5 Tips for Choosing A Tradie You Can Rely On

When choosing a tradie for your next project, there can be many options. So, how do you choose someone that will be reliable and complete the job to industry standards? Not only that, but you want to be able to know you can trust a stranger in your own home. We’re here to help you make the right choice, with 5 easy tips that will help you with the process of choosing a tradesman and save you time and headaches in the long run.

• Research local businesses
• Read customer reviews  
• Check qualifications, licenses and insurance
• Get three quotes or more in writing
• Get a contract for the job

When asked what the most important quality a tradesperson should have for the job, Nicholas Richmond from Affordable Fencing says, “Skilled, qualified & licensed.”

1. Research local businesses

When looking for a reliable and professional tradesperson, your initial research is crucial. Start by tapping into your immediate network: ask friends, colleagues and family for their personal recommendations. These first-hand experiences can provide valuable insights and help you create a shortlist of potential candidates.

If you're part of a local community on Facebook, use its search function to look for the specific trade you need. Note the names that frequently appear in posts and comments, as these are often indicative of trusted professionals who have consistently provided good service to others in your area.

Additionally, while many tradespeople rely on word-of-mouth referrals, don't overlook the power of a quick Google search. This can help you identify larger trades businesses operating in your area, providing you with more options to consider. Be sure to check their reviews and ratings to gauge their reliability and professionalism.

“Engage a tradesman that is recommended to you by someone you know, or most reputable suppliers will have tradesman they can recommend.”
Mick Joyce – Illora Landscapes

2. Read customer reviews

Reading reviews and recommendations is a critical step in choosing a tradesman. When evaluating reviews, look for those that provide specific details about past projects. Vague comments like "great job" or "good service" don’t offer much insight into the quality of the tradesperson's work or their professionalism. Instead, prioritise reviews that describe the scope of work completed, the tradesperson’s punctuality, communication skills and how issues were handled. Detailed reviews give you a clearer picture of what you can expect and help you make a more informed decision.

Additionally, pay attention to patterns in the reviews. If multiple reviewers mention the same strengths or weaknesses, it’s likely that these are consistent aspects of the tradesperson’s service.

Tip: When reading reviews on local forums like Facebook groups and community pages, don’t hesitate to ask the reviewer specific questions about their experiences. Genuine reviewers are often willing to provide further details and insights, which can be invaluable in helping you choose the right professional for your project.

“One common mistake clients make when hiring a tradesman is not checking references or reviews. It's essential to ask for references from past clients or read reviews to ensure the tradesman has a good track record.”
Trent Knapp – TKNAPP Constructions

3. When choosing a tradie check their qualifications, licenses & insurance

Before choosing a tradesman, it’s essential to verify their qualifications and licenses to ensure they can perform the job safely and effectively. Make sure they possess the necessary certifications and training specific to the work you need done. For instance, an electrician's certification is not suitable for building a retaining wall.

In Australia, you can perform a quick ABN lookup. We recommend seeing how long the business has been operating for, to give you an idea of the level of skill the job may receive.

Additionally, confirm that the tradesperson has adequate insurance coverage. This insurance should protect not only the tradesperson and their team but also you and your property in case of accidents or damage. Valid insurance is a hallmark of professionalism and provides peace of mind that you are protected from potential liabilities. Always ask for proof of qualifications and insurance before making a hiring decision.

“Always check the trade's online reviews on Google. A good contractor should have a good online presence with a history of great testimonials from prior clients. 
Ensure your contractor has the correct qualifications, licenses and insurances for the proposed works. Don't be afraid to ask for their QBCC License number and check it.” 
Nicolas Richmond – Affordable Fencing

4. Get three quotes or more – in writing

To ensure you get the best value and service for your project, always obtain at least three quotes from different tradespeople and make sure these quotes are provided in writing. This practice helps you compare costs and services objectively.

If a quote sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low quotes may indicate subpar materials or a rush job, both of which can lead to problems down the line. Meeting the tradespeople in person when they provide their quotes can give you a sense of their professionalism and whether they’ll be thorough and reliable in their work.

Additionally, inquire about where they source their materials. This will help you ensure the quality of the materials being used and provide another layer of assurance about the tradesperson's reliability. By getting multiple quotes, you gain a better understanding of the median costs for your project, which aids in budgeting and ensures you’re not overpaying for the work. Want to get an idea of what's involved? Get started easily with our deck materials calculator or fence calculator.

"I think the biggest mistake is just going with the cheapest quote, the cheapest isn’t always the best. Get 2 or 3 quotes and compare the advice firstly and then compare price, it’s better to do it right the first time to have a product that lasts.”
Mick Joyce – Illora Landscape Constructions

5. Get a contract for the job

Before any work begins, make sure to get a contract for the job. A detailed contract is essential as it outlines what is included and excluded from the service, providing clarity and setting expectations for both parties.

Having a written agreement holds the tradesperson or business accountable for the goods and services they are providing. This contract should specify the scope of work, materials to be used, timelines, payment schedules and any warranties or guarantees. It helps clear up any grey areas regarding standards and what is expected, minimising misunderstandings and disputes.