The short version: Confirm the licence (VBA for plumbing/building, Energy Safe Victoria for electrical) and a valid ABN, get at least three like-for-like quotes in writing, check reviews and references, and never pay a large cash deposit upfront. Put the scope, price and warranty in writing before work starts.
1. Check the licence — it's free and it matters
In Victoria, most trades that touch safety are regulated, and you can verify a licence online in minutes:
| Trade | Regulator | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing & gasfitting | Victorian Building Authority (VBA) | Search the VBA's public register of licensed & registered practitioners |
| Building / carpentry | Victorian Building Authority (VBA) | Registration required for domestic building work over $10,000 |
| Electrical | Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) | Use ESV's online licence check for electricians |
Confirm the licence is current and actually covers the work you need. Then check the business has a valid ABN on the Australian Business Register — a legitimate operator will have one, and it should match the name on the quote.
2. Get at least three quotes — for the same job
One quote tells you nothing; three tell you the market rate. The trick is making sure all three cover the same scope, so you're comparing like with like. Ask each tradesperson to itemise:
- Labour and materials, separately where possible
- Removal and disposal of the old fixture or waste
- Any compliance certificate the work requires
- The warranty on both parts and workmanship
- Whether the price is fixed or an estimate that could move
The cheapest headline number is often not the cheapest job. A quote that's far below the others usually means something's been left out — or will be added later.
3. Read the reviews the right way
Google reviews and word of mouth are useful, but read them critically. Look for recent reviews, a pattern rather than one glowing outlier, and how the business responds to complaints — a professional reply to a bad review tells you more than five five-star ones. For bigger jobs, ask for a reference from a similar recent job and actually call it.
4. Watch for the red flags
Reliable tradespeople are happy to put things in writing. Be cautious if you see:
- No written quote, or a verbal "she'll be right" number
- Pressure to decide on the spot, or a large cash deposit demanded upfront
- No ABN, or licence details they won't share
- A price dramatically below every other quote
- Reluctance to provide a compliance certificate for gas, electrical or plumbing work
- No clear warranty, or a business with no traceable address or history
5. Get it in writing before work starts
Before anyone lifts a tool, you should have the scope, price, timeframe and warranty in writing — even a clear email is fine for small jobs. For larger domestic building work, Victoria requires a written contract, and work above certain thresholds needs domestic building insurance. A paper trail protects both sides and makes any later dispute far simpler.
If it's a rental, keep the records
Landlords have an extra reason to be organised: you must keep the property in good repair and be able to show it. Using licensed tradespeople and keeping their invoices, certificates and photos is part of meeting that duty — and it's exactly what you'll want on hand if a repair is ever disputed. See our guides on self-managing a rental in Victoria and gas & electrical safety checks for what's required.
Your quick vetting checklist
- Licence verified (VBA or Energy Safe Victoria) and current for this work
- Valid ABN that matches the business name on the quote
- At least three written, like-for-like quotes compared
- Recent reviews read for pattern, plus a reference called for big jobs
- Scope, price, timeframe and warranty agreed in writing
- No large cash deposit; payment on milestones or completion
- Compliance certificate and invoice kept on file
Skip the cold-calling — let quotes come to you
PropCommand lets Melbourne owners post a job in plain language and receive competitive bids from vetted local tradespeople, side by side. Compare quotes, pick your tradie, and keep every invoice, certificate and photo on one audit trail — no ringing round five numbers on a Sunday.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a tradesperson is licensed in Victoria?
It depends on the trade. Plumbers and builders are registered or licensed with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) — search the VBA's public register. Electricians are licensed by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), which has an online licence check. Confirm the licence is current and covers the specific work, and check the business has a valid ABN.
How many quotes should I get for a job?
For most maintenance and repair work, aim for at least three quotes covering the same scope, so you're comparing like with like. Beyond price, look at what each includes — materials, disposal, compliance certificates and warranty — because the cheapest headline figure is often not the cheapest job.
What are the red flags when hiring a tradie?
Warning signs include no written quote, pressure to pay large deposits or cash upfront, no ABN or licence details, reluctance to provide references or a compliance certificate, a quote far below every other, and no clear warranty. A reliable tradesperson will put the scope, price and licence in writing.
Do I need a licensed tradesperson for rental repairs in Victoria?
Yes — gas, electrical and plumbing work must be done by an appropriately licensed or registered practitioner, and certain work requires a compliance certificate. As a rental provider you must keep the property in good repair and hold records, so using licensed tradespeople and keeping their certificates is part of meeting that duty.
This article is general information for Melbourne property owners and landlords and is not legal advice. Licensing requirements and thresholds are set by Victorian regulators and can change. Always verify a practitioner's current licence with the Victorian Building Authority or Energy Safe Victoria, and confirm your obligations with Consumer Affairs Victoria before acting.