Handy around the home? Good at DIY? Do-It-Yourself is a cheap way to fix maintenance issues around the house and does not need any training, or experience. There are many jobs that can be done DIY, such as replacing light bulbs, fixing leaky taps, knocking in a few nails and touching up paint.

However, there are some jobs that you just should not do, such as electrical work, or anything that may affect the structural integrity of your home. And for that, you need a qualified tradesperson.

Having said that, hiring a qualified tradesperson in some instances, can be a big job on its own. How do you know who to use? What is a good price? Will they turn up? The following tips may assist you next time you need a handy person around the home:

- always use a licensed builder, or tradesperson. Ask to see their license, or look up their details on www.ocba.com.au/licenses;

- ensure that the builder, or tradesperson has the right insurances, such as Building Indemnity Insurance and public liability;

- get three comparable quotes. Make sure that the quotes are for the same thing ie: apples for apples, so that you can make an informed choice;

- ask the builder, or tradesperson for the names of clients that they have previously done work for and give them a call. Clients are the best references and are likely to be more honest once the builder, or tradesperson has completed the job;

- enquire what the costs include ie: call out fee, labour, materials, clean up of site etc;

- small jobs do not require a deposit. However, if the works is of a larger nature, a deposit of 10-15% is fair and reasonable;

- for construction works, a builder is legally only allowed to request a deposit of $1,000, plus out of pocket expenses, such as Council approval fees, Engineer report costs, indemnity insurance costs. Generally this would be approximately $5,000;

- work that requires construction additions, alterations, or structural changes, or cost $12,000 or more, will require the approval of your local Council. Contact your local Council for more information;

- for jobs that are $12,000, or more, request a written contract that clearly states the job to be completed, the payment arrangements, the default arrangements (for you as the payer and for the tradespersons completing the work) and any other relevant terms and conditions. Ensure that both parties sign the contract and any changes, or variations that may occur during construction;

- you may be required to pay instalments. Only pay a percentage relative to the works that have been completed ie: 20-25%. Never pay upfront in full and never pay the final instalment until all of the work is completed to a satisfactory standard;

- do not be pressured into any arrangement you do not feel comfortable with. If you are not sure about the quality of the work, or the cost of an item, first speak to the builder, or tradesperson and then, if you are still not comfortable get a second opinion. That may be a relative, a person from the local Council, or a Building Inspector;

- and finally, be confident in your dealings with the builder, or tradesperson. It is your money you are spending, on your home and you have a right to be comfortable;

A good, genuine builder, or tradesperson will have no hesitation in assisting you with any of your above queries, or questions. It is only those that have something to hide that will be hesitant to provide you with the information you are enquiring about.

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