Getting to Know … Martin Hames of RepairCARE

Martin Hames has more than 20 years’ experience as a licensed carpenter and joiner in Australia and England. In 2012, he made the bold decision to start his own family business, repairCARE Home Improvements, offering a broad range of carpentry, joinery and home improvement services. Martin provides an honest, competitive, professional service with exceptional outcomes.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Originally from England, Derby, my partner and I decided in late 2006 to visit Australia for the year. After only three months of being in Sydney, we knew we wanted to stay and nearly 13 years later we haven’t looked back.

I began my career in carpentry/joinery at the age of 16, working predominantly for one company up until leaving England at the grand age of 26. I am stickler for detail and passionate about working with wood and providing a professional service.

When and why did you decide to establish repairCARE Home Improvements?

In 2012, my wife and I found out we were expecting our first child which made me stop and take stock of my career and lifestyle. Working very long days away, I decided that this could not continue when our child was born as I wanted to be home and present. So as a family we decided to start up our business now known as repairCARE Home Improvements.

What did you do prior to setting up repairCARE Home Improvements?

Before starting repairCARE Home Improvements in 2012, I worked for a company in Sydney that fitted out food courts in Sydney and Melbourne. Prior to that I worked for a small business that installed windows, doors, conservatories and glazing.

What drew you to carpentry and joinery in the first place?

Working with wood and creating custom pieces using, in particular, sustainable wood has always been my passion, whether it was work related or not.

What services do you offer?

At repairCARE Home Improvements we cover a wide range of home improvement and carpentry and joinery services.

Carpentry/joinery services include storage, cabinetry and shelving, pergolas, decking, fences and gates, weatherboards (interior and exterior) and all general carpentry, e.g., doors, door jambs, architraves, skirting and more.

Repairs and maintenance services include door and window repairs, locks, sash window repairs, guttering and downpipes, decks and deck rejuvenation, weatherboards, rental property maintenance, insurance repairs and more.

What can clients expect from your services?

I bring more than 20 years’ experience of licensed skills in the industry, so clients can rest assured that any repairCARE work will be high quality. I take pride in punctuality and honest and competitive pricing with a flawless finish and my goal is to offer first-class personalised and professional experience.

What do you enjoy most about running your own business?

I have really enjoyed being in charge of my own destiny. Although owning and running your own business can be challenging, taking control of my own destiny has enabled me to offer a service that I believe Sydney home residents deserve, it has allowed me to do a job I enjoy, and most importantly be present for my family.

What is one of the most common pitfalls you see with DIY home improvements?

The common problems I find include the wrong materials being used, residents being given incorrect advice from so-called trade people, residents being ripped off or problems being just patched up because customers can’t afford to have the full repair completed, which in the end costs the customer more long term.

As a parent yourself, do you have any advice for new parents?

As much as possible, try to be home and present, as time flies! Before you know it, your baby is off to school and becoming independent.

Favourite places in the Inner West?

The Bay Run, Gladstone Park, Elkington Park, Blackwattle Bay … There are too many great options, really! We are to lucky living in Rozelle; we have the city on our doorstep and beaches are only a 20-minute car drive. We just love this city and especially the Inner West!

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About Author

Ginny Grant

As a book editor, writer and mother of two young children, I divide my time between grappling with words and kids. Both can be troublesome and delightful. I am also the author of Australia’s Greatest Landmarks and Locations (Random House Australia, 2014), and firmly believe Sydney’s Inner West is one of Australia’s – no, the world’s – truly great places to live.

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