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Australia’s trade marketplace

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45 articles

41 Construction Workers Died in Australia Last Year

Forty-one construction workers lost their lives in Australia last year, according to Safe Work Australia's latest report.

Modern Homes Standard Tweaked, Causing Confusion Among Builders

The Modern Homes Standard has been revised, leading to inconsistencies and additional challenges for builders in Queensland.

Trades Must Lead Change, Not Wait for It

High-risk industries must take the lead in improving safety and practices, rather than waiting for government regulations to mandate changes.

WA Pipeline Upgrade Begins

Work has started on upgrading Western Australia's longest pipeline, the 566-kilometer Goldfields pipeline, to increase its capacity and support growing regional development.

AUKUS Success Hinges on Engineering Capability

The success of AUKUS depends on Australia's engineering workforce, which faces a significant challenge with up to 70,000 engineers expected to retire in the next decade.

Data Centres Shine Amid Sluggish Economy

Despite overall economic challenges, data centre development remains a bright spot in Australia's economy, driven by AI transformation needs.

Australia's Crane Count Hits Record High

The latest RLB Crane Index shows Australia has more cranes than ever before, with significant increases seen across major cities except Sydney.

Sumitomo Forestry Australia Takes Top Spot in HIA Housing 100

Sumitomo Forestry Australia has claimed the top position in the latest HIA Housing 100 report, surpassing previous leader Metricon Homes.

VCAT Overturns VBA Decision on Combustible Cladding

On August 18, 2026, VCAT overturned disciplinary findings against a building surveyor for approving combustible cladding in Melbourne.

Bathla Collapse Highlights Housing Shortage Crisis

The collapse of Sydney developer Bathla Group, owing A$3.4 billion to lenders and leaving over 2,000 apartments in limbo, underscores the housing shortage crisis.

New Home Sales Contracts Plummet in Australia

The latest HIA New Home Sales Report shows a significant drop in sales contracts for new homes, signaling a slowdown in construction activity.

Victoria's State Roads Deteriorate Despite Funding

Despite record investment, nearly half of Victoria’s state roads are now in poor condition, according to the Victorian Auditor General’s Office report.

How much does lawn mowing cost in 2026?

What Australians are paying for lawn mowing in 2026 — by yard size, frequency and whether edging and clean-up are included.

New driveway project completed in Redcliffe, QLD

When Julie needed a double crossover and driveway in Redcliffe, QuoteTrades connected her with the right specialists for a stress-free result.

Electrician call-out fees explained for 2026

Call-out fees, hourly rates and what's typical for common electrical jobs around Australia in 2026.

What the 2026 trade licensing changes mean for tradies

A plain-English rundown of the licensing and compliance changes Australian tradies should know about this year.

Demand for verified tradies keeps rising in 2026

Homeowners increasingly want proof of licence and insurance before they hire — and it's reshaping how tradies win work.

5 ways tradies can get paid faster

Practical, no-nonsense ways to cut the time between finishing a job and money in the bank.

Bathroom renovation cost guide 2026

Budget, mid-range and premium bathroom renovation costs in Australia — and where the money actually goes.

How a homeowner added a bedroom without the reno stress

An Officer, VIC homeowner found the right renovation pro through QuoteTrades and added an extra bedroom on time.

How much does house painting cost in 2026?

Interior and exterior painting prices in Australia — per square metre, per room and whole-house.

Hot water system replacement costs in 2026

Gas, electric, heat pump and solar hot water — what replacement really costs and which is cheapest to run.

What does it cost to build a deck in 2026?

Timber vs composite decking prices per square metre, plus what drives the final quote.

Fencing costs per metre in 2026

Colorbond, timber and pool fencing prices per metre — and what affects the quote.

Air conditioning installation costs explained

Split system vs ducted aircon — supply and install prices for Australian homes in 2026.

Kitchen renovation completed in Geelong, VIC

How a Geelong family modernised their kitchen on budget by comparing quotes on QuoteTrades.

Emergency roof repair after Brisbane storms

When a storm damaged their roof, this Brisbane homeowner found a fast, verified roofer through QuoteTrades.

Solar installation pays off for an Adelaide home

An Adelaide homeowner cut their power bill after comparing solar installers on QuoteTrades.

An after-hours plumber saves a Perth family

A burst pipe at midnight — and how a verified emergency plumber sorted it fast.

Backyard transformation in Newcastle, NSW

A tired backyard becomes an entertainer's dream after comparing landscaping quotes.

Solar rebates and incentives: 2026 update

A state-by-state look at the solar and battery incentives available to Australian homeowners this year.

Apprenticeship demand climbs as trades boom

Strong demand for skilled trades is driving more apprenticeship places across the country.

Building material prices stabilising in 2026

After volatile years, timber, steel and other key materials are showing signs of steadier pricing.

Wet weather drives a surge in trade jobs

Storms and heavy rain are keeping roofers, plumbers and drainage specialists busy across the east coast.

Electrical safety standards: what's changing

Updated wiring and safety-switch requirements every homeowner and electrician should know about.

The trade skills shortage and what it means

Australia's ongoing skills shortage is reshaping wait times, pricing and how tradies win work.

How digital tools are changing trade businesses

From quoting apps to job management, technology is helping tradies save hours every week.

Sustainable building goes mainstream

Energy-efficient materials and electrification are moving from niche to normal in Australian homes.

More women are entering the trades

Participation is rising across multiple trades — and it's good news for capacity and culture.

Why verified reviews drive more bookings

Honest, verified reviews increasingly decide who wins the job — here's the data behind it.

How to write a quote that wins the job

Itemise, clarify scope and respond fast — the simple quoting habits that win more work.

How to get more reviews as a tradie

Reviews are your best marketing. Here's how to earn more of them without being pushy.

Social media for tradies: keep it simple

You don't need to be an influencer — a few before-and-after posts go a long way.

Branding your van and business on a budget

A tidy, branded van is a moving billboard — here's how to look pro without overspending.

EOFY tax tips every tradie should know

Simple end-of-financial-year habits that save you money and stress at tax time.

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