Questions To Help You Choose A Tradie in the Southern Highlands

Choosing the right tradie, whether it be plumber, carpenter, electrician etc, can be a daunting process. There are often many ads to choose from. It does not help that you often hear many horror stories from people who have hired the wrong tradesperson. The wrong decision can lead to an increase in stress, money and time taken to complete the job.

As with all jobs, the best tradesperson is someone who is appropriately qualified with the correct license. They are professional, have great communication skills and has a great reputation for producing great quality of work in a timely manner. By being ‘picky’ in which tradesperson you choose, you can maximise the chances of the work being completed on time, correctly and at a good price.

When deciding which tradesperson is right for your job it is vital to ask questions. To help you decide we have put together what we believe to be some of the most important questions to ask.

Do You Have A Contractor License?

When hiring a building contractor or tradesperson for services such as residential building, electrical, plumbing, drainage, gas fitting etc it is strongly encouraged that you check that they have a valid contractor licence. While many trades require formal qualifications such as a TAFE certificate, it is of utmost importance that you check their license. A license can be revoked as a result of a breech so it is good to find this out. Failure to have a license for work that requires one may also void insurance. Checking a licence number can be done via the Service NSW website and you can find the direct link by clicking here.

In NSW, there are strict rules and regulations regarding what homeowners may or may not be able to do themselves. For instance, you legally need to have a license to undertake plumbing work, particularly on plumbing systems that could directly affect the health of the household. This includes sewer lines and drinking water supply. Failure to abide by this law means that you, as the homeowner, may be legally penalised.

Do You Have An ABN?

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique 11 digit number that identifies a business or organisation to the government and community. While an ABN is not mandatory for a tradie, it does make it easier to verify their business.

Checking an ABN is as easily as heading to the Australian Business Register website where you are prompted to enter the businesses ABN. You will then be able to see if the business was and is still currently registered.

Are You Insured?

Another important question to ask a tradesperson before you hire them is ‘are you insured?’ Public liability insurance is compulsory. It is vital as it will protect you against third party injuries and property damage caused by the tradesperson. Without public liability insurance, the tradesperson may not be able to pay for any damages, replacement or repairs they may have incurred. This leaves you, in many instances, with a big repair bill and an uncompleted job.

Do You Have Any Other Qualifications or Certificates?

Don’t be afraid to ask the tradesperson if they have any other qualifications. It is a big deal asking a complete stranger to come on your property. At Exeter Plumbing we completely understand and respect that inviting a stranger into your home can be daunting. For instance, for added peace of mind all of Exeter Plumbing’s employees have a current police check and working with children check. This is just one example of an extra question that you can ask which may help put your mind at ease.

What Forms Of Communication Do You Have?

Open communication between the tradesperson and the customer is essential. This ensures both parties know exactly what the other party needs and allows clear expectations to be set. This in turn minimises stress and anxiety for both the tradesperson and the customer. Do not be afraid to ask questions or say when you don’t understand or like something. Peace of mind is vital.

We also advise to make sure when you choose a tradesperson that you have more than one form of contact for them. Do they have an email? A mobile number? Active social media? Did they answer your call or return a message in a timely manner? The more communication avenues you have the lesser the risk of the tradesperson becoming ‘unreachable.’

How Weather Dependent Is The Job?

Living in the Southern Highlands means that the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Asking how weather dependent the job you want to undertake is means you can have realistic expectations incase the weather turns for the worst. Knowing this minimizes your stress. For instance, a plumber in the Southern Highlands can not put in a septic tank if it is pouring down with rain. A plumber can also not do any work on the roof in the rain.

What Other External Influences Can Affect The Job?

Besides the weather, other external influences can affect the time frame of completion. In the Southern Highlands, particular parts can be hard to source in the area and may need to be ordered.

Is The Job Dependent On Other Trades As Well?

Not all tradies have the same time frame. This can be very frustrating when you are waiting for one trade to finish so another can start. Talking to each of the trades, expressing your expectations and hearing theirs can help you all be on the same page.

These tips do not guarantee a smooth sailing between you and your tradesperson. However, they can help you minimise the risk of picking the wrong one.

If You Need A Plumber Contact Our Friendly Team Today

If you are in need of a plumber in the Southern Highlands call 1300 155 944. Our fully qualified team are able to promptly help you with any gas or plumbing issue that you may have. At Exeter Plumbing we pride ourselves on being reliable, having great communication with our clients and for standing by our commitments. You can count on us to help you.