Whether you need some 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 improvements.

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

But there are lots of experts in the ACT and surrounds with a passion for helping to make homes better.

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

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. Call 1300 711351, or visit chapmanfloorcoverings.com.au

Here are some patio ideas to save on summer cooling costs

AFTER a long cold winter, the people at National Patios say it’s important to be able to enjoy the outdoors in summer. 

“Our products not only keep you cool in summer but protect your home from harsh heat and therefore save on cooling costs,” says a spokeswoman.

Established in Canberra in 2003, National Patios is a one-stop-shop for design, council approvals (if needed), right through to the build. 

“We design and build anything from a small patio or deck to large home extensions, rooms and entertainment areas,” she says. 

“During the build, you are looked after by the owner of the business, not a manager. 

“He cares and is passionate about people, and attention to detail. 

“We pride ourselves on our free design-and-quote service that offers time to transfer your unique needs and concepts into a reality. 

“We have a manufacturer’s discount for the whole of August, and we can find solutions for all areas.”

As National Patios is local and well established, it’s a long-term member of the Housing Industry Association and Masters Builders Association. 

“We can cater to all levels of budgets due to our extensive product range,” she says.

“[And] we have a beautiful showroom in Fyshwick, where folks can come and relax, and have a hands-on experience with product options.”

National Patios, Unit 1/289 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick. Call 6147 0844 or 62573952, or visit nationalpatios.com.au

Knowledgeable staff with a range of natives

COOL Country Natives stocks the largest range of native Australian plants in the ACT and surrounds, says owner Karen Brien.

“Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a great time to plan your planting,” she says.

“I’ve just planted some grevilleas, acacias and banksias in my own garden, and we have some brand new grevilleas in stock.

“The garden is something you can do yourself. It’s very satisfying to choose your own plants and personalise it to what you like, and it’s looking to be a great spring just around the corner.”

Karen’s team of knowledgeable staff say they’re happy to talk to customers and help with any queries.

“We go out of our way to help people find the right plant for the right spot; we’re attentive and we know what stock is in the nursery,” she says.

“We specialise in local species as well as hardy and cold-tolerant natives, and carry a large range of native plant varieties, ranging in size from tubestock to 200mm, plus a growing range of advanced stock.

“Shoppers can find groundcovers, grasses, ferns, climbers and small-to-large shrubs and trees.

“We know how it grows and what it requires.”

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

Big believers in transforming kitchens with passion

THE Kitchen Company was started by Adam Batley’s father, Peter, in 1981, but Adam has been working there for 25 years, says wife and general manager Charlotte Batley.

“He’s been running it for 15 years now, and I’ve been here for 10,” she says.

“We are very much a Canberra-focused family business, and we are all about the homeowner.

“We offer custom kitchens in forever homes, we have dedicated interior designers who will work with clients for months or even years to achieve their dream, and a fabulous team who can do it all, from start to finish.”

Charlotte says the next step doesn’t start until the client is happy.

“The kitchen is such a big part of the home, so really we feel like we’re transforming people’s lives,” she says.

“We are big believers in Canberra, we love it here and we love the community, some clients are repeat clients or spread the word about how pleased they are with us, and seeing them so happy keeps us passionate.

“People really get a personal, lovely and different experience when they come through us.”

The Kitchen Company, Unit 1/4 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick. Call 6239 2944, or visit thekitchenco.com.au

Carpet sale to keep the home cosy

ENDEAVOUR Carpets offers the largest range of top-quality floor coverings in Canberra and Queanbeyan, with options that will help keep the home warm this winter, says co-owner Taylor O’Brien. 

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

“We’re having a never before seen sale running until the end of August, offering $10 to $50 per lineal metre off selected suppliers,” she says.

Taylor says carpet is the cheapest floor covering option for your 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. 

“Our showroom is so great that other retailers send their customers to view our huge range of top-quality floor coverings,” she says.

As a member of the Independent Carpets group, Taylor says Endeavour Carpets can offer customers greater choice and the best available prices.

“As a family business, Endeavour Carpets appreciates that customers are spoilt for choice in a competitive market place, and so 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

Time for ‘bright and colourful’ 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 dining and comfort options, as well as outdoor tables and wall accessories for any home improver.

“Now most people are working from home at least a few days a week, we have plenty of options for you,” he says.

“We have sit-stand desks, or home-style office furniture in a variety of bright and colourful options, everything to get your home office going, including mesh back ergonomic chairs and ample storage options.

“We also have lounges and other furniture to make your house more of a home.

“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

Bringing garden value to family and property

GARDEN designer and horticulturist, Joel Black says a well laid-out garden adds to the enjoyment and value of a property.

“But a well laid out garden doesn’t always need expensive landscaping,” he says.

“There is so much that can be achieved with good advice, well selected plants and a little know-how.

“I focus specifically on soft landscaping because it is so flexible and adaptable, and can be implemented right away.”

Joel says autumn and winter are the perfect times to revitalise a garden.

“It gives us time to design and plan before everything starts growing in the springtime,” he says.

“I do this work because I know how much pleasure a garden can bring to a home and a family.

“Whether you are setting up to teach the kids about growing vegetables, or you want to sit with your morning coffee watching the birds in the trees, or you just want to hide from the neighbours behind a beautiful wall of green.”

Joel says he has structured the business to allow him to help people, from a simple one-off consultation to a full property garden design.

“I can help with establishing and maintaining plants, too,” he says.

“Sometimes this last step is missed by garden designers and landscapers, leaving a beautiful plan, but a client that is overwhelmed and doesn’t know how to care for the plants that then struggle and die.”

Joel Black Horticulture and Garden Design. Call 0409 832056, or visit joelstidygardens.com.au

Canberra’s trusted repaint specialists

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

Helping to plan a timeless, forever home

NADINE Neilson is an interior designer and decorator, and the “big boss” of Journey Home Interiors.

“I want to help people achieve their timeless, classic forever home dreams,” she says.

“My passion started from a love of classic interiors, and I’ve been in the industry since 2004.

“I saw the design world shifting to modern style, and I thought… Where’s the timeless elegance and comfort? Where’s the character and quality?”

Nadine says she has created a planner to help people who want to design their interior themselves.

“It’s a design template, a resource organiser that acts as a prompt,” she says.

“When people are renovating or building, they have a lot of decisions to make, so this planner helps them by acting as an extensive guide.

“For tiles, for example, it makes sure you don’t miss anything by asking what size, what colour, what grout and what layout you want, and then you can give it to your builder for an accurate quote.”

She says it’s $99, and is meant to be used for people who are building or renovating, not just decorating.

“It covers all the bits you need, and makes the process easier,” she says.

Journey Home Interiors, Shop 8, Manuka Village, 33 Bougainville Street, Griffith. Call 6170 2176, or visit journey-home.com.au

Gardening with a positive impact

BFG & Sun is a small landscaping business offering gardening maintenance and design, says Big Friendly (head) Gardener, Marty Moss.

“Our gardeners value the positive impact on people, communities and our environment that organic gardening provides,” he says.

“We offer everything from lawn mowing and clearing, to garden mentoring, design and gardening projects, and maintenance.”

Helen is the senior horticulturist and garden mentor. She has qualifications in horticulture and permaculture backed up with health education.

“Cecilija has a bachelor of visual arts, with first-class honours, and she is a horticulturist and designer,” he says.

“Cecilija loves to emphasise the natural beauty of plants through a thoughtful, collaborative design process.

“Helen and Cecilija can work with you to create a garden design that works for your lifestyle.”

Marty says BFG & Sun is an inclusive employer, and an LGBTQI+ ally, with neurodiverse staff.

“We have 13 staff, two trucks and three trailers,” he says.

“Social justice is what we’re passionate about.

“As well as looking after people’s gardens and giving people self-confidence, or helping to look after their mental health, so they are better able to look after their own gardens.

BFG & Sun. Call 0438 338552, or visit bfgandsun.com.au

Delivering quality windows, fast

MORE than 15 years ago, in a small factory, with a staff of five, Skyview Windows was created with the vision to supply quality products in the shortest possible lead times, says managing director Neil Thompson.

“The company mantra from day one was ‘quality windows, fast’,” says Neil.

Since then, Skyview has grown and about 12 years ago expanded to a 2500sqm factory in High Street, Queanbeyan.

Neil says part of Skyview’s success is being able to work closely with customers and suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and supply is maintained.

Using dedicated, local people, Neil says all windows and doors are manufactured to Australian standards.

“All windows and doors are manufactured from a mixture of local and imported raw materials to ensure cost competitiveness and, unlike the major window companies, all the profits stay right here,” he says.

“Skyview is the only window company able to supply any powdercoat colour with no cost premium involved.

“This allows our customers to mix and match colour schemes for their houses without having to stick to the six standard colours our competitors offer.”

Last year Skyview launched the “Texturer” colour range. Starting with “black” and “monument”, the range significantly reduces marks and blemishes on the powder-coat finish.

Skyview Windows, 77 High Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6232 9977.