Hiring a tradie you don't know can feel risky. But the right questions upfront turn a guessing game into a confident choice.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
In Australia, electricians and plumbers must hold a current trade licence. Builders require a contractor licence. Always ask to see the licence number — you can verify it instantly on your state's licensing website.
Insurance matters too. Ask for a Certificate of Currency showing public liability (minimum $5 million) and, for builders, home warranty insurance where required.
2. Can I see some recent reviews or references?
A confident tradie will happily share two or three recent customers you can call. On BizValid, every review is verified against a completed job — so you can trust what you read.
Pay attention to how they respond to any negative reviews. Professionalism under criticism says a lot.
3. Will you provide a written quote?
Verbal quotes lead to disputes. A written quote should include a detailed scope of work, materials listed separately, a fixed price or clear hourly rate, and a timeline.
If they refuse to put it in writing, walk away.
4. Who will actually do the work?
Some contractors quote the job, then subcontract it to someone you've never met. Ask directly: "Will you be on site, or will a subcontractor do the work?" If they use subs, ask how they're vetted.
5. What happens if something goes wrong?
A good tradie stands behind their work. Ask about their defects liability period (typically 6–12 months for construction work) and what their process is if you're unhappy with the result.
Getting these answers upfront protects you — and tends to filter out anyone who isn't serious about quality.
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