The Trades Playbook

Pick a trade.

Each trade page covers what to check before you hire, how quotes and deposits work and what to read next.

A hand holding a paint roller against a grey wall

Painting

Painting prices swing a lot, because prep, access and paint choice change the job. A fair quote lists the rooms, the prep, the number of coats and the paint, so you can compare like with like.

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A gloved hand setting floor tiles with levelling spacers

Tiling

Tiling quotes only compare if they cover the same surface prep, materials and finish. Ask each tiler to price the same scope in writing.

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A worker using a power trowel on freshly poured concrete

Concreting

Be careful with a big deposit before any work has started. Pay for work as it is done, and get the scope, area and finish in writing first.

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A chrome kitchen tap running into a sink

Plumbing

Plumbing work needs a licensed or registered plumber. Ask to see the licence, check it with the regulator and get the scope and price in writing.

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An electrician working inside a circuit breaker panel

Electrical

Always hire a licensed electrician. Energy Safe Victoria says unqualified electrical work is illegal as well as dangerous, even for small jobs.

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Hands measuring a timber plank with a tape measure

Building and renovating

For building work in Victoria the deposit cannot be more than 10 per cent under $20,000 or 5 per cent at $20,000 or more. Pay for completed stages, not in advance.

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More trades are added as each one has sourced guides. Missing yours? Suggest a trade >

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New guides, updated prices and one thing worth knowing. The note starts soon. Email us and we will add you to the first one.

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