Whether it’s new furniture, a total renovation or just some help with moving to a new place, here “CityNews” showcases the goods and services of local experts in home improvements.

A house is likely to be the biggest single investment for most people, and while improving the home can be incredibly exciting, it can also become expensive, tiring and time consuming. 

Long line of motivated landscaping experts

A long line of family experience in the industry has allowed Earth Moving Creations to develop innovative techniques that make construction projects less complex, said director Blake Scerri.

“Earthmoving Creations have over 150 years of combined experience in the local, civil and landscaping industry, so we can guarantee quality, reliability and professionalism,” he said.

“We are a passionate and motivated team that can help you with any job regardless of how big or small.”

With services in bulk excavation, swift site clearing, detail excavation, civil construction, concreting and more, Blake said all jobs were run in order to provide the client with quality workmanship and ensure a safe standard.

Earth Moving Creations also had an expanding fleet of heavy earthmoving equipment available for hire. 

“From truck and dog to excavator and bobcat hire we have something to help with your project,” said Blake.

“We also provide top-quality landscaping construction services at affordable prices.”

Blake said that Earth Moving Creations was dedicated to achieving the best results for clients, and carrying out thorough quality assessments at every stage of the process, from design input to execution. 

Earth Moving Creations, Paterson Parade, Queanbeyan West. Call 5154 9999 or 0439 733044 or visit earthmovingcreations.com.au

Boutique firm with a big impact

Filardo Ercan Architects is a boutique architectural firm based in Griffith, established by award-winning architects Maria Filardo and Can Ercan. 

The firm specialises in residential architecture, interior design, commercial and hospitality fit-outs, and heritage projects.

Together, Maria said, they brought a wealth of expertise in architecture, interior design, and heritage conservation, enabling them to offer a comprehensive approach to each project. 

“We intentionally keep our firm small to maintain close client relationships and deliver personalised service,” she said.

Maria, with more than 20 years of experience, lectures in building and interior design at CIT and has also been a judge for the HIA awards for the past six years, and recently joined the HIA National Judging.

Can has more than 25 years of experience in heritage conservation, having worked with the NSW Heritage Office, ACT Heritage Unit and leading firms in Canberra and Sydney. 

Maria said Can recently qualified as an Access Consult, which allowed the firm to provide assistance to projects requiring accessibility compliance.

Can said: “We strive to offer something unique and exceptional in every project.”

Maria said: “Our mutual respect and shared vision drive our business forward, ensuring we consistently meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.

“Our passion for architecture and the strong relationships we build with our clients are evident in the outstanding results we achieve.”

Filardo Ercan Architects, visit feas.com.au or call Maria on 0421 342625 and Can on 0415 550801.

Transforming kitchens with passion

The Kitchen Company is very much a Canberra-focused family business, that’s very much about the homeowner.

General manager Charlotte Batley said the company was started by her husband Adam Batley’s father, Peter, in 1981.  

Adam had worked there for 25 years, 15 years running it, “and I’ve been here for 10”.

“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,” she said.

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

“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.”

Charlotte said they also offered a free design and quote service, so customers could be confident in their decision before making a financial commitment.

The Kitchen Company, Unit 1/4 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick. Call 6239 2944, or visit thekitchenco.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’s 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 said.

“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 said the business had 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,” said Thor.

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

‘Best in the business’ when it comes to safety gear

Backed with more than 90 years’ combined industry experience, the Seears Workwear team was the “biggest and best in the business” when it came to providing work safety gear and equipment, said owner Pat Seears.

“Everything is the best quality from the best manufacturers,” he said.

“We have high-vis clothing, hard hats, safety boots, gloves, safety glasses and goggles, respirators and much more.”

Having first started as a “two-bob shop in the early ‘80s”, Pat said Seears Workwear had grown to provide one of the largest ranges of workwear in Australia, including from brands such as Cat, Akubra, Rockport, Huski, FXD and Steel Blue to name a few.

The store also included workwear for chefs, paramedics and firefighters, and stocked safety work boots, leather shoes and steel-toed canvas shoes, from brands such as Puma and Dunlop.

He said Seears could also assist companies through its corporate uniform services, which provided customised embroidery services for promotional clothing and business uniforms.

Seears Workwear, 60 Barrier Street, Fyshwick. Call 6280 4111 or visit seearsworkwear.com.au

Custom designs, fast and easy assembly

Custom Flatpack offered perfectly designed and manufactured kitchens at the price of an off-the-shelf kitchen, said owner Mike Moritz.

“Yes, you can buy flatpack cabinets from the hardware store, but what if they don’t fit your room?” said Mike.

“We can supply contact details of competent installers, or you can put it together and have a kitchen you can be proud that you built yourself.”

The company’s exclusive mortise-and-tenon assembly method was fast to assemble, making for an accurate and simple installation process for novices and tradies alike, and the customisable options allowed them to cater to every aesthetic.

“Our flatpack cabinets can be used for your wardrobe, bathroom vanity, garage storage, home office, computer room, bookcases or laundry, the choices are endless,” said Mike.

Custom Flatpack also supported the use of sustainable and renewable technologies, processes and suppliers across all their products.

Custom Flatpack, 1/11 Shropshire Street, Queanbeyan. Call 6298 1445 or visit customflatpack.com.au

Large range of top-quality floor coverings

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, according to co-owner Taylor O’Brien. 

Established in 1970, and still a family run business, Taylor said the business had maintained its original objective of displaying exceptional choices of carpet, bamboo, timber, laminate, cork floating floors, vinyl, vinyl planks and rugs.

She described 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 said.

“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.” 

As a member of the Independent Carpets Group, Taylor said it meant Endeavour Carpets could offer customers greater choice and the best available prices.

When customers visited Endeavour Carpets they experienced 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 said.

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

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

Top-tier workmanship brings dream spaces to life

Class Constructions Canberra has carved out a reputation for high-end custom renovations and the creation of accessible-friendly homes and bathrooms. 

“With more than 26 years in the construction industry, including two decades devoted specifically to renovations, my journey began humbly, in a joinery shop, before evolving through roles in civil construction, honing my expertise in formwork, concrete, and steel,” director Andrew Hooper said. 

“This diverse background equips me with an understanding of industry intricacies, underpinning Class Constructions’ reputation for delivering top-tier workmanship.”

Class Constructions was selected as a finalist in the MBA Awards 2024, for its outstanding work on the Watson’s Modern Scandi-barn build, further affirming the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality, award-worthy construction projects.

Andrew said that based in Canberra, and rooted in the local community, Class Constructions possessed a deep understanding of regional dynamics and the requirements of the area, enabling personalised service and prompt response to client needs.

Class Constructions’ signature services went beyond luxury renovations, excelling in creating accessible-friendly spaces that significantly enhanced homeowners’ independence and comfort.

“At Class Constructions, we understand that the design phase of any project is crucial for its success,” Andrew said.

“That’s why Class Constructions is proud to have an in-house building designer, Ramir Araneta. 

“Ramir’s experience in the ACT and surrounding NSW ensures that every detail meets clients’ visions and regulatory standards. 

“When you choose Class Constructions, you can rely on Ramir and the team to help keep your project within budget during the design phase.”

Class Constructions, Call 0489 953410 or visit classconstructions.com.au

Now’s the time to restore outdoor furniture

As winter enveloped Canberra and Queanbeyan, Mark Ebsworth, owner and operator of Ebsworth Upholstery, said it was the time to prepare outdoor furniture for the warmer seasons by bringing it to him for recovery and restoration. 

“Winter is the best time to get your furniture ready for spring and summer,” Mark said.

“Many people wait until the weather starts to warm up before considering upholstery work for their outdoor furniture. 

“But by then, the Christmas rush begins, and lead times can be longer.”

With more than 20 years of experience, Mark said he and his team were renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality craftsmanship. 

“At Ebsworth Upholstery, we don’t cut corners. Every job is carried out with the care and attention necessary to ensure a beautiful and lasting finish,” he said.

“We pride ourselves on our ability to tackle any upholstery job, big or small, with the same level of commitment and excellence in customer service.

“Getting your furniture ready in winter means you can enjoy it as soon as the summer sun arrives, without any delays.”

Mark said whether it was a simple change of fabric, or a full restoration, Ebsworth Upholstery had the skills and expertise to handle any project, no matter how complex.

Ebsworth Upholstery, unit 4, 1 Alumina Street, Beard. Call 0434 982708 or visit ebsworthupholstery.com.au

Repurposed furniture to refresh the home

Ex-Government Furniture owners James Fullerton and Taylor Radnell have 50 years of experience between them in working with secondhand furniture.

James said they had a lot of new lounge furniture, including leather lounges, suede lounges and also lounge suites, including a few designer pieces at the moment. 

Or, for anyone looking to improve their home storage, they had a lot of storage units that were especially good for the garage.

“We’ve got a lot of storage options at the moment, which is kind of rare,” he said. 

“We’ve got regular cabinets for garage storage through to matte cabinets as well as these old library catalogue drawers, which can be used for wine storage, tool storage and a bunch of other things like that. 

“Or, we’ve got lots of mini-drawer units, which are perfect for apartment living, or for cleaning up the pantry.”

James said they also had a wide range of home office chairs and sit-stand desks to revitalise the home office space. 

The Ex-Government Furniture team could help those looking to revamp any area of their homes, and could work with any budget – and to any style.

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

Kim’s passionate about improving homes

With a track record of more than 60 successful property renovations, Renovation Matters owner, Kim Persson’s 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 said. 

She had observed firsthand how properties that undergo makeovers sold faster and commanded 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 said.

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

Kim said Renovation Matters could also help future-proof homes by making them more accessible to the ageing, handicapped or temporarily injured.

Installing things such as grab rails was an important part of improving safety and support at home.

“Grab rails can be great for people with temporary injury, allowing them support where required,” said Kim. 

“They can also be a great help to the elderly and even young children, helping them to get in and out of a bath or shower, or on and off a toilet.”

Renovation Matters could also assist in building larger entrances to allow for wheelchair or mobility access, installing toilets with higher seats or bidets, or removing large hobs from showers, which Kim said could be difficult for people with mobility issues to get in and out of.

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

Home designs that make a difference

Reimagined Habitat was established to increase the standard and energy efficiency of building, through combining building science with the designs and aesthetics clients desired.

“Our aim is to help people live in healthier, energy efficient, sustainable homes,” said owner Michael Drage.

“By incorporating all of the building science and really understanding what works in Canberra and the regions, we help our clients make really informed choices about not only the design, but how they build and what this means to them in terms of how the house works.

“We have found that helping people understand this creates great outcomes, as people really understand how their house will feel and perform given their choices.”

Michael said his research showed the two biggest drivers for real performance to a home were the airtightness, and the quality and performance of the windows. 

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

“Our research drove this thinking. We now have access to triple-glazed windows at around the same price of even the better double-glazed units,” he said. 

“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.”

Reimagined Habitat, 18 Creswell Street, Campbell. Call 0419 391282, or visit reimaginedhabitat.com.au. Net Zero Plus, call 0439 924660.

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,” said Robyn Monteleone, partner at Select Custom Joinery.

Operating since 2000, Select Custom Joinery specialised in creating sustainable kitchens and joinery, she said.

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

Their commitment went beyond just using sustainable materials though, and Robyn said they always thought about longevity, with everything they designed meant to last for a long time.

Robyn’s 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 said.

“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

Experienced packers 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 more than 12 years Co-owner Renee Le Grande said: “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.

“Our 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 said the team at House to Home frequently helped those looking to clear homes for major re-decorating and renovations, and could arrange for off-site storage for household goods if necessary.

“This is really great if you’re getting new carpet laid, or floorboards put in,” she said. 

“And it makes it quicker, and easier for the decorators.”

After the renovating and re-decorating was complete, Renee said they could then unpack everything.

Her business also offered a full walk-in walk-out service, where clients handed over their keys and the staff completely cleared the property, removed the furniture, took necessary items to a charity store, got 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