Avoid dodgy tradies! Learn key tradie red flags and ensure you hire a reliable professional for your home project. Read more here.
When it comes to hiring a tradie, homeowners want quality workmanship, fair pricing, and professionalism. But how do you know if the tradie you’re considering is reliable? Spotting tradie red flags early can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. Here’s what you need to watch out for before signing on the dotted line.
Tradie Red Flags
1. No Online Presence or Suspicious Business Details
A quick online search should give you a clear picture of a tradie’s reputation. If you can’t find any trace of them—no website, no social media, no reviews—consider looking elsewhere. Another red flag is when the details on an ABN (Australian Business Number) search don’t match the business name or location they’ve given you. While some businesses operate under a different trading name, any inconsistencies should be double-checked.
2. No Proof of Licensing or Insurance
Different trades require different licences, and a professional tradie should have no issue providing proof. If they can’t explain why they don’t need a licence or their credentials don’t match their industry. You can check licences through government websites like NSW Fair Trading. You can also ask for a Certificate of Currency for their public liability and workers' compensation insurance—this protects you if something goes wrong.
3. High Deposits or Unusual Payment Requests
A tradie requesting an unreasonably large deposit is a warning sign. In most cases, deposits shouldn’t exceed 10% of the total job cost, especially for work over $20,000, which requires Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) insurance. Be wary of anyone demanding upfront payment before work has even started. If you're paying for materials in advance, ask to pay the supplier directly or request proof of purchase.
4. Bad (or Hidden) Reviews
Online reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook give insight into a tradie’s past work. If a tradie has multiple negative reviews or has disabled comments, it could indicate a history of unhappy clients. Personal recommendations are valuable, but ensure they come from people who have actually used the tradie’s services.
5. Lack of Communication or Pressure to Sign Quickly
Good tradies communicate clearly and professionally. If someone is hard to reach, takes too long to respond, or avoids answering questions, you might run into trouble later. Also, if they pressure you to sign a contract immediately, step back and think. A reputable tradie will respect your decision-making process.
6. No Clear Contract or Scope of Work
Every job should have a written agreement outlining the scope of work, materials, timeline, and costs. If a tradie is unwilling to provide this, consider it a red flag. A solid contract protects both parties and ensures expectations are clear from the start.
7. Who’s Actually Doing the Work?
Find out if the person quoting the job will be on-site or if they’re just a salesperson. If a tradie subcontracts the work, ask about the subcontractors’ experience and licensing. Employed tradespeople often have more accountability, while subcontractors might be more focused on moving to the next job quickly.
8. No Willingness to Provide References
A trustworthy tradie should be able to provide references or show you previous work. If they refuse or make excuses, that’s a red flag. Ask for photos of completed projects or even visit a past job site if possible.
9. Too Good to Be True Pricing
Cheap quotes can be tempting, but be wary of significantly lower prices compared to other tradies. This could indicate shortcuts, inferior materials, or even an attempt to secure a quick deposit before disappearing. Always compare multiple quotes and look beyond price alone.
10. Not Local or Unwilling to Provide a Physical Address
Hiring a local tradie has its benefits—they’re easier to reach if issues arise. If a tradie avoids giving you a business address or only provides a mobile number with no other contact details, consider it a warning sign.
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s vague answers, pushy behaviour, or a general bad vibe, you’re not obligated to go ahead. There are plenty of reliable tradies out there, and it’s worth taking the time to find the right one.
Avoid the stress of hiring the wrong person. ServiceSeeking.com.au helps homeowners find and compare tradies with reviews, making it easier to choose a professional for your project. Compare quotes, check reviews, and hire with confidence. Start your search today!
