Hiring a handyman: what to ask, what to avoid
Two handyman quotes for the “same” job often aren't the same job at all — the gap is usually scope: what's included, what's billed as an extra, and what you confirmed before you booked. Here's how to tell a fair deal from an expensive one, grounded in real pricing data.
The one that catches most people out
Separate tradies for small jobs
Bundle into one visit.
Questions to ask a handyman
Most overcharging hides in the scope, not the headline price. These pin it down before you commit.
- 1
Does your quote include materials/parts, or is that extra?
If it's extra, expect around Cost + 10-20%.
- 2
Is licensed work (electrical, plumbing) part of the price, or charged separately?
- 3
Will I be charged extra for structural mods?
- 4
Can you put the full scope and the final price in writing before any work starts?
Scope disputes are the single most common complaint. A written list is what protects you.
- 5
Is GST included in the price you have quoted?
A sole trader under $75k turnover can legally leave GST off, which makes a quote look about 10% cheaper than a registered business for the same work.
Three checks that take five minutes
Check the licence
For licensed trades, ask for the licence number and confirm it on your state's fair-trading or licensing site before you book. Unlicensed work can void your insurance.
Confirm they're insured
Public liability cover protects you if something gets damaged on the job. If an operator can't confirm it, that's a red flag.
Insist on a written quote
A fair quote itemises the scope, names what's excluded, and states whether GST is included. Verbal quotes are where disputes start.
Other mistakes worth avoiding
Expecting licensed work
No electrical/plumbing/gas legally.
What's usually included, and what costs extra
Usually included
- ✓Labour
- ✓Basic tools
- ✓Minor hardware
Usually charged extra
- +Materials/parts · Cost + 10-20%
- +Licensed work (electrical, plumbing)
- +Structural mods
What pushes the price up: minimum callout (1hr), materials needed, multiple jobs, weekend booking.
Handyman Work questions, answered
What can they do?+
Minimum charge?+
Already have a quote?
Check it against real handyman prices in 30 seconds, then walk in knowing exactly what to ask.