Finding someone reliable to work on your home can feel like a gamble. A few simple checks before you hire can save you money, time and a lot of stress.
Before you hire
- Ask for recommendations from neighbours, friends or your local community group, and check online profiles and reviews.
- Get at least two or three quotes for bigger jobs. The cheapest is not always the best, but a quote far below the others is a warning sign.
- Ask for the quote in writing, with the work, materials, labour and total cost clearly listed.
- Check credentials. For electrical work, ask whether the electrician is registered and can issue a Certificate of Compliance where one is required. For plumbing, ask whether the plumber is registered with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB).
- Ask for references or photos of similar jobs.
- Confirm that they are insured or what happens if something goes wrong.
Agree the details
- Start date and how long it will take.
- Payment terms. Large upfront payments are risky. A deposit for materials is normal, but be wary of anyone asking for most of the money before starting.
- What happens if the job changes. Agree how extra work is priced before it is done.
- Who supplies and cleans up.
Red flags
- Pressure to decide immediately or “special price today only”.
- No phone number, no address and no online presence.
- Cash-only with no invoice or receipt.
- Refusing to put anything in writing.
- No interest in explaining what they will do.
When the job is done
Check the work before you pay the final amount, ask for an invoice and any compliance certificates, and keep them safe. If you are happy, leave an honest review. It helps the next homeowner and rewards good tradespeople.
Find a Guy you can trust
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