Frequently Asked Questions

We service North Lakes, Mango Hill, Redcliffe, Narangba, Kallangur, Petrie and Strathpine in the Moreton Bay region. Call 0478 177 353 to confirm availability in your suburb.

Yes — quotes are free. For straightforward jobs we can quote from photos or a description. For larger or more complex jobs we may visit the site first. Either way, there's no charge.

Most jobs in the North Lakes area can be scheduled within a week. For urgent work, call 0478 177 353 — we'll do our best to fit you in sooner.

Not always. As long as we have access and clear instructions, we're happy to work while you're out. We'll send photos when the job is done so you can see the result.

Bank transfer or cash on completion. No large upfront deposits are required. A tax invoice is available on request — useful for rental property records or tax claims.

Yes. TotalUpkeep Maintenance holds public liability insurance. If your property manager or strata needs documentation, contact us and we'll arrange it.

Our standard hours are Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm. Weekend availability depends on current bookings — call or message to check.

We have a one-hour minimum call-out. Most handyman visits run two to four hours — plenty of time to work through a list of odds jobs.

Yes. We work for homeowners, landlords and property managers. We can coordinate access with tenants, send condition photos and supply a tax invoice for your records.

Yes — fortnightly and monthly maintenance plans are available. A regular schedule keeps gardens in great shape year-round and usually works out cheaper per visit than one-off bookings.

Yes. Green waste removal can be included in the quote. We load and remove it so your bins don't overflow and the yard stays tidy after the job.

Yes. We clear out established overgrowth, prepare the soil and replant with species suited to South East Queensland's climate. We'll discuss a plan with you before starting.

Yes — careful edging around beds and established plants is standard practice. We use hand tools where mowers can't safely reach.

We get as close as possible. If you have leftover paint from the original job, we'll use that — always the best match. Otherwise we tint from the manufacturer's range.

Joint compound typically needs 24 hours per coat depending on humidity. We schedule revisit times to allow adequate drying so the finish stays smooth long-term.

Hairline cracks along plasterboard joins are usually just settlement — cosmetic only. Wide cracks (above 3mm) or diagonal cracks near corners can indicate structural movement and should be assessed by a structural engineer. We'll give you an honest opinion when we see it.

Yes. We cut out damaged sections, treat for residual moisture, replace and repaint. We recommend fixing the water source first so the repair lasts.

Timber expands in Queensland's heat and humidity. Doors that fit fine in winter can bind against the frame in summer. We plane and adjust the door leaf so it operates smoothly through seasonal changes.

Yes. We supply and fit deadbolts to most standard timber and hollow-core doors. We check door thickness and frame condition first to make sure the installation is solid.

Yes. Worn rollers are the most common cause of sliding doors that jump or drag. We replace the wheels, clean the track and adjust the door height so it glides properly.

In Queensland, once a year is usually enough to keep concrete and brick looking clean. In leafy or humid areas, twice a year stops green build-up before it stains.

Not when done correctly. Timber requires lower pressure and working with the grain, keeping the nozzle moving. We've cleaned hundreds of decks without damage when the wood is in reasonable condition.

Pressure washing combined with a degreaser pre-treatment significantly reduces oil stains. Very old or heavy stains may need grinding or sealing to fully address.

Absolutely. Spot repairs are often the most cost-effective option when the rest of the fence is structurally sound. We match the timber species and profile as closely as possible.

Usually yes. Gate sag is typically a hinge or post issue — we adjust, replace or re-set the relevant hardware. Most gate fixes are a straightforward half-day job.

Yes. Storm damage — broken palings, snapped rails, leaning posts — is work we handle regularly. We'll assess the damage and give you a straight quote on what's needed.

Yes — this is how most customers use us. Send your list through the contact form and we'll give you a time and cost estimate. We'd rather do five jobs well than rush one.

Yes. IKEA, AMART, Harvey Norman, Fantastic Furniture — we've assembled them all. Bring the boxes home and we'll take it from there.

No — electrical, gas and structural plumbing work requires a licenced tradesperson by law in Queensland. We'll tell you clearly if a job needs to go to a licensed trade rather than waste your time.