How to Write a Job Description That Gets Great Quotes

Vague job descriptions lead to vague quotes — or no quotes at all. When you post a service request on FivsPro, the quality of the responses you receive depends heavily on the detail you provide.

Here's how to write a job description that gets you accurate, competitive quotes.

Be specific about what you need done

Bad: "Fix my bathroom."

Good: "Replace a dripping mixer tap in a ground-floor bathroom. The tap is a standard 35mm cartridge type. No access issues. Hot water supply is nearby."

The more specific you are, the more accurately providers can quote you — and the less likely you are to face surprise add-on costs.

Include the location

Providers calculate travel time and cost into their quotes. Always mention your suburb or city. If access is tricky (e.g. a high-rise, gated community, or rural property), say so upfront.

Describe any existing conditions

If there's an existing problem (water damage, previous shoddy work, asbestos in an older property), mention it. This protects you — once you've disclosed something, providers can't use it as a reason to revise their quote upward after starting.

State your timeline

Are you flexible, or do you need this done before a specific date? Providers with availability can prioritise your job. Urgent requests sometimes come with a premium, but knowing your deadline helps both parties.

Include photos when possible

A photo of a leaking pipe, cracked tile, or damaged roof tells a provider more than a paragraph of text. On FivsPro, you can attach photos to your job post — providers consistently say this leads to more accurate first quotes.

What to leave out

Don't include your target price in the job description. It anchors providers to that number, which can actually cost you more than letting the market respond freely.

After you post

Respond quickly to follow-up questions from providers. The fastest to respond often get the best professionals — experienced contractors fill their calendars quickly.