Looking to add render to your home? Read through our article of some of Canberra’s best. Photo: File.
A stroll down any street in Canberra will reveal two home truths. The first, our love greenery. The second, our love of render! As a popular construction finish, rendered façades are everywhere. From humble homes to high rise, this chameleon coating can be found on walls great and small.
First used some several thousand years ago, and popularised the world over, it is easy to see why. Providing a choice in colours, textures, and finishes, it offers as many aesthetic benefits as it does practicalities. For updating an older property or adding interest to a new one, render is demanded now more than ever.
Now if you are looking for experienced hands to complete your rendering works, look no further than your local renderer. As skilled professionals in the building trade, renderers specialise in the application of rendering products. Read on below to find our pick of Canberra’s best.
What makes a great renderer?
Great renderers are masters of transformation, finishing walled surfaces with refined beauty and skilled technique. If you are looking for a renderer in Canberra, we suggest considering the following:
- Reputable. Any reputable renderer will come with a proven track record of high-quality project deliverables. Speak to family, friends, and colleagues to obtain personal recommendations whilst also conducting some independent research. While supplied testimonials are useful, third-party customer reviews are most beneficial.
- Licensed & insured. Setting qualifications aside as a given, the best renderers are fully licensed and insured. Within the ACT this means they are the holders of a building license issued by the ACT Planning and Land Authority. Should they also operate in NSW as well, ensure they possess a wet plastering license issued by Fair Trading. Importantly, ensure your renderer is adequately insured covering their works and public liability.
- Experienced. As the final flourish on a property’s external façade, rendering is best left to those most experienced. Renders with five plus years in business can signify that they are stable and reliable operators. As experienced teams, they are more likely to have finessed an operating rhythm completing each project swiftly and safely.
- Project fit. Often one of the best ways to assess a contractor’s suitability is by reviewing their body of past projects. While all offer rendering services, some are more likely to specialise in a particular area over others. Therefore, ensure your chosen contractor is well adept at delivering projects like your own. A quick review of their portfolio is a great way to assess this.
- Quality. As with most building projects, rendering comes at a cost. And, with this cost comes an expectation of quality. If you are looking to ensure a quality rendered finish, opt for contractor that is known for delivering just that. Look for guaranteed workmanship and be clear on terms.
Important essentials
Before engaging a contractor, be sure to review the following:
- Confirm they are a registered business through the Australian Business Registration website.
- Ensure appropriate licensing via the Access Canberra list of Licenced Builders.
- Verify they hold the appropriate level of public liability insurance.
- Be clear on contracted inclusions, terms, and conditions.
The best renderers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
LG Rendering Solutions
Founded in 2015, LG Rendering Solutions are a Canberra based specialist rendering company. Owner-operator Guilly and his team have an impeccable reputation for their quality rendering services and top-notch client care.
LG Rendering Solutions provide and supply acrylic, cement, and textured render; install EPS cladding; patch concrete; paint; and offer special finishes like polished plaster. With countless homes in their portfolio they are an excellent choice.
Happy customer Vele shared the following online recommendation, “One of the best in Canberra, very professional, perfect rendering highly recommended.”
The Ideal Group
Founded in 2007, The Idea Group first began operations as rendering specialists, and through time have flourished into a one stop shop for all construction and maintenance needs.
With a diverse portfolio of commercial and residential clients, the offer acrylic rendering, polystyrene cladding, painting, and construction services.
Experienced in all types of rendering systems, The Ideal Group offer applications on hebel, polystyrene cladding, blueboard, dincel, and benex blocks to name a few.
Alexander Goodall had this to say on Google, “Ben and his team have just insulated and rendered our 1950s house in O'Connor. It's made a massive difference to the temperature, because the thermal mass is protected from the exterior cold…. For renovators who have no idea what they're doing and who need an expert they can trust, the Ideal Group really are who you need!”
Render Plus
With a long service history across Queensland, New South Wales, and now Canberra, Render Plus have a solid reputation for delivering quality rendering projects.
Offering a range of external finishes, services include acrylic rendering, EPS cladding, coloured and textured render, painting, and natural finishes.
Skilled in render application on polystyrene cladding, clay brick, concrete blocks, dincel, and hebel surfaces, they have completed many successful projects across the local region.
As Fabio Sousa succinctly said on Google, “Amazing work.”
John Armstrong Cement Rendering
Locally based and owner-operated, John Armstrong Cement Rendering specialise in cement and acrylic rendering along with solid plastering.
Geared toward the residential market, John Armstrong has assisted many local residents with their renovation and update needs.
Vicki Davenport shared this review on Google, “John has done quite a bit of work for me in the past few years, and I wouldn't use anyone else. He is a very clean worker always cleans up after him and never leaves a job until it's perfect.”
For more, see our articles on the best concreters, the best bricklayers and the best builders and renovators that Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with renderers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the renderers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is render?
Render is a topically applied mixture of cement, sand, lime, and other compounds, designed to be applied to interior or exterior walls to unify or ‘render’ its finish. Render is also typically known as rendering, cement rendering or solid plastering.
Are there any benefits of applying a render finish?
Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal, rendering a surface like an exterior wall, can dramatically lift its lifespan. Not only does it offer an added layer of protection from the elements; it also has the potential to improve a homes insulation, waterproofing, and fire rating properties. As a popular finish in homes of today, rendering can also improve a homes value.
What types of renders are there?
The three most common render types include cement, acrylic, and polymer render. As the name suggests, cement render is comprised of cement, sand, and lime. Acrylic render features added plastics to boost strength and flexibility. Finally, polymer render included added polymer to boost adherence and water resistance. If you’re considering using a render in your space, contact your local trade for product advice.
How much does rendering cost?
Depending on the nature of the task and rendering type, the square metre cost varies from $50 for cement to over $150 for insulating render. These are approximate figures only and do vary, so contact your local renderer for a quote befitting your needs.
Is rendering a DIY task?
While rendering can be a do-it-yourself task, whether you elect to do so depends on the desired result. Nothing will compare to the quality finish provided by an experienced rendering professional, both in terms of appearance and integrity.
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