Why Your Cheap Tradie Might Cost You More in the Long Run

Why Your Cheap Tradie Might Cost You More in the Long Run

We've all been there. You need work done on your home, and you're presented with three quotes: $8,000, $10,000, and $12,000. The $8,000 quote looks tempting—you could save $4,000! But before you jump at the cheapest option, consider this: that "bargain" tradie might end up costing you significantly more than the most expensive quote.

Here's why cheap tradies often lead to expensive problems and how to avoid falling into the false economy trap.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Work

1. Substandard Materials

The Problem: Cheap tradies often use inferior materials to keep costs down. This might mean:

• Low-grade timber that warps or rots quickly
• Cheap paint that fades or peels within months
• Inferior plumbing fixtures that leak or break
• Poor-quality electrical components that pose safety risks

The Real Cost: You'll need to replace these materials much sooner than expected, often at 2-3 times the original cost due to labour for removal and reinstallation.

2. Shortcuts and Code Violations

The Problem: To work faster and cheaper, some tradies skip important steps or cut corners:

• Not obtaining required permits
• Ignoring building codes and safety standards
• Skipping proper preparation work
• Using incorrect installation methods

The Real Cost: Code violations can result in fines, forced removal of work, and potential safety hazards. You might need to hire another tradie to fix the problems, essentially paying twice for the same job.

3. Lack of Proper Insurance

The Problem: Cheap tradies often don't carry adequate insurance or may not be properly licensed. This leaves you vulnerable if:

• They cause damage to your property
• Someone gets injured on the job
• Their work causes problems later

The Real Cost: Without proper insurance, you could be liable for thousands in damages, medical bills, or legal costs.

4. Poor Workmanship

The Problem: Cheap tradies might lack the skills, experience, or time to do quality work:

• Uneven surfaces, crooked installations
• Poor finishing that looks unprofessional
• Work that doesn't meet industry standards
• Rushed jobs that miss important details

The Real Cost: Poor workmanship reduces your property value and may require expensive repairs or complete redoing of the work.

The True Cost of Cheap Work: Real Examples

Bathroom Renovation Gone Wrong

The Cheap Quote: $15,000 for a complete bathroom renovation The Problem: The tradie used cheap tiles that cracked within 6 months, installed plumbing incorrectly (causing leaks), and didn't waterproof properly The Real Cost: $35,000 to completely redo the bathroom, including fixing water damage to surrounding areas

Deck Disaster

The Cheap Quote: $8,000 for a new deck The Problem: Used untreated timber, didn't follow proper spacing requirements, and skipped structural engineering The Real Cost: $18,000 to rebuild the deck properly, plus $5,000 in council fines for non-compliant work

Electrical Nightmare

The Cheap Quote: $2,000 for new lighting installation The Problem: Unlicensed work, incorrect wiring, and use of substandard electrical components The Real Cost: $8,000 to have a licensed electrician fix the work and bring it up to code, plus potential safety risks

How to Spot a Cheap Tradie

Warning Signs to Watch For

1. Unusually Low Quotes: If a quote is significantly lower than others, ask why
2. Pressure to Sign Immediately: Good tradies don't need high-pressure tactics
3. Cash-Only Payments: Legitimate businesses accept various payment methods
4. No Written Contracts: Professional tradies provide detailed written agreements
5. Vague Descriptions: Quality tradies provide specific details about materials and methods
6. No Insurance or Licence: This is non-negotiable for any legitimate tradie

Red Flags in Quotes

• "We'll figure it out as we go" - This often leads to cost overruns
• "We don't need permits for this" - Most work requires permits
• "We can start tomorrow" - Good tradies are usually booked weeks in advance
• "We'll use whatever materials are cheapest" - Quality should be a priority

How to Get Quality Work at Fair Prices

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Don't just get three quotes—get five or six. This gives you a better understanding of the market rate and helps identify outliers (both high and low).

2. Focus on Value, Not Just Price

Look for tradies who offer:

• Quality materials and workmanship
• Proper licensing and insurance
• Clear communication and professionalism
• Reasonable timelines and payment terms

3. Ask the Right Questions

• "What materials will you use, and why?"
• "Can you provide references from similar projects?"
• "What's included in this price?"
• "How do you handle unexpected issues?"

4. Check Credentials

Verify:

• Current licence for the type of work
• Public liability insurance
• Workers' compensation insurance
• Professional references

The Investment Mindset

Think of hiring a tradie as an investment, not an expense. Quality work:

• Increases your property value
• Lasts longer and requires less maintenance
• Provides peace of mind and safety
• Saves money in the long run

When Cheap Might Be Acceptable

There are some situations where choosing a cheaper option might make sense:

• Simple maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters or minor repairs
• Emergency situations where speed is more important than cost
• Temporary solutions that you plan to replace later
• When you're doing the work yourself and just need materials

The Bottom Line

The old saying "you get what you pay for" is especially true when it comes to tradie work. While it's natural to want to save money, choosing the cheapest tradie often leads to expensive problems down the track.

Instead of focusing solely on price, look for value—the combination of quality work, fair pricing, and professional service. A slightly higher upfront cost for quality work will save you money, stress, and headaches in the long run.

Remember: The most expensive tradie isn't always the best, but the cheapest is rarely a bargain. Do your research, ask the right questions, and choose based on value rather than just price.

Ready to find a quality tradie? Start with our guide on How to Find a Reliable and Licensed Tradie and make sure you know the 10 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring a Tradie.