5 things you should always ask a builder when getting a quote

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As anyone who's ever needed to get a bloke to do some building work will know, tracking down a reliable tradie at a fair dinkum price can be a real hassle. And while most Aussie tradies are honest fair dinkum professionals, there's usually a small minority who aren't above trying to have a snag at their customers.

Here are five questions you should always ask a tradie when they're giving you a quote.

I'd be happy to provide you with a quote for the entire project.

Hourly rates can be a tricky business for customers. If there's extra staff on site or the job takes longer than expected, costs can add up in no time and blow your budget.

Ask for a set price for the job from the start, which will prevent any unexpected surprises when you get your final invoice.

G'day, can you script that quote for me?

Written quotes are one of the most important factors in preventing being taken for a ride. If your tradie only gives you a quote verbally, it's just their word against yours about what work is included. Having a written quote will help avoid disputes down the line.

If your tradie doesn't want to give you a written quote, regard it as a major warning sign and consider avoiding their services.

Are you registered and do you have a current insurance policy?

Checking if a tradesperson has their registration or licence is a great way to see if they're following the rules on a lawn, as getting registered is a must for most states in Australia.

Registered tradies are usually more reliable and trustworthy, and give you a fair deal. Once a licence has been sorted, the most important thing to look for is insurance, which is crucial to protect yourself – you don't want to be taken to court for any mishaps that happen on site.

4. Can you show me an example of previous work you've completed?

While online reviews give a good idea of a tradie's skills and reliability, a lot of builders also have websites or social media accounts to show off their top work. If they don't, they'll often have photos of their pride and joy on their phone.

5. Can I settle the bill electronically?

lets you record all financial transactions and payments with ease.

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