Templates & checklists
Free Tradie Quote Comparison Checklist
Updated 26 October 2026 · 5 min read · Written for Australian homeowners and builders
Print this checklist and run every Australian tradie quote against it before signing. Each box you can't tick is a question to send back to the tradie.
Pre-engagement
- ☐ABN verified on abr.business.gov.au
- ☐Licence number checked on the relevant state register
- ☐Insurance certificates sighted (public liability, home warranty)
- ☐Recent references or completed-job photos reviewed
The quote itself
- ☐Quote is typed, dated, on letterhead with ABN
- ☐Scope of works itemised by trade
- ☐Materials specified by brand/model or PC sum
- ☐Exclusions written explicitly
- ☐Payment schedule with deposit ≤ 20%
- ☐Variation procedure documented
- ☐Workmanship warranty period stated
- ☐Quote validity period stated
Comparing two or more quotes
- ☐Same scope provided to every tradie
- ☐PC sums normalised across quotes
- ☐Exclusions priced in to get a true comparable total
- ☐Contract type compared (HIA, MBA, custom)
- ☐Communication responsiveness compared
To do this automatically across up to five quotes, upload them to QuoteSift.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use this checklist for any trade?
- Yes — it's trade-agnostic. Pair it with the trade-specific guides for waterproofing, switchboards, etc.
- Should I send the checklist to the tradie?
- Yes — most professionals appreciate clear briefs. It also signals you'll be a careful (not difficult) client.
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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