Get three quotes, they said. Then the three quotes come in at $6,000, $8,500 and $11,000 and you're none the wiser. Here's how to read them.
First: are they quoting the same job?
Nine times out of ten the gap is because each tradie priced a different job. One included removing the old deck, one didn't. One assumed a consent, one assumed none. One priced stainless fixings, one priced galv.
Before you compare numbers, line up the scope. If the quotes don't say what's included, ask — in writing.
What a proper quote includes
- An itemised list — materials, labour, any subcontractors, disposal, consent fees
- Whether prices are plus or including GST (and the GST number if they're registered)
- What's excluded — the thing that bites later is always in the exclusions
- How long it's valid for and a rough start date
- Payment terms — a deposit is normal; 100% up front is not
- Their trade licence and insurance details, if the work needs them
Warning signs
- A single number with no breakdown
- Noticeably cheaper than the others and can't explain why
- Cash-only, no GST, no paperwork
- Wants a big deposit before anything's been agreed in writing
- Vague about licences for restricted work (building, plumbing, gas, electrical)
- Can start tomorrow in the middle of summer when everyone else is booked out — ask yourself why
Questions worth asking
- What's not included in this price?
- What happens if you find something unexpected once you start?
- Who's actually doing the work — you, or a subbie?
- Can I talk to someone you did a similar job for?
- What's the guarantee on workmanship?
The easier way
On Connect we write the scope with you first, then every vetted tradie quotes that same scope, itemised, incl. GST, from a checked business. The quotes you get back are comparable because they're for the same job. Posting is free and there's no obligation.
Want real numbers for your job?
Post it once, free. Vetted local tradies quote it within 72 hours and there's no obligation.
Post a job — freeQuestions
Should I always pick the cheapest quote?
No — pick the best-explained one from the tradie you trust most. The cheapest is often the one that left something out.
Is a deposit normal?
Yes. 10–30% to lock in a date and cover materials is standard. Paying everything up front isn't.
Can I negotiate?
You can, but a good tradie's price is their price. Asking them to match a cheaper quote usually means something gets dropped from the scope.
Prices in this guide are ballparks from quotes we've seen, excluding GST unless stated, and will vary by site and season. They aren't a quote.