No Cowboys Allowed — my 9 golden tips for finding reliable trades

If you’ve ever renovated before—or even thought about renovating—you’ll know that the success of your project hinges on the people you bring on board. The right trades don’t just deliver good workmanship; they bring peace of mind, clear communication, and a sense of partnership to what can often feel like juggling flaming torches… blindfolded.

As an interior designer, I’ve worked alongside countless trades across a wide range of residential and commercial projects, and I can tell you this: choosing the right people is everything. So, to help you feel confident and informed as you build your renovation team (or maybe you just want to stop having to smack the air-con unit lightly - but respectfully - to convince it to start), here are my golden tips for finding reliable, trustworthy trades who will show up when they say.