Hiring a tradie isn’t something you do every day—but when the time comes, you want to make the right decision. Whether it’s a leaky pipe, a kitchen renovation, or a new deck, asking the right questions can mean the difference between a seamless experience and a nightmare job. Before you hand over your hard-earned money or sign on the dotted line, here are five critical questions every homeowner should ask a tradie.
1. How much experience do you have?
Why it matters:
Experience speaks volumes. A tradie with years of experience has likely encountered a wide range of scenarios and knows how to deal with surprises.
What to look for:
- How long they’ve been in business
- If they specialise in your type of project
- Any relevant qualifications or certifications
Pro Tip: Ask for examples of past work similar to your job, or check their online profile and reviews on Rate Your Tradie to see what others are saying.
2. Can you provide references or reviews?
Why it matters:
Reputation is everything in the trades industry. Talking to past clients or checking reviews online is one of the best ways to gauge a tradie’s reliability and quality.
What to look for:
- Recent client references
- Google reviews or Rate Your Tradie ratings
- Photos or testimonials from previous jobs
Pro Tip: A great tradie will be proud to show off their work and connect you with happy customers.
3. What will the total cost be?
Why it matters:
Nobody likes bill shock. Getting a clear understanding of the full cost upfront helps avoid budget blowouts later.
What to look for:
- A detailed written quote (not just a verbal estimate)
- Breakdown of materials, labour, and GST
- Clear terms about any potential variations or additional charges
Pro Tip: If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better—and can end up costing more in the long run.
4. Do you have insurance and licenses?
Why it matters:
You need to know you’re covered if something goes wrong. Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured tradie puts you at serious financial risk.
What to look for:
- Public liability insurance
- Workers compensation cover (if they employ others)
- Required state or trade licences
Pro Tip: Don’t just take their word for it—ask to see current certificates. A legit tradie won’t hesitate to provide proof.
5. What is the expected timeline for the job?
Why it matters:
Delays can cost you time, money, and frustration—especially if you’re living in the home during the work.
What to look for:
- A clear start and finish date
- Milestones or stages of the project
- Availability for updates or progress reports
Pro Tip: Set expectations early. Ensure the timeline is included in the contract so both parties are on the same page.
Final Thoughts
The right tradie can make your life easier, your home more comfortable, and your project stress-free. But the wrong one? It could cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
By asking these five questions, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision and protect yourself from dodgy work. And remember, platforms like Rate Your Tradie exist to help you connect with high-quality, trustworthy professionals—backed by real reviews from real customers.
