For Katie Wicking is an established property manager at Wilsons Warrnambool & District Real Estate, a local real estate agent built on putting client’s interests first.
Katie is responsible for managing rental properties means navigating a constant stream of moving parts — landlords, tenants, tradespeople, bonds, and the inevitable wear and tear that comes with it all. When damage shows up between tenancies, the clock is ticking and the options are rarely simple.
Not One Problem, But Two
Katie has used Matt and Shannon Jellie from FIX ‘N’ CHIPS Western Victoria twice now — and each job came with its own set of complications.
The first was a chip in a kitchen benchtop left behind by a departing tenant.
“There was a couple of chips in a benchtop left from a previous renter that Matt fixed without an issue. You couldn’t even tell anything had been done, and it was really easy”
The second, more recently, was a chip in a wooden banister. That one gave Katie pause.
“I wasn’t sure if Shannon could do something like that — but she did that for me really quickly. And you cannot even see any evidence of any chip that ever was there.”
Two different surfaces. Two jobs done. Both easy to organise and hard to spot once complete.
Learning About Chip Repair
It started simply. Matt and Shannon came into the agency office not long after setting up in Warrnambool, introduced themselves, and left a card. When the benchtop chip appeared shortly after, they were fresh in Katie’s mind.
“Matt and Shannon were fresh in our mind, and we just thought we’d give them a chance. They went out and assessed it and said, ‘That’s an easy fix.’”
Before calling Matt and Shannon, Katie had reached out to a handyman the agency regularly used. His answer was quick and honest: this wasn’t something he did. Matt and Shannon were the next call — and they’ve been the first call ever since.
A Process Built for Busy People
Property managers don’t have time for complicated processes. What Katie found with Matt and Shannon was how easy it was.
“We just emailed them the photos, and they quoted off the photo.”
No site visits required before committing. No back and forth. Just a photo, a quote, and a time to turn up. For the banister job, Matt and Shannon even provided a couple of different options — giving Katie and the landlord the ability to make an informed choice rather than simply being handed a number.
The Awkward Tenant Conversation Made Easier
One of the harder parts of property management is telling a tenant that damage occurred on their watch — damage they now need to pay for. It’s rarely a welcome conversation.
Having a repair option changes the dynamic entirely. Rather than presenting a tenant with a bill to replace a whole benchtop or banister — something that could run into thousands — Katie can present a fair, targeted repair cost that comes out of the bond.
“It’s a really difficult thing to go to them and say, there are chips in the benchtop, and they weren’t there when you moved in. So, I think just having the option of being able to fix them is a big help”
The most recent job — the wooden banister — came in at around $300. The tenant paid it directly. Everyone moved on.
“That’s definitely better than replacing the whole thing.”
The Alternatives
Katie was clear about what the alternative looks like when you can’t repair something. It’s not pretty.
“I don’t know of anyone else that could really fix that in Warrnambool. It would have been a case of just some compensation to the owner for the chip.”
For a landlord, that means absorbing a cost for damage they didn’t cause, and a house that is still damaged, potentially impacting future rent. For a tenant, it can mean a bond dispute over a figure that feels wildly disproportionate to the actual damage. The repair changes the conversation from a loss to a solution.
The Landlord, the Tenant, and Everyone in Between
Part of what makes repair work tick in the property management world is that it works for everyone involved. Landlords get their property restored rather than left damaged. Tenants pay a fair and reasonable amount rather than a replacement figure. And the property manager avoids the kind of drawn-out disputes that make bond refunds painful.
In Katie’s experience, the landlord for the banister was happy. The renter paid without fuss. And Katie was left with a clean outcome on a tricky job.
What Katie Would Tell Other Agents
When asked what she’d say to other real estate agents, landlords, or tenants in and around Warrnambool, Katie didn’t hesitate.
“They’re really good at what they do. Go ahead and get it done, because you’re not going to be wasting your money.”
And perhaps the most telling endorsement of all came unprompted, when Katie reflected on what she’d do if damage ever happened in her own home.
“On a personal level, if that ever happened at my house, I would definitely contact him first.”
What have others said about Matt and Shannon from FIX ‘N’ CHIPS Western Vic
“Excellent friendly service. Highly recommend to fix your bench top chips” – Jeshua Ross
“Great experience with Matt and Shannon, we had annoying little chips in our stone bench that seamed to disappear after their very handy work. Very please with the outcome, dont delay, get these 2 chippies in your home to make it look like new” – Peter Herbert
“A very friendly and professional team who have done a lovely job. Great attention to detail and wonderful service — I would definitely recommend them to others.” – Emma Els
“Really thrilled with the repair of the hairline crack in my shower tile. There is no discernable repair on the surface of the tile and the finish matches the colour of the tile perfectly. Matt left the whole area spotless and I would highly recommend his work.” – Ann-Marie Moloney
“Matt did a fantastic job off repairing our stone bench top in our kitchen. He turned up on time well presented, very tidy. I would recommend Fix N Chips to any body.” – Mike Alstin
“Great service. Quick and perfectly repaired chip in shower basin. Highly recommend. Thanks Matt.” – Leanne Mahney
Managing a property in Western Victoria including Warrnambool, Hamilton, Colac, Portland, Port Fairy or anywhere nearby?
Get in touch with Matt and Shannon from FIX ‘N’ CHIPS Western Vic today.
