Everything you need to know about getting the right tradie for the job
Finding a good tradie in Australia can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you’re looking for someone to fix a leaky tap, renovate your outdated kitchen or build a fancy deck, you want someone reliable, skilled and easy to work with.
But with so many tradies around, how do you choose the right one? Here’s your ultimate guide including seven expert tips to find a good and reliable tradie in Australia.
TIP #1: Start with recommendations
Word-of-mouth is still one of the most trusted ways to find a reliable tradie. Start by asking friends, family and neighbours if they know anyone they’d recommend. People are usually happy to share their experiences, whether good or bad, and this can give you a solid starting point.
If you’re new to an area or don’t have a wide network, don’t worry. Online forums and local community groups on social media can be goldmines for recommendations. Our website Rate Your Tradie is a helpful platform where people share reviews and ratings to help others track down a reliable tradesman or steer clear of dodgy ones.
TIP #2: Check credentials & experience
Not all tradies are created equal, so it’s crucial to ensure the person you hire has the right qualifications for the job. In Australia, many trades require specific licenses and certifications. For instance, electricians, plumbers and builders need to be licensed to legally carry out work.
Jump on the ABN Lookup website to search for publicly available information about a business or company. You can also search the ASIC Register to verify business information.
Before hiring, ask to see their licenses and check if they’re up to date. You can usually verify a tradie’s license online through state government websites, as outlined in the table below.
Licensing authorities by state:
| State | Licensing Authority |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Government |
| New South Wales | Services NSW |
| Northern Territory | Building Practitioners Board |
| Queensland | QBCC |
| South Australia | SA Government |
| Tasmania | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services |
| Victoria | Victorian Building Authority |
| Western Australia | WA Government |
Also, find out about their level of experience—how long they’ve been in the trade and whether they’ve handled similar projects. A well-experienced tradie is likely to be more adept at handling any surprises that might pop up during the job.
It’s also advisable to check the state government website to see if the builder or tradie has lost any points on their license or had any issues with the regulatory body. It’s important to carry out these checks as these websites will list whether there have been infringement notices issues, directions to rectify, tribunal issues, etc.
TIP #3: Get multiple quotes
One of the biggest mistakes people make is settling for the first quote they receive. It’s always a good idea to get at least three quotes for comparison. This doesn’t mean you should automatically go for the cheapest option. A significantly low quote might indicate that the tradie is cutting corners or doesn’t fully understand the project scope.
When comparing quotes, look at what’s included in the price. Does it cover materials, labour and any potential additional costs? Are there any warranties or guarantees? Be wary of vague quotes that don’t clearly outline these details.
TIP #4: Communicate clearly
Good communication is key to ensuring the job goes smoothly. When discussing your project with a potential tradie, be as detailed as possible. Explain exactly what you want done, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reliable tradie will appreciate your thoroughness and should be happy to clarify any points you’re unsure about.
Also, pay attention to how they communicate with you. Do they respond promptly to your calls or messages? Are they polite and professional? If you notice any red flags—such as delayed responses, unclear answers or a lack of enthusiasm—consider looking elsewhere.
TIP #5: Look for reviews & testimonials
In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to find out what others think of a tradie’s work. However, take Google and Facebook reviews with a pinch of salt, as they’re not verified and tradies are known for having fake customer reviews. Only trust websites that have verified reviews.
Check out verified tradie reviews on our digital platform Rate Your Tradie. Verified positive reviews can give you confidence, while consistent negative feedback should be a red flag. Sometimes, one bad review can be the result of a simple misunderstanding. Look for patterns—if multiple people are complaining about the same issue, there’s a higher chance it’s a legitimate concern.
TIP #6: Avoid common pitfalls
There are some common pitfalls to avoid when hiring a tradie. First, beware of tradies who ask for large deposits upfront. While it’s normal to pay a deposit to secure the job, it shouldn’t be an excessive amount. The amount a licensed tradie can take is prescribed by the state’s building regulatory body. It’s essential to check whether the deposit amount AND the contract are legal.
It’s also important to make sure the contract is compliant with the state’s building regulatory body.
If it’s a big job like a new house build or expensive pool, it’s highly recommended to hire a lawyer to look over the contract before signing on the dotted line.
Second, be cautious if a tradie seems too eager to start immediately. While a quick start can be convenient, it could also mean they’re not very busy—possibly due to a lack of work, which isn’t always a good sign.
Lastly, don’t rely solely on a handshake or verbal agreement. Always get everything in writing, including the scope of work, timeline and payment terms. This protects both you and the tradie if any disputes arise.
TIP #7: Support local tradies
Whenever possible, consider hiring local tradies. Supporting local businesses helps your community thrive and can often lead to better customer service, as local tradies have a reputation to maintain within their community. Plus, they’re more likely to be familiar with local regulations and suppliers, which can streamline the process.
Conclusion
Finding a good and reliable tradie in Australia doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
Follow these seven steps:
- Start with recommendations
- Check credentials
- Get multiple quotes
- Communicate clearly
- Read reviews
- Avoid common pitfalls
- Support local tradies
Taking the time to track down a good tradie means you’ll be well on your way to a successful project. Whether it’s a small repair or a large renovation, a little extra effort upfront can save you a lot of stress and ensure you get the results you’re after.
