How to Get a Fair Quote from a Tradie — and Spot a Dodgy One

Why "get three quotes" isn't enough on its own

You've probably heard the advice: always get at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. It's good advice — but it only works if you know how to compare quotes properly. A cheap quote with vague terms can easily end up costing more than a detailed quote that seemed expensive upfront.

Here's how to get genuinely useful quotes, and how to spot the ones you should walk away from.

What a good quote should always include

A professional, written quote should clearly state:

• Scope of work — exactly what will and won't be done
• Materials — what's being supplied and the quality/brand
• Labour — how many workers, for how long
• Total price — GST-inclusive, not "plus GST" hidden at the bottom
• Payment terms — deposit amount, progress payments, final payment
• Timeline — estimated start and completion dates
• Warranty — what's guaranteed and for how long
• Licence and insurance details

Red flags in a tradie's quote

Watch out for these warning signs:

• Vague scope: "Supply and install bathroom fixtures" — which fixtures? What brand? What if costs go over?
• No licence or ABN listed: Any legitimate tradie will include these.
• Large upfront deposit: A deposit of more than 10% before work begins (or 5% for large jobs) is a red flag in most states.
• Pressure to sign today: Legitimate tradies don't need you to commit on the spot.
• No mention of warranty: All quality trade work should come with a workmanship guarantee.
• Cash only: Legitimate businesses invoice properly and accept multiple payment methods.

How to compare quotes fairly

Comparing three quotes only works if you're comparing apples with apples. When you receive quotes:

1. Check that each quote covers the exact same scope of work. Ask tradies to clarify if they've included or excluded anything differently.
2. Compare the materials specified — a cheap quote may be using lower-quality materials.
3. Look at the payment schedule — front-loaded payment terms favour the tradie, not you.
4. Read the exclusions carefully. "Excludes tiling" on a bathroom renovation can mean a significant extra cost.

Your rights when things go wrong

If a tradie does work that differs from the agreed quote, or the quality is poor, you have rights under Australian Consumer Law. Key protections include:

• Services must be provided with due care and skill
• Materials must be fit for purpose
• Work must be completed in a reasonable time

Keep all written quotes, contracts, and invoices. If there's a dispute, contact your state's building authority or Fair Trading office, or seek advice from your local CAV (Consumer Affairs Victoria) or equivalent.

The one question that reveals a lot

After receiving a quote, ask: "Can you walk me through why each item is priced this way?" A good tradie will explain confidently. A dodgy one will get defensive or evasive — and that tells you everything.