Please note that the information in this article was based on trends from 2018 and may now be outdated.
It’s peak renovation season in Australia, with 31% of home improvement jobs posted over February, March and April. With the average hourly rates charged by tradies across Australia up 10% since last financial year, ServiceSeeking.com.au has released a list of the top 10 cheapest renovation categories in the country to help out those hunting for a bargain.
The first location for bargain hunting is Victoria, with average hourly rates 10% below the national average, making it the cheapest state for renovations in 2018. Painters in Victoria ($39.79/hr) win first place as the most affordable tradesperson per hour, followed by plasterers ($46.83/hr).
For those looking to redesign their backyard, ServiceSeeking.com.au data shows a 14% decrease in hourly rates charged by landscapers across Australia in the last financial year. Queensland and Western Australian Landscapers have shouldered the biggest cuts with a decrease of 30%. Conversely, landscapers in New South Wales saw a 36% increase in hourly rates, reaching first place as the best-paid tradie in the country at $95.91/hr.
So, where can you expect bargains in the trades and services industry this year?
Biggest percentage difference to the National Average:
Biggest Year-on-Year percentage decrease:
| Bargain Hunters FY18Q2 | ||
| Industry | YoY % change | |
| Painter (VIC) | -3% | |
| Plasterer (VIC) | -2% | |
| Landscaper (VIC) | -11% | |
| Tiler (VIC) | -6% | |
| Painter (WA) | 27% | |
| Landscaper (WA) | -29% | |
| Plasterer (NSW) | 2% | |
| Landscaper (QLD) | -30% | |
| Carpenter (WA) | -4% | |
| Plasterer (WA) | 12% | |
Hourly rates are “gross” rates and, aside from including the cost of labour, also cover the cost of running the business, including tools, work vehicles, insurance and superannuation.
The prices were derived by comparing a sample of 52,000 quotes submitted during the FY18 Q2 through ServiceSeeking.com.au.