Planning some work at home and thinking about how do I find the right person for the job?
Whether it’s a quick fix or a full renovation, hiring a tradie is something that needs a bit of thought. It’s not just about finding someone with tools; it’s about finding someone who does clean work, is honest with pricing, and respects your time and space.
A lot of people feel unsure about whom to call or how to trust someone for the job. But once you know what to check, the process becomes much smoother.
Here’s what you should keep in mind before choosing a tradie for any home project.
Be Clear About What You Want Done
Before calling anyone, get your plan ready. What do you need done?
Is it plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, or something else?
Tradies usually specialize in one or two areas, so the clearer you are, the easier it is to find the right match.
Take photos of the area, write down measurements if needed, and have a basic idea of your budget. This helps save time and lets the tradie give a better quote.
Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured
It’s always good to ask whether the tradie is licensed to do the job. A licensed tradie has the right training and knows the safety rules. Also, if they are insured, you’re covered in case something unexpected happens during the work.
You don’t need to ask for documents right away, just casually check. Most genuine tradies will be open about their license and experience.
Read Reviews and Check Ratings
Now with so many online platforms, it’s easy to check reviews. Read what other people have said about their work, did they come on time, did they finish properly, and were they easy to deal with?
Photos of past work are helpful too. It’s not about finding someone perfect, it’s about getting a fair idea of how they work.
Ask for a Clear Timeframe
Time matters. If a job takes three days, it shouldn’t stretch into three weeks. Ask the tradie how long the job will take, and whether they’ll come every day or break it up.
Also, check if they work alone or with a helper. Knowing how many people will be coming into your home is useful, especially for bigger projects.
Compare Quotes Without Jumping on the Cheapest
It’s tempting to go with the lowest quote, but sometimes it means corners might be cut. Maybe cheaper material is used, or the job is rushed.
It’s okay to compare prices, but also check what’s included. Some tradies offer clean-up, rubbish removal, or small extra fixes as part of the package.
Communication Tells You a Lot
Even before the job starts, notice how they talk to you.
Do they respond to messages?
Do they explain things clearly?
Do they confirm appointments?
These small signs help you judge how professional they are. If someone is confusing or keeps changing plans, that could be a problem later, too.
If you need help with finding someone dependable, the easiest way to hire a tradie is by using a service like https://www.tradeheroes.com.au/. It lets you check ratings, read reviews, and connect with reliable professionals nearby, all in one place.
Ask About Materials and Options
If your job includes buying tiles, wood, fixtures, or paint, ask the tradie what they recommend. A good tradie won’t just install things, they’ll also guide you on what works best in your space.
If you prefer buying your material, let them know early. Some tradies are okay with that, others may have their suppliers.
Talk About Payment Before the Job Starts
Ask how they expect to be paid. Is it one full payment at the end?
Or part before and part after?
Also, check if they give a quote or invoice.
When everything is written down, it avoids confusion later. Even for small jobs, a basic paper or message confirmation is helpful.
Clean-Up Is a Must
Once the job is done, your space should be neat. Ask the tradie if they’ll clean up or take away rubbish. Many include this, but some don’t.
You don’t want to deal with dust, leftover material, or packaging on your own. So it’s better to confirm this early.
Do They Offer a Small Warranty or Follow-Up?
Sometimes, even after a good job, a few small things may need adjusting. A tap might feel loose, or a paint patch might need touching up.
Ask the tradie if they offer a follow-up visit or short-term warranty. Even a simple “call me if anything feels off” shows they care about the quality of their work.
Look at Safety and Tools
For any job with electricity, drilling, or lifting, safety is important. See if they bring the right tools, wear safety gear, and protect your furniture or flooring.
A good tradie works clean and safe without you needing to remind them.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Some people feel shy about asking too much. But when you’re hiring someone to work in your home, it’s okay to ask questions.
What brand of material do they use?
How long have they been doing this type of job?
Have they done similar projects before?
Even two or three honest questions will help you feel more confident in your decision.
Let Them Know If You Have Kids or Pets
If you have children or pets at home, let the tradie know early. They can be more careful with tools, doors, or chemicals. It also helps with planning work time and keeping the house peaceful during the job.
Keep Their Contact for Future Work
If the tradie does a good job, keep their number saved. Good ones are worth holding on to. Next time you need a fix or plan a new project, it’s easier to call someone you already trust.
You can even recommend them to friends or neighbours. That way, you’re helping them too.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a tradie isn’t hard, but it does need a little thinking. When you’re clear about what you need and ask the right questions, you’ll find someone who fits your job and makes the process smooth.
Look at their license, check how they talk to you, compare quotes, and don’t forget to ask about clean-up and follow-up. The right tradie won’t just do the job, they’ll leave your space better than before.
