How to Get and Compare Quotes From Tradies (Without Getting Ripped Off)

The short version: get at least three written quotes for any job that matters, make sure each one covers the same scope of work, and compare them on more than just the bottom-line price. The cheapest number on the page is rarely the full story — a clear, itemised quote from a licensed tradie with an ABN will almost always serve you better than a scribbled figure and a handshake.

Below is a practical, no-nonsense guide to getting accurate quotes and comparing them fairly, so you can hire with confidence instead of crossing your fingers.

How many quotes should I get?

Three is the sweet spot for most jobs. One quote gives you no reference point. Two can leave you stuck if they’re wildly different. Three quotes let you see where the “fair market” price sits — and if one is dramatically higher or lower than the other two, that’s a signal worth investigating rather than a bargain to grab.

For small, straightforward work (a leaking tap, a couple of power points), two quotes may be plenty. For bigger jobs — a bathroom reno, a re-roof, a full rewire — consider getting three to four, because the scope is larger and the price spread between tradies tends to be wider.

The easiest way to line up several quotes at once is to describe your job once and let interested local tradies respond. When you post a job on Tradies Club, multiple tradies can quote on the same brief — which means you’re comparing apples with apples from the start. It’s free for customers to post a job and compare quotes.

Quote vs estimate: know the difference

This trips up a lot of homeowners, so it’s worth being clear.

• A quote is a fixed price. Once you accept it, that’s what you pay — assuming the job doesn’t change. Under Australian Consumer Law, a business generally can’t charge you more than a quoted fixed price unless you agree to extra work.
• An estimate is an educated guess. It’s indicative only, and the final bill can move up or down depending on what’s actually involved.

Neither is “bad” — but you need to know which one you’re holding. Some jobs genuinely can’t be quoted as a fixed price until walls are opened up or the problem is diagnosed. That’s fair enough. What’s not fair is a tradie letting you believe an estimate is a locked-in quote. If in doubt, ask directly: “Is this a fixed quote or an estimate?” and get the answer in writing.

What a good written quote should include

A proper written quote does more than state a price — it defines exactly what you’re paying for. Vague quotes are where disputes and blowouts start. Here’s what every written quote should include:

• The tradie’s details — business name, ABN, and contact information
• A clear scope of work — what’s being done, room by room or task by task
• Inclusions and exclusions — what’s covered, and specifically what isn’t
• Materials — brands, quantities, and grades where relevant (and who’s supplying them)
• Whether it’s fixed or an estimate — stated plainly
• A timeline — start date and rough duration
• Payment terms — deposit amount, progress payments, and final payment
• GST — whether the price includes GST, shown separately
• Warranty or guarantee — on both workmanship and materials, if applicable

If a quote is missing the exclusions section, that’s often where the surprise costs hide. “Supply and install” versus “install only” can be a huge difference on materials-heavy jobs, so read that line carefully.

How to describe your job clearly (so quotes are accurate)

You’ll get sharper, more comparable quotes if you give every tradie the same clear brief. Guesswork on their end becomes padding on your invoice.

Include:

• What the problem or project is, in plain terms
• Photos or a short video — this alone dramatically improves quote accuracy
• Measurements where you can — room size, ceiling height, number of fixtures
• Access details — stairs, tight side gates, parking, whether you’re home during the day
• Your timeframe — urgent, flexible, or tied to a date
• Any preferences — specific materials, finishes, or brands you want

The more precise your brief, the less each tradie has to hedge their price against the unknown. It also makes side-by-side comparison genuinely fair, because everyone’s quoting the same job. For a walk-through of how this works end to end, see how it works.

Why the cheapest quote isn’t always the best

A low price can mean a tradie is efficient and keen for the work. It can also mean they’ve missed part of the scope, priced in cheaper materials, or plan to “find” extra costs once they’ve started and you’re committed.

When one quote sits well below the others, ask why. Sometimes there’s a perfectly good reason — they’re local, they had a cancellation, they buy materials in bulk. Other times, the number is low because something important has been left out, and you’ll pay for it later through variations.

Compare on value, not just price:

• Is the scope actually the same across all three?
• Are quality materials specified, or just “materials”?
• Does the tradie hold the right licence and insurance? (See our guide on how to check a tradie is licensed and insured.)
• How did they communicate — prompt, clear, professional?
• What do their reviews and past work suggest?

The right quote is the one that’s complete, fair, and comes from someone you trust to do the job properly.

Red flags to watch for

Most tradies are honest and do good work. But a few patterns should make you pause:

• Large upfront deposits. A modest deposit to secure materials is normal. A demand for a big chunk of the total before any work begins is a warning sign.
• Cash-only, no receipt. If a tradie won’t provide an invoice or take traceable payment, you lose your paper trail — and often your warranty and consumer protections with it.
• No written quote at all. “I’ll sort you out on the day” is how blowouts happen. Get it in writing, every time.
• No ABN or licence. Reputable tradies are registered and, where the trade requires it, licensed. Reluctance to share these is a red flag.
• Pressure tactics. “This price is only good today” is a sales trick, not a fair quote.
• A price far below everyone else’s with no clear explanation.

If something feels off, trust that instinct and move on. There are plenty of good tradies out there — browse all services to see the range of trades ready to quote.

How comparing quotes side-by-side works

Once you’ve got your three quotes, lay them out next to each other and read them line by line. Don’t just skim to the total.

Line up the scope first — confirm each tradie is quoting the same work. Then compare inclusions and exclusions, materials, timelines, and payment terms. Note anything one quote covers that another doesn’t. Often the “expensive” quote turns out to be the fair one because it’s the only one that includes everything the job actually needs.

If you post a job on Tradies Club, quotes come back against the same brief, so you’re already comparing like for like — no chasing tradies, no reformatting numbers, and it’s free for customers.

Frequently asked questions

How many quotes should I get for a tradie job? Aim for at least three written quotes for anything beyond a minor task. Three gives you a reliable read on the fair market price and makes an unusually high or low quote easy to spot.

Is a quote legally binding in Australia? A fixed-price quote you’ve accepted is generally binding — the tradie usually can’t charge more unless you agree to additional work. An estimate is indicative only and can change. Always confirm in writing which one you’ve been given.

Should I always choose the cheapest quote? No. Compare on scope, materials, licensing, communication, and reputation as well as price. A complete quote from a licensed, insured, well-reviewed tradie is usually better value than the lowest number.

Is it free to get quotes through Tradies Club? Yes. It’s free for customers to post a job and compare quotes from local tradies. You choose who to hire — there’s no obligation.

Ready to get your quotes?

Getting the right tradie starts with a clear brief and a fair comparison. Before you decide, it’s worth reading up on how to find a reliable tradie and the questions to ask before hiring a tradie so you know exactly what to look for. When you’re ready, post your job on Tradies Club and let local tradies come to you — it’s free to post, free to compare, and the choice is always yours.