Homeowner cost and risk guide
When workmanship goes wrong, the original payment may be only the beginning. Remedial labour, replacement materials, damage, delays and repeat work can turn an apparent saving into a major extra cost.
The cheapest quote can quickly become the most expensive job you ever pay for.
When a tradesman gets it wrong, you may not just lose the original payment. You could also face remedial work, replacement materials, emergency call-outs, delays, damaged finishes and the cost of bringing in another contractor to put everything right.
CCPC Consumer Helpline Report 2025
2,838 home-building or improvement contacts
- Up 12% compared with 2024
- Average reported project spend: €14,597
The CCPC published these figures in April 2026. The €14,597 figure is the average amount consumers reported spending on the building or improvement work where they later encountered problems; it is not an average repair bill. A helpline contact also does not, by itself, establish that a trader breached the law.
The CCPC said home building and improvements remain one of the biggest annual drivers of contacts to its helpline. Its reported issues included traders refusing or failing to resolve problems, delays after an agreed start date and traders not arriving when scheduled to address a reported issue.
How Much Can the Wrong Tradesman Really Cost?
There is no official Irish figure for the average cost of fixing poor workmanship because every job is different.
Look at the value of typical home-improvement projects. A bathroom renovation can cost several thousand euro. An attic conversion can run into tens of thousands. A house extension can become one of the biggest investments you make in your property.
Saving €1,000 on the original quote looks very different if a further €5,000 or €10,000 is later needed for remedial work. These figures are examples only; obtain a site-specific written quotation before budgeting.
For current indicative pricing, see the Builder Costs Ireland 2026 guide, Plumber Costs Ireland 2026 guide and Electrician Costs Ireland 2026 guide.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Workmanship
Bad workmanship can cost far more than the original invoice.
- A poorly fitted bathroom may result in leaks, damaged ceilings, rotten timber and tiles having to come back off.
- Bad roofing can allow water into insulation, ceilings and walls.
- Incorrect plumbing can damage kitchens, floors and neighbouring rooms.
- Unsafe electrical work may have to be opened up and completely redone by a Registered Electrical Contractor.
- Poor building work can delay every other trade on the project.
A tiler cannot finish if the plumbing is wrong. A painter cannot start when walls need reopening. A kitchen fitter cannot continue when electrical points are in the wrong location. One bad job can hold up the entire project.
Electrical and Gas Work Can Be Even More Serious
With some trades, poor workmanship is not only expensive—it can be dangerous.
Electrical faults can create electric-shock and fire risks. Safe Electric states that restricted electrical works can only be carried out and must be certified by a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). It also advises customers to ask for the relevant Completion Certificate.
Find potentially suitable contractors through Trade Source IRE Electricians and read the registered-electrician safety guide. Always verify current Safe Electric registration directly before work begins.
For domestic gas work, the CRU states that you must use a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) for natural-gas or LPG work in the home. RGIs must provide a Declaration of Conformance Certificate for completed gas work. Find heating professionals through Trade Source IRE Plumbers and verify current registration with the RGI scheme.
Warning Signs Before Hiring a Tradesman
A low price does not automatically mean poor workmanship, but there are warning signs worth checking.
Be careful when someone:
- Only gives you a vague verbal price
- Refuses to provide a written quotation
- Cannot show recent, relevant work
- Avoids questions about insurance or qualifications
- Wants a very large payment upfront
- Is dramatically cheaper than every other quotation
- Pressures you into making an immediate decision
- Cannot explain what is included in the price
- Has no clear timeframe
- Will not explain how extra work or variations will be charged
The CCPC recommends checking references, physically reviewing previous work where possible, obtaining a written quotation rather than an estimate and signing a contract.
Compare the Job—Not Just the Price
When comparing quotations, make sure you are comparing like with like.
A useful written quotation should explain whether it includes:
- Labour
- Materials and product specifications
- VAT
- Waste removal
- Scaffolding or plant
- Making good
- Electrical or gas certification
- Start and expected completion dates
- Payment stages
- Guarantees or warranties
- Exclusions
- Additional work and variations
Two builders can give very different prices because they are quoting for different levels of work. The lowest number at the bottom of the page does not necessarily represent the best value.
How Trade Source IRE Can Help
Finding the right tradesman can mean hours spent searching, ringing numbers, leaving messages and trying to work out who covers your area.
Trade Source IRE helps reduce that hassle.
Tell us:
- What trade you need
- Where the job is located
- What work needs to be completed
- Your preferred timeframe
- Your approximate budget where available
- Any useful photos, drawings or measurements
We review your enquiry and help identify potentially suitable tradespeople from our network where available. You remain free to compare quotes, availability, experience, references and credentials before deciding who gets the job.
Free project enquiry
Describe the job once and start the search.
There is no obligation to proceed. Customers should independently verify insurance, qualifications, registration, references, written quotations and suitability before appointing any contractor.
Submit Your Project to Trade Source IREFind the Right Trade for Your Job
Trade Source IRE helps homeowners, landlords, businesses and contractors find trades across Ireland:
- Builders Ireland
- Electricians Ireland
- Plumbers Ireland
- Carpenters Ireland
- Roofing Contractors Ireland
- Groundworks Contractors Ireland
- Insulation Contractors Ireland
- Windows & Doors Ireland
- Plasterers Ireland
- Tilers Ireland
- Painters & Decorators Ireland
- Browse All Trades
- Find Tradesmen by County
Before You Hand Over Your Money
Do not choose somebody simply because they can “start tomorrow”.
Get several written quotations. Check recent references. Confirm insurance and registrations where appropriate. Agree payment stages in advance and keep copies of quotations, contracts, invoices, certificates and messages.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions before somebody starts work on your home.
A good tradesman costs money. The wrong tradesman can cost you twice.
If you have a project coming up, submit your job to Trade Source IRE and let us help make the search easier.
Every Trade. One Trusted Source.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can hiring the wrong tradesman cost?
There is no official Irish average. The cost depends on the original job, the damage caused, strip-out, replacement materials, remedial labour, professional reports and delays.
What are the main warning signs?
Warning signs can include a vague verbal price, refusal to provide a written quotation, no relevant references, unclear insurance or qualifications, pressure to decide immediately and demands for a large upfront payment.
Who can carry out restricted electrical work?
Safe Electric states that restricted electrical works can only be carried out and must be certified by a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Who can carry out domestic gas work?
The CRU states that a Registered Gas Installer must be used for natural-gas or LPG work in the home.
Does Trade Source IRE guarantee a contractor?
No. Trade Source IRE can help identify potentially suitable tradespeople where available. Customers remain responsible for comparing quotations and independently verifying credentials, insurance, references, registrations and suitability.
Irish Information Sources
- CCPC — Consumer Helpline Report 2025 summary, published April 2026
- CCPC — Builder, contractor and tradesperson disputes
- Safe Electric — Restricted and Controlled Electrical Works
- Safe Electric — Completion Certificates
- CRU — Gas works in your home
- RGI — Gas boiler servicing
This article provides general information rather than legal, financial, engineering or technical advice. Costs vary, and the examples in the infographic are not quotations or official averages. Verify current rules and registrations with the relevant authority and obtain project-specific professional advice before committing to work.