aussie painting contractor july 2013
DESCRIPTION
The Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is here to assist Painters and Decorators, Small Business in the construction industry as well as consumers.TRANSCRIPT
Painting for the Film Industry
Sell Your Home FasterAnd for more $$$
Minimum Wage Rise& Employers’ Responsibilities
Painting in WinterTips for success!
From the Editor
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 permis-
sion from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
Nigel [email protected] 399 800
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 helpingpainters 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!
EDITORNigel Gorman
EXECUTIVE EDITORCaroline 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 DESIGNERJ. Anne Delgado
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Contents
Business Services
Wellness tips
In the Industry
Members Profile
Monthly Feature
8 State of Origin Game 2 - Member Give-Away Wrap Up
12 WorkSafety Warning Regarding High Risk Work Licences
14 A Rundown on Load Restaint
16 the History of Paint
20 Decorative Finishes Creative Paint Works
38 Minimum Wage Increase Effective 1 July 2013
40 Painting in the Cold
36 Paintway
25 10 tips for Start Up Businesses or Revisiting Your Business Structure
28 Product & Liability Insurance
33 Great tips for Selling Your Home Faster
22 Water, What’s In It?
42 training Schedules
45 MPDA training Schedule
46 the Industry Idiots
47 Important Contacts
8 | Aussie Painters Network
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.
Chris Munday, Chris Baker, Ken Robinson
10 | Aussie Painters Network
Quotes Directto You!!
rough Aussie Painters Network, consumers can now...
Request-a-Quote
www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au07 30401234 or 0430 399 800
12 | Aussie Painters Network
WorkSafe Warning Regarding High Risk Work Licences
In the Industry
orkSafe has issued a warning to employers on checking
High Risk Work Licences after beinggiven information on the availabilityof 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 equipmentor 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 ofthe need for high risk work licences
and ensuring that employers have the information required to complywith the laws, but as these licenseshave been a requirement for some period of time now, inspectors will take enforcement action for fraud-ulent 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 beeperwork, 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 nationalconsistency and portability, but - most importantly - high risk work licences ensure that workers have the skills and knowledge to performtasks safely and competently.
It is important to note that employersstill have an overall responsibility to provide workers with appropriateinformation, instruction and trainingfor each individual job.
It is of great concern that holdersof High Risk Work Licences may not be adequately trained to performhigh risk work safely and compe-tently, and we urge employers, assessors and trainers to verify any High Risk Work Licences presentedto them.
For more information on High Risk Work Licences, WorkSafe InspectionCampaigns 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.au0466 821 474
W
2013 July Issue | 13
14 | Aussie Painters Network
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 us-ing 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.
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 con-ditions 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
A Rundown on Load RestraintIt’s vital that you and your staff are well versed with the minimum safety standards.
In the Industry
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2013 July Issue | 15
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16 | Aussie Painters Network
The History of PaintMixed pigment and oil, often with a mortar and pestle, to create a stiff
paste – a method painters use today.
In the Industry
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.
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.
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 tend-ed to use water-based paints on ceilings and plaster walls, while oil paint was best for decorating joinery.
Painters of the time mixed pigmentand 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.
In the 18th century, England was a hive of paint-making innovation. Marshall Smith engineered a machinefor 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 paint-making company Emerton and Manby boasted that it ground colors in “Horse-Mills,” which allowedthe 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, cofounderHenry Sherwin came up with a re-sealable tin can. Not to be out-done, another paint-industry giant,Benjamin Moore, began selling its wares in 1883. In 1907, the companyhired 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.
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2013 July Issue | 17
‘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
18 | Aussie Painters Network
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 perfor-mance of paint products; in relation to both their impact on us and the planet, as well as their quality and dura-bility. Advancements have resulted in more sustainable and less toxic paints as well as effective recycling tech-niques. 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 Bakerwww.mytools4business.com
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. and apply whilst warm.
July’s Tips
2013 July Issue | 19
0451 090 33503 9972 5891
www.handsfreepainting.com
One of the leading Manufacturers of a wide variety of Paints and Resins in
Australia. Our product list is graced by Interior and Exterior acrylic
paints, Timber paints , Oil base enamels and many more.
We don't just manufacture paint, we utilize a solution-based approach to
effectively improve your paint line operations and enhance the look
and performance of your products.
Decorative FinishesCreative Paint Works
June Trenwyth-Morgan is a fully qualified painter and trainer for the National Institute of Painting and Decorating.
In the Industry
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 real-istic 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 con-stantly 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
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Water, What’s In It?There are already enough toxins in our food chain
well before we’ve even taken a sip.
Health &
Wellness
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, Bot-tle, Sparkling or even Energised water?
What we should be a paying attention to is what’s in our water, including potential contaminationfrom packaging. Being a savvy con-sumer starts with understandinghow 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
that are not shipped or packed in plastics. You may have even heard a lot of interest surrounding compounds found in plastics calledBisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
The fuss is because these chemicalsfound in plastics are leaching into foods and beverages they are packed or stored in. According toMercola 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 containersand try and choose foods not pack-aged 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 your-self. 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 pre-cious 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.
ChlorineIt’s known that public swimmingpools use chlorine to kill off any microbes in the water and it is also used by local councils in treat-ing 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.
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P.O. Box 1426OxenfordQueensland, 4210
+617 554 92 554
2013 July Issue | 23
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 movingat 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
24 | Aussie Painters Network
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 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 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 ourEmployment Pagefor more details!
www.paintersemployment.comThis is a FREE service.
2013 July Issue | 25
10 Tips for Start Up Businessesor Revisiting Your Business Structure
There are lots of things you need to do but here are the basics to get your business moving.
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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 business2 Have a Vision for what you want that business to be in the future3 Understand who your audience is and how you can reach them4 Set up a solid platform / structure on how the business is to run5 Systemise all aspects of the business6 Create a basic Business Plan7 Create a Financial Plan and have an accountant8 Create a details Marketing Plan including Social Media / Advertising9 Create a 90 Day Action Plan every 90 days10 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 businessKnowing 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!
2 Have a Vision for what you want that business to be in the futureIt 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 themKnowing 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 runIf 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 businessThis 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.
6 Create a basic Business PlanA 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.
For more information on how you can have a group of people support you to keep on track,
Click HERE to visit our website
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7 Create a Financial Plan and have an AccountantA 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 / AdvertisingOnce you know your marketplace you need to create a marketing plan for how you are going to get your messageout 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 daysSetting 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 youWe 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 earnto cover its expenses?
www.mytools4business.com/myhourlyratecalculator
10 Tips for Start Up Businesses...
28 | Aussie Painters Network
What is Products & Public Liability Insurance?
Business Services
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?
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, businessinsurance and pretty much everywhere else. All it reallymeans 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.
With that in mind, what your liability insurance actu-ally 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 pub-lic, 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
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 solici-tors or legal defence costs if lawyers got involved.
So whether it is called “broadform liability,” “general liability,” or “public & products liability,” you are pro-tecting your business when it is responsible for damageto the public, or damage from your products.
by : Scott Robertson
“We’re here to help”+61 7 3292 1100
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2013 July Issue | 29
www.consolidatedi.com.au
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 Bakerwww.bakerbrosmasterpainters.com.au
Testimonial :
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2013 July Issue | 31 31 | Aussie Painters Network
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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).
You take the samples, and send them to Sydney Analytical Labs. The lab analyses the samples, and we explain the results.
*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,
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2013 July Issue | 33
Great Tips for Selling Your Home FasterRemove 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.
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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.
Do you think a cat bowl full of food, taking pride of place in the kitchen, is going to sell ‘the dream’ to potential buyers? Is displaying your miniature teapot collection going to get you that premium price? Streamlining your home, de-cluttering, depersonalizing and simply giving your home a good clean will ensure your home ap-peals to the widest audience of buyers out there.
Buyers need to be sold the dream, the lifestyle that they will be living when they become the new own-ers of your home. Here are five comprehensive tips to help you best present your home for sale, to ensure you will wow your buy-ers and sell for the highest price possible.
1. Maximize Street Appeal Stand out on the street and reallylook at your home. How does it compare to your neighbour’s? What’s the first impression you are giving your buyers? Does it presentwell 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 appealis wanting, then you are behind
the eight ball before buyers even make it through the front door. So if you don’t have an enticing front-age, create one!
Ensure that the exterior paint-work is in good condition, includingthe roof and all trims and gutters. Clean all windows, inside and out. Create a welcoming front entrance;a clean front door and decking, add some staging furniture, a new welcome mat and potted plants. Remove toys, equipment and outside clutter from view. Repair and paint the front fence if need be. Repair and sweep the entryway and paths, mow, water and fertilizethe lawns and trim shrubs and trees; plant some colourful flowersand shrubs for maximum effect. Hide the bins! Remove them from plain view and store them neatly in the garage or shed.
2. Declutter.Remember many buyers are movinghouse 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.
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 bedroomor study. Seriously edit the contents of all cupboards, cabinets and drawers;consider putting into storagebeloved 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, papersetc. Remove toothbrushes, soap and personal items from bathrooms. Remove family photos, fridge mag-nets, memorabilia and personalkeepsakes 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 expensiveand deal breaking kitchen or bathroom renovation can in many cases be avoided by an inexpensive cosmeticrejuvenation; new cupboard doors, upgraded cabinetryhardware, re-grouted tiles, new feature lighting, new window coverings, right down to fresh new towels and accessories. Clean carpets, curtains and blinds. Consider replacingdamaged or stained carpet; an inexpensive, neutral, low pile carpet can make all the difference. Replace broken and outdated fixtures and fittings.
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 numbersand 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!
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PaintwayOur 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 operatingsince 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 properlyto make sure your home is painted the way you expectand 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 ServicesWhen we are painting your home, we take extra specialcare 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 professionalstaff of painters who will properly prepare the surfacesfor 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
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 PaintingThe painted surfaces will be properly prepared before receiving any finishes and will be completed accordingto 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
Mem
bers Profile
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2013 July Issue | 37
Customer Reviews REVIEW DETAILS: 23/6/12What 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 friendlyapproach and wide knowledge of his job is second to none - and you’ll be more than happy with hisrecommendations 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 residualmess 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
38 | Aussie Painters Network
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 contributionsbase, effective 1 July 2013 as well. Employers should satisfy themselves that employee wages will meet the adjust-ed minimums effective 1 July 2013 in order to ensure compliance. For further information click HERE
Caroline [email protected]
Source: www.fairwork.gov.au
40 | Aussie Painters Network
Painting in the Cold
In the Industry
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 rangingbetween 0 and 10 degrees with varying rates of humidity? If you don’t have any other option, knowinga 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 alkydand 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. Latexpaints will actually freeze at low temperatures, requiringspecial additives to improve freeze/thaw resistance. These same additives could be used for hot weather painting making easier the brushing and rolling pro-cess. 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.
Recoating in cold weatherCold 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 tem-perature drops to six degrees, then the recoat time will be extended to six hours. Painting in cold weath-er 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 WeatherIf 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 paintingColin Thompson
T
2013 July Issue | 41
42 | Aussie Painters Network
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)
Certificate III Painting and Decorating now subsidised in VIC, SA and QLD.
Free for painters over 50.*
Conditions apply + This course is licensed by Sustainability Victoria
National Institute of Painting and Decorating7 Glenbrae Crt | Buderim QLD 4556
T 1300 319790 | E : [email protected] | www.painters.edu.au
Training Schedule for 2013 National Institute of Painting and Decorating
Schedules
July 23rd Apply Wallpaper, GladstoneJuly 24th Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices GladstoneJuly 28th Safe Lead Paint and Asbestos Work Practices Launceston
2013 July Issue | 43
Phone: (07) 3278 0825Fax: (07) 3278 0894Mobile: 0421 383 314 (Rod) 0421 383 315 (Ian)[email protected]
2013 July Issue | 45
Course Date TimeEstablish 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
Training Schedulewww.masterpainters.asn.au
Sche
dule
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46 | Aussie Painters Network
The Industry Idiots
2013 July Issue | 47
Aussie Painters Networkwww.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Ph. 0430 399 800
Master Painters & Decorators Australiawww.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662
National Institute for Painting and Decoratingwww.painters.edu.au
Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au Ph. 13 13 94 Fair Work Building & Constructionwww.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338Mates In Constructionwww.matesinconstruction.com.au Ph. 1300 642 111
Important Contacts
ACTNSWNTQLDSAVICWA
www.worksafe.act.gov.auwww.workcover.nsw.gov.auwww.worksafe.nt.gov.auwww.deir.qld.gov.auwww.safework.sa.gov.auwww.worksafe.vic.gov.auwww.safetyline.wa.gov.au
(02)6207300013 10 501800 019 1151300 369 9151300 365 2551800 136 0891300 307 877
Workplace Health and Safety ContactsSTATE Website Phone
Cancer Council AustraliaSTATE Website PhoneACTNSWNTQLDSAVICWA
www.actcancer.orgwww.cancercouncil.com.auwww.cancercouncilnt.com.auwww.cancerqld.org.auwww.cancersa.org.auwww.cancervic.org.auwww.cancerwa.asn.au
(02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000(08) 9212 4333
