Looking for a tradie in Australia can feel like a gamble. You ask around, get a few names, maybe check Google reviews — but you’re still not 100% sure if the person showing up at your door is going to do a proper job or ghost you halfway through.
We get it. That’s exactly why we built Fixes — but more on that later. First, here’s everything you need to know about finding a tradie you can actually trust.
1. Always Check Their License
This one’s non-negotiable. Every state in Australia has a licensing body for trades like plumbing, electrical, and gas fitting. If someone can’t show you a valid license, walk away.
Here’s where to check by state:
- Victoria — Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
- New South Wales — NSW Fair Trading
- Queensland — QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission)
- South Australia — Consumer and Business Services SA
- Western Australia — Building and Energy WA
A licensed tradie means they’ve got the qualifications, they carry insurance, and there’s a complaints process if things go sideways.
2. Get at Least Two or Three Quotes
Never go with the first quote you get. Not because the first tradie is bad, but because you need a baseline to know what’s fair.
When comparing quotes, look at:
- What’s actually included — materials, labour, cleanup
- Timeframe — when can they start, how long will it take
- Payment terms — do they want a deposit upfront, or payment on completion
If one quote is dramatically cheaper than the others, that’s usually a red flag. Quality work costs what it costs.
3. Read Reviews, But Read Them Properly
A 4.8-star rating with 200 reviews is way more reliable than a perfect 5.0 with three reviews. Look for patterns in what people say — do multiple reviewers mention the same good (or bad) things?
Also, check how the tradie responds to negative reviews. Someone who handles complaints professionally is usually someone who takes their work seriously.
4. Ask About Insurance
A good tradie will have public liability insurance at minimum. This covers any accidental damage to your property during the job. Some trades also require specific insurance — electricians, for example, need additional coverage in most states.
Don’t be shy about asking. Any tradie worth hiring won’t have a problem showing proof of insurance.
5. Get Everything in Writing
Verbal agreements are basically worthless when something goes wrong. Before any work starts, make sure you have:
- A written quote (not just a ballpark number over the phone)
- The scope of work clearly described
- Start and estimated completion dates
- Payment schedule
This protects both of you. A professional tradie will expect this.
6. Watch Out for These Red Flags
Over the years, we’ve seen the same warning signs come up again and again:
- No ABN — Every legitimate tradie in Australia has an Australian Business Number. No ABN = no deal.
- Cash-only, no receipt — This usually means they’re not declaring the work, and you’ll have zero recourse if something goes wrong.
- Pressure to decide now — A good tradie doesn’t need to rush you. If they’re pushing you to commit on the spot, they’re probably not your best option.
- No written quote — If they won’t put it in writing, they’re leaving room to change the price later.
7. Use a Platform That’s Already Done the Vetting
Here’s where we’ll be upfront — this is what Fixes does.
Instead of spending hours calling around, checking licenses, and comparing quotes manually, you can post your job on Fixes and get an instant quote in under 60 seconds. We verify tradies before they join the platform, handle payments through secure escrow, and give you a direct line to your assigned tradie through in-app messaging.
No phone tag. No chasing invoices. No wondering if the bloke is actually going to show up.
Whether it’s a leaking tap, a busted power point, or a full bathroom reno — just describe the job, get your quote, and we’ll match you with a vetted local tradie.
The Bottom Line
Finding a reliable tradie doesn’t have to be painful. Check their license, get multiple quotes, read reviews properly, and get everything in writing. Or skip the legwork and let Fixes handle it.
Either way, don’t settle for dodgy work. Your home deserves better than that.
Fixes is an Australian platform connecting homeowners with licensed, vetted tradies. Post a job and get an instant quote — no phone calls, no waiting around.
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