Top 7 Red Flags That Show Your Tradie Can’t Be Trusted

Hiring the right tradie can be the difference between a smooth, stress-free home project and a complete nightmare. While there are many honest, skilled tradies across Australia, there are also some dodgy ones who try to take advantage of homeowners. Knowing the tradie red flags is the best way to save your time, money, and peace of mind.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the common red flags when hiring tradies, why they matter, and how to spot dodgy tradies before hiring. These simple tips will help you make smart decisions and protect yourself from untrustworthy tradies.

Why It’s Important to Spot Tradie Red Flags Early?

When it comes to hiring tradies, you’re not just buying a service, you’re trusting someone with your home, money, and peace of mind. If you miss the tradie red flags, you might end up with poor-quality work or even scams. 

Here’s why it’s important to watch closely:

• Protect Your Money – One of the top reasons not to trust a tradie is when they ask for large upfront payments and then don’t return. Learning to spot dodgy tradies before hiring can save you from losing hard-earned money.

• Avoid Half-Finished Work – Untrustworthy tradies often start a job but leave it incomplete or rush through it without proper care. Watching for common red flags when hiring tradies helps ensure you get the full service you’re paying for.

• Keep Your Home Safe – Poor workmanship can affect your home’s safety, especially with electrical, plumbing, or structural jobs. By spotting dodgy tradies before hiring, you reduce risks for your family.

• Save Time and Stress – Fixing mistakes made by a careless tradie takes more time, effort, and extra money. That’s why knowing how to avoid dodgy tradies is just as important as finding a skilled one.

In short, spotting tradie red flags early means protecting yourself from stress, wasted money, and unsafe results. The smarter you are when hiring tradies, the smoother your project will be.

Top 7 Red Flags When Hiring Tradies You Should Never Ignore

When it comes to hiring tradies, not all of them are as reliable as they claim. Some may cut corners, overcharge, or simply disappear once they get paid. To protect yourself and your home, here are the biggest red flags to watch out for before saying yes to any tradie.

Red Flag 1: No License or ABN

One of the biggest tradie red flags is when they don’t have a valid license or ABN (Australian Business Number).

Licensed tradies are required to meet certain standards and follow safety regulations. If a tradie avoids showing their license, or claims they “don’t need one,” it’s a major warning sign. Similarly, if they can’t provide an ABN, it could mean they’re working illegally or trying to avoid taxes.

Tip to avoid dodgy tradies: Always ask for a license number and ABN. You can verify them online for free.

Red Flag 2: Asking for Large Upfront Payments

Another common red flag when hiring tradies is when they demand a big chunk of money upfront, sometimes even before starting the job.

While it’s normal for tradies to ask for a small deposit, asking for 50% or more before lifting a tool is suspicious. Many homeowners have been left out of pocket because an untrustworthy tradie disappeared after taking the money.

How to avoid dodgy tradies: Agree to milestone payments, pay a little as the work progresses, and settle the final payment only after the job is complete.

Red Flag 3: No Written Quotes or Contracts

A genuine tradie will always provide a written quote or contract. If someone only gives you a verbal price and refuses to put it in writing, that’s a tradie red flag.

Without a written agreement, you won’t have proof of the price, scope of work, or timeline. This makes it easy for a dodgy tradie to change costs midway or deny what was promised.

Spotting dodgy tradies before hiring: Always request a detailed written quote with costs, materials, and timelines clearly mentioned.

Red Flag 4: Unrealistic Discounts and “Too Good to Be True” Prices

If a quote sounds way cheaper than everyone else’s, be careful. Untrustworthy tradies often lure homeowners with low prices, only to charge extra later for “unexpected costs.”

This trick is very common and can end up costing you more than hiring a reliable tradie in the first place.

Top reasons not to trust a tradie: If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Compare multiple quotes before deciding.

Red Flag 5: No Reviews or Bad Reviews

These days, most trusted tradies have an online presence with reviews and ratings. If a tradie has no reviews at all, or mostly negative ones, that’s a major red flag.

Some dodgy tradies may even delete bad reviews or create fake positive ones. That’s why it’s good to check multiple platforms like Google, social media, or tradie directories.

How to avoid dodgy tradies: Look for tradies with consistent good reviews, and ask friends or neighbours for recommendations.

Red Flag 6: Rushing You to Decide

A reliable tradie will give you time to think about a quote. But untrustworthy tradies often pressure you with lines like, “This offer is only valid today,” or “If you don’t book now, I can’t fit you in.”

This kind of rushing is a common red flag when hiring tradies, as it shows they don’t want you to compare or think carefully.

Spotting dodgy tradies before hiring: Take your time. A good tradie will respect your decision-making process.

Red Flag 7: Poor Communication and Lack of Professionalism

If a tradie doesn’t answer calls, avoids emails, or shows up late without a reason, these are tradie red flags. Professionalism matters, and if they’re careless before starting the job, imagine how they’ll behave during it.

Other signs include:

• Not turning up on time for quotes

• Refusing to explain the work clearly

• Being rude or dismissive

How to avoid dodgy tradies: Trust your gut. If communication feels off, find someone else.

Extra Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Apart from the top 7 tradie red flags, here are a few more warning signs you need to watch out for:

• No Insurance – If a tradie doesn’t have insurance, you could end up paying for accidents or damages.

• Cash Only Payments – Asking for cash only is often a way to avoid tax or leave no paper trail.

• No References or Past Work – A trustworthy tradie will always be happy to share reviews, references, or photos of their jobs.

• Uninvited Door-Knocking – If someone shows up at your door offering cheap services, it’s often a scam.

How to Protect Yourself When Hiring Tradies?

Hiring tradies doesn’t have to be stressful if you take the right steps from the start. Here are some simple ways to protect yourself and avoid dodgy experiences:

• Check Licenses and ABN
  Always ask for the tradie’s license number and ABN (Australian Business Number). A licensed tradie has the right skills and follows safety rules. You can easily verify both online to make sure they’re legit.

• Get Written Quotes and Contracts
  Never rely on verbal promises. Ask for a detailed written quote that includes costs, materials, timelines, and payment terms. This protects you if the tradie tries to change the price later.

• Avoid Large Upfront Payments
  It’s okay to pay a small deposit, but never hand over 50% or more before work begins. Instead, set up milestone payments and pay the final amount only after the job is complete.

• Check Reviews and References
  Look for online reviews or ask past clients about their experience. A reliable tradie will happily share references or photos of past work.

• Trust Your Gut
  If a tradie is pushy, avoids questions, or seems too good to be true, that’s a red flag. It’s better to walk away than risk losing money.

By following these steps, you’ll not only protect your wallet but also ensure your project is done safely and professionally.

Final Thoughts

Hiring tradies doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does require a little awareness. By knowing the common red flags, you can protect your money, save time, and avoid dodgy experiences. Remember: no license or ABN means don’t hire, big upfront payments are a danger sign, and no written quote is a major warning. 

Unrealistic prices, poor or no reviews, pushy sales tactics, and bad communication are all reasons to walk away. Dodgy tradies often count on homeowners being too busy or too trusting to notice the warning signs. Stay alert, ask questions, and trust your gut. Spotting the red flags early will save you headaches later.

So next time you’re planning a home project, remember these tradie red flags. With the right checks and a little patience, you’ll find honest tradies who will deliver quality work without the drama.