Aussie Painting Contractor July 2013

Painting for the

Film Industry

Sell Your Home Faster

And for more $$$

Minimum Wage Rise & Employers’ Responsibilities

Painting in Winter Tips for success!

EDITOR Nigel Gorman EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORS • Ann-Maree Russell • Caroline Miall • Colin Thompson • Graeme Franklin • Jennie Gorman • Jim Baker • June Trenwyth-Morgan • Nigel Gorman • Scott Collins • Scott Robertson GRAPHIC DESIGNER J. Anne Delgado

From the Editor Hi all, This week our latest printed edition was released. Look out for it in your local paint stores. If they haven’t got any copies, let them know to get some in, or contact us directly!

We’re pleased to welcome a couple of first time contributors to the mag; Anne Marie Russell. Anne-Marie has achieved incredible results in building beautifully designed homes and cuts a well-known figure in the Blogging world with the wonderful The House that A-M Built. Now a member of the Remax Executives, Anne Marie writes about her top tips on selling your home. Have a read; you might find something that will assist your customers, if not yourself.

June Trenwyth-Morgan, who is a fully qualified painter and trainer with the National Institute of Painting and Decorating, has shared some on the job experiences with creative paintwork. Ever imagine painting scenes and scenery in the film industry? It must be a fascinating avenue to pursue.

If you’re looking for a way to streamline things, Taubmans are helping painters work more effectively by providing free access to a Create a Quote system. Produce estimates that look professional and are painless to create. Just use the clever form already set up with good suggested standard text, and amend at will. Copy in your company’s info and logo then email it directly to your customer for acceptance.

It will help you look professional and competent as well as assisting in managing the status of your quotes. Make the paperwork part easier... in fact, get rid of the paper altogether!

Hopefully its going well for you; best of luck in the new financial year for turning a profit, as well as spending time doing the things you love!

Nigel Gorman nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

0430 399 800 Opinions and viewpoints expressed in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Home Painters Info staff or related parties. The publisher, Home Painters Info and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. All information contained in Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine. Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

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Contents Business Services

In the Industry 8

State of Origin Game 2 Member Give-Away Wrap Up

25

10 Tips for Start Up Businesses or Revisiting Your Business Structure

12

WorkSafety Warning Regarding High Risk Work Licences

28

Product & Liability Insurance

14

Great Tips for Selling Your Home Faster

A Rundown on Load Restaint

33

16 The History of Paint 20

Decorative Finishes Creative Paint Works

38

Minimum Wage Increase Effective 1 July 2013

40

Painting in the Cold

Wellness Tips 22

Water, What’s In It?

Monthly Feature 42 Training Schedules

Members Profile 36 Paintway

45

MPDA Training Schedule

46 The Industry Idiots 47

Important Contacts

State Of Origin

Game 2- Member Give-Away Wrap up.

This Member giveaway was warmly welcomed, even thought it was a pretty fresh evening.

Our prize winning members were Chris Munday from Jim’s Professional Painting and Ken Robinson from RFT Painting. Congratulations to both of our winners; it was great to have an evening getting to know some members and it was enjoyed by all... except for maybe NSW. Keep an eye out for our next Member give away; Jason Norris, our resident Professional golfer, will soon be in touring the country giving you the opportunity to win a round of golf with him at a course near you.

8 | Aussie Painters Network

Chris Munday, Chris Baker, Ken Robinson

2013 July Issue | 9

Quotes Direct to You!!

rough Aussie Painters Network, consumers can now...

Request-a-Quote

www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 10 | Aussie Painters Network

07 30401234 or 0430 399 800 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

2013 July Issue | 11

In the Industry

WorkSafe Warning

Regarding High Risk Work Licences

W

orkSafe has issued a warning to employers on checking High Risk Work Licences after being given information on the availability of fake licences issued overseas.

Information received has provided reports that fraudulent licences can be obtained overseas quickly and at low cost in places such as Thailand.

High Risk Work Licenses can be very simply verified in a matter of minutes on the home page of the WorkSafe website of your particular state.

Inspectors regularly look at high risk work licences, in particular for forklift operators.

Workers who operate forklifts, cranes, hoists or pressure equipment or carry out scaffolding, dogging or rigging work must now have a licence for high risk work to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to do the job safely.

Inspection campaigns in the past have focused on raising awareness of the need for high risk work licences

12 | Aussie Painters Network

and ensuring that employers have the information required to comply with the laws, but as these licenses have been a requirement for some period of time now, inspectors will take enforcement action for fraudulent or those operating without the applicable license.

In addition to licences, employers are urged to ensure that associated plant and equipment is compliant and fit for use. A number of checks on forklifts for example should be carried out within workplaces, including whether the forklift is in good working order, maintenance records, does the reversing beeper work, does it have an operating beacon light, capacity charts and operators’ manuals and whether the work area is organised for the safety of forklift operators.

The High Risk Work Licences are nationally recognised and so come with the advantages of both national consistency and portability, but most importantly - high risk work licences ensure that workers have the skills and knowledge to perform tasks safely and competently.

It is important to note that employers still have an overall responsibility to provide workers with appropriate information, instruction and training for each individual job.

It is of great concern that holders of High Risk Work Licences may not be adequately trained to perform high risk work safely and competently, and we urge employers, assessors and trainers to verify any High Risk Work Licences presented to them.

For more information on High Risk Work Licences, WorkSafe Inspection Campaigns and what to expect if/ when visited by an Inspector, or any other OSH inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact the MPA or Safety Solutions WA.

www.sswa.net.au 0466 821 474 graeme@sswa.net.au

2013 July Issue | 13

In the Industry

A Rundown on Load Restraint It’s vital that you and your staff are well versed with the minimum safety standards.

N

o one wants to risk causing injury to themselves or some other poor unsuspecting victim, whilst carrying out their job. But every year Australians are injured and killed in vehicle crashes caused by poorly restrained loads. Compliance ensures you avoid accidents by loads falling onto vehicles or pedestrians; drivers having to swerve to avoid even small loose items; or losing control of a vehicle due to unsafe or shifting weight. It is the drivers responsibility to ensure that any load carried is secure, not unreasonably overhanging, and does not distabilise your vehicle.

When cargo dislodges from a moving vehicle and falls onto the road, it becomes a grave hazard for road users.

Even a small item can be a dangerous projectile when it is flung at highway speed prompting erratic evasive manoeuvres, and causing a crash.

As painters we have a few notable issues with the contents of our trucks; ladders trestles, costly spray painters, paint tins, poles and other tools. You’ve probably made a sizeable investment in your ladder and your vehicle and want to keep both free from damage. Be sure to tie ladders and trestles down well. Your extension ladders can be tied down using any type of strong rope or ratchet set, stretch strap or locking ladder holder. Make sure the ladder is secured and laying flat and all sides are tied and secured before moving the vehicle. Be sure to check your restraining equipment regularly for integrity.

14 | Aussie Painters Network

All painters dread it when a tin tips and makes an enormous mess, indelibly marking your journey on the road as you go, as well as the spillage creating a significant skidding hazard for other vehicles. Whilst we might all have a laugh when it happens to others, it messes up the road, the vehicle and anything in it; not to mention the frustrating waste of paint and the risk of a fine. If your supply of tins isn’t able to be packed snugly with your equipment, lash the paint tins together and secure as one item to the vehicle.

Here’s a few tips from the National Transport Commission’s Load Restraint Guide: ✓ Use a vehicle appropriate for the type of load you are carrying. ✓ Position the load correctly. ✓ Use suitable restraint equipment for the load you are carrying. ✓ Use good quality restraint equipment, in good condition. ✓ Check your load restraint immediately before leaving and during the trip. ✓ You are driving under different, more difficult conditions when carrying certain types of loads. ✓ Unload safely. ✓ Failure to restrain a load correctly on a vehicle may result in legal action being taken against any persons involved.

Click HERE to check out the guidelines

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2013 July Issue | 15

The History of Paint In the Industry

T

Mixed pigment and oil, often with a mortar and pestle, to create a stiff paste – a method painters use today.

hroughout recorded history, humans have had the desire to decorate their living space. As long ago as 38,000 B.C., people used paint made from soot, earth, and animal fat to adorn the walls of their caves. In ancient Egyptian society, painters mixed ground glass or semiprecious stones, lead, earth, or animal blood with oil or fat.

Between the 1600s and 1800s, most house paint used either oil or water as a base. Some colors worked better in oil, while water suited others better; cost and durability were also part of the water-or-oil equation. Painters tended to use water-based paints on ceilings and plaster walls, while oil paint was best for decorating joinery.

In modern times, we don’t think twice about painting the interior or exterior of a house. In the days of the American colonies, however, such an act opened a person up to serious social disapproval. The Pilgrims, in accordance with their puritanical belief system, thought a colorful home expressed vanity and an excess of happiness. This idea wasn’t just bandied about; it was made law. A preacher in the Charlestown colony painted the inside of his house in 1630 and was subsequently accused of sacrilege, an actual crime in colonial society.

Painters of the time mixed pigment and oil, often with a mortar and pestle, to create a stiff paste – a method we still use today. The point of grinding pigment was to disperse it as fully as possible in oil. This was done by hand until the 1700s, which exposed many painters to white-lead powder and afflicted them with lead poisoning.

Lead paint was popular mainly because it was durable; the stuff could retain colour for centuries.

16 | Aussie Painters Network

In the 18th century, England was a hive of paint-making innovation.

Marshall Smith engineered a machine for the grinding of colours in 1718, and while we don’t know what it looked like or how it worked,

the device sparked a countrywide interest in grinding pigment more efficiently. In 1741, the paintmaking company Emerton and Manby boasted that it ground colors in “Horse-Mills,” which allowed the business to sell its product at unusually low prices.

By the beginning of the 1800s, steam powered most paint mills.

Around this time, white pigment made with nontoxic zinc oxide – a viable alternative to poisonous lead – was invented in Europe.

Making paint in large quantities was easier than ever, especially given the increased use of linseed oil as an inexpensive binder. In 1866, Sherwin-Williams, which would become one of the largest global paint makers, opened for business. The company invented ready-to-use paint, releasing its first product, raw umber in oil, in 1873. Several years later, cofounder Henry Sherwin came up with a re-sealable tin can. Not to be outdone, another paint-industry giant, Benjamin Moore, began selling its wares in 1883. In 1907, the company hired its first chemist and started a research department. Among Benjamin Moore’s many innovations, its computerized colour-matching system, introduced in 1982, remains the most influential and impressive.

Continue to page 18...

‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully automated program where all you have to do is add or change the variables and the total price will appear in an instant.

It is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business.

How many times have you gone to a job and found that it will take longer because of exterior obstacles or excessive furniture to work around?

‘My Costing Guide’ allows you to add extra time for those situations. It even calculates a workers allocated break time of 20 minutes a day.

www.mytools4business.com/mycostingguide 2013 July Issue |

17

The History of Paint...

Paint production didn’t undergo another significant development until the mid-20th century, during World War II, when linseed oil became scarce. In response to the shortage, chemists mixed alcohols and acids to make alkyds (artificial resins). These synthetics were cheap to make, long-lasting, and excelled at holding color, so they quickly replaced oil as a paint base.

Thanks to modern paint technology there’s now paint for every surface and situation. Plus manufacturing has evolved to meet more recent demands on the performance of paint products; in relation to both their impact on us and the planet, as well as their quality and durability. Advancements have resulted in more sustainable and less toxic paints as well as effective recycling techniques. Low to zero VOCs, water-based, textured, UV and high heat resistant paints all respond to health and environmental concerns, providing better products for the painter and the consumer.

Jim Baker www.mytools4business.com

18 | Aussie Painters Network

July’s Tips In the colder weather, warm enamel paint before you apply it – it dries faster and retains its gloss even better. Place a 4 litre paint pot into a ten litre paint pot, with a couple of inches of boiling water.

Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes; stir and apply whilst warm.

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2013 July Issue | 19

Decorative Finishes

Creative Paint Works In the Industry

June Trenwyth-Morgan is a fully qualified painter and trainer for the National Institute of Painting and Decorating.

I

often do decorative finishes but I’d have to say my specialty is creative paintworks. Next time you watch a movie, look at the credits. You will often see a list of people employed as painters. Being a painter has led me into the exciting world of film and television. It’s a fascinating industry to work in as a painter. So what is it like to work as a painter in this industry?

‘Set Finisher’ was my earliest title in the film Industry, advancing over the years to ‘Scenic Artist’. As a painter from the ‘real world’ moving into the film industry; what I call ‘Wally World’, the noticeable difference was the speed in which the painting needed to be performed, and there were no excuses!

I would be asked to count the colors of a rock and reproduce it with acrylic paint and molded fiberglass, making it look like the rock. I could recreate granite, marble, stone and wood; skies, dawn or dusk; make caves or styrene tombstones!

How do you make a cauldron full of bubbling gold? Get a huge tub, pop an air-line at the bottom side, fill it with water, then put 5 litres of oil on top of the water; toss in gold powder, mix. Release the air into the cauldron, a gentle flow. There you have it, a pot of simmering gold!

I can recall a time in the bush at the back lot of Warner Brothers Studios at 5 am, painting with my crew; the scene? A plane crash... It was us, the painters that would make a simple plywood structure look like the realistic burned out wreckage of a plane or some other sort of apocalyptic event.

So if you can use an airless gun, hopper spray-gun, brushes, brooms and anything else to get the job done, are creative, have an eye for detail, know when to hurry up, when to wait quietly, and don’t mind being constantly challenged to know thy self, then perhaps the film industry could be for you! If so come to one of my courses on the Gold Coast.

June Trenwyth-Morgan For more information on advanced decorative finishes, courses, and for an exciting career as a painter in the movie industry, see www.painters.edu.au/Training-Courses/Apply-Decorative-Finishes.htm

20 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 July Issue | 21

Water, What’s In It? Health & Wellness

There are already enough toxins in our food chain well before we’ve even taken a sip.

T

here is nothing like water for relieving the agony of a hot dry thirst and without water there can be no Life, for us, or any living thing. It’s really a no brainer if we want to live healthy lives, we need to drink water. But have you ever stopped to think about where water comes from and what’s in it? Sure there might be some fish pee and other bits and pieces, but aren’t you confused about what water to drink? Tap, Filtered, Bottle, Sparkling or even Energised water?

What we should be a paying attention to is what’s in our water, including potential contamination from packaging. Being a savvy consumer starts with understanding how food gets to you, how it’s processed, how it’s packaged and the possible implications of these choices.

Plastic Packaging

If you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of plastic, you’re not far wrong! Plastics represent a huge part of 21st living and there aren’t many products around these days

P.O. Box 1426 Oxenford Queensland, 4210

+617 554 92 554 22 | Aussie Painters Network

that are not shipped or packed in plastics. You may have even heard a lot of interest surrounding compounds found in plastics called Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.

The fuss is because these chemicals found in plastics are leaching into foods and beverages they are packed or stored in. According to Mercola recent research shows that even BPA free plastic still have a potential to disrupt hormones balance, 95% of these products had oestrogenic activity also known as Xenoestorgens ( or artificial oestrogens).

This is a real concern as to what the long term effects to our health effects will be from plastics used in our food chain. I feel the choice is simple; stop using plastic containers and try and choose foods not packaged in plastics, it will also be great for our environment with less waste. You might consider using stainless steel or glass containers instead of plastics. bottle for yourself. Me personally I like to use a brown glass bottle and I feel it’s safer to re-use.

What else is in Water?

This should be the first question you ask. Many municipal water body’s add much more to our precious water supply in the name of health but it is really?

Fluoride

According to Melbourne Water Fluoride is safe and that it is added to water to keep our teeth healthy.

I hate to burst your bubble, but in our opinion this stuff not SAFE, it’s toxic. Author Dr David Brownstein reports that fluoride has been linked to many health conditions, can also affect they thyroid gland processing of iodine and is known to be toxic.

Chlorine

It’s known that public swimming pools use chlorine to kill off any microbes in the water and it is also used by local councils in treating drinking water. This is makes sense that we need clean drinking water but are there alternatives?

Dr Brownstein also reports that Chlorine is a toxic element.

We don’t have time to go into it in this edition but even the plumbing at home may affect the water quality, Check to see if you have plastic, copper and even lead pipes. Once you have a better understanding about your own water supply you can decide upon a strategy for your home.

By now you might be thinking is anything safe? It is very challenging living in these modern times with technology moving at such a fast pace. We really may not know for some years to come what is really safe and what isn’t.

Using a water filtration system that removes chlorine and as much fluoride as possible is probably the best place to begin.

You can also now purchase chlorine filters for the shower.

Avoid cooking with plastics and choose foods that use minimal plastic packaging to limit your exposure to any potentially toxic substances.

We believe that better health begins when you can remove the toxins that work against wellbeing in daily life.

www.wellinnovations.com.au

2013 July Issue | 23

Aussie Painters Network has consulted with some of our Members and discovered a need for a forum for both employers seeking staff and those painters looking for work. So, we have developed an area where both parties can find each other at no cost.

Some employers recently told us after running ads in weekend papers, they were inundated with over a hundred applications in 72 hours. They simply didn’t have the time to sort through them all, and after so many had gone to the effort of applying.

We aim to make it simpler for the employer, who’ll be able to access a list of those currently available, and easier for the painter to be seen. This is a service that we hope will save you money and a lot of time.

Visit our Employment Page for more details!

www.paintersemployment.com

This is a FREE service.

24 | Aussie Painters Network

There are lots of things you need to do but here are the basics to get your business moving.

S

tarting a new business is an exciting time for anyone who has a wish to do something that is their passion or has been a hobby in the past. I find that many people who commence business for the first time have no actual structure and as a result make their start-up very difficult and with a propensity for failure.

Here are my 10 Tips for someone wishing to start a new business.

1 Know why you want to create a business 2 Have a Vision for what you want that business to be in the future 3 Understand who your audience is and how you can reach them 4 Set up a solid platform / structure on how the business is to run 5 Systemise all aspects of the business 6 Create a basic Business Plan 7 Create a Financial Plan and have an accountant 8 Create a details Marketing Plan including Social Media / Advertising 9 Create a 90 Day Action Plan every 90 days 10 Find a mentor and mastermind group to support you.

Now to make these things happen by putting them into practice ‌ 1 Know WHY you want to create a business Knowing your WHY is one of the most important things you need to know before you start a business.

If the passion is not there you will not be able to survive the tough times as business gets tough!

Business Services

10 Tips for Start Up Businesses or Revisiting Your Business Structure

2 Have a Vision for what you want that business to be in the future It is important that you have a clear and concise vision of where you see your business in say 3 years and 5 years. If you do not have this, it is virtually impossible to be on track and focussed.

3 Understand who your audience is and how you can reach them Knowing where your niche/audience is will show you where you can promote / pitch your business.

You need to know where to go to meet your future clients/prospective clients.

4 Set up a solid platform / structure on how the business is to run If you have no clear structure around your business it will be impossible for you to focus and prioritise what needs to be done to move forward.

5 Systemise all aspects of the business This is critical if you are to have a smooth running business. This is easier to do in the beginning that to try doing it after operating for years. If you are going to leverage in any way, it is imperative your systems are in place in all areas of your business.

For more information on how you can have a group of people support you to keep on track,

Click HERE to visit our website

6 Create a basic Business Plan A basic Business Plan will help guide you initially.

Even though this is something that will probably more than likely go into the bottom draw, you need to have one to forward plan what you want your business to become in the future.

Continue to page 26...

2013 July Issue | 25

10 Tips for Start Up Businesses...

7 Create a Financial Plan and have an Accountant A financial plan for where you are now and for forecasting where you want to go is necessary. Find a good accountant who can guide you to set this in place. They will be worth it in the long run.

8 Create a Detailed Marketing Plan including Social Media / Advertising Once you know your marketplace you need to create a marketing plan for how you are going to get your message out to prospective clients. This covers your website, social media, advertising, business cards, flyers and the branding of your business.

9 Goal Set and create a 90 Day Action Plan every 90 days Setting goals for the future are important and having a 90 Day Action Plan will keep you on track.

10 Find a mentor and mastermind group to support you We all need to have someone to support us and keep us moving forward. A mentor/coach will help your but a business mastermind group will give you the on-going support 24/7 if necessary and give you your independent board of directors for future growth.

How much does your business need to earn to cover its expenses?

26 | Aussie Painters Network www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator

2013 July Issue | 27

Business Services

What is Products & Public Liability Insurance?

A

lmost every painter has a liability insurance policy. Some insurers call it “broadform liability,” some call it “public and products liability” or even “general liability.” But what does it all mean?

business’ current assets, the repairs will get done and the bill will be paid. Perhaps more important, it also means your business does not have to pay for solicitors or legal defence costs if lawyers got involved.

Let’s work backwards and look at the second word first. Liability. It’s one of the insurance companies’ favourite words, and you’ll see it pop up in your home insurance, car insurance, truck insurance, business insurance and pretty much everywhere else. All it really means is that you’re responsible. So if you drove your car into a house you are liable, or responsible, for the car-shaped hole in someone’s living room.

So whether it is called “broadform liability,” “general liability,” or “public & products liability,” you are protecting your business when it is responsible for damage to the public, or damage from your products. by : Scott Robertson

With that in mind, what your liability insurance actually covers makes a lot more sense. It’s a “public and products responsibility” insurance – protecting your business when it is responsible for damage to the public, or damage from your products. It includes things like a pedestrian tripping over a can of paint you put down or one of your workers breaking a plasterboard wall. It isn’t faulty workmanship insurance, but it can protect against unexpected events like paint spilling onto concrete and staining it.

Some of your contracts might require you to have an active insurance policy for $5 million, $10 million or $20 million dollars. This means that if something does go wrong, your contractor knows regardless of your

“We’re here to help” +61 7 3292 1100

contactus@consolidatedi.com.au 28 | Aussie Painters Network

www.consolidatedi.com.au Testimonial : I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for referring me to Consolidated Insurance Pty Ltd. I spoke to Scott about our Business Insurance and with little time, Scott emailed me back a comprehensive package for our Business and we saved over $1,000.00. Thanks again Aussie Painters Network for the great referral and all your ongoing help.

Sonya Baker

www.bakerbrosmasterpainters.com.au

2013 July Issue | 29

Aussie App Store

Why go mobile?

• Over 8.5 million smartphones are in use in Australia today • 98% of them are used at home, 85% on the go and 73% at work • 94% have been used to research products or services • 78% visit social networks • 74% never leave home without it.

• 63% have performed a search on their mobile after seeing an offline ad • 59% make mobile purchases at least once a month • 58% access the Internet every day on their smartphone • 48% look for local info at least once a week, 18% look daily. 43% search Restaurants, Pubs, Bars

30 | Aussie Painters Network

1300 494 188 • info@aussieappstore.com.au

www.AussieAppStore.com.au

info@zebraweb.com.au www.zebraweb.com.au 31 | Aussie Painters Network

2013 July Issue | 31

Even low levels of lead are harmful...

Paint Contractors, Parents, Renovators, Child-care Centre Operators,Teachers, Landlords, Agents, Pet-owners: Find out if paint, dust, Soil, drinking water, toy paint, PlaSticS, ceramics, jewellery, and other items are safe for humans and pets.

Buy a DIy-samplIng / laB analysIs leaD kIt Order Online • print fOrm • fax/call : 1800 626 086

The LEAD Group’s lead test kits are the only ones available in Australia for testing a wide variety of samples at a lab (which charges us a charity rate so you pay less). *The water test kit requires less lab work and a lot less interpretation that is why it costs less Prices include postage within Australia, handling, lab charge, results, interpretation & GST.

You take the samples, and send them to Sydney Analytical Labs. The lab analyses the samples, and we explain the results.

Click here for videos on

how to use the sampling kits

The LEAD Group is a charity (ABN 25819463114 )

Donate noW

32 | Aussie Painters Network

www.lead.org.au

Continue to page 34...

Remove The Cat Bowl And Sell Your House Faster!

Anne-Maree sells residential property with RE/MAX Executives in the Greater Brisbane area, and is the Director of Cape Cod Designs, a home décor and styling business, which guides home sellers in maximizing the presentation of their homes for sale.

Presentation is everything! How you present your home for sale will directly affect the length of time your home sits on the market and your home’s final sale price.

the eight ball before buyers even make it through the front door. So if you don’t have an enticing frontage, create one!

 Ensure that the exterior paintDo you think a cat bowl full of work is in good condition, including food, taking pride of place in the the roof and all trims and gutters. kitchen, is going to sell ‘the dream’  Clean all windows, inside and out. to potential buyers? Is displaying  Create a welcoming front entrance; your miniature teapot collection a clean front door and decking, going to get you that premium add some staging furniture, a new price? Streamlining your home, welcome mat and potted plants. de-cluttering, depersonalizing and  Remove toys, equipment and simply giving your home a good outside clutter from view. clean will ensure your home ap-  Repair and paint the front fence peals to the widest audience of if need be. buyers out there.  Repair and sweep the entryway and paths, mow, water and fertilize Buyers need to be sold the dream, the lawns and trim shrubs and the lifestyle that they will be living trees; plant some colourful flowers when they become the new own- and shrubs for maximum effect. ers of your home. Here are five  Hide the bins! Remove them comprehensive tips to help you from plain view and store them best present your home for sale, neatly in the garage or shed. to ensure you will wow your buyers and sell for the highest price possible.

1. Maximize Street Appeal Stand out on the street and really look at your home. How does it compare to your neighbour’s?

What’s the first impression you are giving your buyers? Does it present well enough to entice them out of their car? You only have one chance for that first impression and it should hint at what buyers will find inside. If your street appeal is wanting, then you are behind

2. Declutter.

Remember many buyers are moving house as they feel too crowded in their current homes. Clutter and mess are the biggest deterrents for home buyers. One of the major contributors to an overall cluttered feel is having too much furniture.

Removing unnecessary furniture gives the illusion of space.

Business Services

Great Tips for Selling Your Home Faster

 Position furniture away from the walls, so that traffic flows freely.

This will open up the room and make it appear more spacious.  Cull possessions and repurpose ‘junk’ rooms to a valuable bedroom or study.  Seriously edit the contents of all cupboards, cabinets and drawers; consider putting into storage beloved and required items.

Remember that buyers look in cupboards, especially the pantry.

Show off your storage space; the contents of your cupboards should suggest how the cupboards can be used for storage.  Edit the contents of the garage.

Hold a garage sale, donate to charity, sell unwanted items online.  Clear your benches, tables and bedsides of appliances, toys, papers etc. Remove toothbrushes, soap and personal items from bathrooms.  Remove family photos, fridge magnets, memorabilia and personal keepsakes and de-personalize your home; you are selling the way the buyer is going to be living in your home, not your lifestyle.

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Business Services

3. Clean and repair.

Buyers do not want a repair and cleaning ‘to-do’ list when they move into your home! Repairs will cost you money in the long run, with a discounted final sale price.  Paint interior walls in neutral colours to maximize the market your home appeals to. Using a consistent colour scheme will make rooms appear bigger.  Repair chips in paint, cracks, holes and scuffs on walls and repaint where necessary.  Scrub your home from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the surfaces and appliances in the kitchen and tiles in the bathrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important rooms in the house for most buyers and their current condition can often make or break a sale. A potentially expensive and deal breaking kitchen or bathroom renovation can in many cases be avoided by an inexpensive cosmetic rejuvenation; new cupboard doors, upgraded cabinetry hardware, re-grouted tiles, new feature lighting, new window coverings, right down to fresh new towels and accessories.  Clean carpets, curtains and blinds. Consider replacing damaged or stained carpet; an inexpensive, neutral, low pile carpet can make all the difference.  Replace broken and outdated fixtures and fittings.

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4. Appeal to the Senses  For property viewings open houses, ensure windows, curtains and blinds are open to let in light, fresh air and to highlight neighbourhood vistas.  Consider the three types of lighting in your home; ambient – general lighting such as down-lights, task lighting - pendants and reading lamps and accent lighting – table and wall lamps) to create space and also warm and inviting nooks and task areas.  Use artwork to draw eyes away from tiny flaws and to replace personal photographs.  Keep accessories to a minimum, group in odd numbers and group by colour or shape.  Relocate pets  Refrain from smoking in the home.  Keep toilet seats down.  Hang fresh towels.  Display fresh flowers.

You only have one chance to make a first impression!

Buyers need you to show them how your house will work for them. Rooms must have a clearly defined purpose and be free of clutter and personal items.

Buyers will be discouraged by homes that need a lot of repairs; and if they do spot an issue, they will tackle you on price. Buyers are buying a dream …their new life, in their new home, not your home and lifestyle.

Sell them the dream! …and hide that cat bowl!

2013 July Issue | 35

Paintway Members Profile

Our end goal is to make sure your home looks exactly the way you envisioned it to be.

If you are looking for a painting company who can paint your entire home or even just a single door, and anything in-between we would like to offer our services.

Paintway has the skills and equipment to get the job done right. We have access to certified colour experts who can help you with any colour selection needs you may have.

We are fully licensed & insured and have been operating since 1990. We have very refined systems which allow us to work fast, keep our prices low and maintain a high standard of work.

At Paintway, we know how valuable your home is to you. We take the time to prepare and set up properly to make sure your home is painted the way you expect and that nothing is damaged in the process.

Whether you need just the trim painted or the entire inside of your home, our professional painters will be there from start to finish.

Interior Paint Services

When we are painting your home, we take extra special care of your property. The paint is only applied to the proper surfaces and not to the floors, furnishings or pets! You will not hear loud music playing, lots of talking, or see a messy jobsite. Instead, you will see a professional staff of painters who will properly prepare the surfaces for paint removal first, cover the areas they are not painting, thoroughly clean up each day and paint according to the best paint industry standards.

Complete Interior Painting • Walls & Ceilings • Doors & Windows • Plantation Shutters • Bookshelves • Skirt boards, Freeze Borders and other Trim Moulding

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Staining & Finishing of New/Existing Woodwork & Cabinetry • New Cabinets (paint grade or stain grade) • Finishing of new Windows & Doors Decorative Feature Finishes • Feature walls/ straight colour • Metallic criss-cross • Rag Rolling • Antiquing/sponge finish • Suede look Colour Consulting

Exterior House Painting

The painted surfaces will be properly prepared before receiving any finishes and will be completed according to industry standards.

Complete Exterior Painting • Rendered Walls • Doors & Windows • Fascia and Eaves • Wood Shutters • Architectural Woodwork • Decks, Railings and Patio Covers Pressure Washing & Cleaning • Removing Mildew • Remove Loose Paint and Stains • General Cleaning of Surfaces Entry Door Systems • Staining and Refinishing with High Quality Finish • Staining and Finishing of New Doors Metal Finishes: • Colourbond garage doors • Metal/Clad or Colourbond gutters & fascia’s • Windows/Doors • Fences/Gates Painting Related Repair/Replacement Services (Referral Service): • Render repairs • Replacement rotten timber wall boards & fascia • Light Carpentry Wood Repairs • Gutters

www.paintway.com.au

Customer Reviews REVIEW DETAILS: 23/6/12 What can I say that hasn’t already been said?

If you have a painting dilemma that’s driving you crazy, or you just don’t want to do it, give James Tarbuck of Paintway a call - his friendly approach and wide knowledge of his job is second to none - and you’ll be more than happy with his recommendations and quote.

We had James look after our two large pergolas, lattice work, some fences and gates.

The difference his work and attention to detail has made is to be seen to be believed, and with our own greenery in position now it’s a pleasure to sit under and enjoy.

Oh, and by the way - if you’re worried about residual mess after the job is done, forget it. James would have to be about the cleanest and tidiest tradie I’ve ever come across, try him - you’ll be proud of his work.

Without hesitation I recommed James Tarbuck and Paintway to any one needing paint work performed.

Well done, James, Sue and I thank you thank you over and over - - - Tony Dore

2013 July Issue | 37

Minimum Wage Increase, Effective 1 July 2013 Find out what you need to do

In the Industry

In early June, the Fair Work Commission Minimum Wage Panel released their Annual Wage Review decision. The decided increase of 2.6% sees minimum wage rise to $622.20 per week (previously $606.40); $16.37 per hour (from $15.96). The new minimum wages take effect from 1 July 2013. So, how can you make sure you’re prepared and know what are your obligations are? Here are a few tips offered by the Fairwork Ombudsman: Know how to find the minimum wages –Use the FairWork Australia’s online pay calculator, PayCheck Plus Keep up to date with changes in your modern award sign up for email updates at http://www.fairwork.gov.au/

media-centre/enewsletter/Pages/enewsletter-sign-up.aspx

Check that your payroll systems are ready – and brief your pay staff about what they need to do Apply changes from the first pay period on or after 1 July!

And don’t forget that the statutory superannuation contribution rate increases to 9.25% (up from 9%) of ordinary time earnings, up to the maximum contributions base, effective 1 July 2013 as well. Employers should satisfy themselves that employee wages will meet the adjusted minimums effective 1 July 2013 in order to ensure compliance. For further information click HERE

38 | Aussie Painters Network

Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Source: www.fairwork.gov.au

2013 July Issue | 39

Painting in the Cold In the Industry

T

he middle of winter brings with it challengers for the painter. With successful painting often being seasonally affected, there are many adverse factors when painting in colder and wet weather.

How do you successfully paint in temperatures ranging between 0 and 10 degrees with varying rates of humidity? If you don’t have any other option, knowing a few of the reasons things go wrong can help.

It is important to understand how low temperatures can affect paint application and how it changes the drying pattern, characteristics and performance of the paint. Cold weather affects painting because alkyd and oil paints, based on natural oils and resins, will at low temperatures become more viscous. So when painting in colder weather, imagine trying to paint at subzero temperatures in places like the Antarctic.

(Yes they do and I know of one paint company that has made paints especially for those conditions). Oil paints will become very thick or semi-solid and might require excessive thinning. Remember paint takes a lot longer to dry and cure in colder conditions; oil based paint may appear to be dry on the surface but under the skin may stay wet for some time. Latex paints will actually freeze at low temperatures, requiring special additives to improve freeze/thaw resistance.

These same additives could be used for hot weather painting making easier the brushing and rolling process. Latex paints are affected solely by the slower evaporation rate of water and volatile additives at low temperatures.

If you’re dealing with a paint product that has gone through several freeze/thaw cycles be sure to check if any of the paint has become lumpy. When such consistency is observed, then that paint is no longer usable. Latex paints are manufactured to undergo a limited freeze/thaw cycles, so at that point the paint should be discarded.

40 | Aussie Painters Network

Recoating in cold weather

Cold weather will slow drying time and will extend your recoat time. Using latex paints at ten degrees Celsius requires a period of four hours. If the temperature drops to six degrees, then the recoat time will be extended to six hours. Painting in cold weather using alkyd paints will require even more time, in some instances more than forty-eight hours before recoating! It is important to note that the surface temperature can vary between different areas on the same structure causing the dry time and proper film formation to vary as well.

Some of the pitfalls when painting in cold weather could be: • Film build up and cracking • Poor Touch Up • Inadequate stain resistance • Color Uniformity Issues • Paint may require more mixing time • Touch up coat might look lighter than the base coat • If the room temperature is raised to create better environmental conditions, premature skinning of the surface might occur

Painting tips for Cold Weather

If you have no other choice than painting in cold weather, be sure to: • Verify that the paint manufacturer recommends the paint for your specific temperatures • Check the wall’s temperature with a non-contact infrared thermometer, too, not just the air temperature • Paint between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Set up scaffolding,wrap everything and warm the area • Don’t apply oil based paint when temperature is below 5ºC Good luck and good painting Colin Thompson

2013 July Issue | 41

Training Schedule for 2013

National Institute of Painting and Decorating

Schedules July 23rd July 24th July 28th

Apply Wallpaper, Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices

Gladstone Gladstone Launceston

Boom Lift Ticket, Sydney, on demand ($750) EWP Yellow Card, Sydney, on demand ($250) Painters Business Management Course (distance learning) on demand.

Suitable for BSA Queensland license ($290)

National Institute of Painting and Decorating 7 Glenbrae Crt | Buderim QLD 4556 T 1300 319790 | E : admin@painters.edu.au | www.painters.edu.au

Certificate III Painting and Decorating now subsidised in VIC, SA and QLD. Free for painters over 50.* Conditions apply +

42 | Aussie Painters Network

This course is licensed by Sustainability Victoria

Phone: (07) 3278 0825 Fax: (07) 3278 0894 Mobile: 0421 383 314 (Rod) 0421 383 315 (Ian) rscanes@ďŹ rstcharteredcapital.com.au

2013 July Issue | 43

44 | Aussie Painters Network

Training Schedule

Course

Date

Time

Establish Legal and Risk

2,3,4,5,6 Sept.

8.00am to 4.00pm

Management Requirements

25,26,27 Nov.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

of Small Business

2,3,4 Dec.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

Prepare Surfaces for

15,16,17,18,19 July

8.00am to 4.00pm

Painting PRB Colour

22 July - Rev*

8.00am to 12.00pm

& Wall Papering

23 July- Exam

8.00am to 12.00pm

24 July – Resit

8.00am to 12.00pm

16,17,18 Sept.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

23,24,25 Sept.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

1,2 October

5.00pm to 8.30pm

7 Oct. – Rev*

8.00am to 12.00pm

8 Oct. - Exam

8.00am to 12.00pm

9 Oct. - Resit

8.00am to 12.00pm

Identify and Produce

6,7 Aug.

8.00am to 4pm

Estimated costs for

12,13,14,15,16 Aug.

8.00am to 4.00pm

building & construction

10,11 Sept.

8.00am to 4pm

projects

15,16 Oct.

8.00am to 4pm

22,23 Oct.

8.00am to 4pm

28,29,30 Oct.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

4,5,6 Nov.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

11,12,13 Nov.

5.00pm to 8.30pm

26,27 Nov.

8.00am to 4pm

10,11 Dec.

8.00am to 4pm

Course in Sustainable

2-Jul

8.00am to 4.00pm

Painting Practices

12-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm

Remove Graffiti & Apply

6,7 Aug.

8.00am to 4pm

Protective Coatings

26,27 Nov.

8.00am to 4pm

Course in Restricted

4-Jul

8.00am to 4.00pm

Asbestos Removal

13-Nov

8.00am to 4.00pm

Schedules

www.masterpainters.asn.au

2013 July Issue | 45

The Industry

46 | Aussie Painters Network

Idiots

Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au

Ph. 0430 399 800

Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 National Institute for Painting and Decorating www.painters.edu.au Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au

Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au

Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Ph. 13 13 94

Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338 Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au

Ph. 1300 642 111

Workplace Health and Safety Contacts STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877

Cancer Council Australia STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA

Website www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au

Phone (02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000 (08) 9212 4333 2013 July Issue | 47