How to compare three tradie quotes

Ask every tradie for the same thing

Write a short brief before you ring anyone: what needs doing, which rooms or areas, the finish you want, how easy it is to get to, and when you would like it done. Send the same brief to every tradie. That is what makes the quotes comparable.

What a good quote includes

For smaller jobs, Consumer Affairs Victoria suggests you confirm whether the quote covers:

• transport, parts and labour, including apprentice costs
• any call out fees, and weekend or public holiday rates
• a realistic estimate of how long the work will take
• how changes, delays and late payments will be handled

Put the quotes side by side

Make a simple table with one row per item and one column per tradie. Fill in what each quote says, and mark a blank where it says nothing. A blank is not a zero. It is a question to ask.

Consumer Affairs Victoria warns that the cheapest quote may not include some items, for example a base rate that does not cover the actual materials.

Check the person, not just the price

Ask for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance. For work over $10,000, check the builder is registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission. Our guide on checking a tradie's licence shows what applies to each trade.

When the quotes are far apart

Ask each tradie to explain the difference in writing. Most gaps come down to scope: different prep, different materials, or things left out. Once the scope matches, the price gap usually shrinks.