After a major weather event like Cyclone Alfred, cleaning up your property can feel overwhelming.
From fallen branches to structural damage, knowing where to start is key to a safe and effective recovery.
Local handyman Billy Breen from One Call Handyman says the first step is assessing the damage carefully.
“Cleaning out gutters, making sure everything is tight with no loose items, and checking drainage are key,” Mr Breen said.
“We’re seeing a lot of fences falling over, trees down, and roof leaks after storms like this. Homeowners should also get their roofs assessed to prevent further damage.”
For minor damage, homeowners can often handle the cleanup themselves.
Clearing debris, checking fences, and securing loose items are simple but important tasks.
However, Mr. Breen warns against tackling bigger repairs without the right expertise.
“Roof leaks are a big one. If they aren’t fixed properly, the cost of repairing the damage can be much higher than fixing the initial leak,” he said.
“We also see a lot of fences that weren’t concreted deep enough into the ground, and with storms and wet soil, they just fall over.”
One of the most common mistakes people make is rushing the cleanup without proper tools or precautions.
“Boots, gloves, and safety goggles are must-haves,” Mr Breen said.
“If you’re working on a roof, you should be using a harness if required and making sure your ladder is set up correctly.”
Another key step in recovery is knowing when to involve insurance providers.
“If you think something is going to be a problem, it’s best to fix it rather than just document it for later,” he said.
To minimise future damage, regular maintenance is crucial, such as trimming overhanging branches that could fall during strong winds, ensuring gutters are clear of leaves and debris to prevent overflow, and checking for loose roof tiles or screws that might lead to leaks.
“Cleaning gutters is a big one,” Mr Breen said.
“People leave them clogged, and when heavy rain comes, the water can’t drain properly. That’s when it can start flowing back into the house and causing serious issues.”
For homeowners needing extra help, Mr Breen recommends checking for licensed professionals and getting multiple quotes before committing to repairs.
“Google reviews and QBCC licensing are the two most important things to check,” he said.
“We hear a lot of stories about people choosing the cheapest option, only to have issues later and the contractor won’t come back to fix it. A company with strong reviews and proper licensing will stand by their work.”
His business, One Call Handyman, offers a full range of licensed tradespeople, including roofers, carpenters, plasterers, and painters, making it a one-stop shop for storm repairs.
“If you’ve had roof leaks, we can fix them as well as any damage it caused inside the house, like to the walls or ceiling,” he said.
“And while we don’t have an electrician in-house, we have a trusted one we recommend. You should never do electrical work yourself if you’re unlicensed”
