Whether you need some new furniture, a total renovation or just some help with moving to your new place, “CityNews” is lending an in-house hand by introducing you to Canberra’s passionate home-improvements businesses.

THEY say home is where the heart is, so why not make the most of your beloved property?

While improving the home can be incredibly exciting, it can also become expensive, tiring and time consuming. 

This week “CityNews” talks with some of Canberra’s businesses with a passion for making your home better. 

Whether it’s new furniture, a total renovation or just some help with moving to your new place, here are the people who love to lend a hand with home improvement.

Painters with a passion for quality

WHAT the team at C&C Painting Group love most about their work is transforming their clients’ homes and spaces into something they love and can really enjoy for years to come, says co-owner Tanya Chamberlain.

“Having years of local industry experience, C&C Painting’s four owners saw an opportunity in 2018 to bring their vast range of skills and experience together to provide a top-quality painting and decorating service,” she says.

“Every member of our team is extremely passionate about what we do and all work together to create the very best experience for our clients.”

Tanya says C&C Painting specialises in full interior and exterior home repaints and can also manage some roofing, render and plaster repairs “for your convenience”.

“Our aim is to make the entire process seamless so that you can continue on with your usual daily activities, and enjoy the benefits of your newly painted home,” she says.

“We have the perfect mix of experience and knowledge combined with modern flair, which means we are up to date with current trends and best practices.

“We employ local staff including apprentices, and we are invested in their continuous growth and training. We even have a dedicated training area in our new office space in Mitchell.

“Nothing is too hard for us. We are very particular about leaving the house clean, tidy and a job well done.” 

C&C Painting Group, 1b/GF 118 Lysaght Street, Mitchell. Call 6221 3466, or visit ccpaintinggroup.com.au

Home designs that make a healthy difference

REIMAGINED Habitat was established in 2017 as a passive house design business, says owner Michael Drage.

“Our aim is to help people live in healthier, more energy efficient, sustainable homes,” he says.

“We incorporate energy efficient principles throughout the design process – without compromising on the aesthetic.

“We offer a complete interior and building design service for home improvements and new construction, with a team blend of experienced designers and graduates who bring fresh perspectives to the thinking and visualisation of our projects.

“This combination of experience and unbridled design thinking creates enviable results for our clients.”

Michael says his research showed the number one driver to increase energy efficiency was the quality.

This led him to a global search for the best products and eventually Michael established Net Zero Plus which imports European, high-efficiency windows.

“Our research shows windows and airtightness to be the key drivers for energy efficiency. We now have access to triple-glazed windows at around the same price of even the better double glazed units. An example recently was a client whose windows were eight per cent more costly through us, but reduced their heating and cooling costs by half. An unbelievable outcome.”

Michael says he found huge interest since he’s been able to supply such amazing windows at such good prices.

Reimagined Habitat and Net Zero Plus, 18 Creswell Street, Campbell. Call 0419 391282, or visit reimaginedhabitat.com.au

 

Surveyors that have helped Canberra grow

SHAW Surveys provides professional survey services to not only the general public, but also to government authorities, engineers, developers, solicitors, architects, builders and real estate agents, says director Jim Shaw.

“Part of getting approval from the government to build or extend the home requires an accurate measuring and position of things on the block and that’s where we come in,” says Jim.

“We offer comprehensive surveying services and have expertise in all facets of land and property surveying to make sure you’re not building too high or big.”

Shaw Surveys was first started in 1982 by Jim’s father, Peter, with the business originally called PJ Shaw & Associates.

Over the decades since, Jim says the company has surveyed the subdivisions that created Gordon, Conder, Amaroo, Nicholls, Forde, Palmerston and Jerrabomberra to name a few.

“We’ve seen Canberra grow massively in the last 40 years and I’m really proud to be a part of that,” says Jim.

“To know that I am continuing my father’s legacy makes me even more proud.

“We work as far as Goulburn, Braidwood, Cooma, Yass and even down the coast on occasions.”

Shaw Surveys, 2/22 Strangways Street, Curtin. Call 6130 1640, or visit shawsurveys.com.au

High-quality timber that doesn’t cost the planet

AFTER 29 years of salvaging and recycling timber, Thor Diesendorf, founder and owner of Thor’s Hammer, says he has seen a surge in demand for high-quality, recycled, Australian hardwood timber that doesn’t cost the planet.

“We’ve seen people’s approach to home improvement and renovation shift dramatically as people become more aware of the creative possibilities of recycled timbers and wanting to source sustainable materials for their homes.” Thor says. “It’s great for us because that’s exactly what we live and breathe!

“Our customers love that we source our timber from old buildings, factories, bridges and warehouses, because each piece has a unique history and story to tell.

“At Thor’s Hammer, we value the history and provenance of the timber and we build to last a lifetime – the longer a piece of timber’s life, the longer it stays out of landfill.”

Thor says the business has an experienced team of designers, recyclers and joiners, skilled in working with recycled, Australian timber and passionate about their mission to divert demolition timber from landfill.

“We provide personalised solutions for DIY home improvement and renovation projects, whether that’s supplying recycled floorboards, cladding or posts, helping to match and patch existing floorboards with similar species, or custom-milling timber to your desired profile and finish,” says Thor.

Thor’s Hammer, 10 Mildura Street, Griffith. Call 6282 9900, or visit thors.com.au

Time for ‘bright and colourful’ designer furniture

LEADING second-hand furniture store, Ex-Government Furniture, sees home improvements as a recent necessity “now that people spend a lot more time at home”, says co-owner James Fullerton.

He says the business, which has been operating for more than three decades, has become a well recognised part of Fyshwick, offering a wide range of storage, dining and comfort options for any home improver.

“We currently have a wide variety of storage options in stock for spring organisation,” he says.

“Some of the pieces are quite nice and presentable, they don’t have to be hidden in the garage.

“We have storage options from some very prestigious government departments, but we also have some bench-height drawers for garage storage.”

James says Ex-Government Furniture also has a large range of “unique, cool and super colourful” designer furniture.

“The designer furniture is really something special, we have some dining chairs and lounges that you don’t often see,” he says.

“With ongoing shipments, we are inundated with new items every week, and they are one-off, unique pieces of high-end furniture.”

James says Ex-Government Furniture is a staple of Fyshwick, with interesting items and objects spanning a wide variety of time periods, budgets and designer styles.

“We provide furniture and accessories to help personalise any space. There’s a huge range and we can work with customers to their budget.”

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

 

Kim can’t get enough of improving homes

AS the owner of Renovation Matters, Kim Persson says her love of renovating has seen her take her passion from a hobby to a successful business.

With more than 40 renovations under her belt, she’s got the experience and know-how to transform homes to the best effect.

“I can help people who are thinking of downsizing, or renovate to add in shower rails or seats,” she says.

“Or we can renovate a family home to get people money when moving into the next chapter of their lives.”

Kim says she’s noticed a change in the current market.

“A lot more houses are coming up for sale, so it’s good to have yours renovated, to give your house an uplift. Making sure the home is well presented will make it stand out,” she says.

“And, a lot of people are looking to buy a house that’s already renovated so they don’t have to worry about getting a loan and doing it all themselves.”

Renovation Matters offers a “fix up, profit and pay later” process in which they can cover upfront renovation costs before settlement.

“If you’re struggling with tough times, or finding it harder to pay the mortgage, we can fund improvements until settlement,” she says.

“If we are needed to help a client, there’s nothing we can’t do to help make the renovation a stress-free experience.” 

Renovation Matters, visit renovationmatters.com.au or call Kim on 0427 696662.

 

World’s first remote stairlift monitoring system

ACORN Stairlifts has just launched a revolutionary new product into the Australian market called StairSafe, says general manager Australia and NZ Simon Hughes.

“This is a system that uses a small electronic module installed inside the stairlift,” she says.

“It constantly monitors the operation and usage of the stairlift and communicates information back to StairSafe HQ. It can also be monitored by the stairlift user, or by a loved one or carer, using a free app on a smartphone or tablet.

“For example, if your stairlift is not parked correctly on its charge point, StairSafe will alert the monitoring centre, which can then contact you so the problem can be quickly and easily rectified.”

Simon says StairSafe can also detect when the stairlift is experiencing an error as soon as it happens, so it can be put right before you need to use the lift.

“In this way, StairSafe deals with minor problems before they become emergencies, and avoids the need for unnecessary callouts,” he says.

“Another example is if a loved one is using the stairlift on a daily basis, then StairSafe will let you know remotely that everything is operating correctly, or that the stairlift is being used at the usual times, indicating all is well.

“StairSafe can send messages to a family member or designated carer. It’s simple, flexible and customisable.”

Acorn Stairlifts. Call 1800 561546, or visit acornstairlifts.com.au

Plant natives, there’s lots of choice

WITH spring officially here and the warmer months on the way, Cool Country Natives’ owner Karen Brien is encouraging people to pop in to her nursery and to plant natives.

“It is time to get your native plants in the ground as soon as possible, before the long, hot summer begins,” she says.

“It is also time to plant all frost-hardy plants now, but wait until later in the season to plant any frost-sensitive plants.

“Not only is it peak time for planting, it’s also peak time for availability.”

Karen says she’s had more than 10 trolleys of new, seasonal plants come in just this week.

“Kangaroo paws are especially popular. There are lots of daisies available now, we’re also starting to get more edible natives which are really good. It’s not too late to plant tube stock, and we still have all our regular plants,” she says.

“My staff are incredible and we are always more than happy to help people find plants to suit their requirements. Most often we get asked about plants to fit in difficult spaces, but there is plenty of choice.

“We have a strong and dynamic team who are dedicated to the promotion and use of Australian native plants. Each team member has their own interest stream within the native plant field, and together they form a well rounded knowledge of plants and their growth.”

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666, or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

Repairing leaks with a focus on local support

MEGASEALED has been servicing the Canberra region for 20 years, says director Graham Evans.

“Megasealed was first developed in 1988, opened its first franchise store in 2014, with a constant emphasis on connecting specialised leak-repair services to local communities,” he says.

“Now we are a nationwide service that offers local support.

“Megasealed repairs leaks in showers without removing tiles, we do all waterproofing jobs big and small, we repair leaking balconies, and we can do bathroom renewals or complete retiling.”

Graham says Canberra’s Megasealed has recently moved to Queanbeyan.

“It was three months ago we moved, just because we had completely outgrown our previous premises,” he says.

“I worked in real estate for five years and I used Megasealed as a customer, and I just loved the service, and then last year we purchased the Canberra branch, and we employ 12 Canberra locals.”

Graham says he’s got big plans for the near future, too.

“We are wanting to expand into more regional areas, which we have already started doing a little bit,” he says.

“We’ve got you covered for quick, convenient and cost effective results.”

Megasealed, 1/134 Gilmore Road, Queanbeyan. Call 6182 4753, or visit megasealed.com.au

Carpet sale with good old-fashioned service

ENDEAVOUR Carpets is offering a “great savings” sale on three manufacturers, says co-owner Taylor O’Brien. 

“Endeavour offers the largest range of top-quality floor coverings in Canberra and Queanbeyan, with options that will help keep the home looking its best,” she says.

“The sale is on selected ranges from Hycraft, Victoria Carpet and Feltex.”

Established in 1970, Endeavour is a family-run business and is proud of its personalised service.

Taylor says carpet is the cheapest floor covering option for a home, and the business has exceptional choices of carpet from the top brands in the industry.

Taylor describes Endeavour’s Fyshwick showroom as Canberra’s “greatest floor show” with thousands of samples on display, and an experienced team of specialists to make the customer experience as easy as possible. 

“Endeavour Carpets maintains an objective to offer the best service and products available and for the best possible price,” she says.

When customers visit Endeavour Carpets, Taylor says they experience a good, old-fashioned service from a long-standing, local family business. 

“This is what really sets Endeavour Carpets apart from any regular carpet store,” she says.

“At Endeavour Carpets, we don’t just endeavour, we do.” 

Endeavour Carpets, 33 Isa Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 6132, or visit endeavourcarpets.com.au

 

Add charm and character to a home

DIRTY Janes Vintage Emporium opened in Bowral more than 14 years ago, and has now grown to occupy a second store in Canberra, and has a third store underway in Orange, says owner Jane Crowley.

“Each Dirty Jones store is brimming with over 90 unique sellers with various specialties and styles from antique, retro, mid-century and industrial to handmade jewellery, pottery, art, books, records, and fashion,” she says.

“Our in-house cafe, Salters, offers delicious coffee, lunches and homemade cakes too, and our two sprawling warehouses are a treasure trove of unique finds that will add charm and character to your home.”

Jane says some of her expert stallholders now offer workshops in various subjects.

“Our lampshade making workshop, run by resident stallholder Art of Frippery, is a crowd favourite,” she says.

“Learn to make a drum-style lampshade and take home skills that you can use to decorate lamps throughout your home.

“Shopping vintage is a stylish choice and an environmentally friendly one. When you shop at Dirty Janes Vintage Emporium, not only do you get to own a unique piece, but you can also feel good about your contribution towards sustainability.”

Dirty Janes Canberra, 80b Collie Street, Fyshwick. Call 0411 827488, or visit dirtyjanes.com

Double-glazing gets the power bill down

SOLACE Creations’ renovated showroom displays a huge range of double-glazing products that can keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter, says owner Karen Porter.

“We are not just focused on double glazing and all the benefits it provides, we are also focused on how to make your home more beautiful,” she says.

“A lot of our clients report they’re saving about 60 per cent of their energy bill and they draw on our expertise to custom-design windows to look great with their home.”

The longest running uPVC double-glazing company in the ACT, Solace Creations has been helping Canberrans for more than 17 years, says Karen.

“Our dedicated installation team manages the professional installation of the new windows that are all Australian made and meet Australian standards,” she says.

“We’ve got the full service. We visit homes, do a measure and quote, take the old windows out and put the new ones in.

“If you get in now you can have new windows before summer.”

Solace Creations, 17 Townsville Street, Fyshwick. Call 6260 1621 or visit solacecreations.com.au

Niche flooring with a strong reputation

CHAPMAN Floor Coverings (CFC) has been operating since 1985 by David Chapman, who says he has been passionate about the flooring industry since completing his apprenticeship.

“CFC is a family-based business with a strong reputation that is continuously growing,” he says.

“We cater to residential, commercial and hospitality industries, and we aim to maintain our commitment to providing excellent customer service.

“No job is too big or too small, or too far.”

David says Chapman Floor Coverings’ showroom and shop opened seven years ago in Queanbeyan, offering customers a variety of different flooring options, with friendly staff to give advice.

“We offer hybrid cork, cork tiles and planks, hybrid vinyl, engineered timber, a variety of different carpets, sheet vinyl and many more,” he says.

“My extensive training and background in cork products gives me the passion and expertise in CFC, as a leader in the world’s most eco-friendly product.

“CFC specialises in all cork ranges, including tiles, planks and a new hybrid cork.

“The hybrid cork is a very exciting and new, niche option that sets us apart from other companies.”

David says CFC is one of only two flooring shops in Queanbeyan.

“Our location allows our building signage to be seen from a great distance, and we’re in a great location, residents know where we are,” he says.

Chapman Floor Coverings, 5 Gregory Street, Queanbeyan. Call 1300 711351, or visit chapmanfloorcoverings.com.au

Saving bill costs and the environment

CAPITAL Green Energy offers solar system and battery installation for residential and commercial properties, says owner Sukhpal Singh.

“We opened in January 2020, and offer our services to Canberra and the surrounding NSW areas,” he says.

“We have done a lot of installations in three and a half years, so we’ve gained plenty of experience.

“We are Clean Energy Council approved installers and New Energy Tech approved sellers.”

Sukhpal says he and his team love the industry and business.

“We love helping people to lower their bills, but we also love contributing to helping the environment,” he says.

“Our customers always give us positive reviews and are always happy with our work, and our turnaround is very quick as well which really helps us to stand out.

“It’s also a very good time to get solar installed now with summer coming, especially before December 31, because there’s a federal grant running until then, but the funding will go down in the new year.”

Sukhpal says everyone is welcome to drop in to discuss any questions they may have. 

Capital Green Energy, 2/9, 11 Baillieu Court, Mitchell. Call 1300 001527, or visit capitalgreenenergy.com.au

 

Beautiful stoneware and glass pieces

BISONHOME was established in Canberra in 1997 by Brian Tunks, a former ancient historian and archaeologist, who worked in Syria with ANU.

“We started as a ceramics company; both designing and producing beautiful quality stoneware and decorative pieces in Queanbeyan and later, Pialligo,” says Brian.

“Fast forward to now and we produce globally, and I teach and share my  glazing techniques with other studios.

“Our glassware – added 2013 – is hand-blown and uses a lot of recycled materials in a multitude of rich colours. We are sold nationally through design stores, providores and institutions, as well as stockists in Europe and NZ.”

Brian says leading hotels such as Crown Barangaroo, Park Hyatt Sydney, and Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and venues have Bison vessels in their foyers and rooms.

“We celebrate good design which is both utilitarian and practical, and we are known for our use of colour over decoration,” he says.

“Local restaurants such as 86 Braddon/Woden and The Boathouse have used our ceramics and glass for years.

“Our team all share a love of design and support me in trying to make our company even more sustainable in our approach to materials and packaging, leaving our legacy as beautiful pieces that can be handed down for generations.

“We are located on a beautiful site (former Pialligo Plant Farm Nursery) and our friends (ex Le Bon Melange) will be opening the Pialligo Bakesmith early October as well.”

Bisonhome, 6/12 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 7255, or visit bisonhome.com

Experienced packers that save time and stress

THE local team at House to Home are experienced packers who have been helping Canberrans get their property ready for sales, renovations, insurance work, downsizing and relocating for over 10 years, says co-owner Renee Le Grande.

“Our expert team will save you hours of time and stress by packing all your personal belongings, household items, right through to packing up the shed,” she says.

“The team offers a personalised service and recognises every client is unique and has different needs and expectations.

“Some people want the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobes packed, others want absolutely everything including the garden pots at the front door.”

Renee says they also offer a full walk-in walk-out service, where clients hand over their keys and the staff completely clear the property, remove the furniture, take necessary items to a charity store, get the old property cleaned, and set everything up again in the new home.

House to Home. Call 0457 456767 or visit house-to-home.com.au