Fixline Property Maintenance 01 5 min read Guide
Hiring a handyman: what to check before you book
What to check before you hire a handyman in NSW. Insurance, licensing thresholds, written quotes and the red flags that save you from a bad experience.
Short answer: Check insurance, ask for a written quote, and confirm whether your job sits above or below the $5,000 licensing threshold. A good handyman will answer all three without hesitation.
What to check before you book
The difference between a reliable handyman and one who ghosts after the first visit usually shows up before the job starts. The operator who answers the phone, sends a written quote, and names a start date is the one who finishes the work.
Before you say yes
- Ask for proof of public liability insurance (certificate of currency, not just a claim).
- Get the quote in writing, with labour and materials itemised separately.
- Confirm the start date and whether the same person who quoted will do the work.
Licensing: what matters in NSW
A handyman does not need a contractor licence for work valued under $5,000 (including GST, labour and materials). Above that threshold, the operator must hold the relevant licence class from NSW Fair Trading. The licence covers the type of work, not the trade title, so a "handyman" doing $6,000 of carpentry needs a carpentry licence. Check the licence number on the Fair Trading register before you sign.
Red flags vs. good signs
Most bad handyman experiences follow the same pattern. Recognising it early saves you money and stress.
Red flag
No written quote, no insurance certificate, cash-only payment, and a start date
that keeps moving. This is the pattern behind most of the complaints on Fair Trading.
Good sign
Written quote with line items, current insurance certificate on request, a fixed
start date, and payment to a business account after the work is done.
Comparing quotes fairly
Two handyman quotes for the same job can look completely different. One is a round number in a text message. The other is an itemised page with labour, materials and access listed separately. The second one is the one you can actually compare.
The vague quote
The itemised quote
A single round number with no breakdown.
Labour, materials and access listed separately.
"Should take about a day" with no fixed price.
A fixed price tied to the scope, not the clock.
No mention of cleanup or rubbish removal.
Cleanup and rubbish removal included or priced as a line.
Common questions
Does a handyman need a licence in NSW?
In NSW, work valued under $5,000 (including labour and materials) does not require a contractor licence. For jobs over that threshold, the operator must hold the relevant licence class from NSW Fair Trading. Always ask before work starts.
What insurance should a handyman carry?
Public liability insurance is the minimum. It covers accidental damage to your property during the job. Ask for the certificate of currency and check the policy is current, not expired.
How do I know if a job needs a licensed specialist?
Electrical work, gas fitting, licensed plumbing and any structural modification always require a licensed tradesperson in NSW, regardless of value. A responsible handyman will tell you when a job crosses that line.