Building, Buying and Reno's Guide

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

Construction and renovation projects continue to evolve and grow in our region. Here we have compiled an informative guide designed to give you a bit of advice from our local experts!

Choose The Right Floor Covering!

The floor space is the biggest area in your home, so this area deserves a lot of attention when it comes to home improvements as new floor coverings can completely transform your home. When choosing new floor coverings, there are many essential factors to consider such as; style, durability, and maintenance. Not only will you want your flooring to be comfortable, look good and feel luxurious, but you’ll also want it to last – especially when you consider the flooring may be in place for decades to come.

Hybrid flooring is the latest innovation in flooring. It’s an excellent choice for easy maintenance and offers exceptional durability. This flooring option is ideal for the family home where high traffic areas require a sturdy flooring choice. This hybrid flooring option combines the advantages of laminate and vinyl in one innovative product that can be laid over nearly any substrate including tiles, timber and concrete. Both practical and stylish, 100% waterproof, child and pet friendly, hybrid flooring is the perfect flooring option to satisfy any budget.

Here are just a few advantages of hybrid flooring:

✔ 100% Waterproof

✔ Dirt Repelling & Low Maintenance

✔ Durable & Scratch resistant

✔ Natural Look & Feel

✔ DIY Friendly

✔ Kids & Pets Friendly

✔ Acoustic Underlay

✔ Budget Friendly

FLOORING

If you are looking to save extra dollars on your new floor coverings, pay local direct importer Homely Flooring a visit. They are a family owned and operated flooring business, that offers fantastic customer service and expert advice.

Thier focus is to deliver great quality floor coverings at wholesale prices that are available for general public. Homely Flooring work directly with the manufacturer, so by cutting out the middleman, they are able to sell high quality flooring at a significantly cheaper price than other outlets.

To get your new-look floor in the pipeline, give Homely Flooring a call on 0404 101 740

Top Tips When Renovating Your Kitchen

Research styles and trends that interest you

Deciding whether you like a modern, minimalist kitchen or a Hamptons kitchen will dictate the design and can impact budgets. See below for current trends in kitchen design!

Have an idea of budget

Having a budget range will help dictate what is a necessity and what can be negotiated in your kitchen design. This will be different for everyone. To help form a base for this, Exclusiv Kitchens have compiled a pricing guide that can be accessed at https:// www.exclusivkitchens.com.au/exclusiv-kitchenrenovation-pricing-guide/

Pick your designer

Someone who takes their time to come out to your home, sit down and discuss your ideas, and work with you to find the best result is the mark of a good designer. “The most important part of the design is the connection between the homeowners and their space”, says Lauren Gunstone of Exclusiv Kitchens.

Find your appliances asap

Appliances are a major factor to any kitchen. Due to demand and supply factors, there can be quite a wait on many appliances. Having your appliances sorted early will save you time and money and have your kitchen in sooner!

Trades

Recently, sourcing trades (and quality ones at that!) can be a struggle. You want to look for someone who has a reputation for being on-time and has quality behind their name. Some kitchen design firms will have their own team of contracted trades that will take the pressure off.

What’s hot in kitchen design?

Storage solutions: get the most out of your kitchen with innovative solutions, especially troublesome corner spaces

Integrated appliances: hiding appliances, such as dishwashers and fridges, behind cabinetry offers a seamless, modern look

Natural shades: colours like sage green and dark golds bring in a natural element, making for a tranquil space

Black dramatics: introducing black into your kitchen adds a sense of luxe; pairing this with timbers and metal elements makes nothing short of a statement

Feature splashbacks: patterned tiles or marbled stone creates a focal (and talking!) point

Building A Legacy

When Jim Argent started his apprenticeship in carpentry in 1966, he had no inkling that he was starting a building legacy.

Successfully working as a builder for thirty years out of the beautiful Samford Valley region, he took on his eldest son, Les, as an apprentice, and later also his second son, Clyde. The three worked together in partnership before formally starting Argent Building Services Qld in 2018. What started as a three builders partnership has now grown into a small business with over ten employees.

Safety is Argent Building Services Qld’s priority, and that means not only safety measures on site, but keeping up with and implementing the various Australian Standards for Building Works. They are licenced with QBCC, and members with Master Builders Qld. Several building works licences, such as Waterproofing and Scaffolding, are also held by the team. Argent Building Services Qld confirm all our subcontractors are appropriately licenced before they begin work onsite.

The Argents have worked on a range of building projects over the years and have a wide and particular skill set that is rarely seen in young builders. They’ve worked on heritage houses, restoring them to their former glory (whilst including all the mod cons), on new builds, home extensions and sprawling decks

through southeast Queensland. In recent years they’ve diversified into insurance works, helping families rebuild in what is a difficult and sometimes confronting time.

A current long-term project is the stage-by-stage transformation of a 1970’s built home in Samford Valley into a modern masterpiece.The family have a vision of modern elegance that suits the surrounds and allows for both cosy family life and impressive entertaining. Argent Building Services Qld began the project with the construction of an outside pool deck that adds a striking entertainment space to the side of the pool, whilst overlooking the property’s idyllic paddocks.

A structural change to the home was next, with the family wanting to open up the living and dining rooms and kitchen to take advantage of the incredible cathedral ceilings and make better use of the space. This required an alteration to their roof structure, where extra beams were added so the internal walls could be removed. The most recent completion was the redesign and renovation of the bathroom. This included the removal and movement of windows in the brickwork, and again changing internal walls. The stand-alone bath is located under the newly placed, extended window, so the view of the rolling hills is enjoyed by the bather.

Everyone at Argent Building Services Qld is excited to see what all of our clients envision for their homes, and help them make it a reality.

The Importance Of Only Using Licensed Electricians

Do electricians need a license?

Online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Service Seeking allow anyone to advertise their services. This makes it tempting to hire the cheapest option available. However, there are some important factors to consider, when entertaining who should be the one to work on your electrical repairs and installations. Otherwise, what appeared to be a saving, could well become the opposite.

Handled poorly, electricity can be extremely dangerous. Licensed electricians, follow a well-defined set of safety standards, procedures and regulations. This ensures that all electrical work is safe for the home occupants, and also protects other electricians and tradespeople you may call to work on your home in future.

Using a qualified electrician, also provides additional benefits for you when it comes to insurance. As part of their licensing, your electrical contractor must be insured. This is to protect you, your property and anyone who uses the electrical systems or equipment on your property, in the event something goes wrong. Further to this, your home insurance policy, likely requires that all electrical work be conducted by a licensed and insured electrician.

In order for an electrician to acquire a valid electrical license, they need to have completed four years of apprenticeship.

Do I need an electricians to install air conditioning?

Electricians who hold a Certificate 2 or 3 in Air conditioning and an ARCTIC license can specialise in the installation of split system air conditioners. They know everything there is to know about split system air conditioning installation.

Attempting to install an air conditioning unit yourself can result in dangerous gas leaks, broken parts, electrocution, improper wiring, and airflow which will all create problems in the future. Do not try to DIY, if you are looking for a reputable electrician, call BRG Electrical who will install the unit for you safely and properly on 1300 34 35 34.

Can electricians install smoke alarms?

Absolutely! Provided they are licensed. Home safety legislation has recently changed, so it’s vital to make sure all your smoke alarms are upgraded in line with new regulations to be able to rent out or to sell your home. BRG Electrical are fully versed in all the relevant regulations, so do not hesitate to contact them.

Does my switchboard need to be upgraded?

If you have an older switchboard, it may be time for an upgrade. There is a high likelihood that it will get overloaded as it wasn’t designed to cope with all the new-age appliances! Old switchboards can be a potential fire risk whereas newer switchboards have in built safety switches. Contact BRG Electrical for a quote.

Getting The Financial Foundations Set

Sometimes the hardest part about building or renovating a home is organising the finance. And if you’ve ever done it before, you’ll know how it can be trickier than your average mortgage.

Whether you’re looking to buy land and build, renovate an existing property or sell and purchase a new home, checking your financial foundations first before you start is essential!

Here are some top tips to getting the foundations right for your next project:

Check your borrowing capacity

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not knowing how much they can afford to spend before they start dreaming big. Having a realistic idea of your borrowing capacity not only helps you plan smarter and keep things within budget, but can also help you from over extending your monthly commitments.

Check your rate

If you have a current home loan, ask yourself “how long has it been since I checked I had the best possible product/rate”? Having a set and forget mentality with your home loan rate, especially in todays competitive rate market, is a sure fire way of missing out on potential better offers.

Check your equity position

If you’re looking to renovate or sell and buy again,

getting an idea exactly how much equity you may have to use is vital! Getting a real estate or online property appraisal will give you an idea of where you stand currently.

Check your credit score

Now that banks have all adopted comprehensive credit reporting, it is more important than ever to keep an eye on your credit score. Not only does this help you identify any potential issues upfront but also helps you monitor your score for any potential fraudulent activity.

Check your expenses

Having an idea of your actual monthly outgoings is a great way to identify any areas that you may be able to cut back on or improve. Lenders these days look to rely heavily on your living expenses when assessing your affordability for a home loan. You would be surprised how that daily cup of coffee adds up over a three month period!

So where does your Mortgage Broker come in?

Ask your local mortgage broker, Scott Palazzi from Loan Market to help you with all of the above prior to the banks seeing your application. Scott has a wealth of knowledge within the industry and says knowing this information upfront helps set the foundations for your future project. In addition, Scott says this will give you the best possible chances of gaining that all important bank approval!

Contact Scott today on 0413 747 283 or email scott. palazzi@loanmarket.com.au

REAL ESTATE

Selling For Success

Considering selling? It’s important to firstly understand your potential buyers and their needs and wants and then, you need to stand out from the crowd. Below are a few hints & tips: Selling soon? Some little things you can do to ensure your home is dressed for success.

✓ First impressions count! Mow the front lawn, paint the front door & tidy the gardens.

✓ Declutter & de-personalise. Take down personal photos & ornaments, tidy wardrobes & ensure your kitchen bench is spotless. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in your home. Plus the room will feel bigger!

✓ Little things count. Fix anything that’s broken eg. dripping taps, squeaking hinges etc

✓ Appeal to the senses. Open the curtains, turn on the lights & light a candle.

Selling later? Get the most re-sale value out of your renovations by investing in the areas our buyers want.

✓ Update your kitchen

The kitchen plays a big part in the perceived liveability of a property. One of the first buyer considerations is how the kitchen will fit into their lives. As a result, our buyers tend to place more value on a renovated kitchen than a bathroom.

✓ Add an outdoor entertaining area

Adding an outdoor area to your home makes for a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor living spaces. This helps buyers see the outdoor area as an extension of the house.

✓ Add an ensuite

More often than not, an ensuite will come as standard in a modern home. As a result, this has moved to higher priority for today’s buyer.

✓ Invest in a functional work from home area

This is new to the list! But not surprising after the significant changes over the last couple of years.

✓ Landscape the garden

A landscaped garden can add value to your property for various reasons: improved curb appeal, perceived low maintenance & increased useability. When renovating to sell, the challenge is to update the space so it looks new and high-quality but not overly personalised. So remember to keep it neutral, increase storage space, opt for simple features & finishes and make it functional.

How do I make sure I get the most bang for my buck? Get in touch with your local real estate agent sooner rather than later. We can offer advice on what to renovate, what to fix & what to leave as is, to ensure the best result when you go to market.

Prep Your House For Sale

Every seller wants to achieve the best possible sale price for their property, so giving your home a renovation make-over could make all the difference.

Go online and see what similar properties are available for sale near you. Look at what has recently sold nearby too. Make a list and see how the properties differ from yours. For example, a nearby property may have an ensuite. Perhaps spending a little money can give your home that edge and make it better placed with other properties on the market. Just be warned – you don’t want to overcapitalise!

We have put together a few simple tips to help boost the value of your home.

Inside the Home: Use a light and neutral palette for your interior paint colour. Replace old fixtures and fittings. Replace and fix cracked tiles, stained carpets or loose handles. Update any old taps, cabinetry handles, light switches and plug sockets, showerheads.

Exterior: First impressions count! Wash down walls and doors and give the windows and ledges a good clean. You want to add as much street appeal to your property as possible!

Hire a Hubby can help your property stand out from the crowd. Give them a call on 1800 803 339 for an obligation free quote.

How To Choose New Blinds?

Building or renovating a home can be quite daunting, but had you spared a thought for the window coverings in your home? Window coverings can affect the whole mood of a room so it is important to have an idea of what you wish to achieve before embarking on the build/reno. If you are putting in new windows, your choice of blind, shutter or curtain could influence the type and size of window you choose, and even where it goes in the room! Here are some tips for choosing the right blinds:

• Personal style – window furnishings can reflect your personality and lifestyle. You can keep it simple, or inject a pop of colour and texture.

• Light – What is the aspect of your house? What rooms get the morning sun or the western sun?

• Privacy – Particularly important in bedrooms and bathrooms. Do you look directly at your neighbours or onto the street? You may require something with versatility, for daytime privacy.

• Practicalities – Pick a suitable material for wet areas, high humidity etc.

• Window function – how often do you open it, is it accessible? What furniture is around it?

• Cleaning – if you have allergies, or are time poor, you don’t want a product that collects a lot of dust. Get in touch with Natalee from Aesthetic Blinds for your obligation free consultation today!

Jo Dickson Owner-Manager Bank of Queensland Stafford

Meet Jo Dickson, Your Local BOQ Owner-Manager.

For those of you who don’t know, Bank of Queensland has a unique Owner-Manager franchise model. This means that the local managers you speak to don’t just manage the branch, they own it too.

Enter Jo Dickson. Jo’s been with BOQ for 21 years across several roles, most recently taking the leap to become Owner-Manager of BOQ Stafford in 2019.

While the decision to become Owner-Manager was a big one, it’s not one she has ever regretted. And her hard work across the last three years seems to have paid off, with Jo recently being named a finalist in the QLD/ NT Franchise Council of Australia’s (FCA) Excellence in Franchising Awards for 2022, in the category “Single Unit Franchisee of the Year (2 or More Staff)”.

“Being named a finalist in these awards is such an honour. I love what I do and it’s nice to be recognised

for the hard work myself and the team put into helping our customers every day,” Jo said.

“Helping customers achieve their financial goals and being a part of their journey is so important to me, and being an Owner-Manager really allows me to take this to the next level.”

Running a business is no easy feat, however Jo’s picked up some tips along the way.

“Having a professional and personal support system has been essential to finding success in my business, as it means you aren’t doing it alone. Never underestimate the important of a good team!”

“I can honestly say that this award nomination is every bit as much my team’s as it is mine, as I could not have done it without them.”

To experience the BOQ Stafford difference today, pop in branch, or give Jo and the team a call on (07) 3352 1000!