The tradies in NSW you can save on

Please note that the information in this article was based on trends from 2018 and may now be outdated. 

In Q2 FY18, tilers, builders, and electricians saw decreases in their charge-out rates versus the prior year (-5 %, -2 %, and -1 %, respectively). To make matters worse, their charge-out rates also fell below the national average in their respective industries.

Currently, Tilers and Builders in New South Wales are facing decreasing demand for their services, forcing them to offer lower prices than last year to win work, according to new data released by find-a-tradie site ServiceSeeking.com.au.

Jeremy Levitt, CEO of ServiceSeeking.com.au, said, “Demand for renovation services has slipped since the high point last year due to stagnation and, in some areas, decreasing property prices. We suspect fewer property owners are confident that prices will continue to rise as they have over the past seven years, making it less likely that property owners will renovate compared to last year.”

NSW continues to be an expensive state to hire a trade, with tradies across industries charging 8% more than the national average. 

Who are the cheapest tradies in Q2, FY18? 

• Plasterers in NSW charge $54.22/hr versus $53.02 last year, a 2% decrease. 
• Tilers in NSW charge $58.33/hr versus $61.31 last year, a 5% decrease. 
• Painters in NSW charge $59.63/hr versus $50.28 last year, a 19% increase. 

Which tradies have suffered the worst year on year?

• Tilers out rates have decreased by 5%
• Builders charge out rates have decreased by 2% 

Which tradies have done well year on year?

• Carpenters are charging 31% more than they did last year.
• Painters are charging 19% more than last year. 

Is now a good time to renovate?

We are starting to see demand for renovation services lighten in several key industries, making tradies charge-out rates more affordable. However, overall charge-out rates surged year on year by 11.6%, so renovators need to be sure to compare quotes and prices from numerous tradies to make sure they don’t end up overpaying. “The time for completing those plastering, tiling or painting jobs is now. These tradies could use a boost in income as they are finding it harder than ever to generate income,” says Jeremy Levitt, CEO of ServiceSeeking.com.au

So what can you expect to pay for a tradie in NSW in FY18 Q2?

Hourly rates are “gross” rates and, aside from including the cost of labour, also cover the cost of running the business, including insurance, tools, work vehicles, insurance and superannuation.

The prices were derived by comparing a sample of 52,000 quotes submitted during Q2 FY18 through ServiceSeeking.com.au, the website for getting any job done. 

For further information or to see the full table of hourly rates and prices across NSW, please click here.