Questions to ask before you hire a tradie
Before you hire a tradie, ask five things: are you licensed for this, are you insured, what exactly is included, what’s the all-in price, and when will it start and finish? The catch is asking them well for every quote — which is the part a concierge does for you.
About them
Are you licensed for this specific work, and can I have your licence number? Do you carry public liability insurance, and warranty insurance for larger building work? Can I see two or three recent jobs like mine?
These aren’t rude questions. A good tradie answers them without fuss — and the answers tell you a lot before any work begins.
About the job
What exactly is included, and what isn’t? What happens if you find a problem once you start? Will you leave the site clean and remove the rubbish?
Pinning down the scope is where most future disputes are quietly avoided. Vague answers here are worth taking seriously.
About price and timing
What’s the all-in price including GST, and what could change it? When can you start, and how long will it take? What payment do you expect, and when?
For work over $5,000 in NSW, you’re entitled to a written contract — ask for one. Clear dates also let you tell, at the end, whether the job was delivered as promised.
Or just let us ask
Here’s the honest part: asking these questions well, for every quote, takes time and a bit of know-how. We ask them for you. We bring in a checked tradie from our network, organise the job, book the dates, and record it’s done — and you approve before it’s marked complete.
We don’t manage the site or supervise the trade on site. We make sure the right questions were asked and the right outcome was delivered.
Common questions
What’s the most important question to ask a tradie?
Two, really: are you licensed and insured for this work, and what exactly is included for the price? Get both clear in writing before anyone starts.
Should I always get the price in writing?
Yes. Ask for an all-in price including GST and what could change it. For work over $5,000 in NSW you’re entitled to a written contract.
Is it rude to ask for a licence number?
Not at all. A reputable tradie expects it and answers without fuss. You can check the number for free on the NSW Fair Trading website.
What if I don’t know what to ask?
That’s exactly what the concierge is for — we ask the right questions for you, agree the scope and price, and make sure the job is finished before it’s marked done.