Ask an Expert

Thinking of renovating or building, but got no idea how much it costs, or want a reliable tradesperson? Then Ask an Expert! This pavilion of tradespeople are on hand so you can bring in your plans and ask them anything you need to know about your next renovating, decorating or landscaping project for FREE.

Ask a Builder (HIA)
Ask a Painter (Master Painters)
Ask a Security Expert (NSW Police)
Ask a GreenSmart Expert (HIA)
Ask a Kitchen & Bathroom Expert (HIA)
Ask a Landscaper (NSW Landscaping and Maintenance)

EXPERTS	THURSDAY 1 MAY	FRIDAY 2 MAY	SATURDAY 3 MAY	SUNDAY 4 MAY
ASK A BUILDER HIA	11am – 7pm	11am – 7pm	11am – 6pm	11am – 5pm
ASK A GREENSMART SPECIALIST HIA	11am – 7pm	11am – 7pm	11am –6pm	11am – 5pm
ASK A KITCHEN / BATHROOM SPECIALIST HIA	11am – 7pm	11am – 7pm	11am – 6pm	11am – 5pm
ASK A SECURITY EXPERT NSW POLICE	11am – 3pm	11am – 3pm	11am – 3pm	11am – 3pm
ASK A PAINTER MASTER PAINTERS ASSOCIATION	11am – 7pm	11am – 7pm	11am – 6pm	11am – 5pm
ASK A LANDSCAPER OUTDOOR CREATIONS	11am – 7pm	11am – 7pm	11am – 6pm	11am – 5pm

Questions and Answers

Anthony & Angela Clyne, of East Brighton ask

Please help us decide the extent of our renovation. We don't know a budget cost to rebuild the original house into 2 storey or just the back section. The house is on a block 40' x 120' and we have not seen these types of houses with full renovations.

Please help me decide on the fall when tiling my ensuite.

Paul Deroon, of Moonee Ponds, asks

I want to tile the entire floor of the long narrow ensuite I am building. What should I do with the fall for the shower and ensuite areas?

Lindsay, of Beaconsfield, asks

Hi - I'm in the process of designing and building a house. I'm owner/building and the builder we are subcontracting to (family member) who is not a registered builder. I heard that we may need to do some training courses. Is this correct, and if so what do we need to do?

Anthony & Angela Clyne, of East Brighton ask

Kelly of St Kilda asks

My flat has a small bathroom with sep bath and sep shower (toilet in sep room). It's really tight, and the door doesn't quite open fully. The problem would be solved if I take out the shower and put it over the bath. What does this do to the value of my property??

Penelope of Drummond asks

I am looking for an eco friendly cladding product for the exterior of the home-something that looks like timber lining board. Can you make a suggestion?

We want to turn our 3 brm home into a 4 bedroom + study

Vivienne Doyle, of Hampton, asks:

We are wanting to turn our existing 3 bed home (solid brick) into a 4bed + study. We are quite happy to have our existing en-suite turned into a bedroom but still need to have an en-suite. If costs not too great have considered 2nd floor extension over living room area of house.

Joe Haber of Strathmore asks

I am building a new home which will have a concrete tile roof. I am using R3 batts above the ceiling for insulation. My question - is there any point in also having reflective foil under the tiles? My builder has said it is unnecessary.

Mike Lees of St Kilda East asks

I have a small courtyard and I am looking to maximise the space and livability. I would like to install a water feature, but I'm not sure where to start. What is required and what are the steps to have one installed.

Diane Angeloudas of Ashwood asks,

I would like advise on exterior color scheme we have chosen Austral brick color Newport and have dark charcoal grey aluminium windows. The upstairs will be rendered.

Cindy Hallam, of Prahran, asks,

I live in a 2 bedroom apartment which is fully carpeted. I would like to update the floors in the living areas and hallway (possibly the kitchen) to floorboards. I am keen to find out more on vinyl woodlike floorboards as opposed to wooden floor boards

Jenny, of Mornington, asks:

We have a 60-year-old weatherboard home. The current floorplan layout does not maximise our magnificent view, but I'm worried re-building will lose the feel of the home. We're advised the costs will be somewhat similar to renovating. Should we rebuild our house to maximise the view?

Tony Skinner of Mt.Eliza, asks:

I want to install a rainwater tank for conservation purposes but have no ideas of where, how big, cost, etc. Is there a service available where I can get free, unbiased advice? My home is around 24 sq. on 2/3 acre.

Melissa Smith, of Prahran, asks:

I am considering rendering myself, I wondered if you think this a good idea? What are the best products for a 'non-tradie' to use? And what would be the approx total cost using this product for a person to do a smaller size 3bdrm house? The house is about 13sqm inside.