Finding tradies can be daunting for homeowners seeking reliable professionals for home improvement projects, home repair, and other home services.

In this "Ultimate Guide to Finding a Tradesman", we'll walk you through every step of the process, with tips and advice to help you find the best tradespeople.

From understanding local regulations to finding trustworthy reviews, this guide is your go-to resource for finding the best local tradesman.

Table of Contents

• Connecting with Local Tradesmen 
• Checking Trade Licences & Credentials
• Negotiating a Fair Price 
• What If Things Go Wrong? 
• Maximising Your Investment

Section 1: Connecting with Local Tradesmen

Finding tradesmen can be tricky. In many industries and regions across Australia there simply aren't enough tradies out there to meet consumer demand. Here are the ins and outs of ways homeowners can find a local tradie.   

Find Available Tradesmen on Quote Request Sites & Online Marketplaces

Online Marketplaces like ours, ServiceSeeking.com.au, are the easiest way for homeowners to quickly find available tradesmen.

The element of competition usually unlocks better prices than other methods, as businesses are aware they need to compete with one another to win customers.

On most marketplace sites, you can browse profiles, read reviews from past customers, and compare quotes and prices from multiple tradies without having to make a whole lot of phone calls. 

Word-of-Mouth Referral

Word-of-mouth referral remains the most common way to find a tradesman. When seeking tradies in Australia through word-of-mouth referrals, start by asking friends, family, and neighbours who may have recently had similar work done. 

Additionally, consider joining local community groups or forums where residents share recommendations and experiences with tradespeople. 

A word of warning! Referrals can come with a catch. If the job goes wrong it can damage the relationship between you and the friend who referred the tradie. Even if you found a tradie through a friend, do your own research before they start work, especially for high value or dangerous jobs.

Ask for references from any tradesmen you're considering, and take the time to check them out before making a decision. This can help you find skilled and trustworthy tradies for your project.

Google Search

Google searches can be an effective way to find a local business, though like the old days when calling random businesses in the Yellow Pages or Local Newspaper, expect to make several phone calls to check if the businesses are available. 

Online Directories

There are several online directories with business listings to help you find a tradesman. Though like Google, expect to make a bunch of calls to see who's available to take on work. And depending on the directory, there's a chance that many of the listings are out of date and no longer in business. 

Local Trade Associations

Contact these associations to find a tradesman who adheres to industry standards and best practices. For added confidence, look for tradesmen affiliated with reputable organisations.

Social Media Platforms

Join local groups on Facebook or LinkedIn where members recommend tradesmen they've hired. Use social media to research tradesmen directly and learn about their services.

Section 2: Checking Credentials

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There are several tell-tale signs that a tradesman operates with professionalism and integrity (or not!).

If you've found someone to do your job, but want to make sure they are genuine, here are a few simple checks you can make in minutes which may save you a lot of heartache.

We recommend taking into consideration all of the factors below combined, to form an overall impression of the business.  

Are they Listed Online?

One way to work out if a business is genuine is to do a quick Google search on their business name (or the business owner's name).

Reputable businesses have a significant online footprint. They may have their own website or Facebook page, or have listings with other online directories or reviews published with online review websites. 

❗ RED FLAG! If you're thinking of hiring a business, but can't find any trace of them online, consider someone else. 

Do they have an Australian Business Number (ABN)?

Legitimate businesses usually have an ABN. This unique number allows you to verify their business registration with the Australian Business Register (ABR). 

What Does an ABN Mean for a Business?

An ABN signifies the business is a registered entity with the tax office. It doesn't mean they are necessarily qualified to work as a tradie in their specified industry, but it is a good signal that they are running a serious business.

Click here to read more about the importance of an ABN.

How to Check an ABN Online

Checking an ABN is quick and easy. Simply head to the ABN Lookup website: https://abr.business.gov.au/ and enter the ABN number into the search bar. This will confirm the business is registered and provide basic details.

What the home page looks like before you look up a business

After searching for a business name

❗ RED FLAG! If the Name and Location of the ABN search do not match, a business could have given you someone else's ABN. It's not uncommon for a business to have a different trading name than their ABN Name, but double check if something seems off.  

Do They Have a Trade Licence?

One factor in finding qualified tradesmen is considering whether they need and have a valid trade licence.

Trade licensing requirements vary by state and territory in Australia. Generally, if the work exceeds a certain dollar value, requires a high level of skill, or poses a safety risk, a trade licence is mandatory.

For example, a house cleaner or gardener do not need a trade licence, but an Electrician, Builder, or Plumber definitely need a trade licence. 

How and When Do You Need to Check Trade Licences in Australia?

The easiest way to find out if a trade licence is required is to ask the tradesman directly.

A qualified tradesmen will be familiar with the regulations in their area. You can also check your state or territory government's website for a list of licensed trades.

❗ RED FLAG! If the tradesman can't explain why they don't need a licence, or they can't provide you with the details of their licence, or a licence search does not match their industry, name or location, consider hiring someone else. 

Use Online Reviews to Find Quality Tradesmen

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Online reviews can be a valuable resource to help you find a reputable tradie, but be cautious. Not all reviews are created equal.  Here are some tips for spotting fake reviews:

• Look for a balance of positive and negative feedback. A perfect record can be suspicious, but a single negative review shouldn't necessarily deter you, either. Find a tradesman with reviews that acknowledge both the strengths and weaknesses of their service.
• Read the details. Genuine reviews will usually go into specifics about the quality of work, communication style, timeliness, and value for money. They might mention the tradesman's name, the project they completed, or any challenges that arose and how they were addressed.
• Beware of generic praise. Reviews that seem overly promotional or use vague language ("They did a great job!") are likely fake. 
• Typos are a good sign. Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can be a sign that a review is genuine. If the spelling, punctuation and grammar is too perfect, the review could be a fake.
• Lots of Positive Reviews in a short space of time. If a business has lots of positive reviews posted within a few days or weeks, it can be a sign the reviews are faked. Normally, reviews would be more evenly distributed over time. 
• Check the reviewer's profile. If the reviewer has only left a handful of reviews, all glowing endorsements, that's a red flag. If their username is just a bunch of numbers and letters strung together, that's a cause for concern and warrants a second look.
• Look for reviews across multiple platforms. If you see the same positive review popping up everywhere, it might be inauthentic.

Click here to learn more about how to find qualified tradies based on credible reviews.

Helping You Find a Tradesmen

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Here at ServiceSeeking.com.au, we understand the importance of finding qualified tradesmen. That's why we offer several features to help you make informed decisions:

• ID Verification: Many tradesmen on our platform have undergone ID verification, giving you extra confidence in their legitimacy.
• Business Awards: We recognise outstanding businesses with ServiceSeeking.com.au business awards. Look for these badges when browsing profiles.
• Client Reviews: ServiceSeeking.com.au features a comprehensive review system that allows clients to leave feedback on their experience with tradespeople. These reviews can be a valuable source of information about a tradesperson's reliability, communication skills, workmanship, and overall professionalism.
• Licences & Qualifications: We've made it easier to find a tradesman by allowing them to display their licences and qualifications directly on their profiles. This can save you time and effort in verifying their credentials yourself.

Section 3: Negotiating a Price

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Understanding Price Types 

Pricing types vary according to Industry. Whether it's plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, or landscaping, each service or industry has its own commonly accepted price types.

Understanding the price types can help you negotiate fairly with tradesmen.

Hourly Rates

Hourly rates are prevalent in industries where the scope of work can vary widely from project to project. Tradesmen typically charge an agreed-upon hourly rate, providing transparency and flexibility.

This method is often favoured for smaller projects or those with uncertain timelines, such as minor repairs or maintenance tasks. For example household plumbing and electrical work is generally priced according to an hourly rate.

Fixed Prices

Fixed pricing offers clarity and predictability to both parties. Tradies assess the scope of work, materials required, and potential challenges to provide a comprehensive quote. 

This approach is common for larger projects with well-defined parameters, such as home renovations or construction projects. Normally building projects like Kitchen or Bathroom renovations are quoted based on a fixed price with itemised inclusions and exclusions.

Rate per Square or Cubic Metre

Certain trades charge based on the area or volume of work involved.

For example, landscapers may quote a rate per square metre for turf installation, while concreters might charge per cubic metre for driveway construction. 

This pricing method aligns costs with the output, making it suitable for projects where area or volume is a primary determinant of effort and materials.

What to Expect in a Professional Quote

Verbal quotes, or quotes and prices agreed over email or text message can be OK for very small jobs.

But if you're spending more than a few hundred dollars on a job, you should ask for a detailed quote. If a business can't provide a detailed quote, they may not be very trustworthy.  

A good quote should contain the following information:

• It's in writing (eg PDF format) or clearly laid out in an email is OK, too.
• It includes the Name, Contact Information including physical address, ABN and Trade Licence number of the Business
• Lists all included items and their respective costs
• Clearly shows the total costs for all the included items
• Clearly shows if GST is included or excluded in the price
• Lists any exclusions and their potential costs (eg materials or 3rd party costs to be paid by the client)
• Explains any special conditions like payment terms (eg if a deposit is required), or how you'll be charged for work done outside the scope of quoted works.
• Has an issue date and expiry date after which the quote is no longer valid

Material Costs

Many jobs can be broken down into labour cost and the costs for materials or supplies. Good tradesmen will normally specify the type, quantity, and quality of material and supplies required in their quote, and whether the materials costs are included or excluded from their quote. 

Reputable tradies usually have an account with materials suppliers allowing them to buy supplies and materials on favourable terms (eg 30 days credit), which they usually pass onto clients. 

❗ RED FLAG! If a tradesman asks for an unreasonably large deposit to pay for materials, it can mean they don't have credit terms with a supplier. If you sense something is off, you can suggest that you pay the materials supplier directly, or at least ask them to send you a receipt or order form for the materials you are prepaying for. 

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Businesses who make over $75,000 per year should have an ABN and be registered for the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Businesses who make less than $75,000 per year can still register for an ABN, though they do not have to charge GST to their customers. 

You can figure out if a business charges GST or not when you look up their ABN on the Australian Business Register: https://abr.business.gov.au

Deposits, Payment Types and Payment Terms

Before a business starts working for you, you should know which payment methods they accept and their payment terms. Many businesses include this in their quote. But if not, it's always a good idea to ask so there are no surprises. 

If a tradesman asks for cash payment it doesn't mean the they're dodgy. Lots of businesses prefer cash in order to avoid paying merchant and processing fees, which can be as much as 3% of the payment for small businesses. If a tradesmen does ask for cash, this can be an opportunity to negotiate a reasonable discount and get a better deal.

While some tradies may request a deposit to secure the booking or cover initial expenses, the amount should be fair and proportionate to the project's scope.

Clear payment milestones and deadlines facilitate smooth progress and minimise the risk of payment disputes.

Section 4: What If Things Go Wrong?

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Handling Disputes with Tradesmen

Disputes with tradies can arise due to various reasons, including unsatisfactory workmanship, delays, or disagreements over pricing. 

Communication is key when faced with a dispute. Initiate a constructive dialogue with the tradesman to address concerns and seek an amicable resolution.

Steps to Take If You're Not Satisfied with the Work

1. Document the issues: Take photos and detailed notes highlighting the areas of concern.
2. Contact the tradesman: Express your dissatisfaction calmly and clearly, outlining your expectations for rectification.
3. Seek a resolution: Negotiate a mutually acceptable solution, whether it involves rectifying the work, partial refund, or alternative arrangements.

Seeking Refunds or Compensation

If attempts to resolve the dispute directly with the tradesman prove unsuccessful, consider escalating the matter. 

You may seek recourse through legal channels, such as small claims court, to pursue refunds or compensation for damages incurred.

Legal Recourse Options

Familiarise yourself with your rights and legal options under Australian consumer law. 

Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, you may be entitled to remedies such as refunds, repairs, or compensation for breach of contract or negligence.

Section 5: Maximising Your Investment

Tips for Ensuring the Longevity of the Work Done

1. Follow recommended maintenance practices: Regular upkeep ensures the longevity and performance of the completed work.
2. Address issues promptly: Promptly addressing minor issues can prevent them from escalating into larger problems later on.
3. Invest in quality materials: Opting for high-quality materials and craftsmanship from reputable suppliers enhances the durability and longevity of the project.

Maintenance Schedules for Different Types of Projects

Develop tailored maintenance schedules based on the specific requirements of your project. 

Consult with the tradesman for guidance on maintenance tasks and intervals suited to your project's materials and components.

Warranties and Guarantees: Understanding What They Cover

Understand the scope and duration of warranties and guarantees provided by the tradesman. 

Clarify any terms or limitations to ensure you're adequately protected in the event of defects or issues arising post-completion.

How to Leave Constructive Feedback

Provide constructive feedback to tradesmen to facilitate continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. 

Highlight areas of excellence and areas for improvement tactfully, fostering a collaborative relationship for future engagements.

Building Long-Term Relationships with Reliable Tradesmen

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Cultivate trust and reliability with tradies by fostering open communication, honouring commitments, and demonstrating appreciation for quality workmanship. 

Establishing long-term relationships facilitates seamless collaboration and ensures consistent delivery of exceptional results.

Navigating the process of hiring tradies requires diligence and informed decision-making. By connecting with local tradesmen through trusted channels, checking their credentials thoroughly, and negotiating prices effectively, you can maximise the value of your investment.