1. What licenses do they hold?

We find it very surprising that NSW Fair Trading Research shows that 80% of homeowners think licensing is essential, but only 10% check if a tradesperson is licensed or not.

Would you go to an unlicensed dentist? Would you let an unlicensed surgeon perform surgery on you? The answer to these questions is rather apparent. So then, why would you hire someone who does not have a license to repair your appliances? An appliance repairer, for example working on a dual fuel stove, will work with electricity and gas, which can be highly complicated and, if done incorrectly, can put your family and the tradesman in danger. On the other hand, an experienced and licensed appliance technician will have years of on-the-job training, plus several years at TAFE and additional tertiary training to ensure the job is correctly completed the first time.

2. What insurances do they have?

When considering a company to complete your appliance repair, insurance is one of the most critical questions you need to ask. A licensed tradie is required to hold public liability insurance. With this insurance, tradies can be held responsible for any property damage or personal injury caused by their negligence. If they are not insured, you risk hiring someone who can not be held accountable.

Can you imagine a tradesman is at your property, and you are horrified to find that they have damaged your kitchen? You ask for his insurance, but they tell you they do not have the proper insurance to cover it. You, the homeowner, will be held responsible for all the repairs involved. To think that a simple question before booking the appliance technician could have saved you from paying for something out of your control.

3. What warranty do they provide on their repair?

You, as the homeowner, want the quality and 100% satisfaction that the appliance technician you plan to engage will complete the appliance repair in the one visit. You don't want the headache of paying hundreds of dollars for the same appliance technician to fix the same issue repeatedly. This is why the warranty is another crucial question to ask your appliance technician so that you have the peace of mind that if the same problem happens after the repair, you will be covered. Some companies offer three months, and some may offer 12. You want to look for the company with the highest warranty time frame so that you are covered for as long as possible.

4. How long have they been established?

You may be thinking, why is how long the company has been established significant when hiring an appliance repairer? As long as they are licensed, insured and have had training in the field, is all that matters, right? A company's reputation, history and timespan should influence a decision when sourcing an appliance repairer. Using a company that has been in the industry for years compared to months will put your mind at ease, knowing that they have had extensive experience, have gained further training and knowledge and have made a reputable name for themselves in the industry.

5. What do they estimate the appliance repair cost to be?

Nothing is worse than being left with a surprisingly large bill at the end of a repair. Without asking for an estimated cost, you will put your bank account at risk. When sourcing your appliance repairman, you want to give them as much information as possible before attendance so that they can assess the repair and give you a rough estimated cost. In addition, you will want to ask them for their call-out fees and labour times to ensure you are fully aware of the company's charges. By asking all these questions upfront, you are fully prepared and knowledgeable of all the costs and won't be left out of pocket.

So remember, when you are browsing the internet looking for an appliance repairer, you don't just want to book the first company you see. You want to find an appliance repair company that is licensed, insured, has the highest warranty period, has been in the industry for a sufficient amount of time and can give you an estimated price list upfront, so you are left with no surprises at the end of your repair.