A well-written handyman quote protects both you and the tradesperson. In New Zealand, there's no single legal template required for handyman quotes, but a thorough quote sets clear expectations, helps avoid disputes, and gives you confidence the job will be done properly. Here's what to look for before you sign anything.
Full Contact and Business Details
The quote should clearly show the handyman's full name or business name, physical or postal address, phone number, and email. If they're operating as a business, their GST number (if registered) should also appear. This makes it easy to follow up and confirms you're dealing with a legitimate operator rather than someone working cash-in-hand with no accountability.
A Clear Scope of Work
This is the most important part of any quote. The scope of work should describe exactly what tasks will be carried out — for example, "supply and install one pre-hung interior door, including hardware, stopping, and painting two coats" rather than just "fix door." Vague descriptions leave room for misunderstandings about what's included. If there are items the handyman is not doing (such as painting after a repair), those exclusions should be stated too.
Itemised Labour and Materials
A proper quote separates labour costs from materials costs. This lets you compare quotes fairly and understand where your money is going. Materials should ideally list the products being used — for instance, specifying GIB plasterboard for patching work or a particular paint brand from Resene or Dulux. If the handyman is sourcing materials from Mitre 10, Bunnings, or PlaceMakers, that's worth knowing too.
Some handypeople quote a day rate or hourly rate rather than a fixed price. If that's the case, ask for an estimated number of hours and a cap, so costs don't blow out unexpectedly.
GST Treatment
All quoted prices should clearly state whether GST is included or excluded. In New Zealand, GST is 15%. A quote that says "$800 + GST" means you'll actually pay $920. Always confirm this before agreeing to the work.
Timeframes and Scheduling
The quote should include an estimated start date and how long the job is expected to take. For larger jobs, a rough schedule or milestones are helpful. This is especially important if you're coordinating with other trades or need the work done before a tenancy begins.
Payment Terms
Look for clear payment terms — when payment is due, what payment methods are accepted, and whether a deposit is required upfront. A deposit of 10–20% is common for jobs requiring materials to be ordered, but be cautious of anyone asking for a large upfront payment before any work begins. For ongoing or larger jobs, progress payments tied to milestones are reasonable and protect both parties.
What's Not Included (Exclusions)
A good quote will flag any exclusions or assumptions. For example: "Quote assumes existing framing is sound — any remedial framing work will be quoted separately." This is fair and transparent. If the handyman discovers unexpected issues once work starts (like rot behind a wall), you want a process agreed in advance for how variations will be handled and priced.
Licensing and Insurance Details
For general handyman tasks — hanging pictures, assembling furniture, minor carpentry, garden maintenance — no specific licence is required in New Zealand. However, certain work is legally restricted and must only be carried out by licensed professionals:
- Electrical work: Must be done by a registered electrician (EWRB)
- Plumbing and drainlaying: Must be done by a licensed plumber or drainlayer (PGDB)
- Gas fitting: Also regulated by the PGDB
- Certain building work: May require a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) if it involves restricted building work under the NZ Building Code
A reputable handyman will be upfront about these boundaries and refer you to the right professional rather than attempting restricted work themselves. Ask whether they carry public liability insurance — this covers damage to your property if something goes wrong.
Building Consent Considerations
Some work a handyman might carry out — such as building a deck, adding a room, or structural alterations — may require a building consent from your local council. Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, some minor work is exempt, but the rules can be complex. Always confirm with your council whether consent is needed before work begins. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on what requires consent.
A Variation Process
If the scope changes during the job, how will extra costs be handled? The quote should outline a variation process — ideally requiring written agreement before any additional work is carried out. This protects you from bill shock at the end.
When to Call a Professional
If a quote is missing key details, the tradesperson is reluctant to put things in writing, or the price seems unusually low, treat these as red flags. For any work involving electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural elements, always use a licensed professional — not a general handyman. For peace of mind, you can find qualified, vetted local handypeople and tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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