FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT A POLE HOME?

A pole home is a house built on massive poles of ponderosa pine.

HOW IS A POLE HOME CONSTRUCTED?

The poles are secured to cement blocks in the ground.
The roof is supported by beams attached to the poles.

WHY ARE POLE HOMES SO OFTEN BUILT ON HILLSIDES?

There is no need for either retaining walls or a major foundation, so there is a major financial savings.

IS A POLE HOME SUITABLE FOR A LEVEL LOT?

Absolutely. There is also an advantage in areas which may be flooded, since the house can easily be elevated to a safe level.

WHAT ABOUT TERMITES?

Termites don't like pole homes. Each pole is bolted to a concrete block, so there is no dark foundation to give ground termites a hiding place. Flying termites stay away too because the poles are carefully treated.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUILD A SMALL STARTER HOUSE AND ADD ON LATER?

Easily! Sometimes we even build the "second story" first and then fill in with a lower level later on. That is what we did with our famous La Tahitienne model.

WHAT MAKES THESE HOMES ESPECIALLY WELL SUITED FOR THE TROPICS?

Natural air conditioning is generated by the structural design. The Venturi principle accounts for this. Warm air rises high, up into the vaulted cathedral ceiling. Cool air comes in through the louvres at the floor level, and circulates through the room.

HOW IS THE COST DETERMINED?

By the size of the home, the slope of the lot, and the quality of finishing materials selected (appliances, tile, carpet, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, etc.).

CAN I SEE A FINISHED POLE HOME?

Certainly -just call or E-mail

I WANT TO BUILD MY OWN HOME, BUT NEED PLANS AND EXPERT CONSULTATION. CAN YOU HELP ME?

Yes, we offer consulting and drafting services. Another option is to contract simply to have the poles set, since that phase requires expertise and special machinery.

WHO IS PETER KRAINER?

Peter Krainer is the founder of Pole Homes and Custom Building. He is a general contractor licensed in Hawaii. He has a degree in engineering from Pierce college in Los Angelos. He is a master craftsman trained at the Institut Paul Gaugin, a French technical institute in Tahiti.

For a superior quality home, perfect in structure, design and finished details, contract for a Pole Home with Peter Krainer. Call (808)254-1626 or E-Mail at krainer@usa.net