2026 Comparison
Service.com.au vs hipages
Two of Australia's leading tradie marketplace platforms compared. Which gets you better renovation quotes faster?
Winner
hipages
Best overall bathroom renovation pick once fee level, service reach, and rating are weighed together.
Average Gap
$1,064
Difference in average pricing across comparable renovation services.
Market Range
$50 - $55,000
The combined low-to-high range across both providers.
Sydney, NSW · Est. 2016
From
$50
Average
$13,536
Coverage
10 areas
Best for: Homeowners wanting to compare multiple renovation quotes quickly without committing to one company
Review Service.com.auSydney, NSW · Est. 2004
From
$2,500
Average
$14,600
Coverage
12 areas
Best for: Homeowners who want maximum choice and price competition for any bathroom renovation scope
Review hipagesPrice Comparison
Side-by-side pricing for matching bathroom renovation services
| Service | Service.com.au | hipages | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Refresh (median quote) | $8,500 | N/A | — |
| Standard Renovation (median quote) | $20,000 | N/A | — |
| Premium Renovation (median quote) | $38,000 | N/A | — |
| Tiling (per m²) | $80 | N/A | — |
| Waterproofing (bathroom) | $1,100 | N/A | — |
| Service Fee | Free | N/A | — |
| Basic Refresh (avg quote) | N/A | $8,000 | — |
| Standard Renovation (avg quote) | N/A | $19,000 | — |
| Premium Renovation (avg quote) | N/A | $36,000 | — |
| Tiling Job (avg quote) | N/A | $4,500 | — |
| Plumbing Rough-In (avg quote) | N/A | $5,500 | — |
| Platform Fee | N/A | Free | — |
Pros & Cons
Service.com.au
- ✓Free to use — compare multiple renovation quotes at no cost
- ✓All listed tradies are background checked and verified
- ✓Quick quote turnaround — usually within 24-48 hours
- ✓National coverage including regional areas
- ✗Quote quality and accuracy varies between providers on the platform
- ✗Not a contractor — disputes must be resolved directly with the tradesperson
- ✗Requires sharing contact details which can lead to follow-up calls
hipages
Winner- ✓Australia's largest tradie marketplace — maximum quote competition
- ✓All tradies licensed, insured, and background-checked
- ✓Easy mobile app for job posting and communication
- ✓Reviews and ratings for all platform tradies
- ✗Marketplace model — no quality control over actual workmanship
- ✗Can receive up to 3 unsolicited follow-up calls after posting a job
- ✗Quote comparison is difficult as each tradie quotes differently
Our Verdict
Both platforms are free for homeowners and connect them with verified tradies. hipages has a larger contractor base (30,000+) which generates more competition and often lower quotes. Service.com.au's interface is cleaner and lead management feels less aggressive. hipages coverage is broader nationally. For most homeowners, using both platforms simultaneously maximises quote options — there's no cost to posting on both.
Use hipages for maximum competition and the largest tradie pool, particularly in metro areas. Use Service.com.au as a complementary platform for a cleaner quoting experience. Posting on both platforms simultaneously gives you the most options at no extra cost.
Comparison FAQ
Service.com.au is approximately 7% cheaper on average across comparable services. However, prices vary by service type — always compare the specific scope you need.
Service.com.au offers 6 listed services, while hipages offers 6 listed services.
Use hipages for maximum competition and the largest tradie pool, particularly in metro areas. Use Service.com.au as a complementary platform for a cleaner quoting experience. Posting on both platforms simultaneously gives you the most options at no extra cost.