Swipe left on dodgy tradies, swipe right on the ones who show up on time, clean up after themselves, and don’t lie about their height … or their quote. Sounds like dating? That’s because it kind of is. According to Sera Bozza, resident relationship expert, dating coach and hipages spokesperson, hiring a tradie isn’t just about tools and timber. It’s about trust. You’re not just inviting them into your home, you’re inviting them into your routine, your budget, and sometimes your sanity.
And, just like in love, there are red flags and green flags. You just need to know what to look for. So before you commit to someone who’ll be wielding a power drill in your living room, here’s your ultimate guide to tradie matchmaking.
Red Flags
1. Mr Unreliable
He said he’d call. He didn’t.
Whether it’s a date or a deck, consistency matters. If your tradie is impossible to lock down before the job starts, imagine what they’ll be like mid-reno. On hipages, tradies come to you. No ghosting, no chasing, just reliable quotes from people who actually reply.
2. The “Pick Me” Tradie
We all know the type. The one who trashes other tradies to get your attention.
If someone needs to bring others down to make themselves look good, they’re not the better choice – they’re just louder. And if they’re slagging off past clients too? Big red flag. Thank you, next.
3. The Zero Footprint
No online presence. No reviews. No verified license. Just vibes.
If they don’t exist online, chances are they might not really exist at all. Always do your homework: check reviews, verify licenses, and get the facts. Mystery men belong in novels, not on your roof.
4. The Quote Catfisher
Quoted $500. Billed $1,500. Sound familiar?
Like someone who rounds up their height on dating apps, a tradie who plays loose with pricing is not worth your energy. Always ask for a detailed, written quote before work begins. Compare up to three itemised quotes before you commit. No surprises, no sneaky extras.
5. The Catfish Carpenter
Those profile pics looked good… until the ‘finished’ job looked nothing like them.
Don’t get duped by dodgy license numbers or over-edited photos. Always check their credentials, inspect past work, and make sure the tradie you hire is actually the one showing up.
Green Flags
1. First to Text
They reached out first, confirmed your quote, and actually turned up.
Effort equals interest. Whether it’s a date or a job site, the tradies who make communication easy are worth their weight in grout.
2. The Golden Retriever Tradie
Smiles. Tidies up. Brings their own drop sheet. Uses protection (earmuffs and goggles, of course).
Low chaos is the new high bar. A tradie who respects your space is a keeper. Bonus points if they leave your house better than they found it.
3. Mr Experience
Your neighbour loves him. So does your aunt. So does your friend from work.
If everyone’s using him, he’s probably doing something right. Experience is one of Australia’s top tradie green flags. You want someone with skills, reputation, and a few notches in the tool belt.
4. The After-Carer
The job’s done—but they’re not.
The best tradies stick around to give aftercare advice, check things twice, and make sure you’re not left with questions (or mess). That’s wifey energy, but for renovations.
5. Legit Pics Only
That bathroom reno? Dreamy. That patio? Wedding-ready.
A tradie’s portfolio says a lot—so don’t be afraid to dig into their Instagram, website or hipages profile to get a feel for their past work. It’ll save you the pain of discovering their best work was stock photography.
6. Will Introduce You to Their Mates
They can’t do the electrical, but they know a sparkie who can.
A tradie who brings a trusted crew to the table is worth hanging onto. And if they don’t? hipages makes it easy to find verified tradies across all types of services – so you’re never stuck Googling “emergency plumber Sydney” at midnight.