Back to BlogUnderstand the scope of the job accurately Identify the right materials and parts to bring Give you a more accurate quote, faster Decide whether they need to visit in person Turn on all the lights in the room Open curtains and blinds for natural light Use your phone's flash for dark areas (inside cupboards, under sinks, in meter boxes) Avoid harsh shadows — if the sun is creating strong shadows, wait for a cloud or use flash Step back — the most common mistake is standing too close. Take a wide shot first, then a close-up Shoot straight on — tilt your phone so the camera is pointing directly at what you're photographing, not at an angle Include context — a close-up of a crack is useless without a wider shot showing where on the wall it is A reference object — a hand, a ruler, or a known object (like a light switch) next to damage helps show scale The surroundings — your tradie needs to see what's around the work area, not just the problem itself The access path — if it's in a tight space, show how to get to it Blurry photos — hold your phone steady. Tap the screen to focus on the important part Too dark — if you can't see details clearly, neither can your tradie. Add light Only photographing the problem — your tradie needs context. A photo of a leaking pipe is useful. A photo showing the leaking pipe, the cupboard it's in, the space around it, and the floor below it is much more useful Open the switchboard door and photograph the inside (the breakers and wiring) Photo of the meter box (usually next to the switchboard or outside) Photo of the area around the switchboard (is it in a cupboard? a garage?) Photo of the main earth connection (green and yellow wire going to a rod or pipe) Photo of the wall where you want the new point/light Photo of the switchboard (so they can see if there's room for a new circuit) Photo of the ceiling space if accessible (for lights) Photo of the ceiling where you want the fan Photo from below showing the room layout (so they can see the room size) Photo of the existing light fitting if you're replacing it with a fan Photo of the tap (showing the brand and style) Photo under the sink (showing the pipes and connections) Photo of any water damage (stained cabinets, wet floor) Photo of the drain that's blocked (sink, shower, floor waste) Photo of any inspection points outside (round white or black caps in the ground) Photo of what's happening (backed-up water, slow draining) Photo of the nameplate (label on the front or side with brand, model, and serial number) Photo of the full unit showing its location Photo of any leaks or rust Photo of the pressure relief valve (copper pipe going down the side) Photo of the toilet (full view) Photo of the cistern (the back part, lid can stay on) Photo of the base where it meets the floor (any water here?) Photo of the shut-off valve (chrome tap on the wall behind or beside the toilet) Photo of each room from the doorway (showing all walls) Close-up of the worst wall condition (peeling, cracking, holes) Photo of the ceiling Photo of any trim or feature walls that need special attention Photo of the windows (showing frame condition) Photo of each side of the house (from across the street or yard) Close-up of the worst area of paint condition Photo of the trim, fascia, and gutters Photo of the base of the walls (where wall meets ground) Photo of any areas with obvious problems (peeling, rot, mould) Photo of each side of the roof (from ground level, aiming up) Close-up of any damage you can see (broken tiles, rust, loose ridge caps) Photo of the gutters from below If there's a leak: photo of the water damage inside (ceiling, walls) Photo from an upstairs window if you can see the roof from there Photo along the gutter line from one end Close-up of any damaged sections Photo of the downpipes Photo of where the downpipes connect to the ground (drain or splash block) Photo of the wall where you want the indoor unit Photo of the outside wall or area where the outdoor unit would go Photo of the switchboard Photo of the room from the doorway (showing size) If replacing an existing unit: photo of the nameplate on the old unit Photo of the outdoor unit Photo of the controller on the wall Photo of any vents that aren't working properly Photo of the filter (if you can access it) Photos of the room from multiple angles Close-up of any damage, wear, or areas of concern Photo of adjacent rooms that might be affected Photos of the exterior where the room is (helpful for access and structural context) Any design inspiration photos you have (even from Pinterest or Instagram) Photo of the area from above if possible (upstairs window) Photo of the house wall where it would attach Photo of the ground surface Photo showing the full area with something for scale (a chair, a person)
|QuoteSnap Team
What Photos Do Tradies Actually Need? A Customer Guide
Why Your Tradie Wants Photos
If a tradie has asked you to send photos before they quote, it's not because they're lazy. It's because photos of the job often tell them more than a phone call ever could.
A plumber can see the tap brand, pipe type, and water damage in one photo that would take 10 minutes to describe over the phone (and you'd probably get the details wrong anyway — no offence, most people don't know a flick mixer from a ceramic disc tap).
Photos help your tradie:
The result: you get your quote faster, and the tradie doesn't have to drive across town just to look. Everyone wins.
General Photo Tips (For Any Trade)
Before we get into trade-specific advice, here are tips that apply to every trade:
Lighting
Angles
What to Include
Common Mistakes
Photos for Electricians
Switchboard Upgrade
Power Point or Light Installation
Ceiling Fan Installation
Photos for Plumbers
Leaking Tap
Blocked Drain
Hot Water System
Toilet Issues
Photos for Painters
Interior Painting
Exterior Painting
Photos for Roofers
Roof Repairs
Gutter Work
Photos for HVAC
Split System Install
Ducted System Service
Photos for Builders
Renovation Quoting
Deck or Pergola
How QuoteSnap Makes This Easy
All of this might sound like a lot of photos. But here's the thing: QuoteSnap guides you through exactly what to photograph for each trade. You don't need to remember this list.
Your tradie sends you a link. You tap it. It tells you: "Take a photo of the switchboard with the door open." You do it. Next: "Take a photo of the meter box." Done. It takes 3-5 minutes, and you don't need to download any app.
The result: your tradie gets exactly the photos they need, and you get a faster, more accurate quote without waiting for a site visit.