Moreton Daily Magazine- Spring Edition- Property & Renovations

MAKING A HOME IN MORE TON BAY

moretondaily.com.au | 45

MAKING A HOME IN MORE TON BAY

Act now

on termites Home buyers, sellers, renovators and those extending a property should all have a pest inspection on their must-do list, especially as the warmer months approach.

That’s the advice from family-owned Scarborough Pest Control, which has more than 10 years’ experience in the industry.

Owners John and Carly Knight said Queensland is a high-risk termite state and all areas of a building are vulnerable to unwanted visitors.

“Most homeowners only worry about termites once it’s too late.”

John Knight, Owner, Scarborough Pest Control

“Termite damage or activity increases renovation costs, and damaged timbers may need to be completely replaced due to loss of structural integrity.

“Active termites should always be treated and eradicated before building work is completed.

“By having a termite inspection, Scarborough Pest Control can identify conditions conducive to termite attack around your home,” John said.

“Having a termite inspection prior to renovation will help identify any issues that need to be addressed before the areas are disturbed.”

“Identifying, treating and installing preventative measures is much better than fixing a termite issue,” John said.

Carly said inspections should always be carried out by professionals, such as Scarborough Pest Control’s trained, knowledgeable technicians.

John recalled a recent downstairs renovation where timber wall frames were built over construction joins in the concrete slab.

Termites got in under the slab and used concealed wall linings to travel through the entire second-floor timber frame. “This became a huge cost for repair,” he said.

“If termite protection had been installed at the time of renovation, this would have prevented the termites having concealed access to the home from under the slab.

John Knight, Owner, Scarborough Pest Control

Those doing renovations should have a licensed termite technician install pre-construction termite control to protect future termite entry points.

Carly also warned against DIY pest control.

“Use a professional, as we have the equipment, correct products and knowledge to do the job right the first time.”

Inspections are recommended before, during and on completion of renovation work to ensure termite management is

installed correctly and to Australian Standards, which require annual inspections thereafter.

“No one wants to inherit a termite problem that could cost them thousands of dollars to fix.”

Carly Knight, Owner, Scarborough Pest Control

Similarly, a termite inspection before buying a house will identify any issues that need rectifying, the cost involved and whether the work is affordable.

Likewise, an inspection before selling will highlight issues ahead of a buyer’s own inspection, giving the homeowner a chance to address them before the property goes to market.

Properties that aren’t being bought, sold or renovated should also have regular pest inspections.

“Include pest control on your annual spring-clean list,” Carly said. “Have a good tidy-up and clean, then get a Scarborough Pest technician to carry out an internal and external pest spray.”

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Scarborough Pest Control at a glance Licensed to deliver personalised pest and termite solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and new-build/renovation projects, including termite inspections, pre-purchase termite inspections, termite chemical treatments and termite protection (with Form 43 certification where required).

Termite services: visual timber pest inspections, invasive inspections, pre-purchase timber pest inspections, perimeter termite chemical treatments, active termite eradication treatments, termite baiting.

General pest control: cockroaches, silverfish, webbing spiders (including redbacks), ants (all types), rats and mice, mosquitoes, flies, fleas (including move-out sprays), and case, carpet and pantry moths.

Service area: Newport, Scarborough, Redcliffe, Margate, Clontarf, Woody Point, Kippa-Ring, Rothwell, Deception Bay, Mango Hill, Kallangur, Morayfield, Caboolture and surrounding Moreton Bay.

Pest management is a business priority Commercial pest management needs a different approach to a residential job, said Scarborough Pest Control owner John Knight, with food premises, offices, warehouses, schools, daycares and medical suites all carrying different risks.

Food businesses often need cockroach and rodent control on an ongoing basis, while other sites may be more prone to ants or spiders depending on their surroundings.

High-traffic and food-handling sites should be inspected at least every three months, John said, with some needing servicing every four to six weeks.

“One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is thinking pest control will work on its own,” he said.

Good hygiene and record-keeping matter just as much, particularly for audits in regulated industries.

moretondaily.com.au | 47

MAKING A HOME IN MORE TON BAY

Meet Moreton Bay's boomburbs Drive along the Bruce Highway through Moreton Bay and the change is hard to miss. Paddocks and vacant blocks are giving way to display homes, roundabouts and streets still waiting for their first residents, from Caboolture and Morayfield through to Burpengary and Narangba.

It is the visible edge of one of the fastest population booms in the country. Moreton Bay is already Australia’s third-largest council, behind only Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and one of its fastest-growing. In the last decade, the city has added more than 100,000 residents, and forecasts point to a population of 530,000 this year, growing to 618,000 by 2036.

North Harbour

Much of that growth is concentrated in largescale new communities across the corridor.

North Harbour in Burpengary East, where construction has begun on the first homes within a 3700-home Priority Development Area, will eventually include a 400-berth marina and waterfront parkland along the Caboolture River.

Further along the highway, Waraba (formerly Caboolture West) and Stockland’s Rivermont estate in Upper Caboolture are unlocking thousands more homes between them.

The property market is reflecting that growth.

InfoTrack’s latest Property Market Update, covering the second quarter of this year, found four Moreton Bay suburbs in Queensland’s top 10 for house sales: Morayfield in top spot, Caboolture in third, Burpengary in fifth and Narangba a new entry at eighth.

It is the kind of shift InfoTrack has been tracking for more than a year.

“Buyers are looking for larger blocks and better value within commuting distance of Brisbane.

These corridors are becoming key growth areas.”

Lee Bailie, Chief Operating Officer, InfoTrack

Whether it is already home or the destination for one of the thousands of people moving to Moreton Bay each year, the transformation taking shape from Caboolture to Narangba looks set to define this corner of South East Queensland for decades to come.

48 | Moreton Daily

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IYBI Home Loans Awards • Finalist 2024 FBAA - (New Broker of the Year) • Finalist 2025 AFG - Excellence Awards • Finalist 2025 Better Business Awards - (Best Customer Service)

IYBI Home Loans has

it all figured out Paul Halford was eight years old when he started stacking shelves and carrying groceries to customers’ cars at his parents’ supermarket on Bribie Island.

“I’d also be gone for hours selling raffle tickets for the football club or school,” he said, “going from that to doing this is fantastic.”

That customer-first instinct, instilled more than 30 years ago, underpins IYBI Home Loans, the North Lakes mortgage broking business Paul founded in 2022. The name is shorthand for the company’s guiding philosophy: everything it does should be “In Your Best Interests.”

It’s a mantra which has taken the business from a start-up to receiving multiple award nominations in less than three years.

IYBI Home Loans has “got your back” whether you’re looking for “your first home, next home, an investment property or refinance.”

The team of five currently manages 240 clients, most within a 25km radius of North Lakes, with well over $100 million in loans.

IYBI Home Loans has an office in Burpengary, plans for a second, and is poised for growth when some “heat comes back in the market.”

That success has been built using four key company pillars: Right Outcome, Right Lending, Five-Star Service and Broker for Life.

“We have developed the business on service,” Paul said, “everything we do has to be in our clients’ best interests.

Paul Halford, Founder, IYBI Home Loans

“We make sure we find the right deal for customers, not the easiest deal.

• Finalist 2026 AFG – Excellence Awards (Best Solo Operator) • Finalist 2026 Local Business Awards

A year later, Paul started IYBI Home Loans, choosing a name which “meant something.”

“I believe businesses that look after clients are there for the journey and are going to continue to get good referrals.

“I remembered an old broker referring to a Royal Commission saying brokers must adhere to Best Interest Duty,” Paul said.

“I thought yes … that’s exactly what we should be doing.”

“We hire locally (three loan concierges and a marketing and retention specialist) because we want to support the community that is helping us.

He got involved in the community, joined the North Lakes Chamber of Commerce (where he has just become president), networked, and produced social media videos.

“We make sure we find the right deal for customers, not the easiest deal.”

Paul Halford, Founder, IYBI Home Loans

“We push the process to ensure settlement occurs, which in turn supports the real estate agent and the client.

Pushing like that is not common.”

Many clients agree. IYBI Home Loans currently has 155 five-star Google reviews and many compliments about its service.

Paul moved to Caboolture and in 2001 to the Gold Coast to finish a Bachelor of Business in HR and Hotel Management, where he worked for the next 20 years, much of it overseas.

But he always planned to return to Australia and went through “all the research, finance, checking investment returns and details” when buying two properties.

“A friend called me asking for advice,” Paul said, “and a week later the mum of a friend, who was a mortgage broker, said why don’t you come and learn from me.

“She was a mentor. Within three weeks I finished my Cert IV in mortgage broking and hit the ground running.”

In the first year, Paul was doing 80-hour weeks. He still works six days a week, nights by appointment and Saturdays until 2pm, because “9 –5 doesn’t fit life these days!

That determination and focus on Moreton Bay brought in 87 new customers last year, a figure Paul said IYBI Home Loans will beat this year.

“We have also been nominated in quite a few awards which is awesome,” he said.

“We’re part of Australian Finance Group, which has about 4300 brokers, and have been nominated for a third year across multiple award programs.

“To be shortlisted for customer service is fantastic. Year three, top 10 … pretty chuffed with that and staying true to customer service.”

To find out more, call 3487 1421 or visit 6/171 Station Road, Burpengary. moretondaily.com.au | 49

MAKING A HOME IN MORE TON BAY

New display village set to open A new display village is about to open at North Harbour, with 19 homes showcasing some of Australia’s leading national and local builders.

The village, scheduled to welcome its first visitors later this month in Burpengary East, will have a diverse range of designs, with something for everyone, from modern single-storey homes to spacious double-storey dwellings, terrace homes and an expansive acreage display.

The display village has been designed to showcase a broad range of home styles, layouts and design trends to suit different

50 | Moreton Daily

lifestyles, budgets and stages of life. It is described as more than a collection of homes: an opportunity to experience the North Harbour lifestyle firsthand.

Located alongside Scooter Park, the display village sits close to a scooter loop, adventure playground and ninja warrior course, giving families the chance to enjoy them before or after exploring the displays. Havn Café, opening in October, will provide the perfect place to grab a coffee and make a morning of the visit.

“North Harbour Display Village has been carefully curated to showcase the quality, diversity and innovation of some of Australia’s most respected

home builders,” project director Bryan Finney said.

“Whether you’re building your first home, upsizing, downsizing or simply looking for inspiration, there’s something here for everyone.

“Visitors will be able to experience what makes North Harbour such a special place to live, from our parks and open spaces through to the community facilities designed to bring people together.”

Bryan Finney, Project Director, North Harbour

Meet the builders

The North Harbour Display Village features showhomes from 10 of Australia’s leading national and local builders: •

Metricon

•

Australian Building Co.

•

BOLD Living

•

Brighton Homes

•

Creation Homes

•

Coral Homes

•

Stylemaster Homes

•

CMA Homes

•

Thompson Sustainable Homes

•

Fortitude Homes

Resident Nathan built his first house at North Harbour in 2018 and is planning to build a second, hopefully starting next month.

Inside the Archer display

by Brighton Homes.

Built with vision.

Designed for life.

Scooter Park features a riding track, adventure playground and ninja course.

“I’ve been here quite a while and it has been exciting,” the father-of-two said.

“It’s been a really welcoming place.

“When I first moved in, the street was predominantly homeowners, which was good: finding out who others built with, how much it cost, seeing neighbours’ houses …

“Now there’s a new park being built and about to open, which will be great for the kids and families and will help the community grow.”

Adventure play for all ages at North Harbour’s Scooter Park.

Inside the Liana display

by Brighton Homes.

moretondaily.com.au | 51

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52 | Moreton Daily

Build your future in one stop

Building a home or renovating can be overwhelming, but two Redcliffe businesses are working side-by-side to make the process easier for their clients.

Element Interior Design and Gavin O’Donnell Building Design are not only collaborating on projects, they also operate from the same office.

Toni Empringham of Element Interior Design and Gavin O’Donnell of Gavin O’Donnell Building Design opened a shared studio in Margate late last year.

The pair first met around three years ago while working on the same builder’s project and saw how well their services complemented each other.

“It was a very organic relationship,” said Gavin, a member of Building Design Queensland.

“We saw the benefits our services offered one another, so we decided to take the next step and open a studio together.

“Toni might have clients come in for what starts as a cosmetic renovation, which suddenly develops and grows into something more. That’s when we can step in and help facilitate the next stage.”

Toni describes the partnership as an “extension of each other’s business”, giving clients the opportunity to “get everything done in one spot”.

“One thing I feel sets us apart is our collaborative approach,” Gavin said. “We pride ourselves on working closely with clients and consultants to find the best solution for each project.

Gavin O’Donnell, Building Designer, Gavin O’Donnell Building Design

“That goes from home or renovation design and Gav’s knowledge of council and regulations, to my knowledge of interior and exterior products,” she said.

“When a client needs an extension or renovation that requires building design documentation, Gav is there to support.”

“Creating a great product for our clients is ultimately the main goal.”

Toni Empringham, Element Interior Design

Together, they bring 24 years of combined industry experience to their clients’ projects.

Muse / Greens Road - Bespoke luxury home design in Coorparoo, QLD. Gavin O’Donnell Building Design

Gavin describes the building process using a simple analogy.

“Our job is to help guide clients through that process and bring everything together.”

“When you go to a doctor for an operation, they don’t just go in and cut you open. They need X-rays, reports and scans,” he said.

Gavin has designed a number of awardwinning homes, with two of his recent projects securing awards at the Brisbane Regional Design Awards on August 7. Both winning projects are local, one in Margate and one in Scarborough, making the recognition even more meaningful for the business.

“It’s the same with us. Before building can start on site, there are a number of steps that need to happen. You may need engineers, consultants, surveyors, council approvals, building certification and energy efficiency assessments.

One of Toni’s projects has featured on the popular Channel Nine series “Dream Homes Revealed”.

For Gavin and Toni, the shared studio is about more than simply working from the same office. It allows both businesses to provide clients with a more connected approach from the early design stages through to interiors, selections and construction documentation.

Get in touch with Gavin at admin@gobuildingdesign.com and Toni at elementinteriors@outlook.com

Project “Cove House” as featured on Dream Homes revealed.

Contemporary Coastal Design. Element Interior Design

moretondaily.com.au | 53

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Brisbane & Surrounding Areas

Jo’s passion project For Jo Szulc, real estate is more than a job. It’s a passion, one she has loved for more than 23 years.

The Sales and Marketing Consultant at Ray White Scarborough is known for listening and understanding clients’ requirements to help achieve their goals.

Her reputation has been built over two decades of quality service to clients and the local community.

“Experience is crucial,” Jo said. “It gives you perspective. I’ve worked through strong markets, slower markets and everything in between, including the Global Financial Crisis.

“Every market behaves differently, but every market also presents opportunities when you understand what’s happening.

“Homeowners who achieve the best outcomes will be the ones who work with an experienced local agent who understands today’s market.

“It’s no longer about chasing yesterday’s prices. It’s about understanding today’s buyers, who ultimately determine the market.”

Jo is equally proud of becoming a friend to her clients, using her local knowledge to help them settle into life on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

That reputation is why most of Jo’s business comes from repeats and referrals.

“I’ve got all the local knowledge, a point of difference which is very important when people are looking to move here. They want to know which are the good schools, where’s the best hairdresser. Important information when you move house.”

Jo started her career in Redcliffe in 2003 as a PA to her mum at Woody Point Professionals. She joined Ray White in 2009, moved through several other agencies, and for the last five years has been with Ray White Scarborough.

“My mum was a really amazing agent on the peninsula,” Jo said. “She retired a few years ago, but what a great sounding board to learn from.

“She taught me the morals, the values, the ethics. All the things she raised in me are what I’ve taken into this industry and carried through my career.

“I’m proud of the work I do and have done over the last 23 years. I believe that is why people keep coming back to me.”

Among Jo’s first clients were a couple relocating from Rockhampton. Jo rented out her own investment property in Brighton while helping them find a home to buy. They’ve been friends ever since, and Jo now helps their children navigate the property market too.

“Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, so it’s important to have clear advice and realistic expectations from the beginning,” Jo said.

“My role is to remove the uncertainty, provide honest guidance and help people make informed decisions that suit their goals.”

“I love what I do. I live the lifestyle, breathe the lifestyle and sell the lifestyle. That’s what people love.”

Jo Szulc, Sales and Marketing Consultant, Ray White Scarborough

Renovate smart, not hard: Jo Szulc’s tips for sellers Sellers preparing for the current market should think carefully about where they focus their renovation and presentation budget, so they don’t overcapitalise.

Buyers are placing more value on homes that feel move-in ready, particularly below the $1 million mark, says Jo. That doesn’t mean sellers need to complete a full renovation. The focus should be on removing the obvious jobs that might make buyers hesitate.

Fresh paint, clean flooring, updated lighting, tidy gardens and small kitchen or bathroom improvements can make a home feel ready to enjoy from day one.

“I generally recommend refreshing before replacing,” Jo said. “New handles, tapware, grout, silicone, mirrors or a painted vanity can lift the presentation without the cost of a full renovation.

“The aim is to improve buyer appeal and competition, not spend money on upgrades the market may not return.”

Jo

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moretondaily.com.au | 55

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56 | Moreton Daily

Helping realise Erin Andrews has bought and sold many houses. She knows the emotion, stress and strain it can bring, especially for buyers, and decided to help.

With husband Hamish, Erin launched Settled Property Buyers earlier this year, using her local knowledge and experience to help buyers in what she calls “Queensland’s best market,” Moreton Bay.

“Sellers always have agents on their side trying to negotiate the best deal. Buyers also deserve someone on their side.”

Erin Andrews, Founder, Settled Property Buyers

Erin’s path to buyer advocacy wasn’t a direct one. She originally planned to become a journalist before being drawn to media strategy, learning the psychology of branding alongside negotiation and communication. While renovating houses with Hamish, she began writing and producing advertisements for agents and was soon being approached for property advice.

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Every buyer deserves an advocate Sellers have always had an agent on their side. Now buyers do too.

Settled Property Buyers researches, negotiates and advocates for you, from off-market access to settlement, so you’re never navigating a purchase alone.

“We represent the needs of a buyer,” she said. “What are they trying to achieve? Are they moving to the area for work? Are they an investor? A downsizer?

living property for another client under budget and in their dream location.

“The average property search time in Australia with a buyers’ agent is generally less than three months,” Erin said.

“Without a buyers’ agent, the average is 40 weeks.”

Erin said Moreton Bay offered an “exciting and really fantastic opportunity” for buyers, with significant new housing planned for the region.

“We have a lot of new housing coming to Caboolture and Morayfield that offer great value for money, with affordability, house sizes and lifestyle,” she said.

“The other advantage Moreton Bay has is “Then we try to match their needs and accessibility. We’ve got the gorgeous wants to the current property opportunities bayside and hills, but we’re also so close using a network of agents. to the city and the Sunshine Coast. It “I can call local agents and say, ‘I’ve got really sets us apart from other areas. It is someone looking for a property. This is so attractive to be buying and investing in their budget, these are their needs. Do you Moreton Bay, that’s why families are have anything?’ migrating here.”

“Currently, 60 per cent of the properties have been in premarket, so not online yet.”

“As a business, we walk the talk,” Erin said. “We’ve developed, renovated and are homeowners ourselves. We know the fears and hopes for our buyers. They are not just numbers to us.”

“I was helping people find homes before they hit the market,” Erin said. “Then I realised this could be a career, and buyers’ agents actually exist.”

Before taking clients to properties, Erin checks flood mapping, possible developments nearby, roads and power infrastructure, along with broader lifestyle fit. Erin looks forward to guiding buyers on “All the things which might deter a buyer, I their journey and helping them feel check before clients walk inside,” she said. “settled” by the time they receive the keys “Then if they see it and love it, it passes all to their new home.

She now combines that background with a decade of buying, renovating and selling properties alongside her husband, to represent buyers directly.

Settled Property Buyers’ recent successes include securing a home for one client within five days of auction, and a dual-

due diligence and we go to negotiations.”

Contact Erin to book a complimentary buyer strategy session. Call 0421 849 670 or visit settledpropertybuyers.com

moretondaily.com.au | 57

MAKING A HOME IN MORE TON BAY

Spring time

is herb time

Spring is for growing, and you might as well reap the benefits for your taste buds, health and overall well-being: herbs!

As the weather warms up, great, easy-to-grow spring herbs to include are chives, dill and both flat-leaf and curly parsley.

It’s also time for sweet basil and other tasty varieties like Thai, Opal, Lemon, Cinnamon, Mammoth and Greek to thrive.

Spring is also a wonderful time for garden TLC. Herbs are hardworking, leafy growers that love to be harvested regularly. But they need food to keep going in return.

You will see an instant pick-me-up in perennial herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage and perennial basils after a healthy feed.

Regardless of the potting mix or garden soil, I have seen herbs start well and then fail by the following spring.

If that happens to annuals like coriander, dill, sweet basil or leafy greens, it’s natural. They die at the end of their lifecycle.

But if perennials start failing or attracting pests, it usually points to a need to return nutrients that plants used up while growing.

Research shows an incredible underground world of soil microbes and micronutrients that do wonders for plants. Healthy, well-fed plants are far less susceptible to bug damage!

When it comes to watering, consistency is key, so try to build it into your daily routine, or hook up an automated watering system, which isn’t as daunting as it sounds.

However, a golden rule is: if the soil is wet, don’t keep watering, even if the plant appears to be drooping.

This is a sign your soil mix isn’t draining quickly enough.

Compost: the bee’s knees for healthy soil Liquid compost fertilisers: Packed with beneficial microbes, these are easy to apply regularly to potted plants and existing garden beds.

Bulk compost: Best mixed directly in potting mixes and garden beds before planting.

Top-dressing: If you spread compost or organic fertiliser over the top of your soil, water well and cover with a layer of mulch to stop it drying out.

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The next Sydney North Shore?

Brett Viertel believes Redcliffe Peninsula is undervalued, and he’s not shy about saying how far he thinks it could go.

“We wanted to be a boutique agency, shaped to our vision and requirements, genuinely helping people on their property journey.”

“I have few doubts about the future. I expect the peninsula to evolve into the equivalent of Sydney’s north shore.”

“We concentrate on meeting people at our listings and open homes, and fostering relationships through positive dialogue and engagement in the community. Ours is an elevated level of service, giving clients more input and influence over their listing and how their property is brought to market.”

Brett Viertel, Co-owner, Baylife Real Estate

It’s a bold call from someone with a genuine stake in the outcome. Brett co-owns Baylife Real Estate with Adrianne Graham, the boutique agency the pair launched on the Redcliffe Peninsula last year with a bold vision of their own, an independent agency free of franchise politics, built on personalised service and local expertise rather than volume.

Brett’s confidence in the peninsula’s trajectory is rooted in what he sees day to day at listings, open homes and in the community.

“We are performing ahead of our expectations. A lot of our work is referrals, and we would like to grow the business,” he said.

Adrianne Graham, Co-owner, Baylife Real Estate

That approach has already been recognised in the Rate My Agent Awards, which named Baylife the 2025 Agent of the Year for Woody Point, and 2026 Agent and Agency of the Year for Margate.

“For a boutique agency to be recognised by clients in that way is really important for us,” Brett said. “It gives us that social validation and proves that bigger isn’t necessarily better.”

Client reviews echo the sentiment. A Scarborough seller described Brett’s “knowledge, persistence and ability to negotiate and overcome difficulties” as “without question,” while a Woody Point

client said Adrianne “promptly found multiple potential buyers, organised private viewings and closed a deal in a matter of weeks.”

As for timing, Brett expects the current lull to be temporary.

“Spring and summer’s not far away,” he said. “Once we get through this period and the impact of the budget is better understood, the new normal will take over and we’ll be back into a more traditional transaction frequency.”

Baylife also actively supports and sponsors events across Moreton Bay, including with Scarborough Bowls Club and Southern Cross Catholic College, “We work hard on supporting local business and always refer to local trades,” Adrianne said. “We love connecting with the community.”

Get in touch Brett Viertel: 0419 721 231 brett@baylifere.com.au Adrianne Graham: 0413 281 325 adrianne@baylifere.com.au www.baylifere.com.au

moretondaily.com.au | 59

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*Price correct as at 13.08.26

L I G H T H O U S E N E W P O R T. C O M . A U

60 | Moreton Daily

Flooring that

adds value The Flooring Shop has moved from its long-time Sutton St site to a bigger showroom and warehouse at 318 Oxley Ave, Margate, on the corner of Beaconsfield St, with plans to grow the family-owned business further.

Stef Rochford, Head of Business and Development, said the opportunity for more showroom and warehouse space, and the chance to expand, was “too good to miss”.

“We’re local, we love our community, we have worked hard to build our reputation and we want to be known as the trusted professionals in flooring.”

“Our aim is to make flooring a fun and enjoyable process.

“We were doing mainly flooring, hybrid/vinyl, engineered timber and carpet, but now we can also do supplied tiles and window furnishings as well.

“We started with plantation shutters in the old premises, and now have curtains and venetians, external blinds and shutters, and a few other offerings as well.”

The Flooring Shop is owned by Eli Rochford (director) and Stef, with four full-time installers, two admin staff and six contractors.

Much of their work in north Brisbane comes through recommendations and referrals, though a recent job took the team to Wongawallen for a local customer who had recently moved to the area.

“Coming from an installer-based background, rather than sales background, we try to sell the right product to the client’s needs, not just the product,” Eli said.

“We install, we do consultations, off-theplan measures and quotes. We help ensure each client chooses the right product for their specific flooring needs.

“If you are in the planning stages of building, we can give indicative costs all the way through to those renovating or needing a quick turnaround to sell a property.”

Eli Rochford, Director, The Flooring Shop

“We do all spectrums of residential work and are looking to expand, as well as doing more commercial work.”

Renovators and property owners should budget for three cost stages, preparation, selection and installation, according to The Flooring Shop director and installer of more than 18 years, Eli Rochford.

1. Preparation Carpet does not need sub-floor rectification, and the existing gripper can often be reused. Hard flooring needs a smooth, flat surface, which may require grinding or levelling depending on the existing floor.

Cost: up to $60 per square metre (psm).

2. Selection Carpet height, weight and gauge (tight or loose weave) all affect cost.

Options include: Wool: premium natural fibre. Triexta: stain-resistant, 20-year-plus warranty. Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN): most common, 15-year warranty.

Polyester/PET: well priced, flattens faster than SDN. Polypropylene: budget option, best for rentals.

Cost: from $55 psm for underlay and polypropylene carpet, up to $300plus psm for the best underlay paired with SDN or wool.

Hard flooring includes engineered timber, hybrid or laminate (floated over the sub-floor) and vinyl (glued down).

Cost: engineered timber boards from $140 psm; hybrid or laminate planks $30–$80 psm; vinyl planks $25–$75 psm.

3. Installation The Flooring Shop is open Monday–Friday and Saturday mornings.

Phone: 3883 2622 (shop) or 0402 128 473 (mobile) or visit theflooringshop.com.au

Carpet installation includes underlay, seam joining and cutting in; high-rise access or heavyweight carpet adds to labour costs.

Cost: about $30–$50 psm.

Hard flooring costs depend on trims and accessories; herringbone patterns take three to four times longer to install.

Cost: $40–$45 psm for hybrid and vinyl; $55-plus psm for timber flooring.

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