New research released by Kennards Hire, ahead of National Tradie Day 2026, shows many Australians are learning the hard way that some jobs are best left to the experts, with more than four in ten regretting attempts to avoid hiring a tradesperson.
The national survey has found 42 per cent of Australians have chosen not to call a tradie for a job, only to regret the decision later.
The findings come as the industry continues to face a shortage of skilled tradespeople, with demand for qualified workers remaining strong across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.
Despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, the research highlights strong community support for the trades. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said tradies do not receive the recognition they deserve, while 90 per cent believe they should be regarded as essential workers alongside professions such as teachers and nurses.
The survey also found tradies enjoy high levels of trust and appreciation from the public. Eighty-five per cent of Australians said they had been grateful to a tradesperson for resolving an issue at short notice, while 53 per cent credited a tradie with helping them avoid a costly mistake, property damage or safety risk.
Trust levels were also significant, with 69 per cent of respondents saying they would be comfortable allowing a tradie they regularly use to work inside their home while nobody else was present.
Kennards Hire Sales Manager Ollie Chapman said the findings reflected the important role tradespeople play in everyday life.
“Most of us have had that moment where we’ve thought, ‘I can probably do that myself’, only to realise we might have been better off calling an expert,” Chapman said.
“The research shows just how much Australians rely on tradies when it really matters. They’re not just fixing problems. They’re often helping people avoid extra costs, delays and unnecessary stress.”
Chapman said National Tradie Day provided an opportunity to recognise the skills and contribution of tradespeople at a time when the industry needs more workers.
“With demand for their expertise continuing to grow, we need tradies now more than ever. National Tradie Day is a chance to recognise the people behind the jobs that keep Australia moving,” he said.
The survey revealed that almost half of Australians had hired a tradie in the past 12 months despite rising household expenses, with essential repairs and maintenance the most common reason for engaging a tradesperson.
To mark National Tradie Day, Kennards Hire partnered with NRL players Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell to deliver care packages to more than 300 tradies at worksites across Sydney.
The initiative forms part of the company’s broader support for tradespeople, who remain critical to maintaining homes, businesses and infrastructure across Australia.
Key findings
- 42% have avoided hiring a tradie and later regretted it.
- 85% have been grateful to a tradie for solving a problem at short notice.
- 53% say a tradie helped them avoid a costly mistake, safety risk or property damage.
- 69% would trust a regular tradie to work inside their home unattended.
- 71% believe tradies do not receive the recognition they deserve.
- 90% believe tradies should be recognised as essential workers.