The essential verification checklist before committing to any trade work. Print it out and work through each point.
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Check their licence online
Every state has a free search tool. Look up their licence number against your state's licensing authority — NSW Fair Trading, VBA, QBCC, CBS SA, etc. Takes 2 minutes.
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Ask for the actual licence NUMBER
'I'm licensed' isn't enough. Ask for the specific contractor licence number so you can verify it yourself. A legitimate tradie will give it immediately.
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Verify public liability insurance
Ask for a certificate of currency — not just 'yes I'm insured.' The certificate shows the insurer, policy number, coverage amount, and expiry date. Minimum $5M coverage.
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Get a WRITTEN quote
A verbal 'about three grand' is not a quote. A proper quote includes scope of work, materials, timeline, payment terms, and what's excluded. If they won't put it in writing, walk away.
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Check Google Reviews — look for patterns
Don't just check the star rating. Read the reviews. Look for patterns across multiple reviews — do people mention punctuality, communication, clean-up? Or lateness, hidden costs, poor finishes?
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Ask for references from similar jobs
An experienced tradie has a trail of completed work. Ask to see photos of similar jobs and speak to a previous customer if possible.
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Confirm scope, materials, timeline, and payment
The quote should specify exactly what work is included, which materials will be used (brand/grade), estimated timeline, and when payments are due.
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Never pay more than 20% upfront
A deposit of 10-20% is normal. Demands for 50%+ before starting work is a red flag. Structure remaining payments around milestones (demolition done, rough-in done, completion).
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Get a written contract for jobs over $5,000
This is a legal requirement in most Australian states. The contract should include cooling-off period, variation process, dispute resolution, and warranty terms.
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Ask about warranty and defect handling
What happens if something goes wrong in 3 months? 12 months? Licensed work comes with statutory warranties (6 years structural, 2 years non-structural in most states).