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"Get three quotes" is the most common advice for hiring tradies — and for good reason. But most homeowners don't know how to compare quotes beyond looking at the bottom-line price. This guide explains why three quotes matter, what to look for, and how to make the best decision.

Why 3 Quotes?

It reveals the fair market price

One quote tells you nothing about whether the price is fair. Two quotes might show a big difference that leaves you confused. Three quotes give you a reliable range — the "fair market price" is usually in the middle.

It exposes outliers

With three quotes, outliers become obvious:

• The lowball (30%+ below the others): May be cutting corners, using cheap materials, or not including the full scope of work
• The overpriced (30%+ above the others): May be overcharging, gold-plating the scope, or not hungry for the work
• The fair price (in the middle): Usually represents reasonable pricing for quality work

It tests communication skills

The quoting process is your first interaction with the tradie. Pay attention to:

• How quickly they respond to your inquiry
• Whether they ask questions to understand the job
• Whether they visit the site (for jobs over $1,000, a site visit is important)
• How clear and detailed the quote is
• Whether they follow up

A tradie who communicates well during the quoting process is likely to communicate well during the job.

How to Request Quotes Properly

To get comparable quotes, you need to give each tradie the same information:

1. Describe the job clearly — what you want done, any specific materials or brands you prefer
2. Provide photos — of the work area, existing condition, access challenges
3. Share measurements where possible
4. State your timeline — when you'd like the work done
5. Ask each tradie to include the same scope — especially materials, waste removal, and compliance certificates

How to Compare Quotes — Beyond Price

1. Scope of work

The biggest reason quotes vary is different scope. One painter might include trim and ceilings; another might quote walls only. One builder might include council fees; another might exclude them.

Read each quote carefully and list what's included and excluded. Ask for clarification on anything vague.

2. Materials specified

"Quality paint" could mean a $90 budget product or a $250 premium product. "Timber deck" could mean treated pine or spotted gum. Good quotes specify brands, product lines, and grades.

3. Timeline

A quote of $5,000 with a 1-week turnaround is different from $4,800 with a 6-week wait. Consider the time value — especially if you're without a kitchen, bathroom, or hot water.

4. Payment terms

Check:

• Deposit required (should never exceed 10% for building work)
• Progress payment schedule
• Payment method (bank transfer, card, cash)
• Whether GST is included

5. Warranty

What warranty does each tradie offer on workmanship? 12 months is standard minimum. Some tradies offer 2–5 year warranties. Get it in writing.

6. Insurance and licensing

Verify that each tradie is licensed and insured. This should be non-negotiable, regardless of price.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Quotes

Mistake 1: Choosing the cheapest quote automatically

The cheapest quote is often not the best value. It may exclude important items, use cheaper materials, or come from a tradie without proper insurance. Compare the full scope before comparing the price.

Mistake 2: Not checking what's excluded

Exclusions are where quote comparisons fall apart. Common exclusions that catch homeowners off guard:

• Waste removal and skip bin
• Council fees and permits
• Engineering reports
• Asbestos removal
• Travel/callout charges
• GST (some quotes are ex-GST)
• Compliance certificates

Mistake 3: Not asking follow-up questions

If something in a quote is unclear, ask. A good tradie will happily explain. Common questions:

• "Is this price GST inclusive?"
• "What happens if you find unexpected problems?"
• "What's your variations process?"
• "When can you start and how long will it take?"

Mistake 4: Comparing quotes with different scope

A $15,000 bathroom renovation that includes waterproofing, tiling, and fixtures is not comparable to a $12,000 quote that excludes waterproofing and fixtures. Normalise the scope before comparing prices.

When Is 1 Quote Enough?

For small jobs (under $500), one quote from a trusted tradie is usually fine — especially if you have an existing relationship. The time cost of getting three quotes for a $200 tap repair outweighs the potential savings.

For medium jobs ($500–$5,000), two quotes provide a reasonable comparison.

For large jobs ($5,000+), always get three quotes. The potential savings justify the effort.

A Template for Quote Comparison

Create a simple table to compare:

Fill this in for each quote and the best choice usually becomes clear — and it's often not the cheapest one.