Tag: trade

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DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT Reno Trends

DIY? When it’s illegal, dangerous or just not worth it.

By Zak Saboune

As anyone who’s been through a home renovation knows, cost is a huge factor. After making what feels like thousands of decisions over the course of a reno, it can be tempting to default to the cheapest option. Much of the time, this means forfeiting hiring a trained professional and doing jobs yourself. 

It’s easy to see why people often go down this route. Bunnings is filled to the brim with almost any part you could need for any given project, and YouTube provides the answer to almost any renovation-related project. After all, isn’t that what DIY is all about?

However, in reality, there are some jobs that are simply too challenging for anyone but a licensed professional to handle. Just because you can physically purchase all the tools you need to do the job, it doesn’t mean you have all the skills and knowledge to complete it safely and securely. 

In Australia, our laws on DIY electrical and plumbing work are much stricter than other countries, and with good reason. Throughout our time as emergency home service providers, we’ve seen floods, voided insurance policies, and potentially fatal wiring all as a result of dodgy DIYs. Most of the time, the cost of fixing these mistakes is far higher than if they’d simply hired a professional to do the work in the first place. 

So how can you tell the DIY jobs from the ones that require a licenced professional? Often, it’s as simple as looking at the label. The majority of the products that need to be installed by a licensed tradesperson will say so on the label or in the T&Cs. 

If you’re watching a video on a particular installation, they’ll usually note that the job needs to be done by a licenced professional… even if they then go on to give you a step by step guide of how to do it.

Light fittings and power points

Light fittings are one of the most common things that people believe they can install themselves. They’re at Bunnings, you’ve seen a family or friend do it themselves… so why can’t you? Australian law says you need a professional to install your light fittings for a reason. Get it wrong, and you could be putting yourself at serious risk.

The same is true of moving a power point to a different wall or into a different room – it’s illegal to do it yourself, and could cause serious injury or even death. It’s definitely not worth the small amount of money you’d save on hiring someone to do the job for you. 

Ceiling fans

Over time, we’ve seen a lot of issues where people think that they can simply unplug, disconnect and reconnect the cabling in new ceiling fans. Like light fittings, it’s one of those jobs that seems simple, but is actually far more complicated than it looks. We’ve certainly had more than a few disaster jobs sent through from dodgy ceiling fan DIY projects. 

Taps and pipes

Taps are another common area that people attempt to install themselves. But if you use the wrong feeding, there’s a very real risk of flooding your house, or even causing a gas leak. We’ve seen people using water piping on a gas line, or attempting to install gas fittings on water lines. In many cases, we have to pull the entire thing out and start again – which ends up costing more than if we’d simply been able to install it correctly in the first place. 

Ultimately, if things go wrong, you run the risk of voiding your insurance. Insurers usually want to go after whoever completed the installation and therefore caused the damages. If you don’t use a licenced tradesperson, who will be covered under their own insurance, you’ll run the risk of not being covered. So unless you’re prepared to pay out-of-pocket to clean up a flooded house or worse, then hire a professional. 

Put simply, if a job has got anything to do with water, sewage, or electricity, don’t attempt it yourself. In the long run, it’ll cost you far less in time, frustration, and hard-earned dollars. 

–Zak Saboune is a licenced plumber and founder of Service Today, one of Australia’s leading emergency home service businesses, with over 180 employees in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

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Decorating 101 DIY Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

When not to DIY. And when it’s ok!

Stuart Tucker, Chief Customer Officer at hipages, talks about when to DIY and when you really need to hire a tradie.

As a nation, we are obsessed with renovating and research from hipages has found that Australians have been spending an approximate $70 billion each year on trades to complete jobs around the home. While we are all homebound, now is the perfect time to get onto those home maintenance items lingering on the to do list.

We understand that some homeowners may be weighing up what they should and shouldn’t get done around the home based on what they can reasonably manage themselves and jobs that would require a tradie’s expertise. Before you strap on a work belt and dust off your power tools, it’s important to know the limits of your capabilities. According to our research, Aussie homeowners spend $3.53 billion annually on hiring tradies to fix DIY gone awry.

My tip is to ask yourself the following questions before you tackle a DIY project:

  • Do I have the necessary tools and expertise? Always do your research upfront before you get started to ensure you have the right tools, materials or expertise required.
  • How risky is it? Projects involving plumbing, electrics or working at heights are risky. Aside from putting yourself in harm’s way, you may also cause costly damage to your home. Always assess the risk and err on the side of caution.
  • How much time and space will it take? Jobs like painting may seem like a great idea but consider how long the project will take from start to finish and the space required. If it’s going to cause an inconvenience, it’s best to delay till another time.

There are still a number of jobs both inside and outside the home that are great DIY projects.

Inside the home: Interior styling – consider what you don’t like about a room, or what isn’t ticking the boxes for you anymore. You can then look at simple, effective solutions to meet the functionality of the space or room. This could include bringing in new furniture or furnishings, like cushions and decorations, or changing up the room layout.

Outside the home: Gardening is something that can be tackled by a DIYer, from sprucing up existing garden beds or creating new and inviting spaces in your backyard. Though we may be spending more time indoors, it’s worth giving your outdoor area a makeover so you have an alternative space to relax in and enjoy.

With that said, there are a number of jobs that should never be DIY’d including plumbing, electrics and home extensions and renovations. A licensed professional should always be hired to complete these works:

Plumbing jobs Although simple plumbing jobs such as unclogging a drain or fixing a leaky tap can usually be tackled by an amateur handyman without any problems, larger repairs or installations should never be attempted without the help of a professional plumber.

Electrical jobs Electrical work should never be attempted without the help of a properly licensed electrician due to the high risks associated with DIY-ing electrical work. In fact, in some states you’re required to use a licensed tradie even to change your lightbulbs!

Home extensions and renovations When it comes to DIY projects, the onset of reality TV renovation shows has given people a false perception of the work involved and the potential for costly mistakes. Registered builders are well versed with the building process and understand how to keep a build on schedule with quality control in check, while maintaining safety standards.

Repairing property damage Property damage may range from clogged drains to leaky roofs and water damage, so when considering whether to tackle a job yourself or bring in a professional, you’ll need to look at the scale of the job, the risks involved, and what sort of time commitment would be required.

If you are looking to hire a tradie at this time, it is essential to follow the recommended advice of health authorities. This includes adhering to social distancing and limiting face-to-face contact. Utilising technology is the best way to do this, from quoting a job at the outset through to end of job payments.

Typically the quoting process would involve a tradie visiting your home so they’re able to see the space or job you want done. A great alternative is sharing photos or having a Facetime call with your tradie so they can virtually view the job and provide a quote before they arrive.

Technology can also aid with contactless payment at the end of a job, avoiding the need to handle cash on either end. The hipages platform allows you to make payments directly to your tradie at the completion of a job. Many tradies also have credit card payment facilities.

These are some simple ways that allow homeowners and tradies to continue getting jobs done around the home.

*Data according to LEK Research conducted in 2018

hipages provides a better, smarter way to connect tradies and consumers and get the job done well.

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

Procrastination: how to stop stalling household jobs

A housepainter stands on a ladder to paint the walls inside a residential home. rr

New research has found that Australian households have accumulated an astounding $40 billion worth of maintenance and repair works that have gone undone around the home over the past year. This reflects a total of 80 million repair and maintenance projects outstanding in Australian homes today.

A housepainter stands on a ladder to paint the walls inside a residential home. rr

The majority of these jobs are put off for six months or more, though time intensive jobs like painting are more likely to be put off for over a year. The research also found that jobs where a tradie would be required including concreting (2.3 million jobs), plastering (2.6 million jobs) and carpentry (3.3 million jobs), are likely to be put off for six months or more.

Whilst most of the nation procrastinates, with 92% of households saying that they have at least one outstanding project/job, Stuart Tucker, chief customer officer at hipages, who commissioned the research, says 2020 is the year for Aussies to stop delaying any longer.

“We know there are a variety of factors which delay us completing jobs around the home – whether it be lack of time, expertise or money. For the majority of repair and maintenance jobs though, the longer you leave them the worse they’ll get. This often results in a more costly job than it would have been in the first place,” says Stuart.

“If you can afford to, it’s best to manage maintenance and repairs as soon as possible with a licenced professional as this usually has the least expensive outcome.”

Worker sweeping leaves and sticks from a valley of a roof.

He shares the following advice for homeowners to help get onto their at-home to-do list:

Stop thinking and start doing! Everyone puts off home improvements but nothing feels better than getting the job done, in fact the research found that 53% of homeowners say they feel relieved and 50% say they feel happy when jobs are done. hipages is the smart, online tradie marketplace that can help you get it done, all from the palm of your hand.

Create a plan. Planning is key to a successful renovation! Write out a list of all the jobs that need to be done in priority order, marking which jobs you’ll need a tradie for. You can source the tradie you need on-demand using hipages. You’ll get up to three quotes from tradies in your local area, allowing you to choose a tradie that fits within your budget and timeframe.

Prioritise urgent jobs! When jobs are put off or ignored they can snowball into bigger tasks or have knock on effects. A small leak may result in significant water damage or a cleaning job could turn from an hour of work into a full day job. Always address the problems around the home that could result in further damage first. Then you can move onto other projects.

Know your role. 68% of homeowners say they have attempted but failed to complete repairs around the home themselves. It’s important to recognise what you may be able to accomplish yourself, and call in the professionals for anything that can’t be DIY’d, especially plumbing and electrical work.

Group jobs together. If you have a number of smaller jobs piling up on your to-do list, consider grouping the jobs by trade. Get an electrician to look at all lighting and fixture issues you may have at once or a plumber to get those jobs done in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Ensure you agree all the jobs upfront with your tradie as part of the quote, before the work commences. This could help avoid some additional costs.

—hipages provides a better, smarter way to connect tradies and consumers and get the job done well. 

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Designers Furniture Homewares

Design trade show DENFAIR lands in Sydney

DENFAIR Melbourne 2017

One of Australia’s leading contemporary design and art events DENFAIR is coming to Sydney! A favourite in Melbourne, the boutique trade show brings together the brightest talent from local and international brands.

DENFAIR Melbourne 2017

Following continued success in Melbourne and many requests from both exhibitors and attendees to hold a second show in Sydney, the decision was a natural step. “It’s really humbling to see the show go from strength to strength and see the design community embrace the show with such enthusiasm,” says DENFAIR co-founder Thibaud Cau-Cecile.

Cult Stand 2017

With a focus on homegrown talent, the idea behind DENFAIR is to give designers a platform to promote original content without compromise. While many design exhibitions are done by large corporations in equally large spaces, the aim of DENFAIR is to put intimacy front and centre. “We want the show to be intimate enough to move around in a single day knowing that our visitors are time poor,” explains co-founder Claudio Oyarce. “Offering two shows permits an increase in visitation as we are closer to a wider audience.”

Great Dane Stand

DENFAIR Sydney 2018 will be held at the Hordern Pavillion from August 16 to 18.

For more | Get your design fix

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Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to: Pick the right tradie

We’ve all heard the horror stories. Having difficulty with a tradie is almost par for the course in the renovating game but there are ways you can minimise your risk. Given that your role in a renovation project is, at a minimum, to make sure the renovation comes in on time, on budget and is a good project, your choice of trades is key. Your team is the one thing you can control, that will directly impact on the success of your renovation. No pressure!

tradie
Image courtesy of Tradie Point

Word of mouth

Just as when you engage any sort of service in life, referrals are key. Ask your friends and family for tradie recommendations and you can even cast the net wider and put the call out on social media. Finding a trade through word of mouth should help mitigate some of the risk of things going awry – it’s akin to vetting someone for a job.

Registration & insurance

Make sure you check that your tradie has a current licence that ensures they are qualified to carry out your job – you should also check their insurance too. The Master Builders Association and other similar, more trade-specific bodies, should be able to point you in the right direction of accredited tradies in your area.

Quotes

The general rule of thumb is that you should obtain three quotes for any job and this is obviously an important part of choosing a tradie. As for the quote, check that it includes basics like an ABN and licence number. Also, you should ask yourself – is it detailed? If not, it’s usually a red flag, as you could be leaving yourself wide open for extra costs. You should also ask what is excluded from the quote so that you know what other expenses may be coming your way. And as for making your final decision, cheaper isn’t necessarily better – make sure to check the finer details as the cheaper quote may have omitted some key things.

tradiequote
Image courtesy of Tradie Point

Are you on the same page?

It sounds basic but does your tradie understand your end working goal? First up, it’s up to you to share it with them but you should ask yourself – do they truly understand? This is essential to any working relationship, but especially a renovating one.

Communication

This one is mostly your responsibility but it helps if your tradie is a good communicator too as communication is key to any team environment. As an aside, make sure to provide instructions in verbal, written and visual form throughout all stages of the project.

Reliability

This one doesn’t really require much explanation other than to say that, when it comes to trades, reliability is key. When you are working against the clock and every day is an extra day of holding costs or an extra day off market, it is essential that your trades are reliable. A dependable trade could save you money in the long run.

 Are they a team player?

Given there are so many people involved in a renovation, it’s important that you choose a tradie that is a team player. It will make your life so much easier.

Naomi Findlay is one of our resident experts, principal of Silk Home and founder of the International Institute of Home Staging. 

Read all her articles for Reno Addict.

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Bathrooms Design Expert Tips RENO ADDICT

How to: choose a bathroom renovator

Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

Choosing to get your bathroom renovated is a big decision. It is going to increase the value of your house, absolutely, but it is also going to disrupt your life for a few weeks, as you demolish and rebuild this room.  So it is important that you choose the right person for the job and end up with your dream bathroom at the end of the process.

But how do you know what to look for in a renovator?

Check out their work: If you were going to go and buy a couch, but you looked in their showroom window and didn’t see anything you liked, would you still buy a couch from that store? Probably not. If the bathroom renovator you are looking at doesn’t have any projects that make you sigh out loud with happiness, then they probably aren’t the guys for you. Looking through their portfolio of work, case studies, or even visiting a past job, you should absolutely love the look and finishes of the bathrooms you come across. Even if it is not quite your personal taste or style, you should be able to appreciate layout, functionality, quality and finish.

Image source: Integriti Bathrooms
Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

Review pricing: Does the renovator in question only ever talk about high end luxury bathrooms that cost way over what you can afford? Are they only ever talking about budget finishes and cheap cabinetry? Make sure that the bathroom renovator is on the same page you are – whether you can afford a luxury bathroom or not. If you look at their work and see luxury homes but know you have a tight budget, then it is likely that they wont be able to help you at your price point. Alternatively, if they are focussed on producing cheap, serviceable bathrooms but don’t do the luxury Art Deco-inspired bathroom you are dreaming of, then they probably aren’t going to be able to deliver on that look. Make sure you are up front and clear with your budget it will not be an issues or bargaining but will help guide you both to provide realistic solutions.

Image source: Integriti Bathrooms
Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

Check out their process:  How does this renovator work? Do you just turn up the next day and you have a demolished bathroom? What is their design process like and how does it all come together? When asking for a quote, do you feel like they are communicating with you clearly, or is it very sporadic? All of these questions (especially at an early stage) offer you a tiny insight into what it will be like working with these renovators. If you’re not happy with the level of communication or knowledge of what will happen when, then maybe you need to speak to someone else.

Check out online reviews:  One of the biggest benefits of social media is that it’s a completely open platform for people to share their experiences. If people have a really great experience or a really terrible experience, chances are it will be shared online. So go and check out what people are saying – a review isn’t going to be indicative of every experience with a particular renovator, but if there are heaps of complaints or heaps of glowing reviews, the chances are pretty good that that will be your experience too.

Lindfield Bathroom0107
Image source: Integriti Bathrooms

–Andrew Stenos is managing director of leading Sydney bathroom renovation company, Integriti Bathrooms and one of our Resident Experts. Integriti Bathrooms have a great showcase of bathroom makeovers online to inspire you, ranging from affordable to luxury.

More about Andrew 

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Designers Expert Tips Furniture Homewares

Get ready for Life Instyle with special guest Mr Jason Grant

Life Instyle Sydney is definitely my favourite trade show. I see it as the stylish, cool kid of trade events, which is why it makes perfect sense that Mr Jason Grant, interior stylist, author and creative consultant, has been appointed as the official ambassador.

jason-grant
Jason

Taking place 18-to-21 February 2016 at Sydney’s Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion, the annual event will once again showcase stylish, quality products and brands that focus on creative excellence and innovative design. This year’s theme is Happiness by Design, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the event, demonstrating the show’s continued commitment to creating happiness through design, and encouraging people to appreciate design in their everyday lives.

life instyle

The number one destination for discerning retailers, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an unprecedented selection of carefully chosen top suppliers delivering premium homewares, fashion accessories, furniture, lighting, gifts and tableware, and of course, the Kids Instyle collection of delightful babies’ and children’s fashion, accessories and homewares.

life instyle 2

To help visitors make the most of this experience, organisers have provided the Buyer’s Guide – an exciting tool enabling online interaction and planning ahead of the event. There is also a mobile app free to download and available for iPhone and Android users. The app has been designed to keep buyers and suppliers updated on exhibitor profiles and products, floor plans, times and locations of seminars, and event alerts and reminders. Moreover, the app enables people to connect with each other and with the guest speakers, and to create their own profiles which can be accessed by other app users.

life instyle 3

Life Instyle Sydney 2016 will be launched with an opening night champagne reception on Thursday 18 February from 5-to-7pm.

For more information and to register.

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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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Homewares

Discover Australia’s most stylish brands when Life Instyle returns to Melbourne next week

Sponsored by Life Instyle 

If you’re a retailer or buyer based in Melbourne and looking to source the latest brands and products on the cooler side of style and design, then Life Instyle & Kids Instyle is your playground.

Paper Empire
Paper Empire

The annual Life Instyle trade event invites retailers and buyers to Meet Your Makers at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne (from 31 July to 3 August). This exhibition welcomes an outstanding curated line-up of over 350 carefully selected exhibitors representing premium, bespoke and design-led products across homewares, gifts, lifestyle and children’s products within a beautiful, intimate shopping environment. Considered Australia’s destination for style, Life Instyle Melbourne continues to support the best in Australian design and is set to bring to life Melbourne’s true essence.

LifeInstyle_Logo_Vert_Pos

‘We’re delighted to return to Melbourne, a city that celebrates design and style, culture and art. This year, retailers are invited to Meet Your Makers by discovering the story behind the brands, meeting the creators themselves to unearth where inspiration really begins,” says marketing manager, Emma Radford. (Read Interiors Addict’s interview with maker TJ Guzzardi).

Bonnie and Neil
Bonnie and Neil

AURA by Tracie Ellis
AURA by Tracie Ellis

Life Instyle Melbourne promises to provide inspiration, a hub of design activity and a place to hunt for the latest trends and coveted brands. Following the success of Life Instyle Sydney, they welcome new Style Lab host, Melbourne-based paper artist and stylist, Marsha Golemac. Marsha’s known for her inspiring paper installations and impeccable styling, featured in Est and Real Living magazines.

Ahoy Trader
Ahoy Trader

Kate and Kate
Kate and Kate

“Life Instyle continues to be the top destination for Australia’s most innovative brands and retailers. Unique to this year we will unveil a new and breathtaking set of initiatives, including our Meet Your Makers studio, bringing together key artisans and designers in a live workshop experience; plus our Conversation Series will feature a stellar line up of Q&A seminars from some of the most sought after industry experts,” Emma adds.

DesignByThem - Timber Tuck Table
DesignByThem

Artisans and designers will collaborate to showcase the very best in contemporary design via First Instyle – an exhibition which celebrates emerging design professionals of home, lifestyle, kids and baby products. Running alongside Life Instyle is Kids Instyle, showcasing babies and children’s fashion, accessories and homewares.

Visitors can expect to source from premium brands including Bonnie and Neil, Ahoy Trader, AURA by Tracie Ellis, Design by Them, Bison Home, Kate & Kate and Paper Empire.

Bison Home
Bison Home

Life Instyle and Kids Instyle are Australia’s destination for style and design and an opportunity to explore the irresistible world of the finest and most distinct products available worldwide. Registrations are still open to Australian and international retailers and buyers to attend.

Please note this is a trade only event.

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Interiors Addict

Order custom textiles online from Ink & Spindle

Melbourne’s Ink & Spindle have launched a new website which allows retail and trade customers to fully tailor their own high quality, sustainable, hand screenprinted textiles to suit their own special project. All of this online from the comfort of their home or office!

Ink&Spindle_LOW-1

Via an extremely simple, easy-to-use visual interface, customers can select from a range of sustainable basecloths and ink colours and apply them to their favourite design. Co-owner Lara Cameron says the biggest challenge for clients making custom orders previously, was being able to visualise the final product. 

Continue reading “Order custom textiles online from Ink & Spindle”