Welcome to Murchison Home Renovations

We are qualified and fully licensed builder based in Brisbane. Our services include all home renovations, extensions, carports and patios as well as timber decks and paving. Our excellence in the building industry comes from hard work from our talented team of builders. From home renovations to commercial office and shop extensions, our team can make your dreams a reality. Experience the Murchison difference.

10 Things to Look for in an Asbestos Removal Contractor

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10 Things to Look for in an Asbestos Removal Contractor

 Finding The Right Professionals

hire only the best asbestos contractor

Asbestos has been used in construction materials such as walls, flooring tiles, roofing, siding, fire prevention, and  many more. It’s been utilised in most residential and commercial buildings. It’s preferred by many contractors because this has heat and chemical resistance property.

Unfortunately, Asbestos has a severe health hazard.  It has greatly affected many people. From the manufacturers to contractors, its exposure seems to have touched almost everyone. Those who were exposed to asbestos for a long time have suffered major health problems.

In 1924 the British Medical Journal was the first to mention the health risks of asbestos. A medical inspector Edward Merewether began to notice health issues and quoted, “A definite occupational risk among asbestos workers as a class.” Plus, different types of cancer have proven to be a deadly result of its use.

If you ever discover an  Asbestos in your home, check if it’s disturbed or not. Asbestos is less harmful when it’s not disturb. Therefore, just leave it. However, when the materials containing asbestos is already damaged, seek professional help right away.  A Brisbane asbestos removal company provides us a list on what to look for in finding the right contractor.

1. Licensing and certification

 

Ask your potential contractor for a copy of their license and work permit. Ensure to check what sort of license they have as there are two types of it. Class A is for friable asbestos while class B is for non-friable(bonded) asbestos. Plus, see to it that their licenses are still valid to operate.

2. Reviews and references

 

If the company reviews are available, read through them and don’t be shy asking for references. References  also validate the contractor’s legitimacy and professionalism down to their employees who do the work. Reading the reviews may also give you clues regarding the work performed, so look at them as a tremendous educating tool.

 

3. Training

Professional contractors undergone extensive training. As experts, they are trained to several asbestos removal procedures. These includes the following:

  • Preparation on the working site
  • Establishing decontaminating stations
  • Using the proper personal protection
  • Workers health monitoring
  • Proper handing and disposal of asbestos waste

In addition to, those who work as asbestos removal professionals must always be on the cutting edge of their industry’s latest safety procedures.

 

4. Choices for a homeowner

As the owner of your home where asbestos has been discovered, it is essential to educate yourself on your available choices; Remove the asbestos or Encapsulate it.
A popular spray product for encapsulation is Cemprotec E942. Getting a spray coating over the asbestos membrane and completely covering it with no chance of escaping into the environment may be something to consider. Plus,  it would be wise to get a few professional opinions on those choices.

 

5. Equipment

Professional asbestos workers must have the proper equipment. Among these are the following:

  • A vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter in use (HEPA)
  • Respirators and eyewear
  • Disposable gloves and coveralls
  • Wet wipes and sealed-tight trash containers, labeled clearly of the warring of its contents ready for its delivery to a qualified landfill-specific for asbestos products.
  • Allocated safety vehicles

6. Safety measures

You’ll know that you’re working with experts when they practice these following safety measures:

  • Putting warning signs
  • Removal of any furniture
  • Covering of any non-removable fixtures needs to take place
  • Do not eat or drink anything in the area

asbestos removal safety handling

7. Work area preparation

An asbestos contractor must always take extra pre cautions before, during and after the removal. They must be knowledgeable enough to prepare the work area. They should know the basics such as closing the doors, sealing off with plastic sheets and using high viz tape .

8. Workers personal protection

Workers will be wearing Personal protection equipment at all times while working on the site. No one, for their own safety, is to be in the work zone without wearing PPE.

 

9. Proper handling and disposal

Professional contractors know where to dispose Asbestos waste. They should have a list of all the authorized landfill locations.  Moreover, they should have the proper vehicle to carry this harmful substance.

10. Cost of Service

Lastly, the cost of their service. Removing asbestos requires extensive training which means professional contractors spent ample of money just to acquire their license and certification. This is why hiring them can be a bit pricey.  However, it will still varies on several factors such as the size of the contaminated area and level of difficulty. A professional contractor should only charge you with a fair and reasonable amount. If the quote given is way too high for the job then that’s already a red flag. You might be dealing with a dodgy removalist. Hence, do your research and compare prices.

 

Conclusion

It is not wise to look at removing asbestos as a do-it-yourself project. It can be very dangerous and can lead to irrevocable damage. Hence, it’s highly recommended to hire someone who has a deep understanding about the job.  We hope the ones above help you find the right professional to deal with your asbestos problem.

Why Pest Control Is Important?

Pest Control

Why Pest Control Is Important?

Benefits of Pest Control

DIY pest control is the go-to option for many homeowners. The premise for this notion is that it is more affordable as you only need to purchase an insecticide from the store. However, this method may not be as effective, especially if the pest problem keeps on recurring.

The infestation can become so overwhelming that only a professional exterminator can eliminate the pests effectively. Also, if the products required for control can only be used by certified professionals, then hiring a pest control company comes in handy. Here are ten more reasons from Eco Pest Control Brisbane homeowners should consider hiring a professional,.

Prevention from Disease

Pests make you and your family prone to diseases. Also, applying chemicals, you are barely versed with poses health risks. Exterminators are conversant with the appropriate chemicals to exterminate the chemicals in your home. Also, they use high-quality equipment when applying the chemicals to reduce exposure.

Wealth of Experience

The extermination process is not just about the application of chemicals. Instead, the professionals are trained to identify the location of the pests and perform a thorough inspection to determine if the pests have formed colonies. The professionals will also determine the cause of the problem and eliminate it to prevent future infestations.

Availability of Specialized Plans

The bottom line for hiring a pest control company is to exterminate pests. However, since homeowners have different property sizes and may be experiencing unique pest infestation problems, pest control companies offer plans homeowners choose from.

The professionals will help you choose an ideal package depending on the level of infestation. Some pest control companies have plans that include pre-treatments for new construction, perimeter treatment to keep off the pests and emergency services to treat nests and hives.

Conversant with Extermination Methods

DIY pest control often involves the application of insecticides, which may not be effective. Using the wrong extermination method could attract even more pests to your home. Exterminators are versed with a range of extermination methods and will use the most appropriate depending on the level of infestation.

Flexibility

With our busy schedules, it’s challenging to take time off for the exterminator. You want a person who will work around your schedule. Pest control companies know this too well and are flexible. It explains why many pest control companies are offering services during the weekend and past the regular working hours.

Access to Long-term Services

The complete elimination of pests is not a one-off event; it takes time. As such, professional pest control companies make several visits to your home to ensure the pests are eliminated. They also inspect your home after one or two months to ensure there is no re-infestation. Regular inspection also enables them to determine if the insecticide is useful; if not, they will use a stronger and more effective treatment.

Cost Saving

Buying insecticides over a long period adds up to several hundred dollars in the long-term, not to mention the cost of repairing the premises if the pests have set up colonies. Pest control companies know what to look for from the onset saving you a great deal of cash in the long-run.

Pest Prevention

The extermination process doesn’t stop when the professional visits your home. The expert will make regular inspections to ensure the infestation does not recur. The inspection helps detect problems early on, letting the professional contain the cause before it gets out of hand.

Protection from Harmful Chemicals

Pest control technicians are trained on how to apply the chemicals without causing harm. If they are using harmful products they will alert you beforehand for you to go to a safe place until they are done with the extermination process. What’s more, with many companies are going green, they are likely to use products that are safe for you and your family.

Value Preservation

Professional pest control helps maintain the integrity of the property. This is because the exterminators will identify the cause early on and apply appropriate treatment for the problem. The advantage is particularly useful if you are planning to sell the property in the future.

Warranty

A pest control company provides a guarantee that the treatment efforts should keep the pests at bay for a specific period. If the infestation recurs within that period, the exterminator should treat your home at no extra costs. You can’t enjoy such services when using regular insecticides.

 

Electrical Safety Advice for Queensland Homeowners

Electrical

Electrical Safety Advice Queensland

Using electricity in the home always comes with a few associated risks. If you’re looking to utilise electricity in a way that is safe and secure for your entire family. There are some rules and guidelines that the Queensland Government has put in place for your best advice.

When it comes to electrical wiring and devices, don’t try to handle it yourself. If you are unsure whether or not using a certain form of electricity is safe, check up on the following Queensland guidelines to make sure you are a safe homeowner at all times. Always hire professionals, VIP Electrician Brisbane www.vipelectricianbrisbane.com.au provide free quotes and use only Queensland Government licensed tradesmen.

Advice From the Government

The Queensland Government has designed a variety of tips and guidelines to help you keep your home and your workplace free of electrical dangers.

Electrical Safety Advice for Queensland Homeowners

Worksafe Queensland www.worksafe.qld.gov.au is a trusted government source that can provide further information for those looking to install electrical devices and wiring. Heed the following pieces of advice:

  • Make sure that each source of electrical power is installed with a safety switch.
  • Properly install your clothes dryer in a location that is free of electrical dangers or hazards.
  • Don’t perform your own electrical work.
  • Be cautious when clearing vegetation and plants from areas with electrical wiring.
  • Be careful when using electricity around water.
  • You may need to rewire your fuses if you are living in an older home.

 

Dealing with electricity is like dealing with a contained bolt of lightning; it can sometimes be unpredictable, powerful, and highly dangerous. Take extreme caution when dealing with electricity at all times.

Keeping Electrical Equipment at Home

If you have electrical equipment at home, there are several things you can do to make sure that the equipment remains safe. Remember to NEVER keep equipment out where children or other family members can get ahold of it.

The Queensland Government also provides the following pieces of advice for homeowners:

  • Do not use the appliance anything other than for its intended use.
  • Keep your hair, fingers, hands, and toes away from moving parts.
  • Do not use your appliance if there is noticeable damage or wear.
  • Keep ventilation holes free of obstruction.
  • Contact the manufacturer right away if the power supply cord is damaged or frayed.
  • Maintain your electrical equipment on a regular basis.

 

What to Do During a Flood

It’s no secret that water + electricity = very bad news. In the event of a flood or major water leakage, you will want to turn your mind to your electrical devices right away.

Use extreme caution when looking to switch off your electrical outlets and applications. Power tools are very dangerous when they have become wet. You will find professional electrician at www.vipelectricianbrisbane.com.au from where you can book an expert electrician ASAP.

Professionals can help you safely locate and switch off any electrical devices due to damage by water. You may also need to seek their advice when looking to turn electrical devices back on after the flood has passed.

Electrical Safety Advice

Keep a Good Eye Out

Queensland homeowners should stay cautious when dealing with electrical wires, devices, or appliances. Be sure that larger devices like cloth dryers installed properly to maintain the proper guidelines.

The Queensland Government can assist you with finding the right spot if you need help. When using electric tools, make sure there is plenty of room for ventilation.

During floods, switch off all devices as quickly as possible. If you are unsure what to do, never act on your own. Contact a professional right away. The Queensland Government is here to provide more resources and information on staying safe with electricity.

Brisbane Deck Building City Council Guidelines

Decks

Brisbane Council Guidelines for Building Decks

Everybody loves a deck in their backyard to chill and relax. Timber decks are an effecient way of using space while increasing the value of the propertyy. But before you embark on building a deck you have to do a make sure you consider the following key points.

  • Get a planning approval (if applicable)
  • Apply for a building approval
  • Find a qualified and licensed deck building company

Remember you can asubmit all the paper work yourself. But there are other options. If you hire a qualified deck builder like Pro Decks Brisbane they will manage and process all your planning approval paperwork for you. Many companies even do this for free if you hire them to build your deck.

Brisbane Deck Building City Council Guidelines

Do I need a Planning Approval?

The Brisbane City Council doesn’t require every deck to have a planning approval. You can carry out an online property enquiry using the online resource of the city council or even consult a town planner.

The task can be a bit complex including all the legal and regulatory considerations. The city council is again there to help you out with consultation for your deck.

Some deck projects that don’t need planning approval. You need to follow some design specifications to plan with approval like:

  • Decks should be smaller than 10 square meters
  • The height must be within 1 meter from the ground
  • The length should be restricted within 5 meters on each side
  • The deck maintains the safety guidelines mentioned in the Queensland Development Code

 

How to get a Deck Planning Approval?

Apart from the design considerations outlined above, you also have to determine your key property facts like lot size, zoning, overlays, neighbourhood plans and so on.

The online platform of the Brisbane City Council contains full information and tools that can help you out with the process.

  • You can determine the zoning of your property which decides the nature of development you can undertake
  • The area requirements will be revealed by going through the local neighbourhood plans
  • Check out the characteristics of your property using the overlays
  • Finally use the Brisbane City Plan 2014 interactive mapping tool to map your property and generate report and submit to the council

 

The Next Step: Getting a Building Approval

To sanction your plan you need to apply for a building approval. The certificate assesses the buildings according to the Building Code of Australia for various aspects like safety, design, fire danger and so on.

deck building

You can get your building certificate from the city council or accredited private building certifiers. They can also help you with consultation on any required demolition work for building your deck and even reveal if you need a building approval. You can search for local contractors using the Queensland Building and Construction Commission‘s search tool.

Start your Planning

The first step you need to make is to determine the key aspects of your property which will tell you if you need a planning approval. Be sure to consult a professional if you find it beyond you so that your project turns out to be a success.

To learn more about council approvals visit https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-building/do-i-need-approval.

Plumbers Guide Brisbane

Plumbing

Plumbers Guide Brisbane

What is a Plumber?

A plumber is by definition, a tradesperson who fixes, repairs, installs and maintains pipes and fittings pertaining to water supplies. Of course, a plumber’s job isn’t limited only to those duties. This trade requires a working knowledge of

  • Carpentry
  • Building and design
  • Architecture
  • Welding

As a result of this, plumbing is a very multifaceted trade that require an ample amount of training and know-how.

Plumber brisbane guide

Common Plumbing Services

There are a number of very common plumbing issues that occur quite regularly in both residential and commercial buildings every day. Some are more benign and could be fixed with the twist of a wrench, while others require a more serious diagnosis and level of professionalism.

While it is always your choice as a homeowner to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem on your own, the guarantee of actually fixing the problem correctly is low. And while it might seem like a simple fix, the reality is that, without proper knowledge, the likelihood of making a mistake or improperly assessing the situation, gets higher and higher with every turn of the screw.

Here is a list of the most often reported plumbing issues, which has been generously supplied by Pro Plumber Brisbane, a local plumbing contractor in South East Queensland. Common plumbing problems as reported by homeowners is as follows.

  • Leaky/ dripping faucet
  • Low or no water pressure
  • Leaking pipes
  • Water in the basement that should not be there
  • Toilets that are constantly running
  • Very slow or clogged pipes and drains
  • Water and debris backup in drains and pipes
  • Non-functioning sump pump
  • Malfunctioning water heater

Late night and weekend problems can sometimes make a home or property owner think that they will not be able to find a professional at that time and so must take matters into their own hands. Think twice before making that decision, as it could lead to hundreds, even thousands of extra dollars in repair costs. Understanding the job that needs to be done is a vital component to proper and safe home repair.

Do Plumbers Need a License?

Of course, when working on any water supply mechanisms, a licensed professional must be the person you call to perform any of this more technical work. After all, many systems are inextricably linked together. For example, HVAC systems.

These are a combination of electrical and water systems, and require more than just a pedestrian knowledge in order to work on them confidently and safely. Without proven skill and mastery, the dangers become greater and greater. There are a number of resources on the internet to utilize in order to see the current state-based regulations and guidelines, such as, but definitely not limited to:

How Do You Choose  A Plumber?

A highly trained and licensed plumber can be hard to find. Do your research before making any decisions. Here are some tips to help ensure that you find a reliable and licensed plumber for your needs.

  • Be sure that the plumber holds a current license and carries complete insurance which protects both your property as well as your neighbor’s. In some cases, work that is done at your house can affect your neighbor.
  • Ask for references. It is completely normal to ask a potential plumber for work history.
  • Inquire about length of time as a licensed plumber. Ask how long they have had a working business model.
  • Get more than one quote for your job. Do not necessarily go with the least expensive. Find the one that seems to indicate the most prudent course of action and outcome.
  • Be sure to ask for an in-person quote and not one that is just generalized and over the telephone. There is not way to properly assess work without actually seeing it.
  • Inquire about guarantees on their work or follow up work, if it is related to the job at hand. Often, plumbers will guarantee their work and will come back to fix what isn’t working if it is applicable to the job for which they quote you. Do not skip this step, as it can be essential if the repairs don’t go according to plan.

Domestic plumbing guide

Plumbing Costs:

In Queensland today, there are numerous licensed and fully trained plumbing professionals, all who are specialized in different things. When looking for a plumber, there are a number of factors that can influence pricing. Things such as:

  • The Customer’s location
  • The severity and complexity of the plumbing issue
  • Whether or not any other factors will come into play, such as sewage and irrigation work or advanced electrical work

Here are links to some general pricing guidelines for various plumbing issues (though they are only meant to be used as general information and not exact quotes):

Most plumbers charge per hour. The range will vary, but will be in the realm of $40 to $150 per hour, not including any materials used and can fluctuate quite drastically depending upon many unexpected and unforeseen factors. The average price for a plumber this past year was $85 per hour, not including parts.

If you have a broken toilet and need a new one installed, you can expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of one hundred fifty dollars. If you have a leaky faucet or a broken pipe that needs to be replaced, expect to pay about $180.00 or so.

If the job is more complicated and requires more time, that amount will increase dramatically, based on time spent and materials needed. If you are plumbing an entire house, expect a starting bill of $9,000 or more, depending upon the size of the home.

 

Conclusion

Plumbing, for many people, is an essential component to their home or business. It is very important that all is functioning as it should. Although you might be relatively able to perform light plumbing duties such as fixing a leaky faucet or stopping the toilet from running all the time, it is very important to know your limitations.

Water systems can be very technical and, without the necessary training and experience, a botched home job is the most likely outcome, which only leads to frustration, potential damage to yours or your neighbor’s property and a much higher cost output. At the end of the day, be sure to get the right person for the job.

New Commercial Renovations & Extensions Service

Renovations, , , ,

We are proud to announce we have just expanded our building services to include commercial extensions and fit-outs for offices shops and restaurants. We have taken your feedback on board and with the high demand for renovations in the commercial industry we have hired 2 new specialist builders who can help manage your projects. Michael Cain and Bevan Schmidt have a wealth of experience as professional builders and specialise in fit outs and all commercial building services.

New Services include:

  • Restaurant Extensions
  • Restaurant Patios and Pergolas
  • New Shop Fit-outs
  • Shop Extensions
  • Office Renovations
  • Shop Design and Construction
  • Commercial / Industrial Carports

 

To find out more contact our friendly team today to discuss your requirements.