This website is mainly about kitchen renovations in St Kilda. Ivan Bodnar also does decking, pergolas, fencing, outdoor improvements, property maintenance and general home improvements. He takes the same approach outside as inside: he looks at what the new work will sit on or fix to before suggesting materials or a scope.
BEFORE ANY OUTDOOR OR MAINTENANCE JOB
Condition of existing timber, posts and fixings
Signs of moisture, rot or water pooling
What can be repaired and what needs replacing
Surface preparation before paint or sealer
Access, neighbours and boundary questions
Whether permits or licensed trades may be involved
CAPABILITY INDEX
These are related capabilities, not the main focus of this site. Each one starts with a look at the existing condition and practical options suited to the property.
Decking
New decking or repair of an existing deck. Ivan checks the frame, the ground clearance, the fixings and any boards that have moved or softened before suggesting suitable materials.
Pergolas
Pergola work starts with where it fixes, what it rests on and how water will run off. Some structures need permits or an engineer’s input, and that depends on the site.
Fencing
Replacing or repairing fence panels, posts and gates. Boundary arrangements and any neighbour agreement are yours to confirm before work begins.
Outdoor improvements
Smaller outdoor jobs such as repairs, refinishing and updates to existing outdoor areas, with careful surface preparation before any new finish.
Property maintenance
Planned upkeep for homes, including properties being prepared for sale or rental. It often pairs with interior and exterior painting or plastering.
General home improvements
Practical repairs and updates around the house, from worn surfaces to flooring and tiling touch-ups.
SCOPE NOTE
Maintenance here means planned, assessed work. There is no separately advertised 24/7 emergency service. If something urgent happens, such as a burst pipe or an electrical fault, contact an appropriately licensed plumber or electrician directly.
Ivan Bodnar is an independent sole trader. He does not claim unverified trade licences or builder registration. Regulated plumbing and electrical work is done by appropriately authorised specialists, as explained on the licensed trades page. Structural engineering, architectural design and asbestos removal are not part of the services offered. Where a job needs them, they have to be arranged with the right practitioners.
Permits, registration, insurance and licensed trade requirements vary from project to project, and an inspection cannot reveal every concealed issue.
Can the old deck be repaired rather than replaced?
Sometimes. It depends on the frame, the fixings and how much moisture damage is underneath. That only becomes clear once the boards are looked at closely, and sometimes only once they are lifted.
Can this be combined with a kitchen renovation?
Yes. If you are already planning a kitchen, related maintenance can be discussed during the same on-site assessment and set out in the written quotation.
Will a pergola or fence need approval?
It may. Requirements are site-specific, and nobody can promise that a permit is unnecessary without checking. Your local council and, for flats, the owners corporation are the people to confirm with.
Who do I speak to?
Ivan Bodnar directly. He draws on approximately 15 years’ personal renovation experience, from the first discussion through to the work itself.
Is the assessment free?
Yes. The inspection and the quote are free, and a written quotation follows the assessment.
Describe the job and the property through the enquiry form, or call 0413 142 055 between 9:00 and 18:00, any day of the week.
