Find local services

Choose what you need and where. You will see verified businesses that serve that suburb, and can ask up to three of them for a free quote at once.

• Movers & removals

  Before you hire

  • Get two or three quotes for the same list of furniture so you can compare like for like.
  • Ask whether goods-in-transit insurance is included and what it covers.
  • Mention stairs, lifts, parking and access at both homes; these change the price.

• Cleaners

  Before you hire

  • Say whether it is a regular clean, a deep clean or a move-in or move-out clean.
  • Ask whether cleaning products and equipment are included.
  • For a move-out clean, check what your lease or agent expects to be cleaned.

• Estate agents

  Before you hire

  • Say whether you want to rent, buy, sell or let out a property.
  • Ask how long the agent has worked in this area and for recent examples.
  • Check the agent is registered with the property regulator where your country requires it.

• Electricians

  Before you hire

  • Describe the fault or job and when it started; photos help.
  • If you are buying or selling, ask whether they can issue the electrical compliance certificate you need.
  • Ask for proof of registration or licence and a written quote before work starts.

• Plumbers

  Before you hire

  • Say whether it is an emergency, such as a burst pipe, or a planned job.
  • Ask whether call-out fees are charged and how they are worked out.
  • For geysers or water heaters, check whether your home insurance covers the repair.

• Security installers

  Before you hire

  • Say what you want protected: doors and windows, the garden, cameras or armed response.
  • Ask whether monitoring or response is a separate monthly contract.
  • Check the installer is registered with the security industry regulator where required.

• Internet providers

  Before you hire

  • Check coverage at your exact address before you sign up.
  • Ask about installation and router costs, and the contract length.
  • Book early: installation can take a while after you move in.

• Solar & backup power

  Before you hire

  • List what you want to keep running so the system can be sized properly.
  • Ask what the warranty covers and for how long, for panels, batteries and the inverter separately.
  • Ask whether the installation will be registered with your municipality or utility where that is required.

• Painters

  Before you hire

  • Say which rooms or walls, roughly how big, and whether ceilings, doors or outside walls are included.
  • Ask whether paint is included in the price and which brand and finish they will use.
  • Ask how they will protect floors and furniture, and who cleans up.

• Builders

  Before you hire

  • Get a written quote that lists materials, labour and what is excluded.
  • Ask whether plans or council approval are needed and who will arrange them.
  • Agree payment stages tied to finished work rather than paying most of it up front.

• Handymen

  Before you hire

  • List all the small jobs at once; it is usually cheaper than separate visits.
  • Ask whether they charge per hour or per job, and for a minimum call-out.
  • Larger electrical, plumbing or gas work needs a qualified tradesperson.

• Garden services

  Before you hire

  • Say whether it is a one-off clean-up or regular maintenance, and how often.
  • Ask whether garden waste removal is included.
  • Check who provides equipment and fuel.

• Storage

  Before you hire

  • Estimate how much you need to store and for how long.
  • Ask about access hours, security and whether your goods are insured while stored.
  • Check the notice period and any minimum rental term.

• Appliance repairs

  Before you hire

  • Give the brand, model and age of the appliance, and describe the fault.
  • Check whether it is still under warranty before booking a repair.
  • Ask whether the call-out or quote fee is deducted if you go ahead.

• Property maintenance

  Before you hire

  • Say whether you want one job or an ongoing arrangement.
  • Ask which trades they cover themselves and which they subcontract.
  • For rentals, agree who approves work and up to what amount.