Quick Answer
Getting quotes from tradies doesn’t have to be confusing. The key rules: get at least 3 quotes in writing, compare like-for-like (same scope, same materials), ask about licensing and insurance upfront, and never pay more than 10% deposit before work starts. In Melbourne, licensed tradies for electrical, plumbing, and gas work must be registered with the Victorian Building Authority — you can verify any licence in minutes online.
Why Getting Multiple Quotes Matters
In Melbourne’s busy trades market, quote prices for the same job can vary by 30–80%. This isn’t always a sign that someone is overcharging — it often reflects genuine differences in: the quality of materials specified, the experience level of the tradesperson, the size of the business (sole traders typically quote lower than companies with overheads), and what’s included versus what will be billed as extras later.
Getting three quotes is the minimum. For any job over $5,000, get five. For something straightforward like a tap replacement or gutter clean, two quotes may be enough — but for major jobs (bathroom renos, rewiring, re-roofing), the spread in quotes is almost always worth the effort of collecting them.
Who Needs a Licence in Victoria?
| Trade | Licence Required? | Check Via |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Yes — all electrical work | VBA Licence Search |
| Plumber | Yes — all plumbing work | VBA Licence Search |
| Gas fitter | Yes — all gas work | VBA Licence Search |
| Builder (over $10,000 work) | Yes — registered builder | VBA Licence Search |
| Pest controller | Yes — EPA Victoria licensed | EPA Victoria |
| Painter, tiler, carpenter | No licence required for most work | Check public liability insurance |
| Fencer, concreter, landscaper | No licence required | Check public liability insurance |
What to Include in Your Quote Request
A quote is only as useful as the brief you give. Vague briefs produce vague quotes with lots of “TBC” entries that blow out later. Before contacting tradies, prepare a written description of the job that includes:
- What you want done — be specific (e.g. “replace the hot water system” not “fix the hot water”)
- Your preferred materials or brands — if you have a preference (e.g. Rheem vs Rinnai, 315L vs 250L capacity)
- Access details — Is the job easy-access or awkward? Is there parking? Does the tradesperson need to go in the roof?
- Timeline — When do you need it done? Is there urgency (e.g. no hot water)?
- What’s already been done — relevant history (e.g. “the burst pipe was patched by a previous plumber 12 months ago”)
Red Flags When Receiving Quotes
| Red Flag | What It Signals | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Quote given verbally only | No accountability if scope or price changes | Always request a written, itemised quote |
| Large upfront deposit requested (over 10%) | Cash flow problems or potential non-completion | Decline or get a written payment schedule instead |
| No mention of materials or brands | Quote may use inferior materials; allows substitution | Ask for materials to be specified in writing |
| Can’t provide licence or insurance details | May be unlicensed or uninsured | Do not proceed — legally required for most trades |
| Quote unusually low (more than 30% below others) | Missing scope, cut-rate materials, or poor experience | Ask specifically what is excluded from the quote |
| Pressure to sign immediately | High-pressure tactics — often a scam indicator | Take at least 24 hours before signing anything |
Understanding Quote vs Estimate vs Fixed Price
These three terms have meaningfully different implications for your rights as a homeowner:
- Fixed-price quote: The tradie commits to completing the job for that exact price (barring agreed variations). This is what you want for most jobs.
- Estimate: A rough guide only — the final price can vary significantly. Acceptable for exploratory work (e.g. “let’s see what’s behind the wall before we quote properly”) but not for major jobs.
- Hourly rate quote: You’re billed for time and materials. Fine for small jobs where scope is genuinely uncertain; risky for large ones without a cap.
Payment Terms and Contracts
Under Victorian consumer law, domestic building contracts over $10,000 must be written. For smaller jobs, a written quote accepted in writing (email is fine) forms a binding contract. Key payment rules to know:
- Maximum deposit for domestic building work in Victoria: 5% of the total contract price for jobs under $20,000; 10% for jobs $20,000 and over.
- Progress payments should be tied to completion of defined stages of work — not just “week 2” or “after 10 days”.
- Never pay the final payment before the work is fully complete and you are satisfied. Withholding the final payment is your main leverage if defects arise.
What to Do If a Tradesperson Does Poor Work
If the work is substandard or incomplete, your first step is a written notice to the tradesperson describing the defects and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14 days for non-urgent defects). Keep all correspondence in writing. If the issue isn’t resolved, escalate to:
- Consumer Affairs Victoria — free dispute resolution for domestic building work and trade disputes.
- Victorian Building Authority (VBA) — complaints about licensed building practitioners; they can investigate and order rectification.
- VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) — binding decisions for disputes under $100,000. Filing fee is low; legal representation is optional.
Tips and Gotchas
- Get 3 quotes minimum for any job over $500: The cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive quote is almost always larger than the effort of getting the extra quotes.
- Check the licence before the quote, not after: The VBA search at vba.vic.gov.au takes 30 seconds. Do it before the tradie arrives.
- Written scope = fewer disputes: A quote without a clear scope description is an invitation to argument about what’s included. Request a line-by-line breakdown.
- Don’t make buying decisions under time pressure: A genuine emergency (burst pipe, no power) doesn’t require you to commit to a full renovation scope on the spot. Fix the emergency, then get quotes for the larger work.
- Reviews aren’t foolproof: Online reviews can be gamed. Ask for references and actually call them. Ask: “Did they finish on time? Were there any hidden extras? Would you use them again?”
- Variations must be in writing: If the scope changes mid-job, any price variation should be agreed in writing before the additional work starts — even via email or SMS.
- Retain a small final payment: Don’t pay 100% until you’ve inspected the completed work in daylight and confirmed everything is as specified.
- Public liability insurance protects you too: If an uninsured tradesperson damages your property or is injured on your site, you may have limited recourse and could face liability claims. Always confirm they’re insured.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Victorian Building Authority — Verify a tradesperson’s licence
- Consumer Affairs Victoria — Rights when hiring tradespeople
- VCAT — Make a building dispute claim
- Housing Industry Association — Find HIA member builders
- Master Builders Victoria — Find a registered builder
FAQ
How many quotes should I get for a home repair job?
At least three for any job over $500. For major jobs over $5,000, aim for five. The extra quotes cost you nothing but time and often uncover significant price differences or reveal that one quote has excluded important scope items.
Is the cheapest quote always a red flag?
Not automatically — but a quote that’s more than 30% below the others deserves scrutiny. Ask exactly what’s included and excluded, what brand/grade of materials are specified, and whether the price covers all required inspections and certificates. Sometimes the cheapest quote is a genuinely efficient sole trader; sometimes it’s missing half the scope.
Can a tradesperson charge more than the quote?
A fixed-price quote is binding — the tradesperson cannot charge more without your written agreement to a variation. An estimate is not binding and can come in higher. If your quote doesn’t clearly say “fixed price” or “firm quote,” ask for clarification in writing before work starts.
Do I need a written contract for small jobs?
Not legally required for jobs under $10,000, but a written quote accepted by email is legally a contract in Victoria. For jobs over $10,000 of domestic building work, a written contract is mandatory under the Domestic Building Contracts Act. Always have something in writing regardless of job size.
What should I do if a tradesperson leaves a job unfinished?
Send a written notice (email) to the tradesperson outlining what’s incomplete and requesting completion within 14 days. If they don’t respond or complete the work, lodge a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria and/or the VBA (for licensed trades). As a last resort, VCAT can order completion or award compensation.