Most handymen are honest, decent tradespeople. A few aren't, and the difference is rarely obvious from an advert. These are the checks that matter.
1. What work is licensed in NSW?
Electrical, plumbing and gasfitting work needs a licence in NSW whatever the size of the job. So does air conditioning and refrigeration work. Residential building work over $5,000 (labour and materials, including GST) needs a contractor licence from NSW Fair Trading. A handyman doing small repairs under that figure doesn't need one, but someone offering to rewire a light or move a tap should be licensed. You can check a licence on the NSW Fair Trading online register or on 13 32 20.
2. Insurance
Ask whether they carry public liability insurance and what it covers. A ladder slip that cracks your window or a mower that chips your car are the sort of things it is for.
3. A written quote
Get the price, what's included and what isn't in writing, even if it's an email. Ask what happens if the job turns out to be bigger. A good tradie will tell you before carrying on, not after.
4. Deposits
For small jobs, many handymen ask for nothing up front. For residential building work covered by the Home Building Act, the maximum deposit is 10% of the contract price. Be cautious about anyone asking for a large payment before they've started.
5. References and local reputation
Ask who they've worked for locally, and ask neighbours. In a place like the Northern Rivers, word of mouth is the best check there is.
6. Are they honest about limits?
A good handyman will tell you when something is beyond them or needs a licensed trade. That's a green flag, not a weakness.
Red flags
- No ABN, no business name, no contact beyond a mobile number that doesn't answer
- Pressure to decide today
- Cash only, no invoice
- A quote that's far below everyone else's
- Offering licensed work without a licence
Read about Lincoln Chen, handyman. See handyman or tradie? for which jobs go where, and how our quotes work if you'd like to see how we do it.