Decision guides
How Many Quotes Should You Get Before Hiring a Tradie?
Updated 13 June 2026 · 5 min read · Written for Australian homeowners and builders
Get too few quotes and you're guessing on price. Get too many and you're wasting everyone's time. Here's the right number for the size of job.
| Job size | Recommended quotes | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under $2,000 (e.g. tap repair) | 1–2 | Cost of getting more quotes exceeds the price spread |
| $2,000 – $20,000 (small reno, electrical/plumbing upgrades) | 3 | Sweet spot — meaningful spread without wasted effort |
| $20,000 – $100,000 (bathroom, kitchen, decking) | 3 | Same — but with itemised scope so you can compare |
| $100,000 – $500,000 (extensions, large reno) | 3 detailed tenders | Pay for tender pricing if needed; the spread can be $50k+ |
| $500,000+ (new build) | 2–3 tenders + architect-led review | Focus on quality of methodology, not raw price |
Three quotes is the right answer for most jobs
One quote = no reference. Two quotes = a coin flip. Three quotes = a triangulated view of the market. Four+ quotes tend to add noise rather than signal and burn goodwill with tradies you may want to engage later.
Make all three quotes comparable
Give every tradie the same written scope. Use the Quote Comparison Checklist as your tender brief.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it rude to tell a tradie you're getting other quotes?
- No — it's expected. Professional tradies prefer competitive situations because they price more carefully.
- Should I share the other quote numbers?
- Generally no. Share scope, not pricing. Sharing numbers invites a race to the bottom on quality.
- Can I negotiate after receiving quotes?
- Yes, but negotiate scope and inclusions rather than a flat discount. A discount with no scope change usually means corners get cut.
Stop guessing whether a quote is fair
QuoteSift reads up to five quotes at once and produces a plain-English report: what's missing, what's inflated, what the best-value option actually is.
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