Han & Can take out the win!

This week’s winners were Han and Can, who scored an impressive 29 points with their daring, statement-making design. Their main ensuite featured a show-stopping amber resin bath with matching twin basins, paired with soft tones and clever panelling. The judges were blown away, praising the room as bold, theatrical and beautifully balanced.

Stunning designs across all homes!

While Han and Can took the crown, every team delivered standout bathrooms:

• Emma & Ben impressed with a bold maroon-hued palette and curved wall feature, earning praise as “ones to watch.”
• Mat & Robby wowed with thousands of travertine tiles, creating a luxe, high-end feel.
• Sonny & Alicia went minimalist with a concrete bath and clever new layout, again proving themselves as budget-savvy strategists.
• Britt & Taz delivered a spa-inspired wet room, overcoming design challenges to create a calming retreat.

Each ensuite brought a unique personality to the competition, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and innovation.

Adding warmth behind the scenes

Bathrooms are among the most technically demanding spaces to build on The Block. That’s why our O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing team was on site to ensure every ensuite wasn’t just beautiful, but functional and comfortable too. The installation of Hotwire underfloor heating across all bathrooms means each space now combines striking design with everyday luxury.

Congratulations to Han & Can on their well-deserved win, and to all the contestants for delivering such impressive, stylish ensuites. We look forward to seeing what they create next as the competition heats up!

Learn more about Hotwire underfloor heating – yep, you can have it in your home too! Catch up on last week’s main bathroom reveals here.

The post The Block 2025: Main Ensuite Reveals Heat Up With Hotwire Comfort! appeared first on O'Brien.

Here’s a look at each bathroom from the final reveal.

House 5’s Robby and Mat took out the Week 1 win with a score of 26.5/30!

All bathrooms on The Block were fitted with Hotwire underfloor heating, expertly installed by the O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing team.

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We’ve teamed up with Hotwire Heating to bring energy-efficient underfloor heating to multiple homes featured on the show – and we couldn’t be more excited to be part of Australia’s favourite renovation series!

From bathrooms to sleek kitchen floors, we’ve been behind the scenes installing the latest in heating technology that’s all about comfort, style and smart living.

What are we installing

We’re fitting Hotwire Heating under-tile and in-screed heating systems, a game-changing solution for those chilly mornings. These systems are:

· Quick to heat – in just 30–60 minutes

· Energy-efficient – using low wattage and smart thermostats

· Smart-home compatible – with touch-screen and Wi-Fi enabled thermostats

· Safe and sleek – installed completely under the surface, with built-in safety features

As accredited Hotwire installers, our team ensures every installation meets the highest standards so all you feel is warm, even heat.

Our Role on The Block

From planning through to install, O'Brien Electrical Bendigo worked closely with contestants to deliver tailor-made comfort in several of this year’s stunning homes.

· Floor heating (think bathrooms, kitchens and living zones)

· Custom solutions matched to each room’s layout and finishes

· Smart thermostat integration for personalised, zone-by-zone temperature control

· On-screen action! You might even spot the Bendigo team during the show!

Five benefits of Hotwire products you’ll love!

1. Even heat, everywhere
Unlike traditional heaters that blast hot air in one spot, floor heating gently radiates warmth from the ground up, evenly across the room, for a perfectly balanced climate.

2. Energy efficiency that makes sense
Because the heat rises slowly and steadily, you can set it at a lower temperature and still feel toasty – especially when paired with a Wi-Fi smart thermostat.

3. Comfort that feels luxe
There’s nothing quite like stepping out of bed or the shower onto a warm floor. It’s comfort without the clutter, no bulky radiators, vents or cold spots.

4. Healthier air, healthier homes
Floor heating doesn’t circulate dust or allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers or anyone with asthma. No ducts = no nasties.

5. Designed for real life
Whether it’s your bathroom, ensuite, living room or kitchen underfloor heating is a sleek solution that fits right in. Add a heated towel rail and you might never leave your bathroom. (Fair warning!)

Ready to heat things up?

Explore underfloor heating for your home or next project by getting in touch with your local O’Brien electrician or plumber to complete your Hotwire Floor Heating Installation today.

We’re proud to deliver quality, innovation and comfort – just like you’ll see on The Block.

Tune into The Block on Channel 9 to see our team in action!

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That’s right, we’ve been serving customers in all kinds of glass across Australia since 1924.

And while a century of service is a rare feat that we’re incredibly proud of, time has truly flown.

What started as a humble silvering business by Frank G. O’Brien in Allen Street Waterloo, Sydney, has steadily grown to become one of Australia’s most iconic brands delivering expertise in home and business glazing, vehicle glass repair and electrical and plumbing services.

• Today, O’Brien® is Australia’s leading
  vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration company, providing a national service to nearly 500,000 motorists in the past year,
• We’ve come a long way, and with a shared passion for excellence and a drive to exceed customer expectations, we will continue to serve customers with high-quality products and service when they need us. To commemorate this special occasion, and to highlight the ethos that has driven us for a century, we’ve decided to take you on through the O’Brien® decades.

The 1924 – 1939: humble beginnings.

Founded in February 1924 by Frank G. O’Brien, our journey began here. We may have been small in size to start, but we were bold in our pursuit of customer satisfaction and employee well-being, and that hasn’t changed.

In fact, it was this zeal for service that led Frank and his growing team to incorporate under the Companies Act in 1930, laying the foundation for our future success.

The 40s and 50s: the war effort.

From 1940-1959, we quickly expanded our services into domestic and commercial glazing, specialising in shatter-proofing shop fronts and larger businesses.

As the World War II threat approached Australia, we were quick to support the effort by manufacturing windscreens for Australian aircraft and hand mirrors for our troops.

It was a trying time, but in the true Australian spirit, we persevered and did everything we could to assist.

The 1960s: mergers and expansion.

The 1960s brought a more peaceful era in Australian history.

In a time of rapid growth and industry, we merged with fellow Australian company, Glass Supplies, allowing us to broaden the scope and capabilities of our complex glass manufacturing and processing.

In 1965, we relocated our company headquarters to Padstow in Sydney (where our head office remains today) and introduced  Armourplate Doors to secure retail shop fronts and large office buildings.

The 1970s: joining Belron Group.

In 1971, we were proud to become the first overseas limb of the renowned vehicle glass repair and replacement, Belron Group.

With the support of Belron and our now 350 employees, we continued to grow and excel in the industry and established two separate divisions: Windscreens O’Brien and O’Brien Glass.

In 1976, manufacturing of laminated windscreens and architectural laminates became integral additions to our service offering in glass.

The company renamed to O’Brien Glass Industries Ltd on 2 March 1978.

The 1980s: expansion and milestones.

The 1980s was an exciting era for O’Brien®, despite the challenging economic conditions.

We started with extending our footprint to 95 branches, employing 800 staff.

Our Building Glass division diversified its product range to introduce the O’Brien Lock Service.

The first ever TV advertising campaign was launched in 1983. This marked the beginning of a range of quirky, yet memorable ads to grace Australian TV (and became part of advertising folklore for those that grew up in this decade). By this time, we were sourcing more than twenty thousand tonnes of glass annually for our automotive business and we solidified our presence across the country by opening branches nationwide.

By the end of the decade, we also reached several significant milestones, including:

• 60 years of operations,
• 1000+ employees, and
• Manufacturing our millionth windscreen.

The 1990s: A branding and advertising focus.

As the 20^th century ended, we continued our upward trajectory.

We continued to achieve record sales growth and in 1996, we launched a new TV advertising campaign for Windscreens O’Brien, showcasing our side and rear vehicle glass replacement expertise, together with our convenient mobile service.

We also refreshed our logo during the 90s, incorporating the distinctive Belron red and yellow symbol, and began to place an increasing emphasis on our customer service – a trait which we are still recognised and applauded for today.

The 2000s: “O’O’O’ O’Brien®”.

After the turn of the century, our windscreen and glazing divisions united under one brand: O’Brien®.

We introduced a new fleet of vehicles across the nation, revitalised our branch signage and forwarded our focus on technical expertise with the establishment of the Technical Training Centre of Excellence for our Auto division.

Then, in April 2005, the iconic O’O’O’ jingle was registered, becoming synonymous with the O’Brien® brand you know today.

The 2010s: advanced tech and service expansion.

The 2010s brought significant advancements in global automotive technology and we introduced best-practice tools like the Glass Medic Repair Kit and 1-Tek®. A formidable partnership with Bosch was formed and O’Brien® launched an Australian first for the automotive industry, our Cal-Tech® ADAS Recalibration service.

Our TV commercials continued to highlight our care and expertise and featured Mark, and our customer surveys were moved online as we embraced the digital future, sought greater convenience, and enhanced our customer’s experience with a new design for our branches.

In 2018, we acquired Laser Plumbing & Electrical, further expanding our service offering to our customers.

The 2020s: doubling down on advanced tech.

The 2020s brought a tumultuous time with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as we did during the 1940s, we adapted and persevered.

With the increasing demand for our Cal-Tech® Recalibration services, we strategically expanded our O’Brien® AutoGlass branch locations right across the country and continued to advance our service by introducing the Advanced Repair Technology (ART) Chip Repair Kits and remote headsets for Cal-Tech®.

From 2020, the first of our Electrical and Plumbing franchisee members took up the opportunity to brand as O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing.

Our iconic O’O’O’ jingle gained renewed focus with its familiar sound played across TV, radio, and digital advertising, reaching an estimated 200M+ jingles heard each year.

2024: O’Brien turns 100!

In late February 2024, O’Brien® turned 100!

And while we’ve grown and changed significantly over the years, one thing we are proud of: O’Brien® is committed to the highest standards of quality service.

We’re excited to celebrate a century’s worth of experience, expertise, passion for customer service and pride in our workmanship, but we will never get complacent.

We know that the key to our success and growth over the decades has been the pride we take in our expertise, the quality of our workmanship and our dedication to providing first-class service to every customer.

In 2024, as for the last century, we’re committed to solving your problems with real care whenever you need us, as our leadership team expertly steers our company towards new horizons.

Get in touch with your local O’Brien® experts for vehicle glass, glazing, electrical or plumbing services here.

At O’Brien®, solving your problems is what we do.

Nothing is more satisfying to us than delivering the high-quality service you need with genuine care and expert support.

From vehicle glass, and home and commercial glass to electrical and plumbing services, our O’Brien® team is here for you.

So, call us today or find your nearest expert.

For more images from our history, click here.

The post Celebrating Our 100-Year Journey at O’Brien® appeared first on O'Brien.

Update 31 August 2021:

Please find below an update following the continued restrictions for NSW, VIC and ACT. We are still open and providing essential and emergency services as usual, with COVID Safe protocols.

In NSW, VIC and ACT O'Brien^® AutoGlass branches are operating as an essential service provider and will continue to offer both a mobile and branch service for vehicle glass repair and replacement, and branch service for safety camera recalibration. O'Brien^® Glass branches will also continue to offer home and business glass services as an essential service provider.

O'Brien^® AutoGlass in NSW
For NSW branches located in and affected by LGA’s of concern, we are operating a contactless service, and now a ‘Drop And Go’ service, which means that customers will need to place their key in a dropbox and leave their vehicle. Customer waiting rooms are also unavailable. Phone details will be displayed on the door for the customer to contact to discuss any job-related queries. Our O'Brien^® AutoGlass branches outside of these LGA’s will continue to also offer both a mobile and branch service for vehicle glass repair and replacement and branch service for safety camera recalibration.

O'Brien^® Glass in NSW
We are still providing emergency home and business glass services to all affected LGAs as an essential service provider. Please know that O'Brien^® adheres to COVID Safe protocols and offer a contactless service. Our O'Brien^® Glass branches outside of these areas are operating fully.

Please contact us on 1800 645 011 if you have vehicle, home or business glass damage, or any questions and one of our agents will be happy to help.

For the latest service updates and changes due to COVID, please check our COVID Update page and Status Tracker here.

Following the latest COVID guidelines, O'Brien^® would like to reassure customers that we are open and our O'Brien^® experts are available to provide essential vehicle and property glass repair and replacement services, and electrical and plumbing services in any affected areas and/or hotspots.

We are working on the latest lockdown guidelines and COVID safe practices including hygiene protocols, touchpoint sanitisation, contactless payment and mandatory wearing of face masks.

Don’t forget we can come to your home or work location as we do offer a mobile service. Check out your nearest O'Brien^® location here.

During these challenging and changing times, we continue to be committed to the safety of our customers, staff and the community and closely monitor the COVID-19 situation across Australia.

We want to reassure you that we’re still here to help. Where we can, we will continue to support our customers, and solve their problems with real care.

If you need help, our call centre continues to remain open 24/7. Call us anytime on 1800 059 829 that is convenient for you.

O'Brien^® AutoGlass services remain open!

We are operating to the new lockdown restrictions, which for our business, means we are still able to provide services to customers requiring emergency repairs.

As customers in states with restrictions can only leave home for certain reasons, we believe it is essential that your vehicle is safe and secure in the event you need to travel, which includes vehicle glass such as the windscreen.

In support and understanding of the requirements for people to stay at home, O'Brien^® is also able to come to you via our mobile service team.

If your vehicle has broken glass that will impact your safety or the security of your vehicle, please contact us for support. If you’re unsure, call us, and we can help you.

What to expect when making a booking?

When you call us, we’ll ask you a series of questions to ensure we can complete the work.

Our technicians will be wearing face masks and adhering to all the necessary hygiene restrictions in place, they may also carry out touchpoint sanitisation on your vehicle.

If your car has a forward-facing safety camera, we also offer a recalibration service after a windscreen replacement for many vehicle types.

O'Brien^® Glass services remain open!

Under the latest restrictions, we can repair the glass in your home or business for safety and security reasons such as broken glass in your windows or doors.

If you have a safety or security concern, you can contact us 24/7 to see how we could help you.

What to expect when making a booking?

When you call us, we’ll ask you a series of questions to ensure we can complete the work.

Our glaziers will come to the place of damage and advise how they will undertake the repair to address your safety or security concerns.

They will be wearing face masks and adhering to all the necessary hygiene restrictions in place.

O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing services remain open!

Our O'Brien Electrical and Plumbing businesses are independently owned and operated. Each business has its own COVID Plan in place. Click here to find your nearest location.

The post COVID Restrictions Update appeared first on O'Brien.

This means it has never been more important to help make sure your home is safe for you and your family. However, there are a lot of day-to-day safety risks that we all overlook every day.

When it comes to keeping everyone safe, prevention is better than cure. So to help, our O'Brien Electrical experts have compiled these 5 proactive home safety tips.

1. Do not overload sockets and power boards

With more people working from home, using chargers, computers, monitors and more, it’s crucial to make sure that sockets and power boards are not getting overloaded. This can potentially cause electrical breaks, which pose a danger to your home as they can lead to fires or electric shock. To help prevent this, make sure you are switching off sockets and power points when you are not using them. Also, don’t plug too many appliances or devices into just one socket using multiple power boards or double adaptors.

2. Install a Safety Switch

To help further protect your family, our Electrical experts recommend having a Residual Current Device (RCD) or Safety Switch installed in your household. These devices monitor your power supply and quickly shut off if any safety issues are detected. So, if anything was to happen, like a light bulb blowing, using an appliance with an electrical fault, a socket burning or water getting into an electrical connection, the RCD or Safety Switch would be the first line of defence to help protect your household from electric shocks or sparks which can cause a fire.

3. Be Fire Smart

Fires are a significant risk in households and can pose a serious danger to you and your family. Keeping an eye on all the little things can make a big difference.

For example, making sure to keep curtains, clothes or bedding away from portable heaters, and be mindful not to leave stoves or open flames, like candles, unattended.

Keep wet clothes at least a metre away from heaters or fireplaces, and never place clothes or towels directly onto your heater. Also, don’t forget to clean the lint filter every time you use a clothes dryer, as leftover lint can easily catch fire.

4. Check Smoke Alarms

Speaking of which – it’s important to have functioning smoke alarms installed in your house. O'Brien Electrical experts recommend smoke alarms be installed in all bedrooms and living spaces, considering that a lot of household fires occur when people are sleeping. Make sure you test your alarms at least once a month to ensure they’re fully operational.

You should also make sure your smoke alarms are interconnected – meaning that if one alarm goes off, the rest of the smoke alarms in the house will also be alerted. Having smoke alarms with photoelectric sensors further helps your home safety, as they best detect smoke and smouldering fires, which are most common in households.

Any smoke alarm in your home must meet the requirements of Australian Standards and should be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

At O'Brien, all our professional electricians are licensed and fully qualified, meaning they are ready to help you with all of your smoke alarm needs, from questions to installation and replacement.

5. Talk to an O'Brien Expert

If you are unsure about electrical safety in your home, or you have any concerns, speak to a licensed O'Brien Electrician today. No matter what your electrical inquiry is, our local and experienced technicians can answer all your questions and provide electrician services if required.

Remember: you and your family’s safety are the number one priority. Paying close attention to these tips and being proactive will mean you have more peace of mind every day.

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