ABOUT · INDEPENDENT SOLE TRADER · MELBOURNE, VIC
Setting a bottom course of wall tiles above a timber floor. Reference photo.
FIELD NOTES — WORKING WITH ME
☐ Inspection. I look at the property myself before recommending anything.
☐ Scope. I explain what I think is needed, why, and what could limit the result.
☐ Hands-on work. Tiling, flooring, surface preparation, plasterboard, plastering and painting are done by me.
☐ Regulated work. Licensed plumbing, electrical and similar work goes to appropriately licensed specialists.
☐ Quotation. Based on the assessed scope, materials and existing conditions.
0413 142 055 · 9:00–18:00, Mon–Sun
01 / Where my experience comes from
~15
YEARS HANDS-ON
Approximate years of practical work in residential renovations and property improvements.
I’m Ivan Bodnar, an independent home renovation specialist working as a sole trader in Melbourne, Victoria. I have approximately 15 years of hands-on experience in residential renovations and property improvements.
I first learnt renovation work alongside my father.
From there I gained practical experience working with tradespeople, within renovation teams and as a subcontractor.
Starting my own business was the natural next step. Today I offer bathroom renovations in Murrumbeena and across Melbourne, along with related residential renovations, home improvements and property maintenance.
02
When you contact me, you’re not passed between a salesperson, an estimator and a site crew. I’m the one who inspects your property, discusses what you want to achieve and takes responsibility for carrying out the work.
That keeps things simple. The questions you ask at the inspection are answered by the person who will be holding the trowel, so there’s less chance of something being lost between the conversation and the result.
My practical expertise covers bathroom renovations, tiling, flooring, surface preparation, plasterboard installation, plastering and painting. Where a job needs licensed plumbing, electrical or other regulated work, that part is done by appropriately licensed specialists, and I coordinate it as part of the project. You can read how that works on Working with Licensed Specialists.
03
HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY
The work a home needs depends on its condition, and you should understand my thinking before you agree to anything. Every assessment covers three things.
What I believe is necessary based on what I’ve inspected, separated from what’s optional or can wait.
The reasoning behind the method and materials, so you can weigh it up rather than take it on trust.
Existing conditions, hidden issues or regulated components that could affect the scope, the timing or the quote.
Wall compound applied with a putty knife and trowel. Reference photo.
04 / WHAT I’M AIMING FOR
My aim is to help Melbourne homeowners renovate, repair and improve their properties without surprises. That starts with advice that fits your home and budget, not a standard package.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is that good preparation matters just as much as the visible finish. Tiles, paint and plaster only look right for years if the surface under them was dealt with properly first. I wrote more about this in Why Preparation Matters.
Nothing is booked or sold through this website. Work is arranged directly with me after an assessment and quotation, and you can see each step in the Assessment and Quotation Process.
05 / IF YOU’RE PLANNING SOMETHING
A short written message is the easiest way to reach me while I’m on site. Mention your suburb and a brief description of the work, and I’ll look at whether an inspection makes sense. I work in Murrumbeena and across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. See the service area.
