Most Australians skip at least three of these checks — and many end up paying thousands to fix botched work as a result. Whether you're hiring a plumber, electrician, builder, or painter, this checklist applies. Run through it before you hand over a single dollar.
In Australia, most trades require a valid licence to operate legally. Plumbers, electricians, builders, gas fitters, and others are all regulated — and the licence registers are publicly searchable. Don't just ask if they're licensed; check it yourself.
Each state has its own register: QBCC (Queensland), NSW Fair Trading (NSW), VBA (Victoria), Consumer and Business Services (SA), Building and Energy (WA), and so on. Search by name or licence number — it takes two minutes and tells you if the licence is current, suspended, or cancelled.
If a tradie damages your property or someone gets injured during the job, you need to know their insurance will cover it — not yours. Ask for a current certificate of currency for their public liability insurance. Most reputable tradies carry at least $5–10 million in coverage.
Don't just take their word for it. Ask to see the actual certificate. A legitimate tradie will have no problem providing this.
A verbal agreement is almost impossible to enforce. Before any work begins, get a written quote that clearly states: the scope of work, the materials to be used, the total price (or how variations will be priced), the start and estimated completion date, and payment terms.
For larger jobs (typically over $3,300 in most states), contractors are legally required to provide a written contract. For smaller jobs, insist on one anyway.
Getting multiple quotes isn't just about finding the cheapest price — it's about understanding what the job actually involves. If one quote is dramatically lower than the others, ask why. They may be cutting corners on materials, planning to subcontract to someone cheaper, or simply not understanding the full scope of work.
Three quotes give you a realistic picture of what the job should cost and how different tradies approach it. The middle quote is often the most reliable indicator of fair market value.
One bad review doesn't necessarily mean a bad tradie, and one glowing review doesn't mean a great one. Look for patterns across multiple reviews: Are they consistently punctual? Do they communicate well? Do they clean up after themselves? Are there any mentions of charging more than quoted?
Also check where the reviews come from. Google reviews and third-party platforms are harder to fake than a business's own website. A profile with 50+ reviews over several years is far more trustworthy than 5 reviews posted within a week.
Most people ask for references but never follow through. Call at least one or two. Ask specifically: Did they show up on time? Did the job come in on budget? Were there any issues, and if so, how did they handle them? Would you hire them again?
A tradie who won't provide references — or who only offers email references instead of someone you can call — is a warning sign. Good tradies build their business on word of mouth and are proud to connect you with happy past customers.
A standard payment structure for most trade jobs is: a deposit to secure the booking (typically 10–20%), a progress payment partway through the job if it's a longer project, and the final payment on completion. For jobs under $1,000, payment in full on completion is reasonable.
If a tradie insists on being paid in full before starting, walk away. This is one of the most common warning signs of a scam or a tradie in financial difficulty who may not finish the job.
Many trade jobs — particularly structural, electrical, plumbing, and gas work — require council or regulatory permits. This isn't just a bureaucratic formality; unpermitted work can make your home uninsurable, cause problems when you sell, and leave you liable if something goes wrong.
Ask your tradie upfront: "Will this job require any permits, and will you be organising them?" If the answer is no for work that clearly should require one, press further.
Any legitimate Australian business or sole trader should have an active Australian Business Number (ABN). You can verify it in seconds at abr.business.gov.au. Search by ABN or business name and confirm the business is active and the details match what the tradie has told you.
Cash-in-hand jobs with no ABN can seem appealing because they're sometimes cheaper, but they leave you completely unprotected if something goes wrong — no paper trail, no recourse.
If a tradie makes you feel uncomfortable, pressures you to make a fast decision, dismisses your questions, or gives vague answers — listen to that instinct. Good tradies understand that you're inviting a stranger into your home and they will welcome your questions as a sign that you're a serious customer.
That said, a gut feeling works both ways. A tradie who communicates clearly, shows up on time for a quote, answers your questions directly, and provides everything in writing is worth their weight in gold — even if they're not the cheapest option.
Every tradie listed on TradeHaven has had their licence verified before their profile goes live. No dodgy operators, no guesswork.
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