Melbourne Trade Guides: Plumbers, Sparkies, Chippies & More

Start with a trade below. Each guide explains the work, common job descriptions and the checks worth making before you book.

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Common household trades

Plumbing, electrical work, repairs and timber jobs often need different skills.

See every trade

PlumbingWater leaks, drains, hot-water problems and plumbing repairs.Leaking taps · Blocked drains · Hot waterExplore guide ElectricalSparkyPower faults, lighting, switches and electrical safety.Power points · Lights · SwitchboardsExplore guide HandymanEveryday non-regulated maintenance and small household repairs.Flat-packs · Hinges · ShelvesExplore guide CarpentryChippyTimber repairs, doors, framing and outdoor structures.Decking · Doors · Timber workExplore guide

MORE SPECIALISTS

More jobs, more specialists

Choose by the work involved, not simply by how urgent the repair feels.

ConcretingConcrete paths, driveways, slabs and surface repairs.Paths · Driveways · SlabsExplore guide BricklayingBrickieBrick and block walls, repointing and masonry repairs.Walls · Brickwork · MortarExplore guide PaintingInterior, exterior and finishing paintwork.Walls · Ceilings · ExteriorsExplore guide PlasteringGyprockerDamaged plasterboard, wall finishing and ceiling repairs.Wall patches · Ceilings · FinishesExplore guide TilingTiled floors, walls, showers and grout repairs.Bathrooms · Splashbacks · GroutExplore guide RoofingRoof leaks, damaged tiles, sheet roofing and weatherproofing.Leaks · Roof tiles · FlashingsExplore guide LocksmithsLockouts, damaged locks, keys and door security.Lockouts · Lock changes · KeysExplore guide

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Three things that make hiring easier

Describe the problem

Note what you can see, when it started, your Melbourne suburb and any access difficulties. A precise job description is more useful than guessing the cause.

Check the right credentials

Electrical, plumbing and some building work require particular registrations or licences in Victoria. Ask who will attend and check the credential relevant to the task.

Compare the full quote

Confirm travel, call-out fees, parts, labour, GST, cleanup and required certificates. Make sure every quote covers the same work before you decide.

What's a sparky, chippy or brickie?

Melbourne tradies often use familiar names: a sparky is an electrician, a chippy is a carpenter and a brickie is a bricklayer. You may also hear gyprocker for plasterboard work. These are nicknames, not proof of qualifications.

Need help today?

A blocked drain, unsafe wiring and storm-damaged roof need different responses. For immediate danger, use emergency services or the relevant utility; don't wait for a job listing. Otherwise, consult Melbourne emergency-trade contacts and confirm availability, cost and credentials directly.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Know what needs doing?

Write a clear job request, or use the hiring checklist and job-posting guide to prepare.

Describe your job