Hiring Tradies: Should You Choose One or Several for the Job?

When it’s time to start a home renovation or repair job, most homeowners ask the same question: Should I hire one tradie who can do it all, or bring in specialists for each task? The answer depends on your project, your priorities, and your budget.

Bundled services – where one tradie or business manages multiple aspects of a job – are increasingly common. But they’re not always the right fit for every home or homeowner.

Here’s everything you need to know about hiring tradies individually versus going with a bundled option, plus how to find the right match for your next project.

The Case for Hiring One Tradie or Business for Everything

Some tradies or building businesses offer complete packages, especially for common renovations like kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas. This “one-stop-shop” approach can come with a few key benefits:

✅ Simplified Scheduling

With one point of contact managing the job, it’s easier to avoid miscommunication or delays. The tradie or company typically coordinates each step, so you’re not chasing multiple people to align timelines.

✅ Bundled Pricing

You may receive a packaged quote that includes everything – plumbing, tiling, electrical, and even painting – which makes budgeting more predictable. Sometimes, bundled pricing works out cheaper than hiring separate specialists.

✅ Fewer People on Site

If you prefer a low-key, tidy site with fewer tradespeople coming and going, a bundled service can feel more manageable.

✅ Accountability is Clear

With one business taking full responsibility for the project, there’s no finger-pointing between tradies if something goes wrong. You know exactly who to contact to sort it out.

When Hiring Several Tradies Might Be Better

There are times when working with individual specialists makes more sense – especially for complex or high-end jobs.

✅ Specialised Quality

Certain tasks (like electrical work or detailed joinery) often benefit from having a fully qualified expert focused solely on that area. A generalist might do a decent job, but a specialist can deliver a polished finish.

✅ More Control

Hiring individual tradies lets you hand-pick professionals for each part of the job. If you’ve had a great tiler in the past, for instance, you can bring them back without being locked into someone else’s crew.

✅ Detailed Customisation

You’re more likely to get tailored advice, solutions, or design ideas from someone who lives and breathes their trade. That can be a huge plus for heritage renovations or custom work.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

What Type of Job Are You Doing?

Here’s a quick guide to which approach suits which type of job:

• Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation
  Ideal for bundled services, since plumbing, cabinetry, tiling, and electrical all need to work together seamlessly.
  
  
• Rewiring or New Switchboard
  Best left to a licensed electrician. Even if other work is involved, electrical should be handled by a dedicated pro.
  
  
• Painting and Plastering
  Either option works, but if you need both, some tradies offer these as a combo. Otherwise, hire them separately to get the best finish.
  
  
• Outdoor Landscaping + Paving
  Bundled services can be efficient, especially if one contractor handles excavation, soil work, and paving.
  
  
• Roof Repairs or Guttering
  Use a specialist, particularly if the structure or safety is involved. Roofing is rarely a “jack-of-all-trades” job.

How to Choose the Right Approach

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but these tips can help guide your decision:

1. Get a Clear Scope of Work

Before deciding how to hire, write down what needs doing. If it involves three or more different trades, bundled services might be worth exploring.

2. Compare Quotes

Whether bundled or not, it pays to compare prices and timelines. Look for detailed breakdowns, so you understand what's included – and what isn’t.

3. Read Reviews and Ratings

If you're unsure, other homeowners’ experiences can be a great guide. Look for consistency in quality, punctuality, and communication.

4. Ask About Subcontracting

Even if you’re hiring a single tradie, ask if they’ll be subcontracting any part of the work. It’s good to know who’ll be turning up at your door.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

❌ Hiring a generalist for specialist tasks
Even the best all-rounder shouldn't replace a licensed electrician or plumber for safety and legal reasons.

❌ Not checking licensing or insurance
Always verify that your tradie is fully licensed and insured, no matter how many tasks they’re managing.

❌ Assuming everything is included
Bundled quotes can be convenient, but always ask for itemised details so you’re not caught off-guard by “extras.”

Need Help Finding the Right Tradie Setup?

Whether you’re after one expert or a whole team, ServiceSeeking.com.au makes it easy to compare quotes and read real customer reviews.

Post your job for free and get matched with experienced tradies in your area. You can see who offers bundled services and who specialises in your specific task – all in one place.

Sometimes one tradie is all you need. Other times, a team of specialists gives you peace of mind. Whatever route you take, hiring the right people is the key to getting the job done right.