This week “CityNews” showcases the goods and services of local experts who can help to improve a home.

The saying “there’s always room for improvement” is as relevant in the home as it is in many other areas in life. 

A house is likely to be a person’s biggest single investment, so it makes sense to make the most of living in it and, at the same time, adding value through professionally guided improvements.

Here “CityNews” showcases the goods and services of local experts who can help you achieve those objectives…

Where bathroom renovations are all about quality

“In general, what sells a house is the bathroom and kitchen,” says Jayde Thomson, in-house designer at The Bathroom Company. 

“When people go and buy a new house that’s the first room that they look at, so when you go to renovate a house that’s the first place to start.”

Jayde says the idea that customers have to spend a lot of money to make renovations beautiful is a misconception, and that it is all about quality.

She says that owner Andrew Finn has been running The Bathroom Company since 1994, so customers can be assured quality is consistent.

“The Bathroom Company is also probably one of the only companies that has an in-house designer,” she says. 

As the in-house designer, Jayde is able to provide customers with floor plans, 3D renders, mood-boards and accompanies them on shopping trips.

“It’s less daunting than just going out by yourself and getting overwhelmed by the amount of product that is out there,” she says.

“The fact that it is complimentary is a big deal, it helps the client know what they’re going to get and lock in their decisions with confidence.

“The customer can relax and know the job is going to be done the exact way they want it.”

Jayde says that until June 30, the first quote, which is free of charge, will also be inclusive of a free design consultation, so that customers can discuss design and construction before locking anything in.

The Bathroom Company. Call 0418 628693, email info@bathroomcompany.com.au or visit bathroomcompany.com.au

Top timber that doesn’t cost the planet

After 30 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

Designer items and bright furniture ideas

Canberra’s leading second-hand furniture store Ex-Government Furniture, has something for everyone, says co-owner James Fullerton, and the flavour of the week is colours.

James says they have stacks of cool, bright, colourful furniture to brighten up the space, particularly lounge room furniture. 

“We have heaps of designer lounges and lounge chairs from both Italy and Australia, as well as really bright bar stools and some low-height stools,” he says. 

James says they also have colourful items that can brighten up the home office.

“With so many people working from home, it’s the perfect time to upgrade the home office space,” he says.

“We have high-end ergonomic chairs, but we also have a bunch of brightly coloured Italian designer office chairs that aren’t just the classic black, mesh-back chair.

“It’s all interesting items that bridge the gap between home and office, ensuring your home office doesn’t look like a standard, drab office block.”

James says they also have a lot of swing-door cabinets that are always in high demand but difficult to find. 

“We get asked for them all the time and we have a huge amount for the first time in years,” he says.

They have something for everyone, James says, and can work with every budget.

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

The go-to home renovator

Established in 2015, Canberra-based TradeWise Renovations is quickly becoming the go-to company for home renovations, says owner Angelo Nardi. 

The business specialises in all aspects of interior renovations including custom-built kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

“We also offer a comprehensive design and drafting service,” he says.

With a complete team of qualified tradespeople at their disposal and strong working relationships with some of Canberra’s largest suppliers, Angelo says “there is not much we can’t handle”.

The business is family owned and operated, and has more than 30 years of experience building and renovating in the Canberra area. 

Angelo says that TradeWise Renovations prides itself on achieving high-quality results by working collaboratively with clients to ensure their vision is understood and delivered.

“We believe our success comes down to three things: excellent service, excellent communication and excellent product,” he says. 

“It’s all about the customer experience.” 

The business also offers obligation-free quotes.

TradeWise Renovations. Call 5112 2969 or visit tradewiserenovations.com

Carpet sale with old-fashioned service

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

Established in 1970, and still a family run business, Endeavour will this year celebrate its 54th anniversary. 

“To celebrate, we have a sale running until the end of May on selected major carpet ranges, including free underlay upgrades,” she says.

Taylor says the business has maintained its original objective of displaying exceptional choices of carpet, bamboo, timber, laminate, cork floating floors, vinyl, vinyl planks and rugs.

She describes the company’s Fyshwick-based showroom as Canberra’s “greatest floor show” with thousands of samples on display and an experienced team of flooring specialists to make the customer’s 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 it means 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 maintain 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,

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

Kim’s passionate about improving homes

With a track record of more than 60 successful property renovations, Renovation Matters owner, Kim Persson says her passion for revitalising homes shines through in every project.

“In today’s dynamic real estate market, presenting homes in an appealing manner is crucial,” she says. 

Kim says she has observed firsthand how properties that undergo makeovers sell faster and command higher prices. 

“That’s why Renovation Matters introduces a unique ‘fix up, profit, and pay later’ approach, allowing clients to cover renovation expenses upfront and pay at settlement, conditions apply,” she says.

“This proves especially beneficial for those facing financial challenges or struggling with mortgage payments.”

Client satisfaction is paramount at Renovation Matters, says Kim, and she says her and her team are dedicated to providing a hassle-free renovation journey, tailored to individual needs. 

“Just ask our satisfied clients,” says Kim, “like one from Sydney who commended us for our exceptional work, timely updates, insightful design suggestions, and efficient project co-ordination.

“Unlock the potential of your property with Renovation Matters and turn your renovation dreams into reality.”

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

Graham leads excellence in local leak repair

For more than 20 years, Megasealed has been a beacon of innovation and service in the Canberra region, says director Graham Evans. 

Established in 1988 and launching its first ACT franchise in 2014, Megasealed has focused on providing specialised leak-repair services that deeply connect with and support the local community, says Graham. 

“Today, Megasealed has evolved into a national entity, offering

unparalleled local expertise,” he says. 

“Our mission from day one has been to offer a service that feels local, no matter where you are in the country. 

“Megasealed is renowned for its revolutionary approach to repairing leaking showers without the need for tile removal.”

The company also specialises in comprehensive waterproofing solutions for projects big and small, along with offering repair services for leaking balconies, complete bathroom renovations, and tiling services, Graham says.

Graham says Megasealed Canberra has experienced significant growth, prompting a recent move to larger premises in Queanbeyan to

accommodate its expanding operations.

“Having been a satisfied customer during my time in real estate, I was compelled by the quality and efficiency of Megasealed’s solutions. It was this confidence that led us to acquire the Canberra franchise last

year, and we’re proud to now employ a team of 12 locals,” he says. 

Looking ahead, Graham says he is optimistic about the future, with plans to extend Megasealed’s trusted services across regional areas. 

“Our expansion is driven by the strong word-of-mouth recommendations we’ve received, signalling a bright future for us,” he says.

“Megasealed stands committed to delivering fast, efficient, and cost-effective results, ensuring that your home or business is in safe hands.

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

Double glazing with an air-tight seal

One of the biggest problems in Canberra is air infiltration, says Paul Turtle, Magnetite’s Canberra, Southern Highlands and Wollongong manager. 

“If you replace the shattered glass or put another product there, you still have all these leakage points,” says Paul.

“With our products we do an air-tight seal over the whole window, taking that all out of the equation. 

“We also use a product that is six times more thermal efficient than glass, but with the airtight seal, that’s where we really stand out from other double-glazing products.”

Paul says Magnetite custom builds all its products on-site in Canberra, meaning everything is done to the customer’s exact liking. 

“When a customer puts their order in, it is usually about three to four weeks, and we can build the product and get it out to their house,” says Paul. 

Magnetite also offers an obligation-free quote, says Paul, and is available for residential and commercial projects.

It also specialise in determining what ratings windows are currently at and can assist in bringing existing windows up to the current star ratings of the Windows Energy Rating Scheme of Australia (WERS). 

Magnetite. 7/91-93 Grimwade St, Mitchell. Call 6255 7220 or visit magnetite.com.au

Sustainable and custom joinery services

“The kitchen really is the heart of the home and when you have a kitchen that is not only functional but is really beautiful to look at, it’s a great joy,” says Robyn Monteleone, partner at Select Custom Joinery.

Operating since 2000, Select Custom Joinery specialises in creating sustainable kitchens and joinery, says Robyn.

“We are a niche business, we specialise in using timber and other solid materials,” she says.

Robyn says her husband Gino Monteleone, the primary cabinet maker and partner of the business, trained as a furniture maker.

“He trained in high furniture, and building kitchens and things out of solid timber, it is in a sense creating pieces of furniture that people will love for many years to come,” she says.

“We aim to create things that are customised for each client’s lifestyle and personality and we often like to have a feature in each person’s home that is unique to them.

“The satisfaction that clients ultimately get something that really suits their lifestyle and them, and something they’re really proud of and really enjoy using is the most rewarding thing. 

“We are only a small team, so it is by appointment.”

Select Custom Joinery. 1182 Wallaroo Road, Hall. Call 6230 9414 or visit selectcustomjoinery.com.au

Knowledgeable staff with a range of natives

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

“We have deliveries every week, with new and interesting stock with each delivery,” says Karen. 

“We are also the only retail nursery in Canberra to grow 90 per cent of our tubestock in the nursery.”

“Drought and frost-hardy plants are easier to manage, and make it easier for the gardener, and can be planted right through our tough winters.”

Karen says her dedicated team of reliable and knowledgeable staff are happy to talk to customers and help them with any queries. 

“We go out of our way to help people find the right plant for the right spot,” she says. 

“We are open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and most public holidays between 10am and 4pm.” 

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