In this sponsored post, “CityNews” speaks with talented experts who can help with renovations and updates.

THE saying, “there’s always room for improvement’’, is as relevant in the home as it is in many other areas in life. Whether extending or renovating, landscaping the garden, getting essentials for the farm, or looking at feature items to bring new life into the home, “CityNews” speaks to talented experts who are passionate about improving people’s homes.

Darren’s got the best steel deals in the region

QUEANBEYAN-based and locally-owned, the Independent Steel Company is the only steel business in the region supplying rural properties with many agricultural essentials, according to director Darren Tredgold. 

Soon to be celebrating its 21st anniversary in the Canberra region, Independent Steel Company has transitioned from distributing high-quality, nationally-sourced steel to dealing directly with their local customers. 

Without the Independent Steel Company, Darren says many local farmers would be forced to travel as far as Wagga Wagga for a long list of farming necessities.

According to Darren, the company stocks high-quality Brazzen products and has the “largest stock of products in the region”, with a range that includes items such as loading ramps and hay feeders to horse and cattle panels.

As a locally-owned and operated business, he claims to have the “best deals in the region”, saying he owes it to their independence, not being tied to one manufacturer, and having the flexibility to shop around to pass those savings onto the customer.

Darren and his team take an active role in the region and employ 20 Canberra and Queanbeyan locals at their Queanbeyan warehouse.

And, while Darren might bleed green, the Independent Steel Company also supports a range of sporting teams across Queanbeyan and the ACT, from the Queanbeyan Whites Rugby team to the lawn bowls club, he says.

Independent Steel Company, 27 Endurance Avenue, Queanbeyan. Call 6298 4999 or email sales@independentsteelcompany.com.au

Brighten the home, vintage-style

OLD-SCHOOL, vintage-style lounge chairs are comfy and cool, says Ex-Government Furniture owner James Fullerton, who says the store has a wide range of brightly coloured chairs and lounges in stock. 

“The new thing is old things, with people wanting that retro look,” says James. 

“We’re all looking for more comfort at home, too, now that we’re spending more time there, and a cosy, single-seater lounge chair can help create a reading nook or a bit of space away from the family to relax.”

James says Ex-Government Furniture has a large selection, from the Danish HAY “About A Chair” by Hee Welling, to the Australian-made Jardan lounge chair. 

“We’ve got a range of contemporary designs that have a 1980s feel,” he says.

“We’re seeing people buying more high-quality items like these, wanting furniture for the home that will last the test of time.

“All the items we have are well-designed and well-made, some with a solid timber frame, and they just give that little bit more comfort.

“It’s a sustainable way to go, and keeps more furniture out of landfill.”

James says Ex-Government Furniture also has a huge range of mesh-back office chairs, but anyone who wants one should “get in quick, they’re in high demand”.

Ex-Government Furniture, 6 Yallourn Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6490 or visit exgovfurniture.com or facebook.com/exgovfurniture

Ideas for any metal project

FROM a custom gasket for a rare engine to a screening system for a home landscaping project, bespoke metal fabrication company Innovative Metalworx has a range of products available, but can also bring customers’ own ideas into reality, says owner Cheryl Moulden. 

“We’re a hands-on team that quickly brought to life our vision to be the region’s number one sheet metal fabrication specialists,” says Cheryl, who started the business in 2014 after years working in the residential building industry.

“We have a team of highly skilled experts in metal fabrication and can create items in raw-finish steel, powder-coated steel in the clients’ choice of colour, stainless steel and Corten steel.”

Innovative Metalworx’s range of products include precision laser cutter and sheet metal fabrication, a metal bending and cutting service, metal roofing, fascia and gutter, arbours, pergolas and carports, privacy screens, gates and fencing, balustrade and handrails, bespoke signage, custom-made letterboxes, unique hand-cut fireballs, custom-made car parts and Corten garden edges.

“The Corten steel edging is a weathered steel product that needs no painting and develops an on-trend ‘rusted’ exterior that complements the latest outdoor designs and goes perfectly with more traditional gardens as well,” she says. 

“We can manage the production of specialised componentry and custom laser-cut steel to any exact specifications.”

Innovative Metalworx, Unit 1, 43 Aurora Avenue, Queanbeyan. Call 6232 9207 or visit
innovativemetalworx.com.au

Growing house values are predicted to stay, says Kim

DESPITE the uncertainty of a global pandemic, Kim Persson, co-director of Your Property Profits, believes now is the best time for home owners to sell. 

“The Canberra property market is actually a quiet achiever,” Kim says. 

“With the majority of the territory’s population employed at a state or federal level, Canberra’s property market hasn’t been as affected by the current events as the rest of Australia.”

Kim adds that housing values have grown 4.7 per cent in Canberra over the past year and experts are predicting this high will hold, even if the country is hit by an economic downturn. 

“Now is the time to invest in your property by renovating in order to sell for more and sell faster,” says Kim.

“Buyers are returning to the market and they’re looking for value for money, so the need to have your property looking its absolute best and stand out has never been greater.” 

Kim and her business partner, Sophie McLean, make renovating accessible to everyone through their company, Your Property Profits. 

They say they can cover all the upfront costs of the renovation for their clients so they can sell their home faster and for a higher price, though conditions apply. 

Your Property Profits. Call 1800 225597 or visit yourpropertyprofits.com.au for a free consultation.

From concepts to dream homes

BORDEAUX Construction and Management doesn’t shy away from complex renovations, extensions or “knock-down rebuilds”, says project manager Michael Milutinovic.

No matter what an existing home or block looks like, Michael says the family-run business will work with clients from the initial concept stages all the way through to building them a dream home. 

“Everything we deliver is a high-quality product that we can stand by for the long term because our reputation and our clients’ needs are very important to us,” he says.

And, Michael says that’s the case for any project, whether it’s from scratch or refreshing a home with a renovation or extensions. 

With any home extension, he says they work with clients from the start to understand the vision they have in mind and then work with them step-by-step from the beginning to handover.   

“We provide an obligation-free initial consultation which covers initial design and costs,” says Michael, who holds an unrestricted, “A”-class builder’s licence and has more than 14 years’ experience in the construction industry in Canberra and Sydney.

When families outgrow their home but don’t want to move, Michael says Bordeaux Construction and Management can offer professional extension solutions for areas including new sunrooms, master suites and ensuites. 

“We have worked with clients to open up their living spaces,” he says.

“Our ultimate goal is always constructing their dream project at the highest quality possible.”  

Bordeaux Construction and Management, 8 Aurora Place, Queanbeyan. Call 6299 4642 or visit bordeauxbcm.com.au

Affordable storage just over the border

WITH a need for affordable storage options outside metropolitan areas, Self Storage Solutions, a family-run business, was established about 30 years ago to fill the gap, says owner Lewis Jones. 

Lewis’ parents saw the need for affordable storage options when they were running a removalist company in Sydney, which inspired them to open Self Storage Solutions, conveniently located near the truck stop at Marulan, only a one-hour drive from Canberra. 

Lewis, who lives in Canberra, says he recently took over the reins when his parents retired.

He says clients love the savings they get by storing their items outside of the city. 

“Our monthly storage costs are easily half the price of a storage unit in Canberra,” says Lewis. 

“Our clients are typically people who are relocating or renovating and who don’t require regular access to their storage unit.”

Self Storage Solutions offer three storage unit size options and Lewis says caravans, boats and trailers can also be stored, to keep them out of people’s home driveways. He says they can be collected seven days a week during daylight hours. 

“We can also offer a removalist service, if required,” he says.   

 Self Storage Solutions. Call 9986 3618 or visit selfstoragesolutions.com.au