Skip to content
Living room with glass doors opening onto a timber deck
Gold Coast, QLD

Labrador carpenter for kitchens, bathrooms and decks

Renovations and repairs for homes along the Broadwater.

Free price check Call Brett
  • QBCC licensed
  • 5.0 stars on Google
  • Free quotes

Homes in Labrador at the 2021 Census

  • 19.0%separate houses
  • 48.7%townhouses and semis
  • 31.4%flats and units
  • 46.4%rented

Labrador looks east over the Broadwater, with Southport right on its southern edge. Its land was first bought and split up in 1878, and early settlers came for the fish, crabs and oysters. By the 2021 Census it was home to 18,643 people.

Most homes here are townhouses or units, not big houses on big blocks. That suits jobs inside the walls: a new kitchen, a tidy laundry or a bathroom refresh, all planned to fit body corporate rules.

Close by: Southport, Runaway Bay.

What Brett does in Labrador

What kind of homes are in Labrador?

Labrador is a townhouse suburb. In the 2021 Census, 48.7% of lived-in homes were semi-detached, row or townhouses. Another 31.4% were flats or apartments, and just 19.0% were separate houses.

It is also a suburb of renters. 46.4% of homes were rented, while 24.5% were owned outright and 26.3% had a mortgage. The median rent was $380 a week. If you own a rental here, a hard-wearing update between tenants can be money well spent. Our laundry renovation cost guide shows what a small job can involve.

White front stairs and entry with palms

What should you plan for on a Labrador renovation?

Labrador was once called mosquito swamp land, cut through by creeks and streams. Biggera Creek and Saltwater Creek are part of its story. If your home is near a creek or the foreshore, check it before you spend on a big job. The council's flood maps show flood risk, likely flood depth and five flood scenarios for each property.

Being so close to the Broadwater, salt matters too. The QBCC puts land within 100 m of bayside areas in a sea spray zone. For a balcony or deck, it says basic galvanised brackets are not enough. Go for a higher grade, such as stainless steel.

Timber stairs with a stainless wire balustrade by the water

Do Labrador townhouses need body corporate approval?

Often, yes. With so many townhouses and units, most Labrador jobs start with the body corporate. The Queensland Government says to think about whether your change will affect common property, and to check your by-laws. Some by-laws say you need approval to change your flooring, as hard floors like timber or tiles cause many disputes.

If the work is an improvement to common property, the committee can approve it when it costs less than $3,000 and does not spoil the look of the lot. You then have to follow any conditions and look after the work. Bigger jobs go to a general meeting.

What clients say

5.0 on Google

★★★★★

A full reno, two bathrooms and all

He was fantastic to work with and the quality of work was top notch. … Brett is a very good communicator and a great builder.
Toby Black, Ashmore
★★★★★

Deck restored, new steps from scratch

Brett did a bang-up job repairing and restoring our wooden deck … we can't fault his work ethic, craftsmanship, communication or punctuality.
Shaun Rudland
★★★★★

15 years of jobs, still calling Brett

Brett has done several renovation jobs for us over the last 15 years … quality work, great follow-through, and just a great guy to have come into our home
Katrina T-w

What clients say

5.0 on Google

★★★★★
Brett from Field Carpentry completed a renovation for us at our home in Ashmore on the Gold Coast. The project included two bathrooms, some large doors and windows, some brick work repairs, flooring modifications and some other bits. He was fantastic to work with and the quality of work was top notch. He was always very polite and considerate of us while living in the house through the Renos, always working with us to schedule things when it would suit our family movements. Brett is a very good communicator and a great builder. We will definitely use Field Carpentry again and would recommend them to other Gold Coasters.
Toby Black, Ashmore
★★★★★
Brett did a bang-up job repairing and restoring our wooden deck including building a set of fully-enclosed 2 metre wide steps from scratch. He listened to what we wanted to achieve and gave us a range of options to suit different budgets. A pleasure to deal with from go to whoa, we can't fault his work ethic, craftsmanship, communication or punctuality. Would we use him again? We're already writing our "2024 List for Brett"
Shaun Rudland
★★★★★
Brett has done several renovation jobs for us over the last 15 years - timber and stainless steel back deck and railings, timber stairwell railings, refit and installation of cupboard units in laundry and bedrooms, and timber self-close fence side gate. A skilful tradie whose work I highly recommend - quality work, great follow-through, and just a great guy to have come into our home to do the necessary work.
Katrina T-w
★★★★★
Brett has carried out a range of medium to large jobs for us, including a new deck, a daybed, and he was a key part of the team that extended our house (a large reno project). His ability to bring a bespoke idea to life is incredible, as is his attention to detail. Just a great guy to work with, would recommend him to anyone.
Brendan Ritchie
★★★★★
I have hired Brett's expert carpentry services on a couple of occasions and both jobs were carried out in a professional manner. Brett is a perfectionist and takes pride in his workmanship and what he delivers. He carried out a semi kitchen reno job most recently which by no means was straightforward however he tackled it head on and a great result was achieved.
Jodie McDonald
★★★★★
Brett does wonderful work. Would thoroughly recommend him !!!
Tracy London
★★★★★
Brett did a great job on our new deck. Professional, clear communication, attention to detail, and top-tier craftsmanship. Highly recommend Brett to any one seeking a high-quality deck or renovation for a good price.
Taylor Moss
★★★★★
Brett and the team exceeded our expectations with their impeccable work on our kitchen remodel. We're thrilled with the result and grateful for the outstanding craftsmanship that has truly transformed our home.
Channa Cohn

Questions from Labrador

Can't see your question? Ask Brett.

Call Brett
Can I put a deck on my Labrador townhouse?

It comes down to two things. First, your body corporate by-laws, and whether the deck sits on common property. Second, its size. Under Queensland's Building Regulation, an unroofed deck can skip building approval only if it is no more than 10 square metres and no more than 1 m off the ground. A certifier can check yours.

How do I check flood levels for a Labrador property?

Start with the council flood maps. For more detail, order a flood level search. It gives the Designated Flood Level for your lot and the ground level at its centre. It covers river and regional floods only, not local flash flooding, and an admin fee applies. A licensed surveyor can confirm your floor levels.

Free price check

What will your job cost?

3 quick questions, then a Gold Coast price range. No details needed.

Question 1 of 3

What's the job?
Brett Field Call Brett Free price check