The suburban home where Sawyer and Cassidy shacked up (“The Long Con,” Ep. 2×13) was played by model homes in Mililani Mauka (Lehiwa Dr.). Specifically, developer Castle & Cooke’s “American Classics” showcase “Residence 2” (living room and entry) and “Residence 6” (bedroom).

These are now private homes that have been restored and sold in the market by a huge value. This house was restored but basically just the exterior so the movie side would still be intact and an impact for the buyer which actually was looking for this house.  Almost all structural problems were solvable to some degree, but the more severe will impact on your ability to finance the project and insure the end result, and the exterior was managed by professionals by changing the roofing, the look of the curb appeal with the sidings and with professionals that know how to install hardie board to make it perfect as it was. Also the garden was renovated as it was a new place.

When it comes to this project, renovation is more akin to restoration than remodelling — that is to say, bringing something back to its original state, to reinvigorate and refresh. Remodelling, on the other hand, essentially refers to changing a building, perhaps through altering its layout or extending.

Of course what most owners of old houses end up doing is a combination of the two but with this one the restoration was the key— returning original features and the bare bones of the property to their former glory whilst playing around with the layout in order to make the house more suitable for modern-day living.

Continue reading Lehiwa Ridge Homes →