Melbourne Building Works (MBW) believes in a holistic approach to building, as well as life, therefore, when you book a consult with one of our Team, the first step to take the time to assess your needs, as well as the possibilities.

We also believe in community. Which is why we are a proud, and dedicated, NDIS Supporter. Our approach to our business is 100% measured by ethics. And while business in important, nothing is more valuable than family, health, and respect. These are the personal qualities we look for in our Team, which extend to the quality of service we offer our clients.

THE CONSULT

We want to not only create the perfect space aesthetically, but a home that functions for your needs, now and into the future. Obvious questions such as size of land, number of bedrooms, colour of bricks, etc., are asked by every builder, and of course these factors are important, and will be asked by us as well, however, we are also interested in knowing the personal needs and lifestyle(s) of the home’s occupants.

• -Do you have, or are you planning on having children? (Number of bedrooms & living areas?)
• -Do you work from home? (Office space/studio/larger garage or workshop?)
• -Do you own pets, and if so, are they indoor pets? (Types of floors and wall surfaces)
• -Is anyone in your home especially tall or on the shorter side? (Heights of benchtops, and fixtures)
• -Does anyone in your home, or who visits your home regularly, use a wheelchair, or walking aide? (Wider hallways & doorways, lower door handles & switches, ramps, specialty bathtubs, lower benchtops etc.)
• -Are you, or someone living in your home, registered as a NDIS Client? As a registered NDIS Supporter, we understand your specific needs and our Team are trained to help.
• -What is your idea of a “dream home”?
• -Would you prefer to remain in your current home or would a new-build better suit you?
• -What is your budget?

The above is just a brief example of the extensive list of questions, and discussion topics, that will be covered in your personalised consult, after which, with you, we’ll form a strategy, and timeline, to make your dream home a reality – and there’s no better feeling than making dreams come true!

At MBW we value quality, honestly, loyalty, and integrity. If these are your core values too, we are the right Team for you. Contact us today to arrange an initial consult – let’s make your dream home a reality – together

Cut-Down Baths

There are different kinds of modifications that you can do in your bathroom that can enhance one’s experience and promote safety and all times. A highly recommended option that you can do is through a cut-down bath. Also known as the ‘Convert a Tub’, this project requires a modification of the conventional bath to allow a person to easily stepped into the area and perform their daily requirements with ease. The modification can work for different types of baths including pressed metals, fiberglass, and plastic. When fully modified and upgraded, it can make your bath safe and accessible for all types of users including the elderly and disabled.

With Cut-Down Baths, the Following Issues are Avoided

• Struggles during bathing
• Cost of full bathroom modifications
• Injuries to individuals
• The danger of being hurt or stuck in the bath
• Frustrations in not being able to access and use the bath

Planning a Cut-Down Bath Can Work For:

• Homeowners who cannot afford a new or full bathroom modification
• Individuals who have a hard time lifting their legs high enough to use the bath
• Homeowners who don’t want to be disrupted by a full bathroom modification
• Individuals who are planning for a full bathroom modification but needs something functional while waiting
• Individuals who are not confident standing in the bath while showering
• Persons who don’t want to use a bath board and sit in the shower

What are the Benefits that You Can Enjoy?

• This is a less costly option when compared to a full bathroom modification
• Less intrusive and disruptive; adjustments can be done in 1 working day
• You can easily use the bath after 24 hours when the silicone or glue has already cured
• You can use this in conjunction with a bath board
• Can be installed into hip baths and certain spa baths

Wheel Chair Ramps

The design and installation of doors and traditional ramps are not enough if you’re looking to provide complete and safe access to your home. This is especially true if you have elderly and disabled members of the household. For complete and efficient access, you also need to invest in wheelchair ramps. By installing these types of ramps in your office or residential property, you don’t just provide your guests and family members with freedom. These ramps also help promote a host of other benefits that can enhance their confidence and well-being which are all essential in enjoying a happy and satisfying life.

At Melbourne Building Works, we understand the importance of providing care and easy access to people with disabilities. As a registered builder in Melbourne, we manage a team of skilled professionals from metal workers to carpenters who can complete the job for you.

With fully licensed and experienced professionals working under our team, we can provide you with gently sloped wheelchair ramps that are not only durable but also compliant with existing Australian standards. When you contact us, we can provide you with different design options for wheelchair ramps in different materials. Read on and find out the different options available for your home.

Timber Wheelchair Ramps

Timber is a popular option in making wheelchair ramps. The actual material that can be used may vary depending on your needs, budget, and personal preferences. Whatever specific materials are used, these should be firm, stable, and slip-resistant in all weather situations. A highly recommended option is the timber wheelchair ramp with merbau deck. This timber-based ramp is highly recommended by the Department of Veteran Affairs for use of war veterans. Aside from the warmth offered by timber, the grooved merbau offers reliable slip resistance which is helpful during access.

Ramps Using Treated Pine Deck and Carpet

Ramps can become a problem when it comes too slippery. To avoid this issue, you need to invest in wheelchair ramps that are slip-resistant and can work in harsh conditions. With these requirements, you can opt for timber ramps with carpet or treated pine deck. The installation of carpeted wheelchair ramps is recommended by the Department of Human Services and Statewide Equipment Program. For a reliable performance at all times, the carpet should be the marine grade for it to work even in harsh conditions.

Concrete Ramps

When you’re looking for permanent ramp solutions, then the concrete wheelchair ramps are highly recommended. These are permanent solutions for your home and require minimum or no maintenance. For a dash of style, we can add coloured pigments so that your ramps can blend with your home decor.

Threshold Wheelchair Ramps

If your property features threshold steps that don’t go beyond 56mm, then the threshold wheelchair ramps of not longer than 450mm may be constructed. Our team can manufacture bespoke threshold wheelchair ramps using premium plywood timber and special paint for slip resistance.

Ramps With Concrete Pads

We can also add concrete pads at the base of the ramps. These can serve as the non-slip area at the end of the wheelchair ramp and serves as the perfect spot where the wheelchair can be turned or maneuvered. Also, the addition of these concrete pads will prevent the accumulation of water during winter months.

Wedge Step Wheelchair Ramps

You can benefit from the wedge step ramps if the property features small steps measuring 10 to 20mm. For this requirement, we can use the standard aluminum wedge or bespoke timber wedge ramp applied with slip-resistant paint.

Do you want to learn more about the different wheelchair ramp designs for your home? Contact us today 

Platform Steps 

When designing and improving access to your property, attention to detail is critical. Just take the case of steps and stairs inside the home or office building. We often pay attention to the materials used and how well these steps and stairs are designed to be the striking and perfect complement to the prevailing design or style. But more than an aesthetic addition to a property, your stairs and steps serve functional purposes. Furthermore, they should serve as safe and secure facilities for all types of users, including those who are disabled. If the steps are properly conceived and constructed, they are not just ugly to look at; they can become safety hazards too. As a property owner, you should always make room for the appropriate and safe design of the different types of steps including platform steps.

Platform steps normally allow steps that are much deeper than standard or traditional steps. The general design of platform steps allows an individual and a mobility walker to be on one step at a time. Its configuration is especially helpful for individuals with disabilities or the elderly who wants to take some time when navigating the steps. As a safety requirement, it’s best to consider the height, the materials used, and the specific requirements of the users.

Platform steps are available in various designs and can be made from various materials. When ramps are not possible due to lack of space or if these are not preferred, you can rely on the services of platform steps. At Melbourne Building Works we can provide you with different design ideas for your next platform steps.

Concrete Platform Steps

These types of steps are common in many homes and often work best for individuals who use mobility walkers or if it’s impossible to construct ramps at 1:14 gradient. Concrete platform steps are highly durable, do not require regular maintenance, and also offers excellent slip resistance. Designers can also complete a paint job to add a dash color to the boring-looking concrete steps.

Timber Platform Steps

For homeowners looking to a good looking alternative to concrete, then timber is a highly recommended material. As a concrete alternative, the timber platform steps boast less height per step and increased depth to easily accommodate mobility walkers. The grooved non-slip surface and optional white sight slip on the edge of the steps can also assist the visually-impaired individuals in using the platform steps. Just like concrete steps, the timber platform steps are highly recommended in areas with limited space to accommodate a ramp with the recommended 1:14 gradient.

Still can’t decide what design to use in your home? Call us today and our team will gladly assist you in planning and deciding what works for your needs.

 Bannister Rails

When it comes to designing and constructing decking, several requirements apply. Aside from the standard aesthetic requirements, designers also consider the height of the deck, choosing between barriers or bannister rails, and their actual construction. Once the height and materials of the deck are finalized, the next thing that should be considered is the installation and use of bannister rails.

Also known as handrails, these bannister rails are safety add-ons to your decking. Bannister rails are designed to be grasped by the hand to give the individual support and stability. The railings are often used when descending or ascending stairways to prevent falls and to guide the elderly and those who are physically disabled.

Choosing Bannister Rails for Your Home

According to the Building Code of Australia, handrails are required if there’s a possibility of falling over one metre or more from a building or floor. In short, you don’t need handrails if your deck is less than 1 meter in height. If your deck exceeds 4 metre, you need to cover a few more design requirements. For example, it’s not recommended to use vertical balustrade with footholds and horizontal balustrades should not be used.

For many Occupational Therapists, the rails should be made from 34mm diameter galvanized round pipe material which is rust-proof. We take this requirement and other recommendations seriously at Melbourne Building Works. When we work on bannister rails and handrails, we make sure that the hand clearance requirements are met and we avoid sharp edges and corners. And if you don’t like the grey galvanized finish, we can powder coat the rails to come up with a durable and truly functional finish. At Melbourne Building Works, we guarantee the durability and safety of our bannister rails.

Call us today to learn more about bannister railings for your home.

Anti Scalding Devices

Hot water has its uses and benefits in specific situations, but when these are not used the right way in the shower, it can become a dangerous hazard. As a homeowner who puts the safety and well-being of all household members, it’s important that you know the hazards and other safety issues that are associated with hot water.

There are a lot of misleading information about hot water safety and you’re challenge is knowing what works and what are the devices to be used when handling hot water. When used the wrong way, hot water can cause burns and scalding which can be painful or worse, can also lead to permanent disabilities when not treated property. For this reason, it’s important to know the dangers of hot water to protect yourself from the potential hazards. More importantly, you should know the different anti scalding devices that are available in the market today.

Use Essential Devices to Avoid Scalding

If there’s a risk of scalding, you need to pay attention to essential devices for your home like anti-scalding devices. These devices can reduce the risk of scalding and are highly recommended in the shower.

There are different types of devices and equipment that can help protect you from scalding and related injuries. A popular product is the Therm-Oz which perfectly works in the shower. Once installed, this equipment can promote safe showering using constant temperatures. Also, this is a safe addition to your shower since it operates without electrics and it’s highly recommended by Australian standards and complies with existing plumbing regulations.

As an anti-scalding device, this equipment comes with a wax-filled thermostatic cartridge that mix cold with hot water to ensure safe water outlet temperatures. It’s safe to use even if you are using your appliances or taps at the same time. Also, its valve shuts off instantly in case of cold or hot water failure to prevent thermal shock or scalding. With the use of this automated system instead of the manual system will give you that satisfaction and peace of mind.

To use, you can simply turn the right handle with a single twist. This action allows you to adjust the flow of water. The left handle, on the other hand, allows you to regulate the temperature. The temperature is set at 38°C fitted with a safety override button up to a maximum of 45°C. You also have the option to order the system with hose, slide rail, and hand-shower hand piece.

Aside from Therm-Oz, you can also find other generic thermostatic mixing valves in the market. Whatever brand or option you choose, you can be sure that its installation can help make shower time a comfortable, relaxing, and safe experience.

Melbourne Building Works are experts at planning and installing these safety devices. Give us a call today and see the difference it makes!

Grab Rails and Other Installations

When it comes to home safety, some people think that the kitchen is the most dangerous room, with its hot stove and use of sharp objects. However, it’s the bathroom that poses the biggest risks to homeowners. Falls and slips often happen in or near the shower, bathtub or toilet. And what’s worse is that the bathroom is much more hazardous for women and individuals with a significant and permanent disability.

As a homeowner who values the safety of everyone, it’s important to take manage the risks and promote quality living at all times. One helpful step that you can take is to install grab rails or bars in the bathroom. These are secure and durable safety add-ons that can prevent falls. Its safety benefits can be enhanced by adding a few more safety installations and modifications in your bathroom.

As an NDIS partner provider, our team can help assess and install the appropriate supports in your bathroom. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from grab rails and other safety installations best for your home.

Grab Rails and Stud Reach Rails

Also known as bars, the grab rails are safety devices designed to help the individual maintain balance, lessen the fatigue when standing, or have something to grab onto in case of a fall or slip. Grab rails can also help the caregiver with guiding and transferring the elderly from one place to another. Or in case of a fall, the grab bars can act as support.

The rails are available in different designs, sizes, and colorways which can appeal to the specific needs of homeowners. Although this safety equipment may vary in terms of designs, the are two critical requirements that should remain- accessibility and construction.

High-quality and durable grab rails

For these to work, grab rails should support high loads and can withstand sudden impacts. The Department of Human Services (Australia) has identified the different standards that should be complied with by the grab rails. As a homeowner, careful attention must be extended to its construction, how it’s joined together, and the thickness of the rail tubing. These elements will define the strength and durability of the grab rails. The stud reach rails are highly recommended by the councils and many builders. These are modular in construction and comply with AS 1428:1 standards for mobility and safety.

Accessibility of the grab rails

More than the construction, your grab rails should be accessible as well. Again, its location should not be a spur of the moment decision but comply with Australian standards. More importantly, its location and direction should address the special needs of the user. Grab rails should be close enough to reach and should consider the functional capacity of the disabled or the elderly. Furthermore, the orientation of the grab rails should depend on the purpose.

Other Minor Installations

Aside from the installation of grab rails, homeowners can also invest in minor installations and enhancements which can promote safety in the bathroom. One common problem in the bathroom is a slippery floor. The most obvious solution to this is to replace the slippery bathroom floor with nonslip bathroom tiles. You can also use non-slip mats inside the shower, on the floor, and inside the bathtub. Another option is to apply a non-acidic product on the tiles to reduce its slipperiness.

Slippery Vinyl Flooring

In many cases, the slipperiness of the vinyl flooring is due to the use of floor cleaners with a silicone base. If this is the case, you need to stop using these types of cleaners to prevent the slipperiness of the flooring. Another option is to use a non-slip vinyl flooring in your home.

Slippery Slate or Brick Surfaces

Slippery slate and brick surfaces can become a problem as well. If you love the look and feel of the slate and brick but want to reduce the slipperiness, we can also treat the surface using clear coating using materials that approximate the qualities of crushed glass particles. Once cleaned and finished the right way, the surface will provide you years worth of service without the messy maintenance and it retains the glow that comes with slate or brick.

Need help in assessing the safety requirements of your home? Contact Melbourne Building Works today to schedule a free consultation!

5 Steps to MBW Building

Step 1.

LET’S GET STARTED

Location.

We’ll provide you with contacts for real estate agents in your ideal area & help you with land/property selection!

Need conveying, no problem we’ve got that covered too!

Design? Yep!

Our Architects are excited to draft your dream home or extension & and our structural and drainage Engineers work with our Architects, making everything safe, sound & sustainable.

Need Council & Building Plans & Permits?

Yep, we can help you with those too!

Step 2.

OUR BUILDING TEAM

Our qualified Builders, with many decades industry experience, including NDIS alteration work, are excited to work on your Project.

Our professional and qualified Team of Engineers, Architects, & Builders work together to provide you with advice & guidance, as well as plans, enabling you to seek relevant approvals,

Step 3.

YOU’RE NEVER ALONE

Our Team will offer ongoing support to make your building or renovating project as smooth as possible.

Step 4.

NDIS SUPPORTER

We are committed to improving the lives of our NDIS Clients & are proud of our Community Spirit.

Step 5.

ENTRUSTING US WITH YOUR DREAMS

Our pledge:

 Complete every Job professionally, with integrity & with our client’s personal needs as our foremost objective.

We will work with you every step of the way to ensure we create your ideal new home or renovation.

Call Us
1300 020 382

Please feel free to contact us for any enquiry you may have. We look forward to servicing your needs.