When should I call a tradie instead of DIY?

Call a licensed tradie if the job is outside your skill level, involves regulated work (electrical, gas, plumbing past the tap), or you're unsure about safety.

Flooring & Tiling · Floors

Silence a Squeaky Floorboard

Q: How much does a tradie charge for silence a squeaky floorboard?

Estimated tradie cost: $180–$320.

Squeaks come from boards rubbing against joists or each other. From below (subfloor access), screw the board into the joist. From above, drive a finishing screw through the board into the joist and cover the head with matching filler.

Likely issue

Loose floorboard nail working free

DIY difficulty

2/5

Estimated DIY cost

$25

Estimated tradie cost

$180–$320

Tools required

Drill
Countersink bit
Stud finder

Materials required

Step-by-step instructions

Walk the area to map every squeak before fixing.
Squeaks come from boards rubbing against joists or each other. From below (subfloor access), screw the board into the joist. From above, drive a finishing screw through the board into the joist and cover the head with matching filler.

Safety warnings

Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, safety glasses), isolate power or water where relevant, and stop work if anything looks unsafe or unfamiliar.

When to call a tradie

Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $180–$320.

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