Author: ppiadmin

PVC Fencing Cost Compared to Other Fence Types

Post author By ppiadmin
Post date April 30, 2020

PVC Fencing has gained a lot of popularity lately, particularly due to the boom in hamptons style homes that has occurred on the Gold Coast. It is also quick to install, is attractive to look at and requires zero ongoing maintenance.

Whilst PVC is an affordable solution many clients have the expectation that PVC will be a similar cost to timber or Colorbond, but this is not the case.

The manufacturing process for PVC fencing is more involved than timber or Colorbond. It also has more detailed and attractive styling compared to plain timber or Colorbond which is effectively corrugated sheets of metal.

The high quality, Australian made PVC fencing products we use at Platinum Property Improvements has a 30 year warranty, compared to a 10 year warranty on Colorbond. This alone gives some expectation on lifespan you can expect when comparing those two fencing styles.

We do install Colorbond and timber fencing on occasion. Generally this is when we are working on larger projects and the client is wanting to save money on a boundary fence that may not be too visible from the front of the home.

We also install alot of modular wall fencing where a client is after a premium appearance.

Please note pricing below is just a guide and can change depending on project size and other variables.

Fencing Style Comparison Chart

Fence Type	Benefits	Negatives	Cost
PVC	Zero maintenance, 30yr warranty, attractive, cheaper than brick	More expensive than timber or colorbond	From $190 per metre (1.8m high)
Timber	Cheap	Requires maintenance, bows and rots over time	From $80 per metre (1.8m high)
Colorbond	Cheap, looks the same on both sides, 10yr Warranty	Easy to dint, scratch. Bottom rail can’t be in ground. Reflects heat onto grass/gardens	From $95 per metre (1.8m high)
Modular Wall	Attractive, premium appearance. Can be rendered. Looks the same on both sides	More expensive than other options. Requires maintenance / painting.	From $240 per metre

Industry News Patios

PPI are now stocking and installing Illume Skylights

Post author By ppiadmin
Post date January 14, 2020

Platinum Property Improvements (PPI) have recently become installers of Illume Skylights for clients throughout the Gold Coast.

Illume is an alternative to traditional skylights. Using a solar collector to source power to light the skylight. Being completely powered by solar energy there is no requirement for mains power or batteries, which means no electricity costs for the skylight.

The other benefit of Illume Skylights is that there is less disturbance to the roof structure, which minimises the change of any roof leaks. In addition, traditional skylights also transfer unwanted heat into the area below and tend to clog up with bugs – all of this is avoided with Illume.

Illuyme Skylights in outdoor patio installations

The team at PPI have recently started including Illume Skylights in their outdoor patio cover installations throughout the Gold Coast. These skylights look very classy and allow more light into the outdoor patio area.

If you are located on the Gold Coast and would like a price or more information on a flyover patio (or any other type of patio) with or without Illume Skylights, please contact Platinum Property Improvements for an obligation free quote.

Patios

Flyover Patios – The Popular Choice

Post author By ppiadmin
Post date January 17, 2019
No Comments on Flyover Patios – The Popular Choice

Flyover patios have become the predominant style of patio for Gold Coast home owners. They add a feeling of additional space due to their height and also let more light and breeze in, which is a necessity on the Gold Coast.

For those that are looking to add a new outdoor patio cover to their home it’s important to be aware of the different styles of patios available.

What is a flyover patio?

A flyover patio sits higher than the gutter of your home. The roof panels of the patio “fly over” past the edge of your home’s roof-line. The patio panels themselves don’t attach to your existing roof structure or house frame, instead there are mounting brackets that secure the patio whilst raising it away from your existing roof. This allows for light and breeze to flow into your patio area. The mounting brackets go through your roof tiles or sheeting and are generally attached to the house frame to make the structure strong enough to withstand whatever nature can throw at it.

Flyover patios are generally higher than a standard patio. A standard patio may be attached to the fascia on your eaves which is a much lower point. The elevated patio height makes the patio area feel more spacious.

With our outdoor lifestyle and warm tropical climate a flyover style patio allows additional breeze and sunlight into your alfresco area and this also flows into your indoor areas.

The angle of the flyover patio

There are two main factors to consider with the angle of your flyover patio. Firstly, how will the angle affect your rainwater drainage and secondly the direction of sunlight.

The flyover patio can be angled towards the house or away from the house. It is important to consider the additional water that the flyover will capture during rain. If the flyover is angled back towards the house then the existing guttering and downpipes must be able to cope with the additional mass of water. In some instances you may need to add additional downpipes.

Alternatively you can angle the flyover away from the home. In this instance you would have a gutter on the front edge of the patio and would add a downpipe to one of the patio posts so the rainwater has somewhere to go. Depending on the landscape of your property you may need to plumb the downpipe into your underground storm water drainage of might be able to let the water flow into a garden or onto the grass.

If you are located on the Gold Coast and would like a price or more information on a flyover patio (or any other type of patio) please contact Platinum Property Improvements for an obligation free quote.

Industry News

PVC Fencing Gaining Popularity on the Gold Coast

Post author By ppiadmin
Post date February 23, 2018
No Comments on PVC Fencing Gaining Popularity on the Gold Coast

We are all familiar with the more common fencing styles that are used throughout the Gold Coast such as colorbond, timber, brick and modular wall fences, however one option perhaps not as well-known as its counterparts is the stylish PVC fencing option.

This style of fencing is gaining popularity and they always attract a lot of positive comments when we build them.

We use the highest quality PVC fencing designed and manufactured in Australia to suit the harsh Australian conditions. Our PVC products are backed by a 50-year warranty (platinum series) and 30-year warranty (gold series). Interested? Read on…

What is PVC Fencing?

All PVC products are made from a combination of vinyl resin and various additives, which gives these products their particular properties.
Some of the additives commonly used in PVC include the following:

Impact modifiers improve impact strength, or resistance of the profile to cracking or breaking.
UV inhibitors protect the finished product from damaging rays of the sun.
Pigments provide consistent color throughout the product.

What Styles are Available?

We offer all types of PVC fencing however our most popular requests are for post and rail fencing and gates (for rural properties), and privacy fencing.

It’s Virtually Maintenance Free

PVC requires no painting or treating.
No rusting.
Is non-porous, therefore mildew and mold cannot get a hold.
Is easily cleaned with a solution of mild household detergent and water.
Termites also won’t eat it.

It Reduces Noise

Independent studies have shown that a steel fence will actually amplify noise. A PVC fence however assists in reducing noise thanks to internal air pockets. Tests have shown that noise is reduced by up to 23db.

It’s Safe For Livestock/Horses

PVC Fencing products have smooth surfaces with no nails, sharp edges or splinters. The specially designed rail notching system allows the rail to pop out of the post under severe impact, rather than breaking. A wooden fence would be inclined to break and leave sharp points and splinters which could impale the horse.

Want more information?

Here at Platinum Property Improvements we pride ourselves on being able to provide our customers throughout the Gold Coast with a selection of high quality fencing products to suit every lifestyle. From Colorbond fences to Modular Walls and everything in between, we only build fences with products that are sourced from reputable suppliers to ensure that your investment is second to none in style and quality.

If you like what you see and want to know more, give us a call. We would love to discuss all your renovation needs and we happily provide all of our customers with obligation free quotes. Please call Graeme on 1300 774 753 or submit an online enquiry.

Fencing

All you need to know about Modular Walls

Post author By ppiadmin
Post date September 18, 2017
No Comments on All you need to know about Modular Walls

If you’re following Platinum Property Improvements on Facebook and/or Instagram, chances are you’ve seen some of our recent projects involving the installation of ModularWalls. (If you’re not following us yet, what are you waiting for? We’re proud of our work and we love to show it off!)

We get a lot of enquiries about modular wall fencing and have installed this type of fencing for numerous customers throughout the Gold Coast. Privacy and security is a pretty big deal these days, we get it. But isn’t it great that now you can have both of those things PLUS ModularWalls are MUCH better looking than your traditional timber or rendered brick fence, and they’re also more affordable!

Platinum Property Improvements is a family owned business and having two small children ourselves, we KNOW that security and safety is important. Do you live on a busy road? Chances are you want your kids to be able to kick a footy (or run around butt naked in summer) in the front yard without the stress of traffic or prying eyes. Has your garage been taken over by your husband’s man-cave of useless toys – forcing your beloved kid-taxi car to park in the driveway? Chances are you’d love to know your car is secure overnight. But we also know that it’s important to add value to your home, to give your home street appeal, or ‘street cred’. That’s where we can help….

Platinum Property Improvements are the only licensed installer of ModularWalls (which is the brand of modular wall fencing we use) on the Gold Coast, and we are waiting for you to call us for a quote! But first, if you’re not already convinced, have a read of the important stuff below:

Why ModularWalls?

ModularWalls provide better aesthetics and superior performance capabilities relative to traditional walls and fences – but at a more affordable price.
Highly acoustic, fast to install, easy to maintain, and great to look at – it is not surprising that ModularWalls are in strong demand right throughout Australia right now.

Let’s take a look at a few of the many benefits of ModularWalls.

Cost effective $

With the surge in demand for bricks and the increasing cost of bricklayers, many homeowners are looking to alternative wall solutions to emulate the look of masonry rendered walls. This saves renovators from incurring the high costs and hassles associated with masonry construction, and can eliminate the need to apply for council approval.

Reduce Noise

ModularWalls has been National Acoustic Laboratory tested and rated. Typically, you can expect up to a fourfold audible reduction in traffic noise, keeping both traffic and neighbours at bay.

Private and Secure

Whether you want to create privacy in your garden, around your pool, or in your front yard, ModularWalls offer a range of solutions with standard heights available from 900mm up to 3000mm.

Strong and Durable

Composite panel technology provides a panel that is strong, lightweight, and will not rot, warp or corrode. Virtually maintenance free, ModularWalls display amazing rigidity in any situation. The unique post design allows for any future ground movement without affecting the walls integrity, meaning it will not crack like other masonry wall materials.

NOW, let’s compare ModularWalls with a few other fencing options:

ModularWalls v timber fencing:

Superior Aesthetics
Better acoustic performance
Will not rot or discolour
Much longer design life

ModularWalls v metal fencing:

Superior aesthetics
Better acoustic performance
Panels will not rust
More versatile

ModularWalls v slatted fencing:

Better acoustics and privacy
Stronger structure
Greater durability
More economical

ModularWalls v brick walls:

Significantly more affordable
Will not crack over time
Easier and faster installation
No strip footings required

Carports Industry News Patios

Patio & Carport Council Regulations Explained

Post author By ppiadmin
Post date December 1, 2016
No Comments on Patio & Carport Council Regulations Explained

It’s the most commonly asked question when we arrive on site to complete a quote on a Carport or Patio…

“Do I need to get Gold Coast City Council (or other councils) approval?”

The answer is in most cases will be yes as council regulations are fairly strict, however there are exceptions and we at Platinum Property Improvements are happy to assist you where possible through this process.

More often than not, we use a general rule that any new (not replacement) structure to be built that is attached or freestanding that is over 10m2, should ideally have council approval. Whilst it is sometimes possible to get away with not getting council approval, it is likely that any unapproved structures will cause issues when it comes to selling your property. Buyers can be spooked by unapproved structures, causing them to wonder what other shortcuts have been taken and in turn lowering the potential amount of buyers or the price buyers are willing to pay. They may request you demolish the structure or discount the price as a result. In addition, council can order the structure to be demolished if it is not able to be modified to meet their requirements.

The second most common question prospective clients ask us is “What are my limitations or rules I need to keep in mind when designing my new Carport or Patio?” It’s a very valid question because you don’t want to have an idea or create a design that will just get rejected by the council and have to be redesigned!

Below are some general guidelines to help you understand the restrictions or limitations to take into account…

How close can I build my Colorbond® Patio to my boundary wall/fence??

General rule is no closer than 1.5m from the side and/or rear boundary, and 6m setback from the front boundary if you are putting a Patio on the front of your property (rare).
There are exceptions where you can build 900mm, however there is an additional cost and council process which can be applied for, called ‘town planning relaxation’.
If the above is granted, you can have your posts set at 900mm from boundary, but hang the non-combustible roofing 450mm further than the posts, essentially like an overhang.
If you are prepared to build a fire rated wall eg. Brick, then with the town planning relaxation approval, you can build hard on the boundary.

How close to the front/side boundary can I build a Colorbond® Carport?

It is quite common for property owners on the Gold Coast to build close to or on the front or side boundaries as they attempt to gain more use out of their land. To build a carport in the front 6000mm, you simply require a ‘town planning relaxation’ which providing its approved, will allow you to build on the front and/or side boundaries. Gold Coast City Council have a number of regulations relating to carports, such as:

No structures are generally permitted within 6000mm from your front boundary (not the road or the gutter or where the wheelie bin sits etc)
If less than 9m in length, the structure can be built within 1.5m of a side boundary
A good guide for your front boundary line can be the end of a side fence, your letterbox, or even a power box
The maximum height of the carport at road front elevation is 3 metres from the ground level to the top of the fascia for a hip, Dutch gable or parapet roof, 3 metres ‘mean’ height from the ground level to the top of the fascia for a skillion roof, and 3.5 metres from the ground level to the top of the ridge for a gable ended roof.
The maximum width at road front is 6m for a double carport from outside pier to outside pier, or 7.2m if you have eaves (600mm eaves each side).
If your carport has eaves it cannot hang over the front boundary.
The carport should be set back a min of 150mm to ensure the gutters do not protrude.

There are many other regulations but the above gives a little bit of an insight into how strict councils building regulations are.

A lot of the rules and regulations can actually change between zones (estates, suburbs, etc) between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Useful links:

GCCC Carports & Garages

GCCC Building Setbacks and other info

Patios

The benefits of adding a patio

Post author By ppiadmin
Post date October 28, 2016
No Comments on The benefits of adding a patio

Adding a patio to your home may be a very good idea. There are plenty of companies on the Gold Coast so you won’t have a hard time getting a quote, just always be sure you are receiving quality Australian made product, by a licensed company.

Why should you get a patio? There are actually several benefits that a patio could bring. Some are personal, some are social and some are financial.

First of all, patios are perfect for having some alone time and relaxing. After a long warm or stressful day at work it can be great to just sit outside, enjoying a nice cold beverage (alcoholic if it has been a real bad day) and have some peace and quiet. You can put on some tunes, maybe even a cup of tea and find comfort in your own little world.

They are of course also great for having small parties for friends and family, especially as we head into both summer and Christmas! You can hold a Sunday barbeque under your patio and just enjoy the company of people you love. If you have a pool, your patio would also be a great extension to your pool parties.

Decorating under and around your patio can also be a good hobby and take you away from the forever growing list of jobs around the house! If you enjoy decorating your home, you would also enjoy buying furniture for your patio and making it look the way you want it. You can buy a swing, a hammock, some chair, some flowers, etc. and make your patio look like your own little park.

Covered patio areas are an essential part of the Gold Coast lifestyle

From a financial perspective, patios can absolutely increase the value of your home, especially on the Gold Coast where the warm climate makes an appealing outdoor living space a more important factor than in other locations throughout Australia. If one day you choose to sell your house and move somewhere else, having a patio, which is a great outdoor entertaining area, would allow you to increase the price of your house and certainly appeal to those who prefer the outdoor living. It is not uncommon for exceptional outdoor entertaining areas to add $20,000+ to a sale price on the Gold Coast.

There are also several types of patios that you can choose from so certainly worth a little research or internet surfing before you engage that quality, licensed company for a quote! Just be sure not to get sucked in by the ‘super cheap’ deals on Kits from online only companies, because if you have a problem with your installation, remember you won’t be speaking with an experienced installer, just a salesperson!

In summary, there are many benefits to updating or creating your new outdoor entertaining area, so don’t ever hesitate to give Graeme from PPI a call for an obligation free catch up!

Tags patios, pergolas