Popped in to buy a measuring tape. Noticing that staff were thin on the ground, I decided to look for it myself. I assumed these tapes would most likely be located next to hammers and other work tools. Not. I approached a green and red pinafored-clad staff member in the paints section who was doing everything she could to avoid eye contact. On asking where the tapes were, she said "over there". My eyes followed the direction of her arm and I proceeded to where the arm pointed. Then she asked a question which seriously made me wonder about her sanity. "Do you want to buy one?". What the?? No, I was going to tuck one in my pocket and head straight for the exit. Oh Bunnings, some days you are good and on others, I need a strong shot of something after.

Approximate cost: $6

Requested quote, measure and installation of curtain tracks, curtains and a blind. Service was mediocre, curtains were unremarkable and tie backs amateurishly finished. Also unavailable, a variety of curtain tracks or rods, tie backs or curtain accessories. Not recommended as the end product (except for the blind) is not as sharp or as polished as you would expect.

Approximate cost: $3,000 plus

Listen up ladies. Looking for a mechanic who is also a perfectionist? Wait wait wait. I know, I used mechanic and perfectionist in the same sentence. Introducing Volker. Here is someone who understands cars and will give you a mini tutorial on how the innards of a car work. Also, at no cost, he will provide recommendations, meaning he will advise you on when certain parts require replacement - these are not urgent but they will place you on high alert e.g. battery renewal will be needed after xxxx kms. Crucial info if you are not the type who relishes waiting for road side assistance. Volker will provide you with a thorough run down on the work done to your vehicle to the point of being pedantic. Know what a coolent bleed screw is?? No fear, Volker will explain. This hottie (yes, girls, he's easy on the eye too) will also give you a word by word printout for you to peruse whilst sipping on a latte. And when you return to pick up your precious little asset, there she is, tarted up with blackened tyres and a spray of perfumed something in the interior. For those of you, not into heady scents, do remind Volker unless you, like me, enjoy the experience of driving home with the whiff and faint memory of an overseas visit to an Asian temple. Perfectionists don't come cheap however a consultation with Volker, is worth the time if you happen to think that your beloved vehicle is your bff.

Approximate cost: $1,100+

My hair hadn't seen a pair of hairdresser's scissors for a good six months resulting in a mess of tangled layers and split ends. Chris casts an expert eye on the horror before her and immediately offers a suggestion no other hairdresser had ever thought of or could be bothered enough to give - chemical straightening. The outcome was a head of smooth, sleek, polished hair cut into a charming Bob. Chemical straightening is only as good as the operator. Chris kept a watchful eye over the process and is clearly a dab hand at this. This is a time consuming treatment however you can be rest assured that Chris cuts no corners. Highly recommended and worth the journey to this part of town.

Approximate cost: $300+