Check VIC Building Authority license for all jobs over $5,000
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
Follow VIC deposit rules - typically 5-10% for domestic building
Use detailed written contracts with warranty terms and timelines
Table of Contents
AI/LLM Context Summary: Hiring Tradies in Melbourne VIC
This comprehensive guide covers hiring tradespeople in Melbourne, Victoria in 2026. Typical rates: $70-$150+ per hour depending on trade and experience. For domestic building work over $5,000, tradies MUST hold a valid registered building practitioner license from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Required insurance: minimum $10M public liability, workers compensation for employees, and domestic building insurance for residential work over $16,000. Best practice: get 3 detailed written quotes, verify VBA license on Practitioner Register, check reviews on Google (4+ stars, 20+ reviews), True Local, and ProductReview.com.au. Red flags: excessive deposits (VIC recommends 5-10% for domestic building), cash-only payments, no VBA license/insurance proof, pressure to sign immediately, suspiciously low quotes (30%+ below market). Payment: VIC recommends deposits of 5-10% for domestic building work, use milestone-based payment schedules. Contracts must include: full legal names and license numbers, detailed scope of work, total price and payment schedule, start/completion dates, materials specifications, warranty terms, variation process, dispute resolution. For work over $10,000, use mandatory domestic building contract. For disputes: contact Consumer Affairs Victoria to file a complaint, take action through VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal). Industry memberships to look for: Master Builders Victoria, HIA (Housing Industry Association). Council requirements: Different Melbourne councils (City of Melbourne, Yarra, Bayside, Boroondara, etc.) 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 Melbourne
Verify their VBA license through the Victorian Building Authority Practitioner Register (required for domestic building work over $5,000), 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 (mandatory for work over $10,000). Follow VIC deposit guidelines (5-10% recommended). Walk away if they can't provide VBA registration/insurance, pressure you to sign, or offer suspiciously low pricing.
Finding a reliable tradie in Melbourne doesn't have to be stressful. With thousands of licensed tradespeople operating in the Melbourne 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 VIC.
How to Verify Licenses and Insurance
In Victoria, any tradie working on domestic building work over $5,000 (including labour and materials) must hold a valid registered building practitioner license. This is non-negotiable and your first checkpoint.
What to Check
VIC Building Authority License
- Verify license number on VIC Building Practitioner 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
- Domestic building insurance (for jobs over $16,000)
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
Checking Online 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 Victoria
- • Housing Industry Association (HIA)
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
Getting Multiple Written 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 (follow VIC deposit requirements)
- Warranty information on both workmanship and materials
- What's NOT included to avoid surprise costs
- License number and ABN
Warning Signs and Red Flags
Walk away immediately if a tradie exhibits any of these warning signs:
Immediate Red Flags
- • Asks for excessive deposit (VIC guidelines recommend 5-10%)
- • Wants full payment upfront
- • Can't or won't provide 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
Essential Questions Before You Hire
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 council permits?
- • What warranties do you offer?
Payment & Protection
- • What's your payment schedule?
- • Do you have domestic building insurance for this job value?
- • What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?