Hiring the right tradesperson is one of the most important decisions you will make for your home improvement project. This guide covers everything from checking qualifications to understanding your legal rights as a consumer in New Zealand.
Step 1: Define Your Project
Before contacting any tradies, clearly define what you need done. Write down the scope of work, take photos of the current state, note any measurements, and set a realistic budget range. The more detail you can provide, the more accurate your quotes will be. For larger projects, consider getting a builder or architect to prepare a scope of work document before requesting quotes.
Step 2: Check Qualifications and Licences
New Zealand has specific licensing requirements for several trades. Builders carrying out restricted building work must be Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) — check on the Building Performance website. Plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers must be registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) — check on the PGDB website. Electricians must hold a current practising licence from the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) — check on the EWRB website. Painters, landscapers, and some other trades do not have mandatory licensing, but look for relevant qualifications and trade association membership.
Step 3: Get Multiple Quotes
Always get at least three written quotes for any job over $1,000. A good quote should include a detailed description of the work, itemised materials and labour costs, a timeline for completion, payment schedule, what is included and what is excluded, and GST. Be wary of quotes significantly lower than others — it often means corners will be cut, or extras will be added later. Compare quotes like for like by checking the specification of materials and the scope of work in each.
Step 4: Check Reviews and References
Online reviews on platforms like Call A Tradie give genuine feedback from past clients. Look for patterns — one bad review among many good ones might be an outlier, but consistent complaints about communication, quality, or reliability are red flags. Also ask the tradesperson for two or three references from recent jobs and actually call them. Ask references about the quality of work, communication, adherence to timeline and budget, and whether they would hire the tradesperson again.
Step 5: Get a Written Contract
For residential building work over $30,000, a written contract is required by law under the Building Act 2004. Even for smaller jobs, a written agreement protects both you and the tradesperson. A good contract covers scope of work, total price or pricing method, payment schedule, start and completion dates, a process for managing variations (changes), defects liability period, and dispute resolution process. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) provides free standard building contract templates on the Building Performance website.
Your Consumer Rights
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, all services provided by tradies must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, be fit for the intended purpose, be completed within a reasonable time (or by the agreed date), and be provided at a reasonable price (if no price was agreed). If a tradesperson fails to meet these guarantees, you have the right to have the issue fixed, or to get compensation. For disputes up to $60,000, you can take a claim to the Disputes Tribunal — it is a low-cost process that does not require a lawyer.
Payment Best Practices
Never pay the full amount upfront. A typical payment structure is 10 to 15 percent deposit, progress payments tied to milestones (such as completion of framing, roofing, or fit-out), and a final payment (5 to 10 percent) held back until all work is completed to your satisfaction. Keep records of all payments. Pay by bank transfer rather than cash so you have proof of payment. Never pay more than what has been completed on site.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious of tradespeople who demand large upfront payments, will not provide a written quote, are reluctant to show licences or registration, have no online presence, reviews, or references, pressure you to sign quickly, can start immediately with no waiting list (good tradies are typically booked out), or want to be paid only in cash. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, move on to the next quote.