Choose your tradie safely
Updated 4 October 2026
Before choosing
Check that the person and business match their profile. Discuss relevant experience, inspect previous work, ask for insurance evidence where appropriate and obtain a clear written scope. A low estimate alone does not establish suitability.
Check the licence for the work
For work requiring registration or licensing, check the relevant current public register and licence scope. MBIE provides links to the licensed building practitioner, plumbing / gasfitting / drainlaying, and electrical worker registers. Not every type of building work requires the same licence. Confirm what applies to your job.
Before work starts
Agree the final scope, price, payment stages, start date, who supplies products, any consent responsibility and how variations will be approved. Keep messages, photos, quotes, certificates and warranties. Confirm visits directly; the pilot records them but does not automatically notify anyone.
If something seems wrong
Do not send money or identity documents because of a suspicious message. Check payment details directly with the business. Report suspicious jobs or profiles through Support, quoting the job number or business name. For urgent safety risks, use the appropriate emergency or trade service.