R&R helps get the job done
WHETHER
a massive range of
Happy to provide advice or lend a hand with ideas, Ian, Jillanne and the team are always available to help find the equipment you need. Jillanne says if you need something done but are unsure about how to do it or what you need – just pop in or give them a call and they will be happy to help.
just pays to ask … that’s what we are here for!”
With all the recent rains, dealing with drainage issues is currently proving popular with homeowners as well as garden maintenance work. Items such as excavators, bobcats, kanga loaders and chippers can be provided with their own trailer. R & R Hire Services offer a delivery service or you can pick up from their yard.
to tradespeople needing backup equipment or extra resources, to property owners wanting to improve their house, backyard or garden.
“If they are unsure about how to do something or what they might need – no question is too silly to ask. Sometimes if you don’t know the answer it really
They have oor sanders to revitalise decks, concrete grinders to tidy up driveways, cherry pickers to trim trees, post hole diggers to suit all options and budgets, garden equipment, and hundreds of home renovation items. Check out their website for easy and convenient access to their comprehensive range at www.rrhire.com.au or drop in to 66-68 Beerburrum Road, Caboolture, or call 5495 8683.
Apprentices boost to help in housing
THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the federal government’s announcement of a $10,000 incentive to increase the number of skilled workers in key housing trades, calling it a necessary step to address chronic labour shortages.
HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said the five staggered $2,000 payments would help retain apprentices and improve completion rates in the residential building industry.
“Increasing the living away from home allowance could also encourage more activity in regional areas struggling to attract trades,” Ms Martin said.
However, she stressed that financial incentives alone would not solve the skills crisis.
The newly released Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System highlights the need for employer support and industry mentoring.
With Australia needing 83,000 additional tradespeople to meet its Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes in five years, Ms Martin urged a national focus on attracting and training new workers.
Blueprints for building better homes in SEQ
THE Australian Government’s Design For Place initiative has recently expanded its suite of free, architect-designed home plans to align with the National Construction Code 2022, emphasising enhanced energy efficiency, accessibility, and liveability. These updates are particularly pertinent for residents in Queensland and Brisbane, where climate considerations and housing needs are unique.
Design For Place now offers five distinct home designs, ranging from two to four-bedroom layouts. Each plan is optimized for nine key Australian locations, including Brisbane, ensuring suitability to local climates and conditions.
Homeowners can utilise these plans as-is or collaborate with builders and designers to tailor them to specific requirements. Significant enhancements in the updated plans include step-free access, accessible bathrooms, and widened doorways and hallways,
meeting contemporary standards for liveability and accessibility.
These features are crucial for accommodating diverse household needs and future-proofing homes.
Energy efficiency is a
Whole of Home (WoH) rating evaluates energy consumption of appliances like heating, cooling, hot water, and lighting, offset by potential solar energy generation.
Under the National
design, optimized for Brisbane’s climate, achieves a 7.4-star rating with an estimated annual energy cost of approximately $1,251. An enhanced version of the same design reaches an 8.2-star rating, reducing
ratings.
The NatHERS star rating assesses a home’s thermal efficiency, while the new
Place plans provide options to exceed these standards. For instance, the baseline four-bedroom Telopea
For Queensland residents,
Brisbane, these designs offer tailored solutions that consider the subtropical climate. Features such as
passive cooling, appropriate shading, and ventilation are integrated to enhance comfort and reduce reliance on artificial cooling systems. Councils such as the Brisbane City Council support such sustainable housing initiatives through its Design Strategy and Guidelines, promoting quality design and environmental sustainability in residential developments.
Design For Place is part of the Your Home initiative, Australia’s independent guide to designing and building energy-efficient, sustainable homes.
Accessible online, it serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to build or renovate with sustainability in mind.
By leveraging these free, updated plans, Queensland homeowners can construct dwellings that are not only compliant with current codes but also tailored to the local environment, ensuring comfort, sustainability, and cost savings in the long term.
Home Renovation
Protect your home with quality screens and custom services
ANYONE in need of security screens, patio enclosures, outdoor awnings, shutters, or internal blinds need look no further than AllAbout Security Screens & Blinds. With over 50 years of experience, Peter, Michele and their team deliver prompt, personalised service with custom-made and measured quality
products, installed by professionals.
other external awnings.
The small family owned and operated business is located in Caboolture South and services all areas from North Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, offering security screens, patio enclosures, indoor blinds, curtains, plantation shutters, external roller shutters, ZipScreens and
For blinds, curtains and awnings, they offer a range of patterns and designs to suit your taste, desires and requirements.
For those looking for privacy and security, roller shutters by Rollashield Shutters offer protection and peace of mind, along with a more comfortable and eco-friendly environment.
ZipScreens are built with integrated zip-guided zLock technology. Options
available for spring operated and motorisation. For more info visit www. allaboutsecurityscreens. com.au or call 07 5405 1725. They are open Monday to Thursday, from 6:30am to 3pm, and Friday from
Making waves with top notch pool care
WITH over 15 years of experience in the industry, North Brisbane Pool Care is here to provide you with the best pool maintenance in Moreton Bay.
Fully independent, family-owned and operated, this business was first established back in 2009 and has been helping pool owners in need ever since.
Owners Duane and Amanda Hoey pride themselves on having fostered a dedicated and loyal company and providing the best customer service and leaving no problems unsolved.
Relax and let North Brisbane Pool Care take the stress out of owning your pool and offering you the right technical advice for a perfect pool all year long. With their help, you can spend less time cleaning the pool and more time enjoying it. It is no surprise North Brisbane Pool Care won Retailer of the Year in 2023 with Fluidra and has a special mention as best pool shop in Bellmere. They have two locations at North Lakes and Bellmere for in-store water testing and a mobile pool service for onsite service.
Come in and see the team of 12 committed staff members with over 100 years of combined experience! You are guaranteed to leave your business with them satisfied.
The store is open 8.30pm - 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm Saturday, and Sunday 9am - 1pm.
You can find them at Unit 2/100 Flinders Parade North Lakes OR Shop 10, 96/110 Bellmere Rd, Bellmere. Call them on 1300 900 038 or email at info@ northbrisbanepoolcare.com. au.
North Brisbane Pool Care team.