Choosing who renovates your home is arguably a bigger decision than choosing what tiles to use — the wrong choice can turn a straightforward renovation into a genuinely stressful experience. Here’s what’s worth checking before you commit, including the consumer protections that actually apply if something goes wrong.
In this guide
Questions worth asking before you sign anything
- Are you (and your trades) licensed and insured? Ask to see evidence, not just take it on faith. Plumbing work in Tasmania must be carried out by a CBOS-licensed plumber, and electrical work by a licensed electrician.
- Is the quote fixed-price and itemised? A vague, lump-sum estimate makes it hard to know what you’re actually paying for, and harder to manage if something changes.
- Who is my actual point of contact during the job? On multi-trade renovations, it matters a lot whether one person is managing the sequence or whether you’re expected to coordinate trades yourself.
- What happens if something unexpected turns up once demolition starts? Older homes in particular can reveal issues that weren’t visible beforehand — ask how that’s handled, and get it in writing.
- Can I see examples of similar work? Ideally in homes of a similar age or style to yours.
Red flags worth taking seriously
- Reluctance to provide a written, itemised quote
- Pressure to sign quickly, or unusually large upfront deposits
- Vague answers about licensing or insurance
- No clear single point of contact for a multi-trade job
Your consumer guarantee rights
Renovation work in Australia is covered by the consumer guarantees in the Australian Consumer Law — services must be provided with acceptable care and skill, be fit for the purpose you made clear, and be completed within a reasonable time. The ACCC’s guide to consumer rights and guarantees is a useful, plain-English reference if you want to understand what you’re entitled to regardless of what any individual contract says.
Local knowledge matters more than it seems
Hobart’s housing stock varies enormously between suburbs — heritage cottages in Battery Point, weatherboard homes on the slopes of West Hobart, brick-veneer family homes across the northern suburbs, and newer builds around Kingston. A renovator who understands these differences is more likely to plan your project properly from the outset, rather than applying a generic approach that doesn’t suit your home.
We’re always happy to answer these exact questions directly — get in touch and ask us anything before you decide who renovates your home, or read more about how we run a project from first enquiry to handover.