Should Have Called a Tradie? New Research Shows Why Aussies Value Their Tradies

National Tradie Day 2026 is putting the spotlight on Australia’s tradies, with new Kennards Hire research revealing just how much Australians rely on their skills, experience and advice – and what can happen when we try to go it alone.

We’ve probably all had a job where we’ve thought, “How hard could it be?”

But new research from Kennards Hire for National Tradie Day 2026 shows that sometimes calling in a qualified tradie from the start really does pay off.

The research found 42% of Australians have avoided calling a tradie only to regret it later, while 85% have been grateful to a tradie for solving an issue at short notice.

And it’s not just about getting the job done. More than half of Australians (53%) say the advice, skills or work of a tradie has helped them avoid a costly mistake, including financial loss, property damage or a safety risk.

Australians Trust Their Tradies

The research highlights the important role tradies play in Australian homes, businesses and communities.

69% of Australians would trust a tradie they regularly use to work inside their home when nobody was there, while 71% believe tradies don’t receive the recognition they deserve.

Kennards Hire Sales Manager Ollie Chapman says the findings reflect what Kennards Hire teams see every day.

“Most of us have had that moment where we’ve thought, ‘I can probably do that myself’, or turned to AI for an explainer, only to realise we might have been better off calling an expert.”

“The research shows just how much Australians rely on tradies when it really matters. They’re not just turning up to fix a problem; they’re often helping people avoid extra costs and a lot of stress.”

Celebrating National Tradie Day 2026

For Kennards Hire, National Tradie Day is an opportunity to recognise the people we work with every day.

To say thanks in the lead-up to National Tradie Day, Kennards Hire visited four tradie sites across Sydney, giving more than 400 tradies the chance to down tools for a while and enjoy some food, drinks, activities and giveaways.

It was a simple way of recognising the skill, hard work and contribution tradies make every day - on worksites, in homes, across businesses and throughout the Australian community.

“Tradies are one of those parts of everyday life we don’t always think about until we need one, but at Kennards Hire, we see first-hand the skill, knowledge and hard work they bring to every job,” Ollie said.

“With demand for their expertise continuing to grow, we need tradies now more than ever. National Tradie Day is a chance to stop and recognise the people behind the jobs that keep Australia moving.”

Making the job easier for Australian tradies

Supporting tradies isn’t limited to National Tradie Day.

From hiring out everyday tools and equipment through to larger plant and specialist solutions, Kennards Hire works with tradies across Australia to help them get the equipment and support they need to get the job done.

Whether you’re tackling a quick job or planning your next project, explore whats on offer or find your nearest Kennards Hire branch to get started.

Because when there’s a job to do, having the right people, and the right equipment, can make all the difference