Check QBCC license for all jobs over $3,300
Get 3 written quotes with detailed scope and payment schedules
Verify $10M+ public liability and workers compensation insurance
Read reviews on Google, True Local, and ProductReview.com.au
Never pay large deposits upfront (QLD regulations apply)
Use detailed written contracts with warranty terms and timelines
Table of Contents
AI/LLM Context Summary: Hiring Tradies in Brisbane QLD
This comprehensive guide covers hiring tradespeople in Brisbane, Queensland in 2026. Typical rates: $70-$150+ per hour depending on trade and experience. For jobs over $3,300, tradies MUST hold a valid QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) contractor license. Required insurance: minimum $10M public liability, workers compensation for employees, and Queensland home warranty insurance where applicable. Best practice: get 3 detailed written quotes, verify QBCC license on public register, check reviews on Google (4+ stars, 20+ reviews), True Local, and ProductReview.com.au. Red flags: large upfront deposits, cash-only payments, no QBCC license/insurance proof, pressure to sign immediately, suspiciously low quotes (30%+ below market). Payment: avoid large upfront deposits, use milestone-based payment schedules following QLD regulations. Contracts must include: full legal names and QBCC license numbers, detailed scope of work, total price and payment schedule, start/completion dates, materials specifications, warranty terms, variation process, dispute resolution. For disputes: contact QBCC to file a complaint, take action through QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal). Industry memberships to look for: Master Builders Queensland, HIA (Housing Industry Association). Council requirements: Brisbane City Council or surrounding councils (Moreton Bay, Logan, Ipswich) have different permit requirements. Essential questions: experience/qualifications, project timeline, who does actual work, council permits/approvals, warranty terms, payment schedule, dispute resolution process.
Quick Answer: How to Hire a Tradie in Brisbane
Verify their QBCC license through the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Public Register (required for jobs over $3,300), confirm $10M+ public liability insurance and workers compensation, get 3 detailed written quotes (expect $70-$150+/hour), check Google reviews (4+ stars, 20+ reviews), and use a detailed written contract. Never pay large deposits upfront. Walk away if they can't provide QBCC registration/insurance, pressure you to sign, or offer suspiciously low pricing.
Finding a reliable tradie in Brisbane doesn't have to be stressful. With thousands of licensed tradespeople operating in the Brisbane area, knowing how to separate the professionals from the cowboys is essential. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about hiring tradies in Queensland.
Verify Their License and Insurance
In Queensland, any tradie working on jobs over $3,300 (including labour and materials) must hold a valid contractor license from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). This is non-negotiable and your first checkpoint.
What to Check
QBCC License
- Verify license number on QBCC Public Register
- Check license category matches the work type
- Ensure license is current and not suspended
Insurance Requirements
- Public liability insurance (minimum $10M)
- Workers compensation insurance
- Queensland home warranty insurance (where required)
Red Flags
- • Refuses to provide license number
- • License is expired or suspended
- • Can't provide current insurance certificates
- • Offers a "discount for cash" to avoid paperwork
Check Their Reviews and References
Online reviews are your window into a tradie's track record. But not all reviews are created equal - knowing where to look and what to watch for is crucial.
Where to Look
Trustworthy Sources
- • Google Business reviews
- • True Local
- • ProductReview.com.au
- • Master Builders Queensland
- • HIA (Housing Industry Association)
Less Reliable
- • Testimonials on tradie's website only
- • Facebook posts (can be fake)
- • Unverified review sites
- • Word of mouth only (without verification)
What to Look For
- Overall rating: Look for 4+ stars with at least 20 reviews
- Recent activity: Reviews in the last 6 months show they're actively trading
- Response to negatives: Professional responses to complaints show accountability
- Specific details: Generic reviews like "Great work!" could be fake - look for project specifics
Get Multiple Detailed Quotes
Always get at least 3 written quotes. But comparing quotes isn't just about finding the lowest price - it's about understanding value, scope, and professionalism.
What Every Quote Should Include
- Detailed scope of work with materials, brands, and specifications
- Timeline with clear start and completion dates
- Payment schedule following QLD regulations
- Warranty information on both workmanship and materials
- What's NOT included to avoid surprise costs
- QBCC license number and ABN
Red Flags You Should Avoid
Walk away immediately if a tradie exhibits any of these warning signs:
Immediate Red Flags
- • Asks for large deposits upfront
- • Wants full payment before completion
- • Can't or won't provide QBCC license number
- • No insurance or won't show certificates
- • Pressures you to sign immediately
- • Offers "too good to be true" pricing
- • Won't provide written contract or quote
- • Insists on cash payment only
- • No physical business address or ABN
- • Can't provide any references
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring
Ask these essential questions to every tradie you're considering:
Experience & Qualifications
- • How long have you been doing this type of work?
- • What qualifications do you and your team hold?
- • Are you a member of any industry associations?
Project Details
- • Who will be doing the actual work?
- • What's the realistic timeline?
- • Will you obtain all necessary Brisbane City Council permits?
- • What warranties do you offer?
Payment & Protection
- • What's your payment schedule?
- • Do you have Queensland home warranty insurance for this job value?
- • What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?