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MELBOURNE TRADE GUIDES

The right trade for the job.

Find out who does what, when you need a specialist and what to check before hiring. Practical guides for Melbourne homeowners.

Start with a trade below. Each guide explains the work, common job descriptions and the checks worth making before you book.

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MORE SPECIALISTS

More jobs, more specialists

Choose by the work involved, not simply by how urgent the repair feels.

ConcretingConcrete paths, driveways, slabs and surface repairs.Paths · Driveways · SlabsExplore guide BricklayingBrickieBrick and block walls, repointing and masonry repairs.Walls · Brickwork · MortarExplore guide PaintingInterior, exterior and finishing paintwork.Walls · Ceilings · ExteriorsExplore guide PlasteringGyprockerDamaged plasterboard, wall finishing and ceiling repairs.Wall patches · Ceilings · FinishesExplore guide TilingTiled floors, walls, showers and grout repairs.Bathrooms · Splashbacks · GroutExplore guide RoofingRoof leaks, damaged tiles, sheet roofing and weatherproofing.Leaks · Roof tiles · FlashingsExplore guide LocksmithsLockouts, damaged locks, keys and door security.Lockouts · Lock changes · KeysExplore guide

COMMON JOBS

Guides for specific jobs

What to tell the tradie, the Victorian rules that apply and what the quote should include.

Blocked drainsOne fixture or the sewer, whose pipe it is, and who pays.Hot waterRepair or replace, safe temperatures, rebates and the 2027 gas rule.Power points and switchesAlways a licensed electrician; what to tell them and the certificate to expect.Smoke alarmsThe rules for homes and rentals, testing and replacement.Electrical faultsA tripping safety switch, flickering lights or no power: what to do first.Bathroom tilingWaterproofing first, the trades involved, and asbestos in older homes.Kitchen tilingSplashbacks and floors: preparation, cutting and the quote.TV wall mountingBrackets, walls, power points and what renters can do.Interior paintingPreparation, coats and lead paint in pre-1970 homes.Plaster repairsHoles, cracks and water-damaged ceilings: fix the cause first.Roof leaksVICSES or a roofer, and when you need a registered roof plumber.Locked outWho to try first, and the price to pin down before a locksmith comes.Lock rekeyingWhen to rekey instead of replacing, and the rules if you rent.DecksPermits, registered builders, balustrades and signs of rot.Concrete drivewaysThe crossover permit, drainage and curing time.Cracked brick wallsSafety first, repointing, and when a permit is needed.Burst pipes and leaksThe stop tap, whose pipe it is, and finding a hidden leak.Gas heater servicingCarbon monoxide, and why every two years.Switchboard upgradesSafety switches, inspection before switch-on, and the certificate.Air conditioningTwo licences, sizing, and Victorian Energy Upgrades discounts.Solar and batteriesAccredited installers, inspection and Solar Victoria rebates.GuttersCleaning is maintenance; replacing them is roof plumbing.Dividing fencesWho pays, fencing notices and permits.Exterior paintingPreparation, weather, lead paint and asbestos cladding.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Three things that make hiring easier

Describe the problem

Note what you can see, when it started, your Melbourne suburb and any access difficulties. A precise job description is more useful than guessing the cause.

Check the right credentials

Electrical, plumbing and some building work require particular registrations or licences in Victoria. Ask who will attend and check the credential relevant to the task.

Compare the full quote

Confirm travel, call-out fees, parts, labour, GST, cleanup and required certificates. Make sure every quote covers the same work before you decide.

What's a sparky, chippy or brickie?

Melbourne tradies often use familiar names: a sparky is an electrician, a chippy is a carpenter and a brickie is a bricklayer. You may also hear gyprocker for plasterboard work. These are nicknames, not proof of qualifications.

Need help today?

A blocked drain, unsafe wiring and storm-damaged roof need different responses. For immediate danger, use emergency services or the relevant utility; don't wait for a job listing. Otherwise, consult Melbourne emergency-trade contacts and confirm availability, cost and credentials directly.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Know what needs doing?

Write a clear job request, or use the hiring checklist and job-posting guide to prepare.

Describe your job