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Freestanding bath against a black wall
Gold Coast, QLD

Bathroom renovations and carpentry in Runaway Bay

New bathrooms and decks for canal and Broadwater homes.

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  • QBCC licensed
  • 5.0 stars on Google
  • Free quotes

Homes in Runaway Bay at the 2021 Census

  • 45.3%separate houses
  • 26.4%townhouses and semis
  • 28.2%flats and units
  • 43.0%owned outright

Runaway Bay sits on the Gold Coast Broadwater, about 7 km north of Southport. Its east side runs out into the water, lined with foreshore parks and two boat ramps. The streets have canal access points, and Pine Ridge Conservation Park fills the north-west corner.

Homes here are a real mix of houses, townhouses and units. With the water so close, a new deck out the back is a natural fit. Inside, an older bathroom or tired sliding doors are jobs that suit these homes.

Close by: Paradise Point, Labrador.

What Brett does in Runaway Bay

What are homes like in Runaway Bay?

Runaway Bay is not just houses. In the 2021 Census, 45.3% of lived-in homes were separate houses, 26.4% were townhouses or semi-detached, and 28.2% were flats or apartments.

People here tend to own outright. 43.0% of homes were fully paid off and 27.7% had a mortgage. Only 24.3% were rented. The median age was 54. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, think about a bathroom that still works for you later on, with a low step into the shower and room to move. Our guide to an accessible bathroom renovation covers the basics.

Entry with timber steps and landing

What should you plan for on a Runaway Bay job?

Runaway Bay grew in two waves. About 50 homes stood here by the mid-1950s, and the bigger subdivision began in 1972. Homes from those early years are now more than 50 years old. Houses built before 1990 often contain asbestos, the Queensland Government says. If you are not sure, treat old wall sheets and tiles as asbestos until a lab tests them.

Salt is the other thing to plan for. The Broadwater is the south end of Moreton Bay, and the QBCC puts land within 100 m of bayside areas in a sea spray zone. It says plain Z275 brackets suit dry indoor spots only. On a deck near the water, ask for stainless steel fixings.

White poolside cabana with a daybed

Do you need approval for canal work in Runaway Bay?

If your block backs onto a canal, the council says it is your job to keep your jetty, pontoon, boat ramp and deck in good condition. You must also keep the revetment wall safe and sound. Development work on tidal land needs approval, and a pontoon or jetty in an exclusive use area needs a lease.

Back on dry land, the council says a new timber deck is likely to need building approval from a private certifier. Our page on council approval for renovations walks through the steps.

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 Runaway Bay

Can't see your question? Ask Brett.

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Can I build a deck next to my canal in Runaway Bay?

Often you can, but it takes care. A new timber deck is likely to need approval from a private certifier. If it sits close to your revetment wall, remember that you, not the council, must keep that wall in good repair. The council suggests getting an engineer to report on the wall's condition first.

Do I need body corporate approval for a Runaway Bay townhouse?

Check your by-laws before any work starts. The Queensland Government says owners should look for by-laws that affect changes. If the job is an improvement to common property, the committee can approve it when the total cost is under $3,000. If the committee can't approve it, it goes to a vote at a general meeting.

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