You have found a tradie you want to hire. Or maybe you have found three. Either way, the next step is getting quotes from tradies, and how you handle this part of the process determines whether you end up with a fair price, a clear scope, and a smooth project, or a budget blowout and six months of stress.
Most homeowners skip straight to “how much?” without doing the groundwork that makes quotes accurate and comparable. Australia has over 178,000 licensed tradespeople listed on TradieVerify, and every one of them will give you a different price if you give them a vague brief. This guide walks you through the entire quoting process, from writing a proper job brief to signing a contract you actually understand.
Step 1: Write a Clear Job Brief Before You Call Anyone
The single biggest reason quotes come in wildly different is that the homeowner gave each tradie a different description of the job. A written brief fixes this. Before you pick up the phone or send a message, write down exactly what you need done.
Your brief should include:
- What needs doing. “Replace the kitchen tap” is better than “fix the kitchen.” “Retile the bathroom floor (6m2, removing existing tiles)” is better than “bathroom renovation.”
- Measurements. Room dimensions, wall heights, area in square metres. Tradies cannot quote accurately without them.
- Access conditions. Is the property single or double storey? Is there scaffolding access? Any tight spaces, narrow hallways, or stairs?
- Materials preference. If you want Colorbond roofing, say so. If you are happy for the tradie to recommend materials, say that too. Material choice can swing a quote by 30% or more.
- Photos and video. Take wide shots of the full area plus close-ups of any damage, existing fittings, or problem spots. Send the same photos to every tradie.
- Timeline. When do you need the work done? Are you flexible, or is there a hard deadline?
- Budget range (optional). Some homeowners share a rough budget to filter out tradies who work at a different price point. Others prefer to see quotes without this influence. Both approaches work.
Give every tradie the same brief. This is the key to getting comparable quotes. If you describe the job differently to each one, you cannot compare their prices fairly.
Step 2: Get at Least Three Quotes
Three quotes is the standard recommendation across Australia, and for good reason. One quote gives you no context. Two quotes tell you one is higher and one is lower, but you do not know which is closer to the real market rate. Three quotes give you a reliable baseline.
How to find tradies to quote:
- TradieVerify. Search for licensed tradespeople by trade and location. You can verify their licence status before you even call.
- Word of mouth. Ask neighbours, friends, or family who have had similar work done recently.
- Industry associations. Master Builders, Master Plumbers, and Master Electricians maintain member directories.
- Local council notice boards and community groups. Often a good source for smaller jobs.
When contacting tradies, tell them:
- You are getting quotes from tradies and comparing three.
- You have a written brief ready to send.
- You want a written quote (not a verbal estimate).
Being upfront about comparing quotes is not rude. It is standard practice, and reputable tradies expect it.
Step 3: Understand What You Are Comparing
Not all quotes are created equal. Two tradies can quote $15,000 for the same bathroom renovation, but one includes waterproofing, tiling, and plumbing while the other covers demolition and framing only. If you do not read the detail, the “same price” means completely different things.
Itemised Quotes vs Lump Sum Quotes
| Feature | Itemised Quote | Lump Sum Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown | Labour, materials, and each task listed separately | Single total price for the whole job |
| Transparency | You can see exactly where your money goes | You know the total but not the cost of each part |
| Comparison | Easy to compare line by line across quotes | Harder to compare because scope may differ |
| Variations | Easier to adjust scope and see cost impact | Variation costs are harder to evaluate |
| Best for | Renovations, multi-trade projects, larger jobs | Simple, well-defined jobs (e.g., install a split system) |
Always ask for an itemised quote on jobs over $5,000. For smaller, straightforward jobs, a lump sum is usually fine.
Fixed Quote vs Estimate
These are not the same thing, and confusing them is one of the most expensive mistakes homeowners make.
- Fixed quote. The price does not change unless you change the scope. If the tradie underestimated their labour, that is their problem, not yours.
- Estimate. A rough guide. The final price can go up or down. Estimates are common for jobs where hidden issues may exist (e.g., rewiring an old house where the wall cavities have not been inspected).
Always ask: “Is this a fixed quote or an estimate?” Get the answer in writing.
Step 4: Check What Is Included and Excluded
Every quote should clearly state what is in and what is out. If it does not, ask. The items homeowners most commonly assume are included but often are not:
- Removal and disposal of waste. Some tradies include skip bin hire, others charge it as an extra.
- Site preparation. Demolition, clearing, protecting floors and furniture.
- Permits and inspections. Council approvals, building permits, compliance certificates. See our building permits guide for what your project might require.
- Making good. Patching, painting, or repairing surfaces after the primary work is done.
- GST. Quotes from businesses registered for GST should include it. If the total looks unusually low, check whether GST is included.
Red flag. A quote that lists a total price with no detail about what it covers. If you cannot see what you are paying for, you cannot know what you are getting.
Step 5: Know the Deposit Rules
Australian state and territory laws cap how much a tradie can ask for upfront. Paying more than the legal limit is not just risky, it may be a sign the tradie is in financial trouble or operating outside the law.
| State/Territory | Maximum Deposit | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | 10% of contract price | Residential building work over $3,300 |
| VIC | 10% (jobs up to $20,000), 5% (jobs over $20,000) | Domestic building contracts |
| NSW | 10% of contract price | Residential building work over $5,000 |
| WA | 6.5% of contract price | Home building work contracts |
| SA | No prescribed cap (10% is industry standard) | Residential building work |
| ACT | No prescribed cap | Residential building work |
| TAS | 10% of contract price | Residential building work |
| NT | No prescribed cap | Residential building work |
Never pay the full amount before the job is complete. If a tradie asks for 50% upfront or demands cash with no receipt, find someone else. State deposit limit laws cap what tradies can legally charge upfront. For a breakdown of payment structures, see the payment terms section of our questions to ask before hiring a tradie guide.
Step 6: Compare Quotes Side by Side
Getting quotes from tradies is only useful if you compare them properly. Once you have three in hand, go through them systematically. Do not just look at the bottom line.
Quote comparison checklist:
- Scope. Are all three tradies quoting on the same work? If one quote is significantly lower, check whether it covers the same scope as the others.
- Materials. Are the same brands and grades specified? A quote using budget tiles will be cheaper than one using premium porcelain. That is not a like-for-like comparison.
- Timeline. When can they start? How long will the job take? A tradie who can start next week but takes eight weeks may cost you more in disruption than one who starts in a month but finishes in three weeks.
- Payment terms. Deposit, progress payments, final payment. Compare the payment schedule against the deposit caps in the table above.
- Insurance and licensing. Every tradie quoting on licensed work should hold a current licence and public liability insurance. You can verify licences on TradieVerify.
- Exclusions. What is NOT included? The cheapest quote often has the longest exclusion list.
- Variation process. How does the tradie handle unexpected costs or scope changes? A good quote spells this out.
The cheapest quote is rarely the best. The most detailed, transparent quote from a licensed and insured tradie is almost always the better choice, even if it costs a bit more.
Step 7: Understand Variation Clauses
Variations are changes to the original scope of work after the contract is signed. They are the number one cause of budget blowouts in Australian home renovations.
Common reasons for variations:
- Hidden damage discovered during demolition (e.g., termite damage, asbestos, corroded pipes)
- Homeowner changes their mind on materials or layout
- Regulatory requirements discovered during the build (e.g., additional structural support)
Your rights with variations:
- The tradie must provide a written variation notice before doing the extra work.
- The notice must include a description of the change, the additional cost, and the impact on the timeline.
- You must approve the variation in writing before the tradie proceeds.
- In most states, if a tradie does variation work without your written approval, they cannot charge you for it.
Protect yourself. Include a clause in the contract that requires written approval for any variation over a set dollar amount (e.g., $500). This prevents small additions from stacking up unnoticed.
Step 8: Know When a Written Contract Is Required
Getting quotes from tradies is only the first half of the process. The second half is turning the accepted quote into a proper contract. In most Australian states, a written contract is legally required for residential building work above certain thresholds.
| State/Territory | Written Contract Required Above | Contract Must Include |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | $3,300 | Scope, price, start/completion dates, warranties, dispute process |
| VIC | $10,000 (major domestic building) | Plans, specifications, allowances, cooling-off clause |
| NSW | $5,000 | Description of work, contract price, start/completion dates |
| WA | $7,500 | Scope, price, plans, specifications, warranties |
| SA | $12,000 | Scope, contract price, insurance details |
| ACT | $12,000 | Plans, specifications, price, completion date |
| TAS | $20,000 | Description, price, plans, insurance, warranties |
| NT | No prescribed threshold | Industry standard applies |
Even for jobs below these thresholds, a written contract protects both you and the tradie. A signed quote that details the scope, price, timeline, and payment terms is sufficient for smaller jobs.
Cooling-off periods. Victoria requires a three-day cooling-off period for major domestic building contracts over $10,000. During this period, you can cancel the contract without penalty. Other states have varying cooling-off provisions. Check with your state’s consumer affairs office.
Step 9: Verify the Tradie’s Licence Before You Accept
Before you accept any quote and sign a contract, verify that the tradie holds a current licence for the type of work they are quoting on. This takes two minutes and can save you thousands.
How to verify:
- Ask the tradie for their licence number.
- Search for them on TradieVerify by name or licence number.
- Confirm their licence is active (not expired, suspended, or cancelled).
- Check that the licence class covers the work you need done. A licensed builder with a “Limited” class may not be authorised for the full scope of your project.
- Verify their insurance. Ask for a certificate of currency for public liability (minimum $5 million) and check whether they need home warranty insurance for your project.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide to checking a tradesperson’s licence.
Step 10: Keep Records of Everything
From the first phone call to the final payment, document everything. If a dispute arises months later, your records are your evidence.
Keep copies of:
- Your original written brief
- All quotes received (including rejected ones)
- The signed contract or accepted quote
- All variation notices and your written approvals
- Every invoice and payment receipt (with ABN)
- Photos of the work at each stage
- Any text messages, emails, or written communication with the tradie
Your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Under sections 60 to 62 of the Australian Consumer Law, services must be provided with due care and skill, be fit for the specified purpose, and be completed within a reasonable time. If work is defective, you are entitled to a remedy. These rights apply regardless of what the contract says. Getting quotes from tradies with proper documentation protects these rights from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get from tradies?
Three quotes is the widely accepted minimum in Australia. This gives you enough data to spot an outlier (unusually high or low), compare scope and approach, and understand the fair market rate for your job. For large or complex projects, four or five quotes may be worth the extra time.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a fixed price that does not change unless you change the scope of work. An estimate is a rough guide that can go up or down once the tradie starts work. Always confirm which one you are receiving, and get the answer in writing. Quotes provide stronger consumer protection.
Should I always pick the cheapest quote?
No. The cheapest quote often excludes items the others include, uses lower-grade materials, or comes from a tradie who has underestimated the job and will hit you with variations later. Compare the detail, not just the price. The most transparent, fully itemised quote from a licensed tradesperson is usually the best value.
How much deposit should I pay a tradie?
Most Australian states cap deposits at 10% of the contract price for residential building work. Victoria caps it at 5% for jobs over $20,000. Western Australia caps it at 6.5%. Never pay more than the legal maximum, and never pay the full amount before work is complete.
Can a tradie charge for providing a quote?
Yes, but they should tell you upfront. Most tradies provide free quotes for standard residential work. Some charge a site visit or inspection fee for complex jobs where significant time is needed to prepare an accurate quote. If there is a fee, it should be disclosed before you book the visit.
What should I do if a tradie’s quote seems too good to be true?
Check their licence on TradieVerify first. Then ask for an itemised breakdown. If they cannot provide one, or if the quote excludes items that other tradies include, the low price is likely hiding a catch. Common tactics include quoting on a reduced scope, using budget materials without specifying, or planning to add variations once work starts.
Related Guides
- How to Read and Compare Trade Quotes — Our quote comparison guide
- 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Tradie — Our essential hiring questions
- Tradie Payment Terms: What’s Standard — Our payment terms guide
Sources
- Consumer Affairs Victoria, “Giving quotes: tradespeople and small works,” consumer.vic.gov.au
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission, “Contract requirements for building work,” qbcc.qld.gov.au
- NSW Fair Trading, “Home building contracts,” nsw.gov.au
- Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety WA, “Home building contracts,” demirs.wa.gov.au
- Master Builders Australia, “Getting quotes and comparing builders,” masterbuilders.com.au
- Housing Industry Association, “Understanding building contracts,” hia.com.au
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, “Consumer guarantees on services,” accc.gov.au
- Access Canberra, “Building and renovating,” accesscanberra.act.gov.au