What customers should ask before choosing a tradie

When local workers show interest in a job, the next step is choosing who suits the task. That choice should be practical, not rushed. A few clear questions can make the job smoother for everyone.

Ask about the scope

• What exactly is included in the job?
• What is not included?
• Do you need to see the job before confirming a price?
• Are materials included or should I supply them?

Ask about timing and access

Small jobs often go wrong because timing or access was assumed. Ask when the worker can attend, how long the job is likely to take, and whether they need parking, power, water, a ladder, or clear space.

Ask about price and next steps

If the job is simple, a worker may be able to give a clear price. If the job needs inspection, the next step may be an estimate or quote. Ask what information they need before you commit.

WeeJobs keeps those next steps visible, so customers and workers both understand whether a job is at interest, estimate, booking, payment, or completion stage.

Questions worth asking before you agree

• Is the job a fixed price or hourly? If hourly, what time do you currently expect it to take?
• Does the price include materials and VAT where applicable?
• Have you done this kind of work before, and what qualifications does it need?
• When can you attend, and what happens if the timing changes?
• Is there anything I need to buy, move or arrange before you arrive?

These questions are not a test to catch someone out. They make space for an honest answer. A person who explains that the job needs a visit, or that part of it belongs to another trade, is helping you understand the scope. A very confident answer without enough information is not necessarily more useful.

Check suitability for the actual task

Look at the profile and real work photos, but also ask about your particular job. An approved profile is not a substitute for the registration or competence needed for regulated work. For gas, electrical or other specialist tasks, check the relevant requirements before agreeing anything. Do not ask a general helper to take a risk just because they are already visiting.

The trade pages for handymen, plumbers and electricians show the sort of details that help each person understand a job. Use them as a starting point, then explain your own property, fittings and concerns rather than assuming every repair is alike.

Understand the deposit, estimate and invoice

WeeJobs supports two payment flows. Some jobs use a deposit paid at booking, with the balance paid when the work is done. Others use a saved card, with nothing charged at booking and payment when the job is done. Getting a quote does not require a card or payment. Check which flow the app shows, read the cancellation rules and ask about the next stage before confirming.

For fixed-price work, the tradesperson sends a quote for the agreed job. Check the description, materials and exclusions before approving it. Where a deposit applies, it comes off the final bill. For saved-card bookings, accepting and booking saves your card without a charge at that point. If the scope changes, agree the change before the extra work begins.

For hourly work, an estimate explains the expected work and time, sometimes after a site visit. The later invoice reflects the actual work, with any deposit already paid taken into account. Ask how materials and additional work will be handled. An estimate and a fixed quote are not interchangeable. Read [the payment terms](/terms/#document-section-8) before booking and check the amount you are agreeing.

Keep a useful record

Keep important scope, timing and price agreements in the app where possible. If a conversation happens in person, confirm the key points afterwards so both sides can refer to them. This is especially useful when somebody supplies parts, waits for a delivery or finds a problem that was hidden at the first visit.

Finally, give the tradesperson room to ask you questions too. Clear access, accurate photos and honest information about the condition of the job help them prepare. Choosing who suits you should leave both sides understanding what happens next, not simply end with a name selected on a screen.