The red & green flags to look for when hiring a tradie (and when dating)
Finding a good tradie is a lot like dating. You’re not just getting someone to do a job, you’re letting them into your space, your time, and honestly, your peace of mind!
And just like dating, the red flags pop up early. If it starts off messy, it usually ends in a disaster, whether that’s heartbreak or a half-finished reno.
So how do you know who to trust? Same rules apply: spot the red (and green) flags early, or you’ll be cleaning up the mess later.
Dating and Relationship Expert, Sera Bozza shares her tips on the red and green flags to look for when selecting Mr or Ms Right for your heart (and your home).
🚩 Red flags
1. Mr UnreliablePromised to call but never did.
Unreliability is Aussies’ number one tradie red flag. And for good reason.
Like in dating, trust comes from consistency. If they’re hard to reach before the job starts, imagine how they'll handle your timeline, or your tiling. On hipages, tradies come to you. No ghosting, no chasing, just fast, reliable quotes.
2. The pick-me tradie
Trashing other tradies to win your job is big “all my exes were crazy” energy.
If they need to bag out the competition to look good, they’re not the better choice. And if they’re bad-mouthing old clients too? Run.
3. The zero footprint
No reviews, license or verified history. Just vibes and a van.
Whether it’s a partner or a plasterer, if you can’t find anything about them online, there’s a likely reason. Always check their receipts: reviews, licences, the works. No mystery vans, no mystery men.
4. Lying about their height (and their quotes).
Six foot? More like five-eight. Even worse is quoting $500 and invoicing $1,500.
Hidden fees are like hidden emotional baggage: messy, costly, and not your problem.
Always ensure you get a written quote up front that is itemised, so you aren’t stuck dealing with any nasty surprises. Using a platform like hipages makes this easy, as up to three tradies provide itemised quotes up front.
5. The Catfish Carpenter
Photoshopped profile pics? Dodgy license numbers, and work that looks nothing like promised.
Being catfished by an unqualified tradie can leave you feeling betrayed and duped with dodgy results.
Always check your tradies are registered, licensed and legit. hipages makes this easy by verifying any required licenses when tradies join the platform.
1. First to text
They message first, confirm the quote and actually show up.
In dating and trades, effort equals interest. A good tradie keeps the convo flowing both ways, checks in and makes sure you feel seen, not sold to.
On hipages, tradies make the first move, so you know they’re keen.
2. The golden retriever tradie
Shows up smiling, brings their own drop sheet, and doesn’t leave you to clean up after them. Are those safety glasses and ear muffs? We love a tradie who uses protection.
That’s tradie boyfriend material. ‘Low chaos’ isn’t boring; it’s the foundation of safety. Leaves your house better than they found it? That’s a big green flag.
3. Mr Experience
Your neighbour used him. So had your mate. So has everyone.
Experience is one of Australia’s biggest tradie green flags and for good reason. It means they know what they’re doing, and people are coming back for more.
The more notches in the tool belt, the better.
4. The after-carer
Finishes the job. Checks everything twice. Gives aftercare instructions.
Job done. Tools packed. Site spotless. Wifey material, but for renos. Leaves you feeling supported long after they’ve packed the ute.
5. Their photos are legit
That kitchen is HOT. That deck? Could host a wedding.
Looking at their previous work is a great indication of whether a tradie is up for the job. Always check out their websites, company Instagram, or hipages profiles to see their previous work and make sure they’re up for the job.
6. Will introduce you to their mates
Just like in dating, a good tradie knows a good crew. They might not paint, plumb or wire, but they know someone who can help!
If not, using a platform like hipages makes it easy to find trusted tradies across a broad range of categories is a great option.
