RBP Group

How to Choose the Right Carpenter for you

hl-developer2020 — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 01:04:41 +0000

Choosing the right carpenter can be a difficult task. There are so many to choose from that the average person with no building knowledge wouldn’t know where to start!

The process of finding the right one can be time consuming, but if you get the choice right you will build a trusted and valuable relationship that can last for years.

To help you avoid the trap of being promised the lowest market rates only to find yourself with a below average finished product, we have put together a list of things to consider when looking for an experienced and trustworthy carpenter for your next project.

Find a carpenter with relevant experience

It is important to understand the difference between a joiner and a carpenter. They are often grouped in the same category, but the roles are quite different.

Carpenter

Someone who installs and repairs existing structures

Cabinet Maker / Joiner

A person who builds wooden structures, typically working off-site to produce the goods.

Small carpentry companies will often employ one or the other, whereas larger carpentry firms will often employ both to expand their level of service. Don’t be afraid to ask about the skill set of a company in your assessment of whether they will be a good fit for your project.

Find a carpenter who can work to your scale

Have a good look at a company’s previous projects. This will give you a clear understanding of the type of jobs they regularly undertake. An image gallery will give a good indication of their scale of work and it will also help you to compare and contrast your project.

Specialist carpenter or all-rounder?

Another thing to consider when sub-contracting for any project is to have a clear idea of your specific requirements.

A speciality joiner will be good for specific tasks like making windows and doors. It is likely that their workshop will be solely set up with mass production in mind. This means they will be able to offer a quick turn around on goods.

On the other hand, an all-round carpenter is best for projects with lots of different aspects to it. The production time may be comparatively slower, but their greater knowledge and expertise of construction will see them design and build your project, seeing it through from start to finish.

Check their reviews

You can get a true sense of the reliability of a carpentry company by checking their client testimonials. Often you will find answers to the following questions:

Did the carpenter stick to budget?
Did they complete on time?
Was the quality good?

It is always good to ask lots of questions when making an inquiry with a carpentry company. Ask about common issues related to your project and how they propose to resolve them. The more open and honest they are, the better they will be!

Material choices

Do some research into what type of materials you would like to use with your project. No two timbers are the same so get to know the materials you are working with and find out what your options are. Bear in mind, the cheaper options are always likely to cost you more in the long run. If you are looking for longevity, ask your carpenter to recommend a good sustainable product.

Providing your own materials is also an option but make this clear before you ask for any quotations. It will no doubt have a big impact on cost. Also, make sure you understand your chosen materials suitability for your project. Again, if in doubt, ask!

Get a detailed quotation

Obtaining a detailed quotation is vitally important when choosing the best carpenter for your project. You need to fully understand the costs and what is included before you make your decision. Look out for the following items and if they are not clearly presented on the quotation, ask if they are included:

Labour
Materials
Waste Disposal
Skip Hire
High Level Access (if required)
Transport & Delivery Fees

It is always good to ask for their hourly rates. This will give you a good indication of cost if any additional works are required.

Get to know the team who will be working on your project

Although visiting a premise isn’t always an option, a good carpentry firm will have an about-us section on their website. Most of the time, this will include their staff bios so be sure to check them out. A quick check on the company’s social media pages can also give you a good insight into the team that works there.

We hope that you found this article helpful but if you have any questions and want to speak to one of our team then get in touch.

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Springfield Plumbers and Blocked Sinks

hl-developer2020 — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 22:54:57 +0000

Common Issues for our Plumbers in Springfield

Encountering a blocked kitchen sink in Springfield is a problem that our plumbers come across all the time. As plumbing professionals, we fix the problem, nine times out of ten, within the hour.

The truth is, most of the problems we attend to could have been resolved without our involvement. If they are not tackled correctly however, they could lead to more serious drainage issues.

Our Springfield plumbers find the most common culprit for a blocked sink is food waste.

Vast amounts of scraps from washing and rinsing dishes can build up in the pipe below the waste. This can lead to problematic blockages.

Here are our suggestions on how to unblock a sink without having to call in professional help from Springfield’s best plumbing professionals.

A Slow Draining Blocked Sink

First let us tackle the slow draining blocked sink.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This low-cost solution uses two ingredients you are likely to have in your kitchen cupboards. Add a couple of teaspoons of baking powder, followed by a cup of white vinegar.

When the two react, you should see some fizzing, which with any luck will force whatever is blocking the sink out of the way. After waiting for the fizzing to stop, pour boiling water down the plug to dislodge the blockage. Keep flushing with boiling water until the water flows freely.

Plunger – A plumber’s favorite tool

If your sink is still blocked, then it is time to use a plunger. The pressure of the plunger will force air down the pipe and move the block. Pick one up from Reece Plumbing in Springfield if you don’t have one.

It is possible to use the palm of your hand as an alternative. Place it over the plug hole to form a seal and push down repeatedly.

A Full Blockage

You might have a bigger issue if your sink is completely blocked, with no water able to drain. However, this is still not impossible to fix on your own so don’t call a plumber just yet.

The next step is to take the U-bend apart. Before even considering the idea of removing this, change into some old clothes. Also, equip yourself with rubber gloves, a bucket, and a towel.

Before even considering the idea of removing this, change into some old clothes. Also, equip yourself with rubber gloves, a bucket, and a towel.

Be sure to empty out as much water from the blocked sink as possible. Next, lay the towel and washing up bowl directly under the U-bend, and using the rubber gloves to grip the pipe, begin to unscrew the pipe.

Move slowly to ensure you aren’t covered with a flood of water and waste, and gently empty the contents into the bucket.

Now, use a wire coat hanger to clean out the inside of the pipe. They are a handy tool for breaking through thick blockages.

Once you are confident the block is clear, wash the U-bend with warm soapy water. Then, when it is all clean, fix the U-bend back into place.

Use plumber’s tape to make it watertight and run the tap afterwards just to make sure.

A Bigger Problem?

If there is no blockage in your U-bend, the problem may be further in your drains.

If this is the case then unfortunately you will need to call in the experts. Our team of local plumbers at RBP are based in Springfield. They are fully trained to find the cause of blockages and ensure they are cleared quickly and easily.

Give our Springfield office a call on 07 3818 2137 and we’ll get you booked in asap.

Also, if you don’t like the idea of getting your hands dirty, or you’ve tried to clear your blocked sink, but without success, then we’re here to help.

Avoiding Future Sink Blockages

Prevention is the best way to avoid a blocked kitchen sink. A plumber’s advice is to stop everything apart from liquids going down the drain.

One thing to especially avoid is grease and oil from frying pans. It tends to solidify as it enters the pipe and a build-up can easily cause a blockage.

This isn’t always possible though, so to keep your sink drains clean and clear, give your pipes a monthly service with the baking soda and vinegar technique.

Visit our Residential Property Maintenance page for a full list of our plumbing services. Get in touch and find out why we’re the best plumbers in Springfield.

The post Springfield Plumbers and Blocked Sinks appeared first on RBP Group.

Timber Decking in Springfield

hl-developer2020 — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 09:59:31 +0000

Springfield weather and timber decking

Springfield’s ever-changing climate and random weather patterns give our timber decks a battering.

Did you know timber expands when it is subjected to heat? The process is known as thermal expansion and it can cause warping, swelling and potentially shrinkage.

Timber is also likely to expand in humid conditions. While excessively dry conditions can cause it to shrink.

Timber decking boards must withstand both ends of the spectrum when coping with Springfield weather, particularly in storm season. This makes maintaining your decking essential to ensure a solid lifespan.

How to look after decking

An existing deck should be cared for twice per year as standard. You can do a water test to see if your deck needs re-oiling. Drop some water on to the boards, if the water soaks in, then it is time for a service.

Lack of care for your deck can result in discoloration and warping of the timber. This can often make your deck look dirty and old – even when the deck itself is relatively new. Re-oiling it twice per year will help to maintain the color and protect the timber.

Look at the video below to see the correct way to maintain your timber deck.

Tip: Add another coat of decking oil for a glossier finish but make sure to check the weather forecast before you do. Don’t apply any decking products when rain is due.

Decking Restoration in Springfield

Poorly maintained timber decking may require a full service. However, good timber decking installers and restorators are hard to come by. We specialise in full timber decking restorations and installations in the following areas:

Springfield Lakes
Springfield
Brookwater
Augustine Heights
Ipswich
Many more…

You can see some examples of our work below:

Our team of fully qualified carpenters have the skills and experience to restore poorly maintained timber decking to its former glory. If it cannot be saved, rest assured, we will advise on the best outcome for the situation, which in some cases, may be to install a new deck.

Take a look at these decking designs for some inspiration. Modern Decking Designs.

If you like any of them, get in touch for a free consultation and we’ll see if we can make it happen for you.

Does your deck need some TLC? …. Or are you thinking of installing a new deck? ….
Give us a call today on 07 3818 2137 or visit our Residential Property Maintenance page for a full list of services.

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Fix it Yourself – A Hole in the Wall

hl-developer2020 — Tue, 19 May 2020 23:33:41 +0000

Property Maintenance Without a Handyman

When it comes to property maintenance, there are some jobs that can be done without calling a handyman. In this article, we will show you how to fill a small hole in your internal wall. You do not need any expert carpentry or plastering skills. Just a few materials and a simple list of instructions that we have prepared for you below:

Step by step guide – How to repair a hole in the wall

Step 1 – Take a trip to Bunnings (or similar)

You need to purchase the following items. If you already have some of them at home in the garage, then great! If not, it will cost you roughly $55.

Gyprock 1.5kg DIY Rapid Plaster Repair Kit (You can grab this in Bunnings for $26.27. Be sure to check that your wall thickness is 10mm as that is the size of the plasterboard in the kit.)
12mm Timber Battens – You can usually pick up free off cuts from the Bunnings timber yard
Craft Knife
Plasterboard Screws
Stud Glue (optional)

Step 2- Prepare yourself

Make sure to put on personal protective equipment. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from impact and dust. Gloves should be worn to provide a layer of protection also.

Step 3 – Prepare the area

Use a drop sheet to protect the flooring and any surrounding furniture. If you do not have a drop sheet, then an old bed sheet or a few old towels will do the job. Make sure to have a vacuum cleaner at the ready also!

Step 4 – Measure the size of the hole

If the hole is smaller than 50mm, load some filler onto a filling knife and draw it across the hole at right-angles to the crack. Press firmly until the filler comes just over the surface. Leave it to dry for approximately 2 hours. Finally, smooth it down with some sandpaper and touch up the area with some fresh paint. Really easy!

If the hole is bigger than 50mm, move to step 5.

Step 5 – Make a template

Obtain the ready-made plasterboard from the Gyprock repair kit and use it as a template to draw around the hole. Alternatively, grab some paper or cardboard and make a template which is just bigger than the hole you are filling. It can be any shape, but it is best to keep it square or rectangular. Place your template on the wall and use it to draw around the hole.

Step 6 – Cut out new hole

Use a craft knife or fine tooth saw to cut out your new hole. It is IMPORTANT to watch out for any cables and pipes in that area.

Step 7 – Prepare new plasterboard

Insert the thin timber battens into the hole. Use plasterboard screws to secure them in place. Next, go back to the template and use it to cut a new piece of plasterboard that will fit in the hole (if you are not using the Gyprock repair kit).

Step 8 – Fit the jigsaw!

Apply a dab or two of stud glue to the back of the new plasterboard (optional). Place the plasterboard into the hole. Next, cover the seams with plasterboard tape.

Step 9 – Apply the base coat

Spread the ready-mix plaster thinly and evenly over the tape. Allow this to dry.

Step 10 – Topcoat

Sand down the area then repeat Step 9. Once this has dried, sand down for a final time and then you are ready for painting!

Still need a handyman? Call us on 07 3818 2137 or visit our Residential Property Maintenance page for a full list of services.

The post Fix it Yourself – A Hole in the Wall appeared first on RBP Group.

Maintenance and Trade Repairs for the Home during Covid-19

hl-developer2020 — Tue, 19 May 2020 23:11:44 +0000

What is the current situation?

The world is slowly changing back to some sort of normality. As of 2nd June 2020, Queenslander’s are being advised that we can allow up to 20 people in our homes. Boot camps and outdoor gyms are back open. We can also go for a hike and enjoy other recreational activities in National and State parks. We can even go back to the pub! (if there are 20 people or less).

But what does this mean for carrying out trade repairs in the home? Are you resisting fixing that door, or upgrading your decking due to fears over Covid-19? Is now the time to say, ‘let’s get it done!’?

The answer is yes!

How RBP can help you

Here at RBP we are adapting to this changing environment and making it safer than ever to get trade repairs and property maintenance carried out at home. We now refer to our tradespeople as ‘Contactless Contractors’.

Our team of carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and handymen have all been trained to our new way of working. We are now doing the following to maintain your safety whilst we work in your home environment:

Every morning, all our tradespeople are given a mini health check. This includes taking temperatures using a thermometer to ensure there are no signs of symptoms
1.5m distance from customers will always be maintained when inside the home
Handshakes with customers or other occupants are not permitted
Each tradie is always to carry a good supply of hand sanitiser
If required, masks will be worn whilst works are completed

On top of this, our partners at Service M8 provide us with industry leading technology which ensures all jobs requests are logged, maintenance operatives are allocated, and jobs are electronically signed off and reviewed once completed. This means that no signatures are required, and we can stick to our promise of being ‘Contactless Contractors’.

How can you help us?

Keeping your property clean is an effective way of ensuring COVID-19 does not spread. Using your usual household cleaning products, clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls, and tabletops. Wherever possible, wear disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning.

In terms of applying this to a tradesperson visit, consider where that tradesperson will be spending their time while in your property and any appliances or equipment, they are likely to be touching during their work. Cleaning this area before and after their visit is good practice.

If possible, restrain from being in the same room that the work is being carried out. This makes it much easier for everyone to maintain the 1.5m distance rule, especially if the job requires more than one tradie.

If you have any questions about your trade visit, phone ahead and our team in the office will be sure to resolve any queries you may have. When we work together, we can stay on the same page and avoid any unwelcome surprises.

What if you are feeling unwell?

Of course, if you or anyone in your home are self-isolating in accordance with the latest government guidelines, we regret that we will not be able to attend your property at this time.

You can contact us if you live alone, after 7 days from the day symptoms started. If anyone you live with has symptoms, then the entire household needs to isolate, and you can contact us after 14 days from the day symptoms started.

It’s time to book in that trade repair!

Now that you have got reassurance that all work can be carried out at your home safely, why not look at our list of Residential Property Maintenance services and get in touch today!

Give us a call on 07 3818 2137 to discuss your requirements or use our contact form and one of team will get in touch.

The post Maintenance and Trade Repairs for the Home during Covid-19 appeared first on RBP Group.

Preventive Maintenance and Preparing to Re-Open Businesses in Brisbane

hl-developer2020 — Tue, 19 May 2020 23:07:19 +0000

Restrictions are easing, more and more commercial businesses in Brisbane and surrounding areas are beginning to open. What can you do to make sure your business is prepared for the restart? Preventive & Planned Maintenance is the key!

Have you been forced to close your commercial business in Brisbane due to Covid-19? Are you now thinking about opening again? Do you feel prepared?

Whether you are a restaurant owner, manage an accountancy firm or own a boutique clothing store, there are new guidelines that you will need to follow in order to provide your staff and customers with a safe working environment. A raft of business changes will make working efficiently more important than ever. Therefore, you should consider implementing a preventive maintenance plan.

What is Preventive Planned Maintenance or PPM?

Preventive or planned maintenance are tasks that need to be carried out on a regular basis, whether or not anything is broken. They are preventative measures, not necessarily repairs.

The idea is to reduce the occurrence of emergencies and the requirement for reactive maintenance. Although sometimes necessary, reactive maintenance can be a costly exercise, as it often leads to business downtime.

With preventive maintenance, you can put together a schedule of regular checks and work to be done which will help keep your property in optimum condition.

Why start a preventive maintenance plan now?

Businesses are going to feel different and operate different because of Covid-19. It is going to be a lot harder to make the margins that were targeted prior to the pandemic.

Cafes and restaurants will be affected by reduced capacity. Shops and retail stores will have strict maximum occupancy procedures. Manufacturers will have to operate with less staff on production lines. It will be harder to make money!

Any disruption or downtime will hit businesses so much harder than before. Profits will be hard enough to earn without having to deal with unexpected maintenance issues. Therefore, setting up a preventive maintenance plan has never been more relevant.

Is it cost effective?

Problems arise when companies believe a planned maintenance service is not cost effective because no issue has occurred, but it is exactly the opposite. These services are more than cost effective because the issues have been prevented before they could happen.

Take commercial properties for example. For older buildings, the entire structure needs to be looked after to maximize the economic life of the property. Small problems can soon magnify if they are ignored. Similarly, with new builds, proper planned maintenance will be required from the outset for: the property to remain in excellent condition.

Significant savings can be made by careful scheduling of tasks that can be undertaken simultaneously, so that expensive fixed costs such as scaffolding can be used to support two or more jobs instead of being repeated several times in just a few years. For instance, window cleaning could be undertaken at the same time as repainting outside walls and repairs to the roof or gutters.

Three separate call outs become one scheduled visit.

Time is reduced. Disruption is reduced. Money is saved.

How can RBP help your business?

Even though preventive and planned maintenance programmes are processes being implemented across all industries, they are particularly relevant to commercial properties. We carry out preventive maintenance plans for clients across Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast. These include the Australia Post facility managed by Cushman & Wakefield as well as the Surfers Paradise Police Station.

Our team at RBP have years of experience in providing Commercial Property Maintenance schedules tailored to individual customer’s needs. We can provide expert advice on which parts of your building will require regular property maintenance and when.

Our knowledge and expertise can help prevent major problems from occurring whilst minimizing disruption to your business. Our aim is to save you money!

Why not give us a call on 07 3818 2137 to discuss your requirements or use our contact form and one of team will get in touch?

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