How to Get Multiple Quotes for Home Jobs and Save Money
Getting multiple quotes is one of the most effective ways to save money on home jobs in New Zealand. Research consistently shows that homeowners who get three or more quotes pay significantly less than those who go with the first option — often saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Here's exactly how to do it, and what to watch out for.
Why Getting Multiple Quotes Matters
It's common for prices to vary by 30–50% for the exact same job. This isn't necessarily because some tradies are ripping you off — it can reflect differences in:
- Materials and their costs
- Labour rates and experience
- Overhead costs (tools, vehicles, insurance)
- How busy the tradie is
- How much they want the job
By getting three or more quotes, you get a realistic picture of what the job should cost, and you're in a much stronger negotiating position.
Step 1: Know What You Want Before You Ask
The more specific you are, the more accurate and comparable your quotes will be. Before contacting tradies:
- Write down exactly what needs doing — not "fix the bathroom" but "replace the shower mixer tap, re-grout the shower tiles, and install a new exhaust fan"
- Note any constraints — access issues, council consent requirements, materials preferences
- Decide on quality level — budget materials vs mid-range vs premium makes a big difference to price
A clear brief means tradies quote for the same job — making comparison straightforward.
Step 2: Request at Least Three Quotes
For any job over $500, aim for at least three written quotes. For larger jobs ($5,000+), five quotes isn't excessive.
When contacting tradies:
- Use a platform like WorkerConnect — post once and receive multiple quotes from local, verified tradies
- Contact local businesses directly — look for tradies with local reviews and a physical presence in your area
- Ask for the quote to be itemised — so you can see exactly what you're paying for labour vs materials
Step 3: What a Good Quote Should Include
A proper written quote should include:
- Scope of work — what's included and what's explicitly excluded
- Materials — brand, specification, and quantity
- Labour costs — how many workers, how many days
- Timeline — start date and estimated completion
- Payment terms — deposit, progress payments, final payment
- Warranty — on both workmanship and materials
- GST — all prices should be GST-inclusive or clearly stated as exclusive
If a quote is verbal or vague, ask for it in writing before proceeding.
Step 4: Compare Apples With Apples
Don't automatically go with the cheapest quote. Compare:
- What's included — a cheaper quote may exclude materials or site cleanup
- Materials quality — check whether quotes specify the same products
- Experience and licencing — a licensed tradesperson is legally required for plumbing, electrical, and gasfitting work
- Reputation — check reviews on WorkerConnect, Google, or Builderscrack
The best quote is the one that offers the best value, not just the lowest price.
Step 5: Negotiate (Politely)
Once you have three or more quotes, you're in a position to negotiate. You can:
- Let your preferred tradie know you have other quotes and ask if there's any flexibility
- Ask if bundling multiple jobs reduces the overall price
- Negotiate payment terms — some tradies may reduce the price for faster payment
Most tradies respect honest negotiation. What they don't like is being pressured unfairly or having fabricated competitor quotes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the cheapest without checking credentials — the cheapest quote isn't always the best deal
- Accepting verbal quotes — always get it in writing
- Not checking licence or registration — required by law for electrical, plumbing, and gasfitting work
- Paying large deposits upfront — standard is 10–20% deposit; never pay more than 30% upfront
- Skipping reviews — a tradie with no reviews or only negative reviews is a red flag
Get Quotes the Easy Way
Post your job once on WorkerConnect and receive quotes from multiple verified, local tradies — free, fast, and no obligation.