Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that is not answered below? Give us a call! We are happy to help.
License BC-34618 | BIA Grand Award Winner | BBB A+ rating | 30+ years of experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Home Design
: ;Do you do bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, and additions?
While our main focus is custom homes, if we feel a project and homeowner are a good fit with the H-1 Construction LLC team, then absolutely.
: ;Does H-1 Construction LLC have architectural and/or design support?
Absolutely. We will assemble an A+ team to handle all aspects of your construction needs. We make some of the top eco-homes in Honolulu, HI, and make sure every aspect of our work is done at a high level.
: ;Does H-1 Construction LLC help with the loan/bonding process?
Yes, we can help assemble most documents needed to obtain a construction loan and even offer in house financing. As the general contractor Honolulu, HI residents rely on, we offer support through the entire process.
: ;Does H-1 Construction LLC obtain a permit for my project?
Yes, we are full-service construction contractor in Honolulu, HI and our team can help you through the process of obtaining your permit.
: ;Does it cost more to remodel or build new?
This very much can depend on the situation and the size of a remodel. A remodel can often cost more per square foot ($400 a square foot and up), but depending on the size can still be cheaper overall than a new custom home build. For a free consultation on a luxury home renovation in Honolulu, HI, please give us a call.
: ;Does my project require a permit?
Generally yes, you will need to get a permit for most projects since Hawai‘i usually requires that the work be completed by a licensed general contractor in Honolulu, HI. See this link for more helpful information https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting.html
: ;How do I select the right general contractor?
This can be a difficult and stressful decision for you. You want to be certain that you are comfortable with any general contractor that you choose, as you will be working with them for a long time.
This is why it’s important to H-1 Construction LLC to build a good relationship with our homeowners throughout the process and many times even beyond.
But at the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with whichever contractor you choose, so do a little research and talk to two or three that stick out and make your decision from there.
: ;How long does new home construction typically take?
There are many variables to consider (size, site conditions) when going through the preliminary process, however, once a permit is attained, typical custom build projects will take between eight months to one year.
: ;How many projects do you run at the same time?
This depends somewhat on the scope of work. However, three to five projects running simultaneously is our sweet spot. We work very closely with you (the homeowner), and want to provide the incredible luxury home renovation Honolulu, HI residents have come to expect from us and don’t want to sacrifice that experience or relationship. Our focus remains on managing our clients expectations and not quantity.
: ;How many years has H-1 Construction LLC been in business?
We have been in business for 18 years as H-1 Construction LLC located on O‘ahu in Hawai‘i. We take pride in being one of the top construction contractors in Honolulu, HI. Before that, we were in business for 11 years as Stensland Construction in Minnesota.
: ;What area(s) do you service?
We service the entire island of Oahu, with a focus on Hawai‘i Kai, Manoa Valley, Kaimuki, Aiea, Waimanalo, Kahala, ‘Aina Haina, Portlock, Nuu‘anu, Diamond Head, and the greater Honolulu area. We are proud to be the general contractor Honolulu, HI, and surrounding areas trust. We also have projects that extend from Kapolei to the North Shore, if we feel the project and homeowners are a great fit and the homeowners feel that we are a great fit.
We have also expanded to Kaua’i, Maui, Lana’i and Hawaii Island.
: ;What is H-1 Construction LLC’s warranty?
H-1 Construction LLC has an industry-standard one-year workmanship and a ten-year structural warranty. However, as past clients can attest, we are happy to work with you on fine-tuning and other issues that arise well beyond the one-year mark.
: ;What is the average cost to build a house in Hawai‘i?
It’s very hard to say, but as a general rule of thumb, you can assume that a new build can cost about $290 to $350 a square foot plus architectural and other procurement fees. The main goal is to make sure your construction budget aligns with your project goals. We realize that can be a very big decision and a stressful time for you.
ADU Frequently Asked Questions
: ;Can you build an ADU in Hawaii?
Yes, you can build an ADU in Hawaii. To build an ADU in Hawaii, you must own a single-family home or a duplex situated on a single lot. Moreover, the dwelling unit must be constructed on the same lot as the primary residence and cannot be established on a separate lot or within a commercial or industrial zone.
: ;How to apply for ADU in Hawaii
To apply for an ADU by yourself, request approval from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting. Then complete a pre-check form, and provide the department with a copy of the plot and floor plan.
: ;The difference between an ADU and an Ohana unit.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential dwelling that is built on a single-family that contains a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. Unlike ADU’s, an Ohana Unit is a second home permitted on a lot where the zoning typically allows for just one home. The Ohana Unit is attached to the existing home, and cannot contain a fully functional kitchen.
: ;What are the requirements for an ADU in Honolulu County?
Honolulu County ADU requirements:
- Your property must be situated in a residential area or country district that is categorized as R-3.5, R-5, R-7.5, R-10, or R-20.
- Your lot must have a minimum size of 3,500 square feet.
- Your lot must contain at least one single-family dwelling.
- Your property must contain at least one single-family dwelling, which must be occupied by the property owner or their family.
- Your property or lot cannot be landlocked.
- Your property must have sufficient space for a parking space.
- Homeowners must agree to a restrictive covenant prohibiting them from selling the ADU or subdividing the lot
: ;What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential dwelling constructed on a single-family lot. An ADU typically includes a full kitchen, sleeping quarters, a bathroom, and, sometimes, one parking stall.
Square feet requirement
- Lots must have a minimum size of 3,500 square feet.
- ADU must be less than 800 square feet