The Questions You Should Always Ask a Tradie Before Saying Yes
Hiring a tradie isn’t just about who’s available first or who comes in cheapest.
The questions you ask before work starts often determine whether a renovation runs smoothly — or becomes stressful and expensive.
Here’s a practical checklist every homeowner should run through before committing to any trade.
Are You Licensed for This Type of Work?
Not all licences cover all jobs.
Ask:
- Are you licensed for this specific trade and scope?
- Can you provide your licence number?
A qualified tradie will answer confidently and without hesitation. If the response is vague or defensive, that’s a red flag
Are You Insured — and What Does It Cover?
At a minimum, a tradie should carry public liability insurance
You can ask:
- Do you have public liability insurance?
- Does it cover renovation work like mine?
This protects you if something goes wrong on-site.
Have You Done Similar Jobs Before?
Renovation work is very different from maintenance or new builds.
Ask:
- Have you completed similar renovations?
- What challenges usually come up with this type of job?
Experience matters most when things don’t go perfectly — and they rarely do.
What’s Included in the Quote (and What’s Not)?
Never assume a quote covers everything.
Ask:
- What exactly is included in this price?
- Are there any exclusions or assumptions?
Clear scope upfront helps avoid disputes later.
What’s the Expected Timeline?
Timeframes are just as important as cost.
Ask:
- When can you start?
- How long should this realistically take?
Be cautious of promises that sound too good to be true.
How Do You Handle Variations?
Changes happen in renovations — it’s how they’re handled that matters.
Ask:
- How are variations priced?
- Will changes be approved before work continues?
Professional systems protect both sides.
Who Will Actually Be Doing the Work?
Sometimes the person quoting isn’t the one on site.
Ask:
- Will you personally be doing the work?
- If not, who will be?
Clear accountability avoids confusion.
Planning a renovation?
Ready 2 Reno helps homeowners connect with verified tradies and set expectations early — before problems arise.
Find the right tradie for your project.
Final Thought
Good tradies don’t mind good questions.
If someone seems annoyed by them, that tells you everything you need to know.