Are you a female renovator worried about being taken advantage of by trades or contractors?
You’re not imagining it, some will.
Research from the NSW Fair Trading Complaints Register shows building and renovation disputes made up over 35% of all consumer complaints in 2023.
I’ve seen it all. The good news is that with the right steps, you can protect yourself and your profit.
1. Step Into the Role of Project Leader
Mindset is everything.
“When you lead your project like a business, trades will treat you like a professional, not a pushover.” Bernadette Jansen, Renovation Educator
You’re not a “passive client.” You’re the project leader. That means:
- You direct the project
- You set the standards
- You don’t wait for things to “happen to you”
2. Document Everything
Your tendering process, how you get and compare quotes, is one of the strongest ways to show leadership.
Before you call a plumber, electrician, or tiler, write a detailed scope of work.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not fluent in trade jargon—clarity matters more than technical terms.
Include:
- Exact work required
- Timeframe
- Materials you supply vs. what they supply
- Non-negotiables (e.g., strata restrictions, work hours)
Why it works:
- Gives you written proof of what they’ve quoted
- Ensures you compare apples with apples
- Sets expectations upfront
According to Standards Australia, a written scope is one of the top three factors in avoiding contract disputes.
3. Get Multiple Quotes (But Don’t Just Chase the Lowest Price)
Aim for 3–5 quotes. Look for trades who are:
- Licensed and insured
- Skilled and reliable
- Able to work to your schedule
- Respectful and easy to communicate with
💡 Fact: In a 2022 Housing Industry Association survey, 41% of renovators who chose the lowest quote ended up paying more due to variations and rework.
4. Always Have a Contract
Even for small jobs, get it in writing:
- Scope of work
- Price
- Payment terms
For bigger jobs, use a formal contract and always check references first.
According to NSW Fair Trading, written contracts are legally required for residential building work over $5,000.
Your Best Tools: Confidence & Clarity
When you’re confident in your role and crystal clear in your communication:
- You attract decent, reliable trades
- You stay in full control of your project
- Renovating becomes profitable instead of stressful
🎧 If you want to dive deeper, I’ve recorded a podcast episode on this exact topic. Here
