Which tradie do I need?

Working out who to call

Half the battle with any job is knowing which trade owns it. Get that right and you avoid paying one tradie to tell you to call another. Some work is also licensed by law in Australia, electrical and most plumbing in particular, so it cannot legally or safely be a DIY job or handed to a handyman.

Bigger renovations usually need several trades in the right order. A bathroom, for example, runs roughly: strip out, plumbing rough in, electrical rough in, waterproofing, tiling, then fit off. A builder or experienced renovator coordinates that so the trades do not trip over each other.

Trades that must be licensed

• Electrical work: always a licensed electrician. Never DIY fixed wiring.
• Plumbing and gas: licensed plumber or gasfitter for fixed work.
• Waterproofing wet areas: must meet standards, usually a licensed waterproofer.

Once you know the trade, check whether the job needs council approval with the permit checker, and what it should cost with the cost calculators.

Common questions

Do I need an electrician to add a power point?

Yes. All fixed wiring, including adding or moving power points and lights, must be done by a licensed electrician in Australia. DIY electrical work is illegal and dangerous.

Who do I call for a bathroom renovation?

A builder or bathroom renovator usually leads the job and brings in the plumber, electrician, waterproofer and tiler in the right order. You can hire trades separately, but someone needs to coordinate the sequence.

Can a handyman do plumbing or electrical work?

No. A handyman can do minor non licensed tasks, but fixed plumbing, gas and electrical work must be done by a licensed tradesperson.

These figures are estimates to help you plan and sense check quotes. They are not a quote. Site access, materials, finish and your location all move the final price. Always get two or three written quotes.