive to reduce costs to attract more business.
Sometimes the best deals can be found when others aren’t looking.
| HONOLULU CONSTRUCTION COST INDEX | ||||
| Percentage Difference between Annual Cost Average & Quarterly Cost | ||||
| Year | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter |
| 1982 | 0.10 | -0.80 | -0.30 | 1.00 |
| 1983 | -1.93 | -0.53 | 0.88 | 1.57 |
| 1984 | 0.08 | -0.33 | -0.13 | 0.38 |
| 1985 | -0.55 | -0.95 | 0.95 | 0.55 |
| 1986 | -0.80 | -1.20 | -0.20 | 2.20 |
| 1987 | -1.17 | -0.77 | 0.43 | 1.53 |
| 1988 | 0.02 | -1.28 | -0.08 | 1.32 |
| 1989 | -0.95 | 0.05 | -0.15 | 1.05 |
| 1990 | -3.50 | -2.60 | 2.20 | 3.90 |
| 1991 | 0.17 | -0.73 | -0.13 | 0.67 |
| 1992 | -1.15 | 0.05 | 0.45 | 0.65 |
| 1993 | -3.27 | 3.43 | 0.73 | -0.88 |
| 1994 | -2.80 | 3.10 | 0.40 | -0.70 |
| 1995 | -0.64 | -0.44 | 0.06 | 1.03 |
| 1996 | -4.82 | -3.02 | 3.75 | 4.08 |
| 1997 | -1.19 | -0.13 | 0.91 | 0.41 |
| 1998 | 0.15 | 0.05 | -0.05 | -0.15 |
| 1999 | -0.10 | 1.20 | -1.10 | 0.00 |
| 2000 | -3.13 | -1.43 | 1.07 | 3.50 |
| 2001 | -2.97 | -1.00 | 0.77 | 3.20 |
| 2002 | -2.55 | -1.13 | 0.68 | 3.00 |
| 2003 | -0.64 | -0.39 | -0.07 | 1.10 |
| 2004 | -4.14 | -0.72 | 0.99 | 3.87 |
| 2005 | -7.56 | -2.10 | 3.08 | 6.57 |
| 2006 | -6.77 | -3.71 | 1.39 | 9.09 |
| 2007 | -3.85 | -2.79 | -0.58 | 7.22 |
| 2008 | -3.64 | -3.14 | -0.85 | 7.63 |
| 2009 | -1.07 | -3.78 | -0.78 | 5.64 |
| 2010 | 0.70 | -3.41 | 0.41 | 2.30 |
| 2011 | 0.50 | -2.33 | 0.92 | 0.92 |
| 2012 | 0.19 | -2.38 | 1.19 | 1.00 |
| 2013 | -4.13 | -3.03 | 1.88 | 5.29 |
| 2014 | -6.59 | -4.70 | 3.70 | 7.40 |
| 2015 | -0.97 | -5.26 | 1.45 | 4.77 |
| 2016 | -1.26 | -7.65 | 4.69 | 4.22 |
| 2017 | -0.54 | -6.20 | 4.04 | 2.70 |
| Sum | -70.79 | -60.03 | 32.59 | 98.04 |
| Average | -1.97 | -1.67 | 0.91 | 2.72 |
| NATURAL RESOURCES, MINING & CONSTRUCTION JOBS | ||||
| Comparison between annual average employment and quarterly employment | ||||
| Year | First Quarter |
Second Quarter |
Third Quarter |
Fourth Quarter |
| 1990 | -1,200 | -700 | 400 | 1,400 |
| 1991 | 100 | 400 | 200 | -700 |
| 1992 | -400 | -300 | -200 | 700 |
| 1993 | 500 | 400 | 300 | -1,200 |
| 1994 | 0 | 300 | 400 | -800 |
| 1995 | 300 | 0 | 400 | -500 |
| 1996 | 0 | -100 | 300 | -300 |
| 1997 | 100 | -300 | 200 | 0 |
| 1998 | -500 | -300 | 400 | 300 |
| 1999 | -700 | -300 | 500 | 600 |
| 2000 | -1,500 | -400 | 1,000 | 900 |
| 2001 | 50 | -150 | 250 | -100 |
| 2002 | -1,500 | -450 | 800 | 1,050 |
| 2003 | -1,100 | -150 | 600 | 550 |
| 2004 | -1,800 | -500 | 750 | 1,500 |
| 2005 | -2,200 | -400 | 1,050 | 1,600 |
| 2006 | -1,800 | -750 | 800 | 1,900 |
| 2007 | -1,300 | -300 | 700 | 900 |
| 2008 | 1,100 | 450 | 50 | -1,500 |
| 2009 | 1,850 | 350 | -550 | -1,600 |
| 2010 | 0 | -100 | -100 | 200 |
| 2011 | -900 | -200 | 700 | 400 |
| 2012 | -1,000 | -500 | 400 | 1,100 |
| 2013 | -900 | 0 | 500 | 500 |
| 2014 | -1,200 | -500 | 700 | 1,100 |
| 2015 | -2,600 | -900 | 800 | 2,500 |
| 2016 | -200 | -100 | 400 | -100 |
| 2017 | -700 | -200 | 0 | 1,100 |
| Sum | -17,500 | -5,700 | 11,750 | 11,500 |
| Average | -625 | -204 | 420 | 411 |
Covered Lanai’s
There are two main types of covered structures: those that are attached to the main house and those unattached.
The advantage to an attached lanai is convenience and accessibility from the main living space. An attached covered lanai can become an extension of the home, accessed through sliding doors, or in some cases specialty pocket or folding doors.
Depending on the complexity of the project, you may or may not need to hire an architect and a structural engineer.
Additional features can draw people into the space, making it useful and enjoyable. Most clients include additional features like fireplaces, entertainment systems, and outdoor kitchens.
This massive covered stone tile patio features a small bar and dining area nearer to the archways by the pool.
This stone tile patios feature different seating areas. It also stretches the length of the building, tucked under panels.
Glass balustrades rise to meet the top of the wooden pergola. An open top fire pit provides warmth and ambiance to this light wood and wicker enclosed terrace.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for smart homeowners who want a beautiful, durable floor at a cost conscience price. It has its own special set of features and benefits and comes in various designs, patterns, colors, and styles. It is low maintenance and easy to care for, and is impermeable to water. In recent years it has dramatically improved its aesthetic, helping to attract buyers.
There are three different ways to buy vinyl flooring: planks which come in strips that have a hard durable top layer which is backed with flexible material to make the floor softer and more comfortable to walk on. The planks are cut into similar sizes and shape as hardwood to give it a realistic look. Tile offers more versatility in configuration. It can be installed on a diagonal, in a checkerboard pattern, or mixed and matched to suit personal style. Lastly, sheet vinyl which comes in large pieces, so there will be few seams, which is great for high moisture areas like the bathroom.
Vinyl flooring comes with a wear layer that contains a sealant which strengthens the floor and comes in three thicknesses or grades. The thicker the wear layer, the tougher the flooring will be.
-Grade One: Thickest option for high traffic areas, such as entry ways and hallways
-Grade Two: Medium durability
-Grade Three: Least durable, for rooms with minimal foot traffic, like a bedroom
When deciding on which type of vinyl to use, go with the one that best suits the room. Luxury vinyl tile and planks are made to look as authentic as possible, whether they copy a hardwood pattern, natural stone design or a ceramic style. It is designated as “luxury” because this flooring has natural colors, realistic prints, surface texture and can be installed with grout if preferred.
Traffic Master Allure 6in. x 36 in. Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Life Proof 7.1 in. x 47.6 in Essential Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
If you are looking for a floor that mimics real hardwood in appearance and texture then going with the hardwood vinyl flooring is the best option. Home Depot has a wide variety of styles to choose from. The planks look so real that some may make you do a double take.
Vinyl tiles replicate the qualities of authentic stone and can be installed with or without grout. They give a warm and comfortable underfoot. These can be found at Lowes, in different colors, designs and measurements.
Stainmaster 1-Piece 12 in. x 24 in. Groutable Harbor Slate/Brown Peel and Stick Stone Luxury Vinyl Tile
Style Selections Chatsworth 1 Piece 12 in. x 12 in. Mosaic Peel and Stick Pattern Vinyl Tile
With the different types of vinyl to choose from, it’s best to go with the type that you think would best suite your home.