Renovation Pre-Quote Checklist

What to confirm before a builder or trade quotes your renovation.

Last updated 2026-04-08

How to use this checklist

This is 15 practical items across 3 sections compiled for Australian homeowners, renters and property managers. Work through it from top to bottom, or skip to the section that matters most to you — each item is written so you can tick it as a single action. Print the page, save it as a PDF, or share the URL with anyone helping you (a tradie, a partner, a property manager). The checklist is evergreen: it applies to apartments, units and houses across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT.

Before you start — prep in 10 minutes

• Gather basic tools. Phone for photos, torch, tape measure, rubber gloves, microfibre cloths, a couple of clean buckets and a notepad.
• Take "before" photos. Wide shots of every room and tight shots of any existing damage. Useful for bond claims, insurance and tradie quotes alike.
• Block out time. Most sections take 30-90 minutes. Don't try to do the whole list in one go unless you have a full day.
• Decide DIY vs hire. Mark items you'll do yourself and items you'll get a tradie for. Bundle the tradie items into one job post so you compare comparable quotes.

Scope of works

• Write a 1-page brief: what stays, what goes, must-haves vs nice-to-haves
• Mark up plans or sketch existing layout (rough is fine)
• Save inspiration images with notes on what you like in each
• Decide your maximum budget and contingency (10-15% extra)
• Decide deal-breakers: timeline, finish quality, energy efficiency

Approvals & paperwork

• Confirm whether work needs council DA, CDC or owner-builder permit
• Check strata bylaws if in an apartment
• Locate property title and any easements
• Get a recent home insurance certificate of currency
• If load-bearing changes: book engineer for structural sign-off

Trade comparison

• Request 3 itemised quotes (not lump-sum)
• Confirm builder licence, insurance and HBCF/QBCC cover
• Ask for 3 recent local references with photos
• Check if quote includes site protection, demolition and rubbish removal
• Clarify payment schedule — never pay >10% deposit without milestones

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the photos. Without before-and-after photos you have no leverage if something is disputed later.
• Trying to DIY licensed work. Anything touching gas, electrical or structural plumbing legally requires a licensed Australian tradie — DIY voids most home-insurance policies and can attract fines.
• Leaving tradie work to the last minute. Quality providers book out 1-2 weeks in advance for non-emergency work. Post your job early.
• Accepting verbal quotes. Always insist on a written, itemised quote that includes labour, materials, GST and warranty.
• Paying 100% upfront. A 10-20% deposit for materials is normal; full payment before work starts is a red flag.

When to hire a tradie instead

Hire a verified Australian tradie when the work is outside your skills, when safety or compliance matters, when the warranty needs to come from a qualified provider, or when the job will simply be faster, cheaper and better done properly the first time. Post your task free on TaskerAsker and you'll typically receive up to three written quotes within a few hours from verified, ABN-checked providers in your suburb. Compare price, reviews and availability side-by-side, with no obligation to accept any quote.

Related & nearby on TaskerAsker

• Builders — compare verified Australian builders quotes for free.
• Kitchen Renovators — compare verified Australian kitchen renovators quotes for free.
• Bathroom Renovators — compare verified Australian bathroom renovators quotes for free.
• Carpenters — compare verified Australian carpenters quotes for free.
• All home-services checklists — browse every TaskerAsker checklist for Australian homes.
• Australian tradie cost guides — see real prices before you book.
• Cost calculators — estimate plumber, electrician, painter and renovation jobs.
• Tradie quote templates — what every written Australian quote should include.
• Job description examples — write a clear brief and get faster, more accurate quotes.
• How we verify tradies — ABN, licence, insurance and identity checks explained.
• Safety centre — safe-hiring tips and milestone-payment protection.
• Browse tradies by Australian state — NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT.
• Post your job free — compare up to three written quotes from verified local tradies.

More Australian home-services checklists

Browse all TaskerAsker home-services checklists, our Australian tradie cost guides, cost calculators, quote templates and job-description examples before you post your next job.

Frequently asked questions