The following tips are based on what home owners who participated in our annual customer research told us they wish they knew before they started.
They aim to guide you through a safer, smoother building experience—helping you lay the right foundations from the very beginning, not just for the success of your project, but to protect you and your loved ones, and safeguard your financial investment.
1. Don’t rely on a gut instinct or a ‘vibe’—do your research
Choosing the right tradesperson is critical.
- If you want to verify a licensee’s credentials and check their history, use our free licensee register.
- Use the QBCC’s free find a local contractor tool to find a licensed contractor close by who has the right qualifications for the job.
- Speak with friends, colleagues, neighbours and family for referrals (but don’t let these get in the way of checking they are actually licensed to do the work).
- Check portfolios and online reviews.
- Explore leads from suppliers or job sites.
Before hiring a contractor for work valued more than $3,300, make sure they are licensed. Find out who must hold a QBCC licence.
Tip of the trade: Beware of unlicensed ‘handypeople’ quoting for jobs that are valued more than $3,300. No licence? No deal. And, likely, no Queensland Home Warranty Scheme insurance protection.
2. Get multiple quotes—compare with care
Aim for at least three quotes. Don’t just pick the cheapest or get distracted by offers and discounts — assess:
- scope and materials
- hidden costs (e.g. inspections, soil tests, plans, etc)
- material quality
- warranties
- deposits (learn about maximum deposit amounts)
- contractor reputation.
Tip of the trade: Scrutinise the details — not all quotes are created equal and the cheapest isn’t always the best. Beware of hidden costs.
3. Always get it in writing
No matter the job size, to make sure everyone is on the same page before you start a project, we recommend documenting the work you and the contractor have agreed will be undertaken.
Contracts give you peace of mind. Take a look at the free contract templates we’ve developed to help you and the contractor set out and agree to all the requirements before work starts.
Tip of the trade: Documenting everything in the beginning reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and issues arising during the project.
Want more help?
The QBCC’s Home Owner Hub is your destination for clear, step-by-step guidance to help you navigate your building or renovation project.
From planning to completion, it provides the information and resources you need to make informed decisions and protect one of your biggest investments.
Visit the Home Owner Hub today.