Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Renovating

5 tips for getting a fair price from a tradie

How to keep your renovation budget on track. - by Laura Barry
  • 17 Jan 2020

WATCH: Watch this before and after country kitchen makeover for serious reno inspiration

As anyone who has ever required the services of a tradesperson will know, finding a reliable tradesman at an affordable price can be hard work, particularly if you haven’t required their services before.

And while most tradespeople in Australia are honest professionals, there are always the small few that aren’t above trying to rip off their customers.

Fortunately, Greg Read, owner of Oregon Air-conditioning, a Sanden Eco® Plus dealer, has provided us with some top tips for ensuring you get a good price from a reliable tradie.

image of building tools
Getty

1. Check for registration and insurance

Greg says that asking for a tradesperson’s registration or licence is a good way to establish their compliancy to local laws, rules and regulations, as registration is required in most states in Australia.

“Those with registration are generally much more reputable and can be trusted to give you a fair price. Once a licence has been established, the most important thing to check for is insurance, which is essential in order to cover yourself – you don’t want to be sued for any accidents that occur on your site!” says Greg.

2. Check their reviews

Online reviews are the perfect place to get a feel for your tradesperson’s reliability, as most people will air their grievances with a service provider on platforms such as Google Reviews and Trust Pilot, says Greg.

“If there is lots of negativity, it’s best to steer clear and look at someone else,” says Greg.

3. Get a quote in writing

“Written quotes are one of the most important aspects of ensuring you don’t get ripped off,” says Greg. “If your tradie has only provided you with a verbal quote, it’s their word against yours in what the determined scope of work would be. Having a written quote will help avoid disputes down the track.”

Greg explains that if your tradie doesn’t want to provide a written quote, take this as a major red flag and avoid working with them.

4. Avoid paying an hourly rate

Greg explains that hourly rates can be a slippery slope for customers, as if there are additional staff on site, or the job takes longer than expected, the cost will quickly stack up and blow your budget.

“Ask for a fixed price for the job, this will help ensure there are no unwanted surprises when you get your final bill.”

5. Don’t pay in cash

Last, but certainly not least, Greg has a warning for those thinking about paying for their tradesman’s services in cash.

“Do not pay a tradie in cash, even if they try and tempt you with a discount, as there is no way for you to prove that you made the payment. This can affect the future warranty of the job, and you may end up having to pay again for any issues that arise. Ensure your payment is in a method you can prove, if need be.”

For more top tips on working with tradespeople, check out the stories below.

5 things you need to know before hiring a tradie

How to get the best performance from your tradie

Tip top etiquette tips for working with tradespeople

  • DIY
  • Renovating
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to transform a shipping container into a stunning holiday house

How to transform a shipping container into a stunning holiday house

What you need to know before building an outdoor shower

What you need to know before building an outdoor shower

5 ways to stop deck screws, joists and fasteners from rotting or rusting

5 ways to stop deck screws, joists and fasteners from rotting or rusting

5 new home design trends we’ll be seeing in 2021

5 new home design trends we’ll be seeing in 2021

{headline}

{headline}

How one mum made her son a cubby house bed for under $400

How one mum made her son a cubby house bed for under $400

How one mum created an enchanted garden for her daughter

How one mum created an enchanted garden for her daughter

Reader project: It only cost $200 to transform this fireplace

Reader project: It only cost $200 to transform this fireplace

{headline}

{headline}

21 different deck lighting ideas

21 different deck lighting ideas

16 modern pool deck ideas that’ll impress your guests

16 modern pool deck ideas that’ll impress your guests

How to get on top of your to-do list in 2020

How to get on top of your to-do list in 2020

How to storm proof your home in 4 easy steps

How to storm proof your home in 4 easy steps

How you can make money from your renovation or demolition

How you can make money from your renovation or demolition

10 inspiring kitchen island design ideas

10 inspiring kitchen island design ideas

5 things you didn’t know Bunnings could do for you

5 things you didn’t know Bunnings could do for you

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription