Spring Home & Garden liftout

Home & Garden Feature into action

Drive-in living space

By Kirra Livingstone

HOME owners are turning their garages into living spaces as part of a renovation revolution in large part forced by the rental crisis.

As material costs level out and more owners prepare to borrow despite high interest rates, renovations are edging back into vogue following a low interest rate and HomeBuilder grant boom.

Kitchen and outdoor space upgrades as well as garage overhauls are some of the trends builders are seeing in 2023.

GBC Homes owner, John Howarth, told GC&M News he had recently completed a number of renovations in the local area with popular renovation trends including installing extra bathrooms and upgrading the kitchen and outdoor areas.

“People are doing a variety of renovations whether that be to bathrooms, kitchens, or laundries or outdoor upgrades like entertainment areas, decks, patios, pergolas,” he said.

“Another thing that has seemed to become more prevalent over the last

air

few years, is more people looking to convert their double garages back into living space. “This is because some have adult children that have nowhere to live because of the rental crisis and all that sort of stuff, plus also granny flats are becoming popular again.”

Glasshouse Chamber of Commerce president and owner of Hazelden Realty, Tamara Hazelden, said extra and high quality bathrooms were a must for growing families.

“In a family home nowadays, generally you’ve got anywhere from two to four children, so having a second toilet is pretty crucial,” she said.

“The three bedrooms aspect doesn’t matter too much, but it’s about having that second bathroom space and room for kids to run.”

“For older home owners, they are more focused on their comfort, so that’s having a kitchen that works practically for their retirement, having that patio area so they can entertain their families and the space to have big Christmas feasts.”

She said there was greater local confidence to build and renovate,

which is leading to most local tradies being booked out weeks or months in advance.

“Building a new dwelling has a lower confidence rate because of the costs of materials in general, but there’s still strong confidence in renovations because people are still seeing capital rising from renovating,” Tamara said.

“There’s more renovations happening where people are extending on their homes because it is often a much cheaper option than to purchase land and build property.

John said the strong population growth into the hinterland was also driving demand.

“There are still 1000 people moving to Southeast Queensland a week which has generated a lot of work, and they are coming from all over Australia as well as other parts of the world,” he said.

Tamara added that homes on the lower end of the market - worth up to $650,000 - were being renovated at a faster rate, with owners comfortable that any improvements to their investment would not cause an overcapitalisation.

spring & rejuvenate

Air conditioners can gather dust, dirt, and mould over time, along with other pollutants that can circulate in the air when you turn on the system. This can harm the air quality in your home, leading to potential health problems for you and your family. Dirty air conditioners also must work harder to cool or heat the space, which reduces efficiency and increases energy bills. With regular cleaning and maintenance to remove built-up dirt and debris, you can prevent damage to the system’s components and ensure it operates at peak performance for years to come, therefore extending the life span of the system.

Book in now before the summer rush!

Our multi-licenced Tradesmen can check all your services in one visit eliminating the need to pay multiple call out fees for different Trades required. An obligation free quotation will be provided if any works are required to bring the premise to compliant standard

roses this

your home

quality

hydro deep clean for your air conditioner.

GET ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, GAS & SMOKE ALARM COMPLIANCE WORKS & CERTIFICATES IN ONE PLACE.

Grow your knowledge at Forest Heart

with Spencer and Karen Shaw

Growing local native plants has never been more important to preserve and grow the biodiversity of our amazing native ecosystems. Forest Heart Native Plant Nursery is not only your one stop shop for finding the best range, quality and value for local native plants and fruit trees, but we also have a great range of books about local flora, fauna and fungi and a host of other education resources and free quality advice from our knowledgeable staff. Come and see us for plant identification and advice on the best local native plants for your revegetation or garden.

Great books for wildlife gardeners to add to their library are Mangroves to Mountains, Wildlife of Greater Brisbane, Weeds of the Sunshine Coast, Birds of the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Lizards of the Sunshine Coast and so many more. These books help you and your family learn and engage with our amazing local natural world.

September is Biodiversity Month and we’ll be celebrating the amazing Biodiversity of SE QLD with a great range of workshops and presentations. Visit our website or nursery for more information and to book. Join us in preserving and restoring the flora and habitat that our region is recognised as being globally significant for!

FOREST HEART Eco-Nursery

• Native Plants

• Fruit Trees

20 Coral Street, Maleny

Call 07 5435 2193

• Books

• Gift vouchers

OPEN

Tuesday to Friday 9-4

Saturday & Sunday 9-2

www.forestheart.com.au

No

job too big or small

Glasshouse Country Handyman & Maintenance is a proud local with over 20 years of experience in the building industry. decided to start his own business, and now services all areas across the Hinterland. Stefan prides himself on being honest and reliable whilst striving to get the best results for his customers with quality workmanship on all jobs.

Stefan’s kids go to the local Glasshouse Christian College, and the family-run business is passionate

walls, doors, walls, and windows, fencing and gates, plus pressure washing and general outdoor cleaning.

Check out the Glasshouse Country Handyman & Maintenance Facebook page for examples of Stefan’s work, including some stunning before and after transformations.

Fencing and gates can

light and open up a room. Retaining walls can improve drainage problems and create nice garden edges, while pressure washing a driveway or roof will make your place shine. No job is too big or too small, so if you need some work done around your place, give Stefan a call on 0407 026 486.

Make your place shine for Spring & Summer

HAVE you ever noticed how dirty your windows are? Or how faded your driveway is?

It’s not something we usually think about but when Adam from Adam’s Windows & Softwash is finished at your place, you will be blown away!

It’s an often-ignored aspect of our home but you will be genuinely impressed by how much brighter and cleaner your place feels with lovely clean windows and a nice driveway.

Adam shared that he realised there was an art to window cleaning and pressure washing, and quickly developed a genuine passion for it. “The opportunity

to work outdoors, interact with clients, and bring a fresh sparkle to their homes was incredibly rewarding.” Combining his expertise in pressure washing with window cleaning, Adam offers a comprehensive service that enhances both the appearance and functionality of your property.

From removing built-up residue, bugs, and mould to ensuring spotless windows, his meticulous approach guarantees an overall improvement to your home’s presentation.

Across the hinterland, Adam takes pride in connecting with residents and witnessing the positive impact his services have

on their lives. “Window cleaning is more than just a service—it’s a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience,” he explains. “By bringing in natural light and eliminating the stagnant energy of cobwebs, dust, mould, and dirt, I create a fresh and inviting space for homeowners.”

Beyond window cleaning, Adam’s expertise extends to roof cleaning, solar panel maintenance, external house washes, driveway cleaning, and gutter clearing. Whether you are a local business owner or a homeowner, Adam is committed to delivering outstanding results tailored to your specific needs. of cleaning, and let Adam

you with a clean and rejuvenated environment that exceeds your Phone Adam 0437 732 628.

Preserving Australia’s rich ecological heritage

AMIDST the myriad of options for your landscape, there is one choice that will not only add striking character and beauty to your surroundings but also contribute to the preservation of Australia’s rich ecological heritage; and that is integrating a mature tree into your garden from Margaret River Trees.

Understanding the invaluable role that mature trees play in preserving biodiversity and enhancing the beauty of our landscapes, national tree supplier, Margaret River Trees, specialise in the rescue and preservation of mature trees. With a strong commitment to saving Australian native flora from the devastating

effects of land clearing, the company focuses on protecting and sourcing magnificent Dragon Trees, Olive Trees, QLD Bottle Trees, and ancient Grass Trees, all of which have become increasingly popular in landscape design.

The dedicated MRT team combine extensive knowledge and experience to carefully source their stock of mature trees, employing sustainable practices to ensure safe removal and relocation. This is done by partnering with landowners, developers, and communities to salvage these remarkable trees, giving them a second chance to thrive and continue their vital role

in our ecosystems.

“Our mission is to protect Australia’s rich ecological heritage and promote a sustainable future. Through partnerships, community engagement, and education, we aim to inspire others to join our cause by purchasing our trees and create a lasting impact. At MRT, we are the guardians of nature’s legacy, ensuring that these magnificent trees continue to thrive and contribute to the beauty and biodiversity of our Australian landscape,” says Mike Johnson of Margaret River Trees. Go to www. margaretrivergrasstrees.com to view current available stock and find out more.

Sketch your ideas into reality with Kev’s Joinery

DO your Spring home improvement plans include a daunting new renovation or custom build idea?

Finding the right way to enjoy the space you have can often take some time. If you know what you like but you’re just not sure how it will work in your space, let alone how to execute it - then it may be worth having a chat to Kev Almond from Kev’s Joinery & Shopfitters (you may know them as Kev’s Kitchens).

With over 45 years professional experience, Kev has a keen and

action

Savage’s have your landscape supplies all in the one place

fast eye to know just what will work in the space you are trying to create and, most importantly, he’ll listen to what you want.

Being able to visualise a job is just of one Kev’s many unique skills. Give him a few ideas and just a few minutes, and he’ll have an expertly drawn hand sketch for you, enabling you to instantly visualise your space with his 3D hand drawn rendering, making quoting and planning of the project just that much easier. While measuring, planning and quoting is without a doubt important for your home or office project, seeing the project brought to life is where Kev and his team excel. Working with qualified tradespeople, who are equally as passionate about their profession, means that when you employ Kev’s Joinery & Shopfitters to design and build your space, you know you’re going to be left with a top-quality finish.

Take your ideas to the next level with the help of Kev and his team. Give him a call on 5494 6500 or drop in to see the showroom at Lot 28 Biondi Crescent, Beerwah to get inspired about your next reno project.

All ‘Hale’ the cleanest of homes

mounted hot water extraction machine along with a thorough ten-step preparation and cleaning process. I will not rush a job.”

the hinterland for when you start all your outdoor Spring projects. You can easily pop into Savage Landscape Supplies at Landsborough to get everything you need including soils, mulch, bark, gravel, pavers, sleepers and much more. Conveniently located at 20 Tytherleigh Avenue, you can bring your ute, trailer or truck to pick up materials via their easyaccess driveway. They even have courtesy trailers available if you don’t have your own. Or they can deliver

Aidan Young purchased Savage Landscape Supplies just over 12 months ago and they are focussed on providing excellent customer service and competitive prices. They have expanded their product range and kept their friendly, helpful team. Did you know they make and blend their own soils onsite?

Savage Landscape Supplies is open six days a week, so check them out when you get ready to do your outdoor makeovers during Spring and Summer.

and the health of loved ones (pets included). Hale Carpet Cleaning offers an extensive list of cleaning services – carpets, rugs, lounge suites (upholstery and leather), tile/grout, mattresses, cars, etc, and also applies protection and includes FREE deodorising.

Brad from Hale Carpet Cleaning has successfully performed

be paying for as prices for carpet cleaning can vary drastically.

Brad explained that the reason this happens comes down to how thorough the technician is and what equipment they use.

Brad said, “I’ve heard of carpet cleaners being in and out of a home in less than 20 minutes. Hale Carpet Cleaning uses a truck-

“I will always give an indication of price over the phone, then give a written price prior to commencement of the job, therefore no hidden surprises.”

“Price depends on a variety of factors such as, size of rooms, amount of soiling, stains present, age and type of carpet and when cleaned last, so I recommend a quick phone call to clarify the detail of your job, then I will discuss a price range.”

being in your home, then call Brad at Hale Carpet Cleaning on 0457 999 926.

brad Hale owner operator since

A Grade Maintenance Thrives in the Hinterland!

IN the heart of the hinterland, A Grade Maintenance is making waves with its exceptional services and top-notch craftsmanship. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, A Grade has quickly become a go-to choice for residents and businesses alike.

From new construction projects to renovations and repairs, A Grade has an impressive track

Whether it’s a commercial building in need of a facelift or a residential property requiring maintenance, A Grade has got you covered.

repairs, their prompt and reliable service ensures peace of mind for their customers.

What sets A Grade apart is their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. They understand that every project is unique, taking the time to listen to their clients’ needs and preferences. With attention to detail and a focus on quality, they strive to exceed expectations

Six simple steps to the best lawn on the street!

OPERATING across the Glass House Mountains region (including Aura & Bells Creek), Matt from

conditioning, Matt is an expert in the science that goes into lawn maintenance. From 5 to 5,000

will assess the health of your lawn including soil pH, weed infestation level, nutrient status, soil condition, watering and mowing schedule, and overall condition and can provide options for improving and maintaining your lawns health, so all you need to worry about, is watering and mowing.

The program comes with a service warranty, no lock in contracts and Matt’s expert advice at every visit. Matt is an active member of the community, also sponsoring the Glasshouse Hinterland Junior AFL Club, where Matt maintains the Oval for them in Landsborough as part of that arrangement. Using their unique 6-in-1 liquid lawn treatment, tailored especially for your lawns, your lawn can be lush and green, weed pest & disease free with no hassles.

Time to prepare the yard for Spring!

SPRING is here and it’s starting to warm up, so now is a great time to get in and tidy up the yard.

One important factor to consider is that now snakes and rats will be more on the move, so it is vital to remove trees and shrubs that could become hiding and breeding spots. These creatures can become pests, and cause health concerns as well as give you a big fright when you, your kids or the grandkids stumble upon them!

Another often-ignored aspect

to do with trees is home security, which can be jeopardised by trees that block sight and access and can create a dark energy around the house. By clearing unwanted trees, and letting in more light, home-owners can create a brighter atmosphere and be able to clearly view all areas of their property from any vantage point.

If you’re planning some outdoor renovation projects during Spring, such as plumbing, drainage, or landscaping, then it might be

“Property Pride Co. prepares and presents our existing properties ready for sale. Joe has been a known local for 11 years and can assemble a team to deliver your project on time. If you’d like to increase your pre-sale value, call Joe, and he’ll walk you through the process. He’ll take the burden out of selling your property.

• It could be a few months before we get good soaking rains and the usual drying September winds will suck the moisture from bare soil, so mulch your gardens to keep in the available water.

• Dig up and divide canna lilies. Water them in well with a seaweed solution.

• It’s a good month to start the fruit orchard – plant mango, pawpaw, avocado, custard apple, carambola and sapodilla.

• Spray your flowering mangoes

with Mancozeb or a copper based fungicide to prevent the disease anthracnose.

• Watch out for rampant lawn

weeds – especially bindi-eye, clover and flatweed (or cats ear).

• Look out for aphids on new rose growth. Rub them off, hose them off or treat with a pyrethrum spray.

• Broadcast some gypsum powder

over your lawn to open up the soil structure.

• New growth on citrus is susceptible to leaf miner – a tiny caterpillar that burrows in the leaves. Treat with white oil.

Vegetables

Plant carrot, choko, zucchini, sweet potato, cucumber, eggplant, beans, lettuce, radish, spring onion, squash, tomato, beetroot, capsicum, kohl rabi, okra, pumpkin, rockmelon, rosella, silver beet, sweet corn,

Flowers

Plant alyssum, bedding begonia, cosmos, marigold, boronia, salvia, petunia, aster, amaranthus, celosia, phlox, portulaca, sunflower, torenia, zinnia, ageratum, gloxinia, impatiens, calendula, Californian poppy, carnation, chrysanthemum, coleus, dahlia, everlasting daisy, gaillardia, verbena, gazania, gerbera, kangaroo paw, nasturtium, rudbeckia and snapdragon.

Gazania

Button Squash

Aphids

Cirus leaf miner