Tag: craig gibson

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Bathrooms DIY RENO ADDICT

Which tradies do what in a bathroom reno?

Not quite sure who does what in a bathroom reno? As one of the most renovated rooms in Australian homes (the kitchen is the other), everyone gets round to revamping their bathroom sooner or later.

Image: Precision Constructions
Image: Precision Constructions

But if you are a first timer, you really need to know what tradies you are going to need. Here is our overview of all the essential personnel you will need, depending on the scale of your project:

Plumber

Perhaps the most important tradie in this list, a licensed plumber is critical to any bathroom reno, no matter the size of the project. He can take care of little jobs, like installing new tapware, to larger tasks such as installing a toilet, sink or that awesome freestanding bath!

Bathroom designer

If you are renovating a bathroom from top to bottom, a bathroom designer can help you decide where everything goes. This is not only important from a practical point of view – everything needs to be in the right place – but you would be surprised what can be squeezed into the smallest of spaces.

Cabinetmaker

A cabinetmaker can help you get organised with custom storage or whip up your dream vanity. One thing you don’t want is clutter. Sensible storage helps you stay organised and sane!

Image: Interiors 2340
Image: Interiors 2340

Electrician

You might think a sparkie and water don’t mix, but every bathroom needs lighting – task, general & mood. How else are you going to make sure you look just right? Other electrical elements you might need include powerpoints, heated towel rails and any other fancy smancy gadgets that require hook up to power.

Tiler

Don’t underestimate the value of a good tiler, they can make or break the look of your bathroom. Just imagine your shower recess doesn’t drain properly – small details that a quality tiler will take care of.

Image: Love to Plumb
Image: Love to Plumb

Waterproofer

A trade that is often overlooked, a waterproofer will use a variety of membranes to make sure your bathroom is properly sealed. This is especially critical around your shower and bath, but also for your floor. Who wants leaks sprouting up all over the place?

Dedicated bathroom builder

A dedicated bathroom builder is a one-stop shop for your project. They will take care of all aspects of the job, from plumbing to waterproofing and everything in between, including the design. They will have all the necessary tradies on staff or at the very least manage any subbies for you. The great thing about this option is it minimises the hassle – they project manage it all on your behalf. Expect to pay for the privilege though.

Ready to get started? Don’t forget to check that the tradie you hire is licensed for the work they carry out. It is also a good idea to check references, especially for larger projects with a big budget.

– Craig Gibson is the online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest network of trade professionals and the perfect place to find a bathroom specialist in your local area.

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Design DIY RENO ADDICT

How much does painting a house cost?

In need of a face lift, or should I say could your home do with a refresh? Glad I clarified that! Everyone will tell you that the easiest way to reboot your home is to add a lick of paint, indoors or out. And they would be right. But should you DIY or get a pro in and how much will it cost?

SV Constructions

To DIY or not…

While many of us are happy to DIY, the reality is time and expertise are two commodities in short supply. You also might think that there is not much to painting, how hard can it be? Truth be told a lot of the work happens before any brushes, rollers or cans of paint make an appearance. Any experienced painter will tell you that surface preparation (cleaning, sanding and filling in holes and gaps) is as important as using quality paints, equipment and the right technique. So think twice before you head to the hardware store.

How much will my painting job cost?

So assuming you decided to get a pro in, the first question on most people’s minds is how much is this going to cost me?

You should really be looking for a painter to visit your home and give you a written quote for the entire job. Painters will typically quote a flat fee which includes materials and labour. They are also able to quote for smaller jobs, for example a single room. Some painters may even give you a ‘per square metre’ or hourly rate. Expect to pay anywhere between $18 to $20 per square metre depending on where you live. In terms of an hourly rate, painters charge in the region of $40 per hour, but this can vary significantly.

These rates are all well and good, but beware of being lured by ‘too good to be true’ figures. The bottom line on cost is that you should consider a range of factors when hiring a painter, not just price. That means screening them to get an idea if they are right for your job.

Paron Developments

Ask your painter the right questions

Hiring the right painter for your job isn’t hard if you know what questions to ask:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • What does your quote include?
  • Do you have insurance cover?
  • Are you licensed (if this is required where you live)?
  • Can you provide me with references/client recommendations?
  • What paints do you use?
  • How many people will work on my job?
  • How long will you take?

Painting your interiors

Points to consider when painting your interiors include the type of paint. Gloss, low sheen or matt each have a unique finish, so decide what look you are after. There are also easy clean paints, marketed as ‘mark resistant’ by manufacturers, which you should be aware of. Timber elements such as doors, windows, their frames and skirting boards will typically require a gloss or semi-gloss enamel paint or wood stain. These are available in oil or water-based versions, with the latter offering the benefit of drying quicker and having less odour. Painters also often double up as decorators, so are able to take care of any special finishes or effects, such as wallpapering, that you require.

Wallpaper Antics

Painting your exterior

In terms of your exteriors, these surfaces may require more remedial work such as patching and filling in. This is particularly true of any timber elements. Also bear in mind that a multi-storey home is likely going to require scaffolding. Painters will factor the cost of all this into your quote.

Don’t forget to get a range of quotes, say three or four, to be in a position to judge what you are willing to pay. Remember, don’t always be swayed by the lowest price…

– Craig Gibson is the online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest network of trade professionals and the perfect place to find a painter in your local area.

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RENO ADDICT

Resolving disputes with your tradie, it’s all about communication!

Let’s face it, having home improvements done can be a stressful experience. Besides the inconvenience and expense, there is the small matter of dealing with any number of contractors. Getting your leaking tap fixed is one thing, larger projects are necessarily more complex.

reno addict hipages

The most common home improvement-related disputes typically arise around:

  • Contractual issues — non-completion of a project or disputes based around payments and timeframes
  • Workmanship — poor quality work and/or defects.

Disputes are a real time sucker — you really do want to avoid them. Your job invariably ends up in limbo and costing more than you budgeted for. So, how to avoid becoming embroiled in all this unpleasantry?

Have the conversation

First thing is to address the individual or business directly, detailing the issue you have. This could be in person or over the phone. This approach can yield results and help to clear up a simple misunderstanding. You can then get your project back on track!

If not, the next step is to send a written complaint via email or a formal letter. Don’t forget to keep a record of all your communications with them, specifically who you talked to and when.

If you do reach an agreement, you should confirm this in writing with the business. This is to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

Last resort?

If you cannot resolve the matter with your tradie, it is time to take your dispute to the public body in your state — for example, Consumer Affairs Victoria or NSW Fair Trading. There are also industry bodies, such as Master Builders, who offer a similar service. They will attempt to mediate and resolve on your behalf. This can be a lengthy process, but it can help prevent the dispute ending up in court. Think more time and more expense!

Don’t forget the details

If you want to avoid the inconvenience of a dispute, screening your tradie before you hire them is a useful first step. Whilst it offers no guarantees, it does ensure that your tradie is qualified for the work they carry out.

So take the time to ask the right questions, such as:

  • Are you licensed for the work you carry out?
  • Are you insured?
  • Do you have recommendations from past clients?
  • Can I have a written quote?

Don’t forget to get a written contract for your project. This is a legal requirement for jobs over a certain value. This varies by locality, so check before you get your project rolling. The bigger your job the more detail you need in that document, including scope of work, timeframes, warranty info and payment schedules.

Remember, communicating with your tradie from day one is the best way to avoid any misunderstandings and preempt any potential disputes. Happy renovating!

— Craig Gibson is online editor of hipages.com.au, Australia’s largest network of trade professionals.