What to Do When a Tradie Does Substandard Work

Guide for Homeowners When a Tradie Does Substandard Work

Let’s be real — hiring a tradie through an online marketplace should feel safe. Platforms hype up trust badges: ABN verified, licence verified, NAP verified, insurance verified… the whole “golden tick parade.” Most homeowners do their homework before booking.

Yet sometimes someone ends up with substandard work, a half-done job, or a finished product that looks like it was built during a lunch break. Worse? Some tradies disappear the moment they’ve been paid.

So, what can you do when this happens? Who should you contact first — the tradie, the platform, or someone else entirely? Let’s break it down.

1. Give the Tradie a Fair Chance to Fix It

Even though it’s frustrating, your first step should be reaching out to the tradie directly. Sometimes the issue comes from miscommunication, genuine mistakes, or unexpected complications. Provide:

• A clear explanation of what’s wrong


• Photos (lots of them)


• A reasonable deadline for rectifying the work

Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), tradies must provide services with due care and skill. They’re legally required to fix the problem at no extra cost.

2. Contact the Platform And Do It Fast

Many homeowners skip this part or do it late — and then wonder why nothing happens.

• Resolution centres


• Customer support teams


• Evidence review processes


• Systems for flagging irresponsible tradies

ServiceTasker handles cases seriously: reviews evidence, contacts tradie, attempts rework, compensates, red-flags or removes repeat offenders.

3. Know Your Legal Rights

Under Australian Consumer Law, you’re protected by Consumer Guarantees:

• The tradie must use acceptable skill and workmanship


• The service must be fit for purpose


• The job must be completed within a reasonable timeframe

If the tradie fails these, you can demand:

• A repair at no charge


• A redo of the entire service


• A partial or full refund

State/territory bodies for disputes:

• NSW: Fair Trading NSW


• VIC: Consumer Affairs Victoria


• QLD: QBCC


• SA: Consumer and Business Services


• WA: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety


• TAS: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services


• ACT: Access Canberra


• NT: Consumer Affairs NT

4. Gather Solid Evidence Because Receipts Matter

• Before/after photos


• Messages showing what was agreed


• Invoice or payment proof


• Contract or work order


• Any statements where the tradie admits fault


• A timeline of events

5. When to Escalate to a Building Commission or Tribunal

• NCAT (NSW)


• VCAT (VIC)


• QCAT (QLD)

These bodies can order compensation or rectification if necessary.

6. How to Protect Yourself in Future

• Check the tradie’s licence via official portals


• Read recent reviews


• Ask for photos of past jobs


• Use a platform with accountability


• Never pay 100% upfront


• Keep all communication on the platform