5 tips to prepare your backyard for the summer season

Our research shows outdoor maintenance is the most uncompleted job around the home, with around one-fifth of home owners neglecting year-round jobs like tidying unruly backyards, fixing damaged fencing, cleaning gutters and spraying weeds.

With summer just around the corner bringing fire and storm risk – and NSW already experiencing the full effect of a wild weather event – this week we’d like to give you five tips to prepare your home ready for summer and all that it brings.

 

Rooftops

Clear dry leaves and debris from gutters, and install metal leaf guards if you’re in an area at high risk of bushfire. Gutters blocked by debris can also cause overflowing water to run down the inside of your walls, causing serious damage.

Lawn maintenance

It’s the simplest thing to do, but people often neglect it. Keep your lawn short and remove any build-up of materials like dry leaves or dead branches that are flammable or can cause damage to your home in strong winds.

 

Secure loose items

Keep timber, woodpiles and any flammable materials such as petrol away from the house, covered and secure. Also ensure damaged structures such as fencing are fixed and secure.

If a storm is approaching, ensure all outdoor settings such as table and chairs, clothes line and pot plants are all secure.

 

Backyard drainage

If your backyard is prone to flooding in heavy rainfall, you may need to build water trenches or install a long term drainage solution. These options prevent flash flooding and soil erosion. Speak with your local ‘Hubby’ about the best approach for your backyard.

 

Nearest access to water

For those in areas at risk of fires, consider your nearest water access point and ensure you have a long enough hose to reach all sides of your house.

It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you don’t have the time or skills to prepare your home for the summer season, give your local Hire A Hubby a call on 1800 803 339 or visit the website www.hireahubby.com.au.

Safety is no accident!

October is National Safe Work Australia month and it’s all about eliminating hazards and preventing injuries that stem from unsafe practices in the workplace.

This year’s theme is: Safety is a frame of mind. Get the picture.

Figures from the National Injury Surveillance Unit show 25,000 Australians are hospitalised due to DIY-related injuring including ladder falls, nail gun injuries, and accidents from lawn mowers and power tools.

We’re all about safety at Hire A Hubby, so here are a few things you can do to make sure ‘do-it-yourself’ doesn’t become ‘damage-yourself’.

1.     Always wear protective gear.

Always consider the personal protective equipment (PPE) you wear when DIYing. The list below shows some staple pieces in every DIY arsenal and what they’re used for.

• Gloves – handling heavy, sharp or prickly objects (carpentry, gardening)
• Safety goggles – protection from flying debris and toxic fumes (sawing, varnishing)
• Ear plugs – protection from loud power tools (drilling, sawing, mowing)
• Coveralls/protective clothing – barrier for chemical agents (bleaching, painting)

2.     Be careful with power tools.

Accidents happen even to seasoned DIYers. Always take precaution when using electrical equipment and make sure there are no safety faults.

3.     Know your limits.

Don’t take on jobs that are out of your league. The worst way to finish a DIY project is with an injury. Also, paying a professional to fix a botched project is more expensive that engaging one from the start.

4.     Bring in the pros.

State-of-the-art tools can be bought at any hardware store but you can’t buy experience. Use professionals when expertise is required.

For more information or advice about your home DIY project, give your local Hire A Hubby a call on 1800 803 339 or visit the website www.hireahubby.com.au.

Spring life back into your outdoor furniture

Is the furniture on your patio or deck looking a little old? After being exposed to the elements throughout the year, it’s easy to see why outdoor furniture can start to look at a little worse for wear.

The good news is it only takes a little bit of elbow grease – and maybe other oils and paints – to restore its rustic charm, so this week we thought we’d give you a step-by-step guide on how to spring your outdoor wooden furniture back to life.

Clean

Outdoor furniture has an uncanny knack of gathering dust, dirt, leaves and cobwebs, so the first step is to give it a good clean before you get to work on restoring it. Use a brush or broom to give it a good scrub, and then give it a good hose down.

Strip

Flaking and peeling paint is a telltale sign of weathered furniture. It also seals in moisture causing the wood to rot. The next step in restoring timber furniture is stripping it down to its natural wood.

Smooth

The next step involved removing rough surfaces by sanding down the piece, going with the grain of the wood. The effort put into this stage affects the overall result and it will be made easier if a good job has been done with the stripping.

Stain

The furniture may now look like it’s been robbed of all colour but a stain will quickly remedy this. Apply the stain with a rag or a brush and leave time for it to penetrate through the wood (the longer it is left on, the darker it will be). Wipe off any excess stain with a clean rag and allow it to dry.

Finish

Finishes are the final protective layer for your furniture piece. There are plenty of options to choose from with different application methods but varnishes are generally popular because of its durability and high-gloss shine. Whichever you choose, follow the instructions on the packaging to finish with a flourish.

 

For more information on working with wood, give your local Hire A Hubby a call on 1800 803 339 or visit the website www.hireahubby.com.au.

Remove winter gunk with a spring pressure clean

Has mould, grime, grease or algae built up around your home during the cooler months? Driveways, eaves, windows, patios and decks are hot property for winter gunk, and it only becomes more noticeable as the weather improves.

Unlike in years past when a hose and scrubbing brush meant cleaning the home exterior was a multiple-weekend job, pressure cleaning makes removing exterior gunk relatively simple – and you guessed it, spring is the perfect time to do it.

High pressure cleaning combines air and water and sometimes cleaning chemicals to quickly blast surfaces clean. It’s an effective way to clean large surface areas without using excessive water and cleaning agents and through periodic cleaning you can prevent long-term depreciation to your home.

Here are some of our tips for spring pressure cleaning:

High and low pressure

Ensure you’re using the right machine with the right pressure output for the surface you’re cleaning. For example, washing the outside of your house only requires low pressure cleaning as it’s less abrasive and won’t remove paint. Likewise, timber decks can be damaged if the pressure is too high.

Safety first

Always wear protective equipment for property maintenance. When using any pressure cleaner – low or high – goggles and enclosed footwear should be worn and the nozzle should never be directed at any part of the body.

Call the experts

Know your limits and consult a professional if the job is beyond your skill level. High pressure cleaning for heavy duty tasks such as cleaning concrete, the driveway or roofs should really be left to the experts. Professionals consider different attachments, pressure settings, the use of hot or cold water, and whether or not chemicals should be used.

Seal of approval

A relevant sealer such as paint or decking oil will prevent the need for regular cleaning and make cleaning next time much easier. However, ensure the surface has dried before application.

For more information on pressure cleaning an area around your home, visit www.hireahubby.com.au or call your local ‘Hubby’ on 1800 803 339.

Clear Communication and Organisation is the Winning Formula

For those of you who watched the third room reveal on Channel 7’s The Block on Sunday night, you would have seen the contestants bringing their bathrooms to life with granite walls, luxurious marble bath tubs and even a urinal.

The team that came out on top was husband and wife team Josh and Jenna with their crisp and clean bathroom that had a delightful mix of modern and old (below).

Before                                                                    After          

      

We believe another reason why they won extended beyond the design. It was their clear communication with suppliers and builders. This can make or break a successful renovation, saving time, money and organisational nightmares.

Here are a few tips from our Hubbies on how to improve your communication with the professionals to get exactly what you want when it comes to doing work in your bathroom.

Talking Dollars Makes Sense

Bathrooms are one of the most important parts of the home. Whether the job is big or small, give your builder or property maintenance expert an idea of your budget to see if what you want is realistically achievable.

Agree on a Timeframe

Discuss with your builder when you want the bathroom finished and organise suppliers to work around this time frame. To avoid late supply deliveries, get together with your builder and break the renovation up into sections. Organise what date you need certain materials by and make the date a couple of days before you actually need it, to ensure they arrive on time.

Choosing Materials

Discuss with your builder on what type of bathroom you are after, as this will affect your choice of fixtures, fittings and tiles. Is this a family room that will require hard working, low maintenance fixtures that can withstand wear and tear, or is it a sleeker architectural look you are after, make sure to express this to your builder.

It’s tempting to step in but usually it’s a good idea to steer clear when it comes to having a professional work on your renovation. If you have any concerns about the renovation, have a chat to your builder and they will be happy to clarify.
If you need any assistance with your bathroom renovation or for an obligation free quote call 1800 803 339 or visit www.hireahubby.com.au

5 Tips to Make DIY Shopping Easy

There are lessons to be learnt watching teams on Channel 9’s The Block running frantically around the hardware store searching for the right shade of paint or the perfect tile combination. This wastes a lot of time (and potentially money) through buying items that are the wrong size, colour or even completely forgotten.

When it comes to renovating and property maintenance, it is important to be organised when shopping for materials and tools. Here are 5 tips from our Hubbies on how to tactically plan your trip to the local hardware or home ware store.

1.    Make a Budget… and Stick With it

Before you go shopping, make a budget of what you can realistically afford and stick to it. Often you can find yourself tempted by more expensive materials.

2. Make a List

After you’ve budgeted, make a list of exactly what you need to buy. This will save you time when you’re in the store and ensure your shopping goals remain on track (how many times have you left a shop with more things than you need?). Don’t be afraid to ask the shop assistants for help – that’s what they’re there for.

3. Take Samples

Need a particular colour for the wall or a certain shade of polish for the floor? Before you make a choice (and potentially the wrong one) take some samples home with you.

4. Photograph Your Room

If you have a wide scope of ideas and are unsure on where to start, bring in a photo of the room or space you are working on as a guide. Mobile phones make this much easier to do! Having a photo on hand will help you choose what you need.

5. Do Your Research

It’s always worth your while doing a bit of research before hitting the shops. This includes assessing your ability to perform the job at hand.

For expert advice or an obligation free quote, call your local Hubby on 1800 803 339 or visit the website www.hireahubby.com.au.

The Block: All Stars airs on Channel 9 tonight at 7pm.

The Block: All Stars – Heritage Challenge

 

The Block is back again with our favourite contestants from previous shows, the All Stars, fighting it out for the holy grail of reality TV renovation. As Hire A Hubby’s ambassador and show host Scott Cam takes the courageous couples on a ride through renders and refurbs, fixing and fixating on in-home designs, we’ll be there every step of the way talking tips and tactics to help you guys at home.

As always, the budding builders will each be renovating a heritage listed property. Despite being a dream for many Aussies, restoring and maintaining a heritage home can be a headache with many speed bumps and stop signs along the way.

This week, Hire A Hubby is offering some simple do’s and don’ts when it comes to doing up heritage homes, but you’ll find the tips handy for most projects!

DO your homework

Research and understand the property before you start. What was the original style of the home? A good place to start is finding an original photo of the house to get an idea of what it once looked like. Call your local Hubby to find out what you might be able to do with the space.

DON’T touch the ceiling

Decorative high ceilings, fireplaces and timber joinery are an integral part of the value of many old homes. Bring these spaces to life, don’t remove them.

DO keep some wear and tear

Honour the battle scars of the aged property and remove the things that don’t add to the overall architectural style. Patina of age is ‘in vogue’ and is valuable, so preserve worn steps or old floorboards.

DON’T replace
Things like replacing timber-edged windows with aluminium, which may appear more ‘modern’, mightn’t necessarily add value to the home in the long run.Consider restoring over removing.

For any ideas, expert advice or an obligation free quote, call your local Hire A Hubby on 1800 803 339 or visit the website www.hireahubby.com.au.

The Block airs on Channel 9 at 7 O’Block. Watch this space each week for our Hubbies’ take on the show.

Storm Safety Checklist

As dumping rain from ex-cyclone Oswald continues through New South Wales after causing widespread destruction in Queensland over the weekend, we thought it would be a good time to remind you of what you can do around the home to ensure you’re minimising the risk of a disaster event damaging your property.

Identify dangers

The easiest thing you can do yourself as a home owner is locating loose objects in the backyard such as outdoor furniture and toys that may be a danger during strong winds or flash flooding. A secure shed or garage is a perfect spot for storing these items.

Repairs and maintenance

Broken roof materials, blocked gutters and downpipes are other causes of damage from storms. Ask your local Hire A Hubby to come ensure your roof and gutters are in good condition, clear of leaves and rubbish to avoid blocked drains, overflowing and backyard flooding.

 

Trees and branches

Large, loose branches and overhanging trees near your home are a potential hazard when a storm strikes. It is vital that you ensure surrounding trees are kept in a safe condition, so ask your local Hire A Hubby for a free quote on backyard maintenance before it’s too late!

 

For further information about preparing for severe weather events, call Hire A Hubby on 1800 803 339 or visit www.hireahubby.com.au. The best time do something is now!

Top 5 tools that will have your home handyman cheering this Christmas

Whether it is your dad, partner or brother who is the home handyman, there is never enough tools for the home, so forget socks, jocks and peanuts this Christmas and get him tools that he’ll love.

To help you out, here is a list of our Hubbies’ favourite tools that are sure to make great Christmas gifts.

The Ultimate Tool Kit

If you don’t know where to start, look into tool kits filled with a selection of tools. This 300 piece wall cabinet kit comes with just about all you need for any home DIY project, and better yet the kit is easy to store on your workshop or shed wall. Containing a selection of spanners and sockets, crimpers, pliers, side cutters, screwdrivers, hammers and general hardware, this wall cabinet kit has the right tool for every job.

 

Must-have Cordless Power Drill

Our Hubbies reckon this is the best thing since sliced bread. No-one likes the bulk and inconvenience of cords, particularly when it comes to drilling. The great thing about these is that depending on your budget, these drills range from $30 to $400. Like a hammer though, you pay for quality.

 

Straight Line Rolling Tape Measure

Out with the old and in with the new. This upgrade of the conventional measuring tape is relatively new on the market and is a battery-powered, handheld device about the size of a cordless phone. With a display screen that reads out linear distances – in metric or imperial – as it’s rolled along a surface, it’s a handy little device that does all the thinking for you.

 

Intermediate Multi Tool

A great all-round choice for first-time users, this pocket-sized tool has all the features you need to get your project done. The handy, outside-accessible blades mean you can open the knife with just one hand. The rounded handles make getting a grip around the spring-action jaws easy and very comfortable. All the tools you’ll ever need are in a compact little device, and you’ll never have the problem of tools disappearing on you again.

 

Reciprocating Saw

Every tool kit should contain a saw. It’s one of those tools that come in very handy over time for jobs in the shed or the backyard. This versatile and easy-to-use saw is ideal for cutting plywood, metal, plastic pipes or pruning the garden.

Check out your local hardware store for these items. If you’d like to talk to your local Hire A Hubby about the best tools for the home handyman, call 1800 803 339 or visit the website www.hireahubby.com.au.

 

Hire A Hubby offers helping hand

Our ‘Hubbies’ help residents and businesses with property maintenance jobs, but as business owners they are also have a greater role in the community.

Just recently, our Hubby from Hopper’s Crossing, Grant Carr, received a state award for his commitment to giving local job seekers a fair go.

Grant received the CRS Australia Victoria and Tasmania ‘Small Employer’ award at an awards night at Etihad Stadium attended by Senator Kim Carr (image below).

The awards night recognised employers giving sustainable employment opportunities to Australians with a disability, injury or health condition through Commonwealth Recruitment Services (CRS) Australia.

Here’s what Grant had to say: “I didn’t expect this award at all but I’m delighted.”

“I’m grateful to be in a position where I can offer people employment and it’s rewarding working with a team and learning more about how to get the best out of each other.

“They aren’t just there to work, they value the employment. It’s about spending time with them properly, training them and working out what their strengths and weaknesses are to work better as a team, just like any good workplace.”

Congratulations Grant! You’re an inspiration to other small employers.