7 red flags in home service quotes that should make you pause

Agree the scope, price, payment stages and variations in writing. For legal requirements and remedies, consult the official regulator for the location and work, or the ACCC contract guidance. No universal legal threshold is asserted here.

Modelled example, not observed data: 2. Dramatically below market rate — they are either cutting corners on materials, will add charges during the job, or are not properly insured. Check the FairCost fair range for your service. If a quote is 30%+ below the low end, ask what is excluded.

Agree the scope, price, payment stages and variations in writing. For legal requirements and remedies, consult the official regulator for the location and work, or the ACCC contract guidance. No universal legal threshold is asserted here.

Agree the scope, price, payment stages and variations in writing. For legal requirements and remedies, consult the official regulator for the location and work, or the ACCC contract guidance. No universal legal threshold is asserted here.

5. Vague scope descriptions — 'general clean' or 'standard service' means different things to different providers. Get a specific written list of what is and is not included. The number one complaint in home services is scope disputes.

6. Pressure to book immediately — 'this price is only valid today' or 'I have another job starting tomorrow'. Legitimate providers have enough work to not need high-pressure tactics. Good tradies are booked out because they are good, not because they pressure.

7. No reviews or references available — everyone starts somewhere, but a provider with zero online presence and no references after claiming years in business is a warning sign. Check Google Reviews, Hipages, and ask for recent customer references.