Updated for 2026: This guide has been refreshed to reflect how homeowners are hiring trades today — including clearer checks, digital footprint tips and the small but important things we’re seeing renovators overlook. The fundamentals haven’t changed (there have always been cowboys!), but the way we verify, brief and manage trades has evolved.
Starting a renovation can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Between choosing the right design, juggling budgets, and trying to avoid being taken for a ride, it’s no wonder so many homeowners feel anxious about finding a great tradie.
The good news? With the right checks — and a little help from your local Renovating Mums community — you can find reliable, skilled, trustworthy trades who will treat your home with care.
Here’s your updated 2026 guide to sorting the wheat from the chaff.
Step 1 - Recommendations & Word of Mouth
Once upon a time, you could simply ask your neighbour or your dad’s mate for a referral. These days, families are spread across states (or countries), and your best friend might only know a brilliant electrician when what you really need is a bathroom builder.
That’s exactly why Renovating Mums exists — to be your local online village.
- Our directory is curated, local, and reviewed by real renovators
- Listings are checked for ABN validity and public liability insurance (where relevant)
- You can ask the community for lived experience, not just glossy Instagram photos
And of course, still ask friends and family for their favourites. If we’re missing someone great, tell us — we love adding trusted locals.
Step 2 - CHECK, CHECK...and CHECK Again
For small jobs like replacing a tap washer, you don’t need to go overboard. But for bathrooms, kitchens, extensions, structural work, or anything over a few thousand dollars, due diligence is essential.
Licence, ABN, and Insurance — and they MUST match.
This is still the strongest protection you have.
Check that:
- The ABN is active on ASIC
- The business name matches the licence
- The licence matches the insurance. If the works are worth more than $20,000 then Home Building Compensation insurance is also required. For more information and to check validity visit: SIRA
- The phone number they’re using appears on their website or official listings
- The person you’re speaking to actually works for the business
Recommended sites to verify include: ABN Lookup and Verify NSW
If anything feels inconsistent, ask questions. If they get defensive, that’s your answer.
Ask for references.
A reputable tradie will happily provide recent clients.
Yes, it can feel awkward calling a stranger — but it’s worth it. Most homeowners are more than happy to share their experience (and sometimes even invite you over to see the finished work).
Look for real longevity.
A polished Instagram feed doesn’t guarantee experience.
Check:
- How long the business has been operating
- Whether their reviews span multiple years
- Whether their branding is consistent across platforms
Step 3 - Obtain 3 Quotes (But Compare More Than Just Price
Getting three quotes is still the best way to understand the market. To make the comparison meaningful, give each tradie the same clear brief:
- What the project is
- Your expectations for quality and finishes
- Any specific products or inclusions
You’ll usually get:
- One low
- One high
- One middle‑of‑the‑road
The lowest quote can be tempting, but it often signals:
- Inexperience
- Missing items
- Rushed timelines
- Desperation for cashflow
Support local families, choose fair pricing, and weigh the quote against their experience, communication, and professionalism. Renovating Mums has checklists and resources to help you prepare your brief — and our FB community is always there to sanity‑check anything confusing.
Step 4 - EVERYTHING in Writing (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
This hasn’t changed — but the stakes are higher now. Once you’re ready to proceed:
- Get a detailed written contract. To learn more about contract rules including what must be in writing, key clauses, statutory warranties and payment limits and rights see here.
- Itemise all fixtures and fittings (brand, model, finish)
- Confirm timelines, payment schedules, and variation processes
- Follow up verbal conversations with an email summary
- Approve all variations in writing before work starts
This protects both you and the tradie — and avoids surprises like discovering your “$300 tap” is actually a $1,000 designer model.
Step 5 - How to KEEP Your Tradie (And Tap Into Their Network).
This step is the heart of a smooth renovation.
Communicate clearly
Be upfront about your expectations, your non‑negotiables, and your timeline. Use the RM community to refine your ideas before you ask for quotes.
Minimise last‑minute changes
One change is normal. Five changes at the eleventh hour? That’s a fast track to delays, cost blowouts, and frustration for everyone.
Pay on time — but wisely
Stick to the agreed payment schedule, but always:
- Inspect the work before making the final payment
- Hold a small retention amount until defects are resolved
Be human
Things go wrong. Deliveries arrive damaged. A subbie measures something incorrectly. Lead times blow out. It happens even with the best teams.
Take a breath, pour a glass of wine, and remember: most tradies genuinely want to do a great job.
Tip - Understand Deposits & Progress Payments
With rising costs and tighter schedules, payment structures matter more than ever.
- The maximum legal deposit in NSW is 10%
- Progress payments should be tied to completed milestones, not vague stages
- Avoid paying 40–50% before rough‑ins, sheeting, waterproofing, or fit‑off
A good builder will explain their payment schedule clearly and transparently.
Ready to Find a Great Tradie?
Explore our curated directory of trusted Sydney trades and services — reviewed by local renovators, validated for ABN and insurance, and backed by a community of 20,000+ homeowners who’ve been exactly where you are.
Your renovation doesn’t have to be stressful.
With the right checks, the right team, and the right support, you can actually enjoy watching your home come to life.
Some amazing tips in here for DIY Mums like me. Love the concept of the site too well done on creating a cool resource
Love this! We don’t even own a home yet but we are toying with the idea of a fixer-upper so doing lots of PRE-purchase research and this is really helpful.