Treehaus Build FAQs
What type of projects does Treehaus Build take on?
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Custom home new construction up to 2,000sqft +/-
Prepackaged new construction homes purchased through HPM or Honsador
Ohanas and Home additions
Kitchen remodels
Remodels on homes and condos of all sizes
New deck construction and repair
Outdoor kitchens
When should I contact Treehaus Build?
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Reach out for a free, no pressure phone call as early as you would like. You can contact us through the form on our website or through our contact page. During the phone call we can discuss if you are ready for a site consolation .
We can be most efficient the earlier we are involved so the construction budget can be created in tandem with the design. If you are working with an architect on a comprehensive remodel or new build, this would be the Schematic Design phase.
If you are self-designing a smaller project like a kitchen, bath or custom carpentry project, once you have collected initial inspiration photos and have a rough idea of project scope, reach out and we would love to partner with you in the next steps.
How much will my project cost?
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New construction projects on Maui typically start at around $400-$500 per square foot and increase based on the site, the design and other goals of the project.
Remodel projects can range widely and it is best to reach out for a quick chat or to schedule a site consultation.
Every Treehaus Build project is custom and project costs are best determined in the design and Preconstruction phase.
What is a high performance home?
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In residential construction, a high performance home refers to a building that is designed and built to be energy efficient, healthy for occupants and long-lasting. High performance can be achieved through multiple avenues depending on client goals. In building high performance homes, we consider many details, including the following:
Shorter plumbing runs and a centrally located hot water heater to reduce hot water wait time and thus reduce water waste.
HVAC design that keeps ductwork out of a hot, humid attic to avoid condensation, risk for mold and expensive energy loss. (Attic temperatures can reach 120-150 degrees on a sunny Maui day)
Dedicated dehumidification systems to reduce humidity in rainier regions of Maui and reduce the risk of mold.
Raised heel trusses to achieve consistent attic insulation, avoid blocking ventilation inlets at the eves and avoid expensive energy loss.
The addition of solar panels to generate as much, or more, energy than the house consumes.
Where does mold come from and how can I prevent it in my home?
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Moisture is the most critical factor in determining the presence of mold since mold cannot grow without moisture. Preventing mold starts with understanding where moisture comes from in a home and managing those sources. At Treehaus Build, we look first at managing bulk water at the envelope of the house (foundation, roof, windows, siding, doors and overall wall assembly). Managing bulk water involves evaluating roof overhangs, sealing penetrations in the exterior of the home, properly installing windows and adequate grading away from the house. Next we look at conditions inside the house that lead to condensation such as avoiding ductwork in the attic and dedicated dehumidification systems as needed to manage indoor humidity.
What about if you’re off island for months at a time and your home is unoccupied? What if windows are open all the time? What if air conditioning is never used, or used all the time? Just as important in understanding the building science behind mold is understanding occupant needs and how those will affect the conditions that can lead to mold.
On Maui, however, there are a variety of climate zones and the right approach in Haiku may not be appropriate for Kihei. During Preconstruction, we look at all the factors that will affect the health of your project and take steps early in the planning phase to ensure that mold will be managed throughout the life of your home.