MAKING a house a home is a continuous journey. In the early days it could be a journey towards finding the right design. Then the experts come in to deal with services such as plumbing or the perfect feature wall. And don’t forget the furniture! Or other items such as quilts or heaters to keep Canberrans warm over winter. There’s always room for improvement, but once that’s all done, it’s time to enjoy the perfect home… at least until maintenance is needed or the house is ready for a refresh!

So many reasons to love porcelain tiles

PERFECT for almost any surface, the general manager of Rivoland Tiles, James Hibberson, says porcelain tiles are the popular material of choice for home or commercial spaces.

Porcelain tiles have so many great characteristics, according to James, such as being strong, resistant to hot and cold shock and resistant to chemicals, which he says makes it the perfect material for almost any surface.

What’s even more amazing, he says, is the size options available, which can be as big as 1600x3200mm but only 5-6mm thick.

“The large format porcelain is popular for its smooth, clean line appeal,” James says.

“It’s great for the home in kitchen splashbacks, bathroom feature walls, plinths, internal and external cladding.

“Commercially these products have so many benefits – they are lightweight, suitable for external and internal walls and very easy to maintain.”

But it’s not all about porcelain tiles at Rivoland and James boasts that they’re one of the largest tile stockists on the eastern coast and the largest supplier of tiles in the Canberra region.

“We believe we are this size because Rivoland staff love people and have the experience to understand not just what is needed for their project, but what people need too,” he says.

“We love helping people, helping families build their dream home or making their investment a success.

“We do our homework and understand the market needs and desires – and most of all we do it with passion and a smile.”

Rivoland Tiles. Queanbeyan showroom at 100 Crawford Street, call 6297 4510. Mitchell showroom at 55 Darling Street, call 6241 1557. Visit rivoland.com.au

Duncan delivers quality plumbing

OWNER Jason Duncan, of Duncan’s Plumbing, and his team of office and trades staff promise to deliver the best plumbing in Canberra.

Boasting a skilled team, a range of top-of-the-line equipment, dedicated vehicles and a workshop test bay customised for fault testing, Duncan’s Plumbing offers a huge array of services for the region.

“We are licensed for both the ACT and NSW, and our tradesmen in the field are in constant contact via mobile and an internet-based SMS service, providing you with flexible, reliable assistance at need,” he says.

“Our maintenance services include all plumbing and drainage.

“We also install all manner of appliances (gas, electrical, tapware, hot water systems, toilets and more), perform backflow prevention testing, service thermostatic mixing valves, and certify, fix, install and repair all gas units.”

Duncan’s Plumbing has been in business for more than 40 years and has been servicing the region for more than 20.

Duncan’s Plumbing, 1/9 Page Place, Page. Call 6254 5678, email office@duncansplumbing.com.au or visit duncansplumbing.com.au

Plenty of experience in keeping Canberra warm

FAMILY-run and owned for 36 years, Fyshwick Home & Heating is backed with quality products and a large range to add style and warmth to any home, says owner Mike Bresnik.

Since opening more than three decades ago, Mike says the range of products has changed but heating has remained a constant in their growth.

The store has also grown and, after four shop moves all in Wollongong Street, Mike is proud of their large showroom with an attached warehouse.  

“We have over 80 wood heaters on display in our showroom along with 25 working models of gas log fires,” he says.

“We also offer, arguably, the largest range of wood-cooking stoves and boilers in NSW and the ACT, along with appropriate tanks and infrastructure to support domestic hot water and hydronic systems.

“We have Bromic Outdoor heaters in both electric and gas, Velux double glazed skylights, Cool Breeze Evap Coolers along with Haier air conditioning units.”

And, Mike says they’re starting to stock Pellet Fires or what he calls “touch-button wood-heating”.

He says they also stock Hark smokers in both gas and wood, Green Mountain grill pellet smokers and the USA famous Big Green Egg, which are all supported with a range of accessories, sauces, rubs, wood chunks/chips and a range of flavoured pellets.

“Not only can we keep your body warm, but your belly as well,” he says.

Mike says their experience in the field ensures the customer gets great choice and advice for not only new purchases but also spare parts, flues and accessories.

Fyshwick Home & Heating, 88 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 5522 or visit homeheating.com.au

Rejuvenate that quilt for winter

THERMA Quilts is a locally owned and family-run business that specialises in making and servicing quilts, eiderdowns, pillows and cushions and anything made from feather and down.

The company’s unique cleaning process, which involves the feather and down being cleaned separately from the product casing in a specialised steamer and washing machine, helps the feather and down regain its loft and thermal resistance.

“Our eco-friendly detergents mean that there are no harsh chemical residues on products,” says a company spokesperson.

“Using our cleaning process, we can clean quilts, sleeping bags, down jackets and more when they are in need of rejuvenation.”

“With time and usage, body proteins and lipids (natural oils and perspiration) are absorbed on to quilt casings and into the feather and down inside,” Therma Quilts says.

“Regular servicing of your quilts would ensure that your down is fresh, fluffy and keeps you nice and warm during winter.

“In addition, if your quilt is not warm enough or too warm, we are able to adjust it to your requirements.”

Therma Quilts, Unit 9, 10-12 Kemble Court, Mitchell. Open 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday. Call 6241 6859 or visit thermaquilts.com.au

Now’s a great time to double glaze

NOW is a great time to insulate the home by double glazing the windows, says the sales manager of TwinGlaze, Melanie Hugg.

“Thirty per cent of your home’s wall space is windows and doors. By double glazing you will make your home much warmer in winter, cooler in summer and reduce noise,” she says.

TwinGlaze is a recently launched Canberra-based business and provides an affordable double glazing option that fits into your existing window frames, says Melanie.

“There’s no construction and no mess. We work with your windows, by removing the glass and leaving the frames in place, so the installation of new TwinGlaze windows is quick and easy.

“Our clients say they have had a reduction in their energy bills of up to 40 per cent! They say their home feels more quiet and comfortable,” says Melanie.

Call TwinGlaze on 6190 1011 or email canberra@twinglaze.com.au

Chris has shed loads of building materials

CHRIS Perkins never knows what building materials will be coming through the front door at Handyman’s Trading Post.

“We’ve got two sheds packed to the brim with new and used building materials,” says Chris, who took over the store in 2015 but has been working there for nearly 25 years.

The store itself has been around for 36 years, and Chris believes it’s the only one of its kind in the area.

“We have a variety of products but we do get a lot of doors in such as sliding doors, french doors, hinge doors, and front and back doors,” he says.

“We also have doors with brass handles that you can’t source anywhere else.”

At most furniture stores, Chris says it usually takes about six to eight weeks for customers to get their order but at the Handyman’s Trading Post they don’t have to wait.

“The beauty of our shop is you can see what you’re buying and take it home right away,” he says.

And Chris says if they don’t take it home that day, it might not be there the next day.

“We get things in daily so you’ve got to get it while you can,” he says.

As for the service Chris and his team deliver, Chris says they haven’t had a complaint in 36 years.

“Just have a look at our Google reviews,” he says.

“We treat everyone the same and we tell it how it is so they know exactly what they’re getting before they leave with it.”

Handyman’s Trading Post, 34 Geelong Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4036 and email build@htp.net.au

Cabinetmaker Steve has a flair for special care

STEVE Milutinovic started his cabinet-making business in 1983 and 35 years on, the company has grown into specialising in home renovations, extensions and new homes.

Bordeaux Construction offers commercial fit-outs and joinery and is also a fully licensed builder in NSW and ACT.

“We pride ourselves in achieving the highest standard for our customers in design and workmanship,” Steve says.

“Our prices are competitive and we work with you to achieve your desired outcome.

“We offer full trade co-ordination and have our own experienced and reliable tradesmen and expert staff to assist you in your project. Our custom-built, cabinet making workshop can also build joinery items to suit your needs whether for home or office.

“We also recently received an MBA commendation award for ‘Special Care’ residences as we specialise in housing needs for the aged. Come talk to us about alternative living such as granny flats or self contained units,” says Steve.

Bordeaux Construction and Bordeaux Kitchens offer obligation-free quotes.

Bordeaux Construction, 8 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan, call 6299 4642. Visit bordeauxbcm.com.au or facebook.com/BordeauxBCM

Handyman promises to be reliable and on time

WITH a love for building, fixing and doing, Wayne Hicks started Hicksy the Handyman as a one-stop stop for all property maintenance needs.

“We cater to everybody’s needs, we’re very versatile and are able to repair and replace anything that needs to be done,” he says.

Wayne provides services such as garden care, painting, landscaping and preparation of homes for sale to plumbing, electrical, cleaning, glazing and brick-laying.

“All of your property maintenance needs are covered under the one roof, with one bill, and one point of contact, and all covered by our quality guarantee,” he says.

“We’re reliable, we’re on time and we charge reasonable prices.”

Hicksy the Handyman. Call Hicksy on 0407 112345 or email wayne@hicksy.com.au