10 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask
Hiring a tradie in New Zealand isn't just about finding the cheapest quote. The right questions upfront can save you thousands in rework, delays, and stress. Here are the 10 that matter most.
1. Are you licensed or registered?
In NZ, certain trades legally require registration or licensing:
- Electricians must be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) and hold a current practising licence.
- Plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers must be registered with the PGDB (Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board).
- Builders doing restricted building work must be a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
Ask for their licence number and check it online. It takes two minutes and could save you from illegal, unconsented work.
2. Do you have public liability insurance?
If a tradie damages your property or a third party gets hurt on site, public liability insurance covers it. Most professional tradies carry at least $1–$2 million in cover. If they don't have it, you're carrying the risk.
Ask: "Can you show me your Certificate of Currency?" A professional tradie won't hesitate.
3. Can I get a written quote (not just an estimate)?
There's a big legal difference in New Zealand:
- A quote is a fixed price. The tradie can't charge more unless the scope changes.
- An estimate is a rough guide. The final bill can be higher.
For any job over $1,000, insist on a written quote that specifies exactly what's included — materials, labour, GST, and what's excluded.
4. What's your realistic timeline?
Don't just ask when they can start — ask when they'll finish. A good tradie will give you a realistic timeline including buffer for weather, material delays, and council inspections. Be wary of anyone who promises an unrealistically fast turnaround.
Get start and finish dates in writing as part of your agreement.
5. Will you need to get building consent?
Many homeowners don't realise their project needs council consent until it's too late. A good tradie will tell you upfront whether consent is required and factor the timeline (typically 2–4 weeks for processing) into their schedule. If they say "nah, she'll be right" for anything structural, that's a red flag.
6. Who exactly will be doing the work?
Some tradies quote the job personally then send apprentices or subcontractors to do the actual work. That's not necessarily bad — but you should know. Ask: "Will you be on site, or will it be someone from your team?" If it's subcontractors, ask if they're licensed too.
7. What's your payment schedule?
Industry standard for larger jobs is usually:
- Deposit: 10–20% upfront (be very cautious of anyone asking for 50%+)
- Progress payments: Tied to completion milestones
- Final payment: On satisfactory completion
Under the Construction Contracts Act 2002, you have the right to withhold the final payment if work isn't completed satisfactorily. Never pay in full before the job is done.
8. Can I see examples of similar work?
Photos of past projects are good. References you can actually call are better. Google reviews are useful but can be faked — look for specific, detailed reviews rather than generic five-star ratings. If a tradie has been in business for years and can't show you a single example, that's telling.
9. What happens if something goes wrong?
Ask about their process for handling defects or issues after the job is done. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA), trade services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, be fit for purpose, and be completed within a reasonable time. A good tradie will offer a defects liability period (typically 6–12 months) and stand behind their work.
10. Is GST included in your price?
Any tradie earning over $60,000/year must be GST-registered and charge 15% GST. Make sure quoted prices include GST so you're comparing apples with apples. A $5,000 quote excluding GST is actually $5,750 — that difference adds up on bigger jobs.
Bonus: Trust Your Gut
If a tradie is dismissive of your questions, vague about timelines, or pressuring you to commit quickly — trust your instincts. Good tradies are busy, but they're not evasive. The best ones will welcome these questions because it shows you're a serious, organised client they'd want to work with.