Hiring & Trade Guides
Expert advice to help you hire the right tradesperson, understand costs, and navigate licensing requirements across Australia.
Hiring Guides
46 guidesHow to find, vet, and hire qualified tradespeople
How to Hire a Licensed Landscaper in NSW: What Homeowners Actually Need to Know
Find and verify a licensed landscaper in NSW. Covers the $5,000 licence threshold, costs, insurance, contracts, and where to search 1,023 verified landscapers.
How to Hire a Licensed Painter in NSW: The Complete Fair Trading Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed painter in NSW. Covers licence checks, the $5,000 threshold, painting costs, lead paint safety and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Pest Control Technician in Brisbane: A Suburb-by-Suburb Guide
How to hire a licensed pest control technician in Brisbane. Covers QLD's dual licensing, costs, seasonal pests, and what to check before you book.
How to Hire a Licensed Plumber in Queensland: The Complete QBCC Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed plumber in QLD. Covers QBCC licence checks, plumbing licence classes, costs, Form 4 and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Plumber in South Australia: CBS Registration, Costs and Your Rights
Guide to hiring a licensed plumber in South Australia. Covers CBS registration checks, SA plumbing costs, certificates of compliance and consumer rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Plumber in Victoria: The Complete VBA Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed plumber in Victoria. Covers VBA licence checks, plumbing classes, compliance certificates and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Painter in Queensland: The Complete QBCC Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed painter in QLD. Covers QBCC licence checks, painting costs, lead paint, warranties and your consumer rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Plumber in NSW: The Complete Fair Trading Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed plumber in NSW. Covers Fair Trading licence checks, plumbing licence types, costs and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Electrician in Victoria: The Complete Energy Safe Victoria Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed electrician in Victoria. Covers ESV licence checks, COES, Melbourne costs, your rights and red flags.
How to Hire a Licensed Gasfitter in Queensland: The Complete QBCC & RSHQ Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed gasfitter in QLD. Covers QBCC and RSHQ licence checks, gas compliance certificates, costs and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Electrician in NSW: The Complete Fair Trading Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed electrician in NSW. Covers Fair Trading licence checks, CCEWs, costs, your rights and red flags to avoid.
How to Hire a Licensed Electrician in Queensland: The Complete ESO Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed electrician in QLD. Covers electrical licence classes, ESO verification, costs, compliance certificates and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in the Northern Territory: The Complete BPB Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed builder in NT. Covers BPB registration checks, Fidelity Fund, contracts, tropical building tips and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in Western Australia: The Complete DEMIRS Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed builder in WA. Covers DEMIRS registration checks, home indemnity insurance, contract rules, costs and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Cabinet Maker in Australia: Licences, Costs, Contracts, and What to Check
How to hire a licensed cabinet maker in Australia. Covers state licensing, kitchen costs, contracts, insurance, and qualifications.
How to Hire a Licensed Scaffolder in Australia: HRWL Classes, Safety, Costs, and What to Check
Find out how to hire a licensed scaffolder in Australia. Covers HRWL classes, insurance, costs per sqm, safety rules, and state-by-state regulations.
How to Hire a Licensed Bricklayer in Australia: A Homeowner's Complete Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed bricklayer in Australia. Covers licence checks, bricklaying costs per m², state regulators, and what to look for in quotes.
How to Hire a Licensed Swimming Pool Builder in Australia: A Homeowner's Complete Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed swimming pool builder in Australia. Covers pool costs, licence checks, council approvals, and state-by-state regulations.
How to Hire a Licensed Demolisher in Australia
Learn how to hire a licensed demolisher in Australia. Covers licensing by state, costs, asbestos risks, permits, and what to check before signing a contract.
How to Hire a Licensed Glazier in Australia
Find out how to hire a licensed glazier in Australia. Covers state licensing, costs, glass types, energy efficiency, and what to ask before booking.
How to Hire a Licensed Fire Protection Technician in Australia
Find and hire a licensed fire protection technician in Australia. Covers licence checks, smoke alarm laws, costs, state regulations and what to look for.
How to Hire a Licensed Fire Protection Technician in Queensland
How to hire a licensed fire protection technician in Queensland. QBCC licence checks, 2027 smoke alarm deadline, costs, and what QLD homeowners need to know.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in South Australia: The Complete CBS Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed builder in SA. Covers CBS licence checks, building indemnity insurance, contract rules, costs and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in Tasmania: The Complete CBOS Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed builder in Tasmania. Covers CBOS licence checks, contract rules, warranty protections, costs and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in the ACT: The Complete Access Canberra Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed builder in the ACT. Covers Access Canberra licence checks, insurance, contracts, costs and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in Victoria: The Complete VBA Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a registered builder in Victoria. Covers VBA registration checks, DBI insurance, contract rules, DBDRV disputes and costs.
How to Check a Builder's Licence in NSW: The Complete Homeowner's Guide
Learn how to check a builder's licence in NSW. Covers Fair Trading verification, Home Building Act rights, HBCF insurance, contracts and disputes.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in Queensland: The Complete QBCC Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to hiring a licensed builder in QLD. Covers QBCC licence checks, home warranty insurance, contract rules, costs and your rights.
How to Hire a Licensed Demolition Contractor in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed demolition contractor in Australia. Covers asbestos inspections, demolition permits, SWMS, costs in AUD, and state licensing.
How to Hire a Licensed Fencing Contractor in Australia: What Every Homeowner Should Know
Learn how to hire a licensed fencing contractor in Australia. Covers neighbour disputes, Fences Act, pool fencing, costs in AUD, and state licensing.
How to Hire a Licensed Waterproofer in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed waterproofer in Australia. Covers AS 3740 compliance, membrane types, waterproofing costs in AUD, and state-by-state licensing.
How to Hire a Licensed Concreter in Australia: A Complete Homeowner's Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed concreter in Australia. Covers driveways, slabs, paths, costs, state licences, quotes, and red flags to watch for.
How to Hire a Licensed Pest Control Technician in Australia: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Learn how to hire a licensed pest control technician in Australia. Covers termites, general pests, licences by state, costs, and what to expect.
How to Hire a Licensed Plasterer in Australia: Walls, Ceilings, Rendering, and More
Learn how to hire a licensed plasterer in Australia. Covers plasterboard, rendering, cornice, costs by state, licences, and how to spot quality work.
How to Hire a Licensed Air Conditioning Technician in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed air conditioning technician in Australia. Covers ARCtick licence, split vs ducted systems, costs, and state regulators.
How to Hire a Licensed Builder in Australia: A Homeowner's Complete Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed builder in Australia. Covers licence classes, costs, home warranty insurance, progress payments, and state regulators.
How to Hire a Licensed Carpenter in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed carpenter in Australia. Covers licence checks, carpentry costs, structural vs finishing work, and state licensing requirements.
How to Hire a Licensed Electrician in Australia: A Homeowner's Complete Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed electrician in Australia. Covers licence checks, costs, quotes, state regulators, and red flags.
How to Hire a Licensed Gasfitter in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed gasfitter in Australia. Covers licence checks, gas work costs, compliance certificates, CO safety, and state regulators.
How to Hire a Licensed Landscaper in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed landscaper in Australia. Covers licence checks, landscaping costs, retaining walls, drainage, and state requirements.
How to Hire a Licensed Locksmith in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed locksmith in Australia. Covers security licence checks, locksmith costs, emergency services, master key systems, and scam alerts.
How to Hire a Licensed Painter in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed painter in Australia. Covers licence checks, painting costs, lead paint safety, warranties, and state-by-state licensing rules.
How to Hire a Licensed Plumber in Australia: A Homeowner's Complete Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed plumber in Australia. Covers licence checks, costs, quotes, state regulators, and red flags to avoid.
How to Hire a Licensed Roofer in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed roofer in Australia. Covers licence checks, roofing costs, metal vs tile, asbestos rules, and state-by-state regulators.
How to Hire a Licensed Solar Installer in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed solar installer in Australia. Covers CEC accreditation, STC rebates, battery storage, costs, and state regulators.
How to Hire a Licensed Tiler in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide
Learn how to hire a licensed tiler in Australia. Covers licence checks, tiling costs per sqm, waterproofing rules, and state-by-state licensing requirements.
Cost Guides
26 guidesWhat to expect to pay for common trade services
How Much Does Window and Glass Replacement Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Window and glass replacement costs in Australia from $150 to $40,000+. Single pane, double glazed, sliding doors, and emergency glazier prices by state.
How Much Does Tiling Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Tiling costs in Australia from $30 to $200 per m2. Floor, wall, bathroom, and outdoor tiling prices with labour rates and state-by-state breakdowns.
How Much Does Waterproofing Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Waterproofing costs in Australia from $40 to $100 per m2. Bathroom, shower, balcony, and laundry prices with membrane types and state breakdowns.
How Much Does Plastering Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Plastering costs in Australia from $15 to $90 per m2. Plasterboard, cornice, skim coat, patching, and ornamental plastering prices by state.
How Much Does Plumbing Repiping Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Plumbing repiping cost in Australia ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 for a full house. Compare copper vs PEX, per-point costs, and partial repipe pricing.
How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Landscaping costs in Australia range from $50 to $150 per m2. Compare prices for turf, paving, garden beds, irrigation and full backyard makeovers.
How Much Does Pest Control Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Pest control costs in Australia from $100 to $5,000+. General pest spray, termite inspection, termite treatment, rodent and cockroach control prices.
How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Retaining wall costs in Australia range from $150 to $700 per m2. Compare timber, concrete block, sandstone and gabion wall prices by state.
How Much Does Ducted Air Conditioning Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Ducted air conditioning costs $8,000 to $20,000+ installed in Australia. Covers system sizes, zoning, reverse cycle, running costs, and ducted vs split.
How Much Does a Carport or Garage Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Carport costs in Australia range from $3,000 to $15,000. Garage builds cost $20,000 to $55,000. Compare single, double, kit and custom prices by state.
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in Australia? Full 2025-2026 Price Guide
Concrete driveway costs in Australia range from $65 to $200 per m2. Compare plain, stamped, exposed aggregate and coloured concrete prices by state.
How Much Does a Home Extension Cost in Australia? Prices, Planning, and What to Expect
Find out how much a home extension costs in Australia in 2026. Covers single and double storey, council approvals, builder costs, and state-by-state pricing.
How Much Does a Swimming Pool Cost in Australia? The Complete 2026 Guide
Discover how much a swimming pool costs in Australia in 2026. Covers fibreglass, concrete, and above-ground pools, plus fencing, permits, and ongoing costs.
How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Australia? A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Find out how much asbestos removal costs in Australia in 2026. Covers bonded vs friable, state rules, DIY limits, licences, and what to expect.
How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Bathroom renovation cost in Australia from $10K to $80K+. Itemised breakdown of plumbing, tiling, waterproofing, fixtures, and labour by budget tier.
How Much Does a Deck or Pergola Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Deck or pergola cost in Australia from $3,000 to $25,000+. Per-m² rates for timber, composite, and aluminium with city-by-city pricing.
How Much Does a Fence Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Fence cost in Australia from $50 to $600+ per metre. Colorbond, timber, pool fencing prices with neighbour cost-sharing and city-by-city rates.
How Much Does a Granny Flat Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Granny flat cost in Australia from $80K to $250K+. Prefab vs custom build, state approval rules, itemised breakdown, and rental yield potential.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Kitchen renovation cost in Australia from $15K to $100K+. Itemised breakdown of cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, plumbing, and electrical by budget tier.
How Much Does a New Build Cost Per Square Metre in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
New build cost per square metre in Australia from $1,500 to $5,000+. Project home vs custom, state-by-state pricing, and itemised cost breakdowns.
How Much Does Electrical Rewiring Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Electrical rewiring cost in Australia from $3,000 to $20,000+. Per-point pricing, switchboard upgrades, safety switch costs, and city-by-city breakdowns.
How Much Does House Painting Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
House painting cost in Australia from $20 to $80 per sqm. Interior, exterior, per-room estimates, prep work, and city-by-city price comparison.
How Much Does Plumbing Rough-In Cost for a New Home in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Plumbing rough-in cost for a new home in Australia ranges from $8,000 to $15,000+. Itemised breakdown by room, material, labour, and connection fees.
How Much Does Roof Replacement Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Roof replacement cost in Australia from $10K to $50K+. Colorbond, tile, and slate costs per m2, asbestos removal pricing, and city-by-city breakdowns.
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Solar panel installation cost in Australia from $4,500 to $20,000+. System sizes, STC rebates, battery add-ons, and city-by-city pricing breakdowns.
How Much Does Split System AC Installation Cost in Australia? Full 2025–2026 Price Guide
Split system AC installation cost in Australia from $1,200 to $5,500+. Unit sizes, brand tiers, running costs, and city-by-city pricing breakdowns.
Licensing Guides
14 guidesUnderstanding licence requirements across states
Tiling Licence Requirements Across Australia: State-by-State Guide for Homeowners
Do you need a licence for tiling in Australia? State-by-state tiling licence requirements, QBCC classes, waterproofing overlap and how to verify.
Pest Control Licence Requirements Across Australia: State-by-State Guide for Homeowners
State-by-state pest control licence requirements in Australia. Covers fumigation licences, termite qualifications and how to verify.
Painting Licence Requirements Across Australia: State-by-State Guide for Homeowners
Do painters need a licence in Australia? State-by-state painting licence thresholds, QBCC classes, lead paint rules and how to verify your painter.
VBA Compliance Certificates and Building Reports: What Victorian Homeowners Need to Know
What is a VBA compliance certificate? Covers plumbing and building compliance reports, how to verify them online, the 6-year warranty, and the BPC transition.
Concreting Licence Requirements Across Australia: State-by-State Guide for Homeowners
Do concreters need a licence in Australia? State-by-state concreting licence thresholds, QBCC classes, structural vs decorative work and how to verify.
Gas Compliance Certificates: What Australian Homeowners Need to Know
What is a gas compliance certificate and when do you need one? Covers QLD, NSW, VIC and all states, costs, recent 2026 digital changes and your rights.
Australian Builder Licensing Explained: A State-by-State Guide for Homeowners
Understand builder licensing in Australia. State-by-state regulator guide, licence classes, financial requirements, and how to verify a builder's licence.
Building Permits and Approvals: An Australian Homeowner's Guide
Understand building permits in Australia. When you need one, how to apply, exempt works, council vs private certifier, costs, timeframes, and penalties.
Home Warranty Insurance: What Australian Homeowners Must Know
Understand home warranty insurance in Australia. State-by-state thresholds, coverage periods, claim process, and how to verify your builder is covered.
How to Check a Tradesperson's Licence in Australia: State-by-State Verification Guide
Step-by-step guide to check a tradesperson's licence in every Australian state. Find your state regulator, verify licence status, and avoid unlicensed tradies.
Owner Builder Permits: A Complete Australian Guide
Understand owner builder permit requirements in every Australian state. Thresholds, training, insurance, resale rules, and what work you can do yourself.
Plumbing Licences in Australia: What Homeowners Need to Know
Understand plumbing licences across Australia. State-by-state regulators, endorsements explained, journeyperson vs contractor, and licence verification.
Understanding Electrical Licensing Requirements Across Australia
Understand electrical licensing across Australia. State-by-state regulator guide, restricted vs unrestricted licences, safety certificates, and verification.
What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Tradie in Australia? Penalties, Insurance Risks, and Your Rights
What happens when you hire an unlicensed tradie in Australia? State-by-state penalties, insurance void risks, and how to report unlicensed work.
Checklists
18 guidesStep-by-step checklists before, during, and after hiring
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Gasfitter in Australia
Checklist of questions to ask a gasfitter before hiring. Covers licences, gas compliance certificates, safety, costs and red flags for Australian homeowners.
Public Liability Insurance for Tradies: What Australian Homeowners Should Check
Learn how to check a tradie's public liability insurance before hiring. Coverage levels, verification steps, and what happens if your tradie is uninsured.
How to Verify a Tradesperson's Insurance in Australia: A Practical Guide for Homeowners
Step-by-step guide to checking a tradesperson's insurance before hiring. Covers public liability, workers comp, certificates of currency, and red flags.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Plumber Visit in Australia
Checklist to prepare your home before a plumber arrives. Covers water shutoff, clearing access, documenting the problem, and what to expect.
How to Prepare Your Home for Pest Control Treatment in Australia
Step-by-step pest control preparation checklist for Australian homeowners. Covers general spray, termite inspection, fumigation, pet safety, and post-treatment.
How to Prepare Your Home for Solar Panel Installation in Australia
Complete checklist for preparing your home before solar panels are installed. Covers roof, switchboard, rebates, insurance, and installation day.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Painter: The Complete Australian Checklist
Step-by-step checklist to prepare your home before a painter arrives. Covers lead paint checks, furniture, walls, strata approvals, and exterior prep.
Asbestos and Home Renovations in Australia: What Every Homeowner Must Know
Planning a renovation? Learn how to identify asbestos, understand state removal rules, and find a licensed removalist. Covers costs and DIY limits.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Tradie in Australia
Practical checklist of questions to ask before hiring a tradie in Australia. Covers licences, insurance, quotes, contracts, and red flags.
Checklist: Before Your Builder Starts Work in Australia
Pre-start checklist for building work in Australia. Covers contracts, insurance, permits, neighbour notification, site access, and the variation process.
Emergency Plumbing: What to Do Before the Plumber Arrives
Step-by-step emergency plumbing guide for Australian homeowners. Shut off water, contain damage, avoid costly mistakes, and know after-hours rates.
Getting Quotes from Tradies: The Complete Australian Guide
Step-by-step guide to getting quotes from tradies in Australia. Covers written briefs, comparing quotes, deposit caps, and contract rules by state.
How to Handle a Building Dispute in Australia
Practical guide to resolving building disputes in Australia. Covers mediation, state tribunals (NCAT, VCAT, QCAT), costs, timeframes, and your legal rights.
How to Prepare Your Home for an Electrician Visit in Australia
Step-by-step checklist for preparing your home before an electrician arrives. Covers switchboard access, safety, scope, and what to expect.
How to Read and Compare Trade Quotes in Australia
Practical guide to reading and comparing trade quotes in Australia. Covers line-by-line analysis, provisional sums, red flags, and like-for-like comparison.
Renovation Project Management Tips for Australian Homeowners
Practical renovation project management tips for Australian homeowners. Covers timelines, budgets, variations, communication, and progress tracking.
Tradie Payment Terms: What's Standard in Australia
Understand standard tradie payment terms in Australia. Covers deposits, progress payments, final payments, retention, and red flags to watch for.
What to Do When a Tradie Does Poor Work in Australia
Step-by-step guide for Australian homeowners dealing with poor tradie work. Covers documentation, complaints, state tribunals, and your legal rights.
Seasonal Guides
8 guidesTimely advice for seasonal home maintenance
Bushfire Season Home Preparation Checklist for Australian Homeowners
Prepare your Australian home for bushfire season. Covers BAL ratings, defendable space, ember protection, gutter guards and which trades to book.
End of Financial Year: Tax Deductions for Home Renovations in Australia
Which home renovation costs are tax deductible in Australia? Covers investment property deductions, CGT cost base, depreciation and trades to book by 30 June.
First Home Buyer's Guide to Building Inspections in Australia
A first home buyer's guide to building and pest inspections in Australia. Covers costs, what inspectors check, red flags, and how to choose an inspector.
Pre-Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for Australians
Seasonal home maintenance checklist to prepare your Australian home for winter. Covers heating, roofing, gutters, plumbing, insulation and trades to book.
Renting Out Your Property: Required Trade Inspections for Australian Landlords
Which trade inspections does your rental property need? Covers smoke alarms, electrical safety, gas compliance, pool fencing and RCDs by state.
Selling Your Home: Trade Jobs That Add the Most Value in Australia
Which trade jobs add the most value before selling your Australian home? ROI by renovation type, costs, quick wins and which licensed tradies to hire.
Storm Season Preparation Guide for Australian Homeowners
Prepare your Australian home for storm season. Covers roof checks, tree trimming, drainage, insurance review and which trades to book before severe weather.
Summer-Ready Home: Essential Trade Jobs to Book Before December
Get your Australian home summer-ready. AC servicing, pool compliance, pest inspections, solar panel cleaning and outdoor jobs to book before December.
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