Gardening & Landscape Design
Garden clean-ups · Lawn care · Planting · Landscaping
A neat garden makes your home look its best — and keeps the pests away too. TotalUpkeep Maintenance handles everything from basic lawn mowing and edging through to garden bed prep, mulching, trimming, and design work. Whether it's a one-off tidy before a sale or an ongoing maintenance arrangement, we work to the standard you'd expect if it was our own yard.
- Lawn mowing, edging and whipper-snipping
- Garden bed preparation, mulching and weeding
- Hedge, shrub and tree trimming
- Seasonal planting and garden redesign
- Rubbish and green-waste removal
- Pressure washing of paths and driveways post-clean
Common questions about gardening & landscaping
Do you offer regular scheduled garden maintenance?
Yes — we offer fortnightly and monthly maintenance plans. A regular schedule keeps your garden in great shape year-round and usually works out cheaper per visit than booking one-offs.
Can you remove an overgrown garden completely and replant?
Absolutely. We clear out established overgrowth, prepare the soil, and replant with hardy local species suited to South East Queensland's climate. We'll talk through a plan with you before starting.
Do you take the green waste away?
Yes. Green waste removal can be included in the quote. We load and remove it so your bins don't overflow and your yard stays tidy.
Can you mow around established garden beds without damaging plants?
Yes — careful edging around beds and established plants is standard practice. We use hand tools where mowers can't safely reach.
Do I need to be home for the garden service?
Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the yard and clear instructions, we're happy to work while you're out. We'll send you a photo when the job's done.
What suburbs in the Moreton Bay region do you cover?
We service North Lakes, Mango Hill, Redcliffe, Narangba, Kallangur, Petrie and Strathpine. Call us to confirm availability in your exact suburb.
Plaster & Paint Repairs
Wall & ceiling cracks · Patching · Touch-up painting
Small cracks in walls and ceilings look cheap and can indicate movement if left too long. We patch and repair plasterboard and set, sand back to a smooth finish, and repaint to match your existing colour as closely as possible. Tidy work with minimal dust and disruption.
- Hairline and stress crack repairs
- Larger holes from fixings, moisture or impact
- Cornice and ceiling plaster repairs
- Sanding, priming and touch-up painting
- Colour matching to existing wall paint
- Pre-sale cosmetic repairs
Common questions about plaster & paint repairs
Can you match existing paint colours exactly?
We aim to get as close as possible. If you have leftover paint, we'll use that — it's always the best match. Otherwise we use a tint gun to blend as closely as we can from the manufacturer's range.
How long does a plaster repair take to dry before painting?
Joint compound typically needs 24 hours per coat depending on humidity. We schedule revisit times to allow for adequate drying so the finish stays smooth long-term.
Is a crack in my ceiling something to worry about?
Hairline cracks along plasterboard joins are usually just settlement — cosmetic only. Wide cracks (above 3mm) or diagonal cracks near corners may indicate structural movement and should be assessed by a structural engineer. We'll give you an honest opinion when we see it.
Do you repair water-damaged plaster?
Yes. We cut out damaged sections, treat for any residual moisture, replace and repaint. We'd recommend fixing the water source first to avoid a repeat.
Can you repair a hole in the wall from a doorhandle?
Yes — doorhandle holes are one of the most common repairs we do. We patch, sand and paint in one visit for small holes; larger damage may require a second coat and revisit.
How much does a plaster repair cost?
It depends on size and the number of repairs. Send us a photo through the contact form or give us a call on 0478 177 353 for a quick estimate.
Door Repairs & Lock Installation
Sticking doors · Deadbolts · Screen door locks · Sliding doors
A door that won't close properly is an annoyance in summer and a security problem year-round. We re-hang, plane and adjust doors that have dropped or warped, replace broken hardware, and install new deadbolts and security locks from quality brands. Quick, clean and done right the first time.
- Sticking and misaligned door repairs
- Hinge replacement and adjustment
- Deadbolt supply and installation
- Screen door latch and lock replacement
- Sliding door track and lock repairs
- Door weatherstrip replacement
Common questions about door repairs & locks
Why does my door stick in summer?
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.
Can you install a deadbolt on an existing door?
Yes. We supply and fit deadbolts to most standard timber and hollow-core doors. We'll check the door thickness and frame condition first to make sure the installation is solid.
My screen door won't latch — can you fix it?
Most of the time, yes. Screen door latches are usually a straightforward replacement. We stock common sizes and can replace the full latch mechanism in a single visit.
Can you replace sliding door wheels and tracks?
Yes. Worn rollers are the most common cause of sliding doors that jump or drag. We replace the wheels and clean the track, and adjust the door height so it glides properly.
Do you work on internal doors or just external?
Both. Internal doors that won't close, latch properly or have broken handles are all within scope — we handle hinges, knobs, latches and closers.
How quickly can you come out for a door emergency?
Call us on 0478 177 353 and we'll do our best to fit you in as soon as possible. We cover North Lakes and surrounds Monday to Friday.
Pressure Washing
Driveways · Paths · Decks · Fences · External walls
A pressure wash transforms the look of your home without painting or replacing anything. We use commercial-grade equipment calibrated to the surface — high pressure for concrete and brick, lower for painted timber — to blast away mould, algae, grime and road film. The results are dramatic.
- Driveway and carport cleaning
- Path, patio and alfresco cleaning
- Timber deck restoration wash
- Fence and retaining wall cleaning
- External wall and eave washing
- Pre-paint surface preparation
Common questions about pressure washing
Will pressure washing damage my painted surfaces?
Not if done correctly. We dial back the pressure for painted or coated surfaces and stay at a safe angle and distance. If paint is already flaking or bubbling, we'll let you know before starting so you can decide whether to proceed.
How often should I pressure wash my driveway?
In Queensland, once a year is usually enough to keep concrete and brick looking clean. If you're in a leafy or humid area, twice a year stops the green build-up before it stains.
Can pressure washing remove oil stains from concrete?
Pressure washing alone won't remove set oil stains, but combined with a degreaser pre-treatment it significantly reduces them. Very old or heavy stains may need grinding or sealing to fully address.
Do you need access to my water supply?
Yes — we connect to a standard garden tap. We'll confirm this with you before arrival. Water usage is usually modest for a typical residential job.
Can you pressure wash a timber deck without splitting it?
Yes. Timber requires lower pressure and correct technique — working with the grain and keeping the nozzle moving. We've cleaned hundreds of decks without damage when the wood was in reasonable condition.
Do you use any chemicals or detergents?
For most jobs, water alone is sufficient. For heavy mould or grease we use a biodegradable detergent at low dilution. We'll let you know what we plan to use so you can make an informed decision.
Fence Repairs
Palings · Rails · Posts · Gate hardware
A sagging or broken fence doesn't just look bad — it's a privacy and security issue. We repair timber paling, colorbond and pool fences: replace split or missing palings, fix bowed rails, re-set leaning posts and adjust gate hardware so your fence is solid and square again.
- Individual paling replacement (timber)
- Rail and post repairs
- Gate hinge and latch repairs
- Pool fence panel repairs (non-structural)
- Fence stabilisation and re-setting
- Full fence replacement quotes
Common questions about fence repairs
Who is responsible for a shared fence — me or my neighbour?
Under the Queensland Neighbourhood Disputes Act, the cost of a dividing fence is generally shared between neighbours unless one party caused the damage. We can help you understand what's needed — the conversation with your neighbour is usually the hard part.
Can you repair just a few palings rather than the whole fence?
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.
My gate won't close properly — is that a big job?
Usually not. 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.
Can you replace a Colorbond fence panel?
Yes. We can replace individual Colorbond sheets and rails. We'll match the existing profile and colour as closely as possible — if the fence is faded or discontinued, we'll discuss options with you.
Can you repair a pool fence to meet compliance?
We handle non-structural repairs to pool fencing — gaps, bent rails, loose fixings. Structural or certification work requires a licenced pool fence inspector and we'd recommend engaging one for compliance issues.
How soon can you come out to look at my fence?
Call 0478 177 353 or send a photo via the contact form and we'll give you a quote. We aim to schedule most jobs within a week for the North Lakes area.
General Repairs & Odd Jobs
Flat-pack assembly · Shelving · Fixings · Anything else on the list
Sometimes you just need someone handy who shows up, does the work properly and leaves the place clean. TotalUpkeep Maintenance handles the ongoing list of odd jobs that never quite gets done — flat-pack assembly, picture hanging, curtain rail fitting, shelf installation, minor carpentry repairs and more.
- Flat-pack furniture assembly (IKEA, AMART etc.)
- Picture, mirror and TV bracket installation
- Curtain rod and blind fitting
- Shelving and storage installation
- Minor carpentry repairs
- Tap washers and minor plumbing (non-licenced)
Common questions about general repairs
Can I book a half-day to knock off a whole list of small jobs?
Yes — this is actually how most customers use us. Send through your list in the contact form and we'll give you a time estimate. We'd rather do five small jobs well than rush a single one.
Do you assemble furniture from all brands?
Yes. Flat-pack from IKEA, AMART, Harvey Norman, Fantastic Furniture — we've assembled them all. Bring the boxes home, we'll take it from there.
Can you hang a large mirror or artwork on a plasterboard wall?
Yes. We locate studs or use appropriate wall anchors for the weight, and make sure the fixing is solid before we leave. Heavy items (above 20kg) need studs; we carry stud finders and a range of fixings.
Is there a minimum booking time?
We have a one-hour minimum call-out. Most handyman visits run two to four hours, which is usually enough time to work through a typical list of odd jobs.
Can you do work that requires a trades licence?
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 licenced trade rather than waste your time and ours.
How do I pay?
Bank transfer or cash on completion. We can supply a tax invoice. Call 0478 177 353 to discuss the job or book online via the contact form.