25 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tradesperson
Print this list and ask these questions before you agree to any work.
7 min read · Updated 2026
Key takeaways
- ›These questions reveal qualifications, reliability and how they handle problems.
- ›Ask the same questions of every tradesperson so you can compare answers.
About their business
These questions establish who you are dealing with and whether they are established and accountable.
- ☐How long have you been trading?
- ☐Are you VAT registered? If so, what is your VAT number?
- ☐Do you have Public Liability insurance? Can I see the certificate?
- ☐Do you have Employer Liability insurance (if you bring a team)?
- ☐What trade body or scheme are you a member of?
- ☐Can you give me two recent references I can contact?
- ☐Do you have a website or online profile with photos of past work?
About the work
These questions clarify the scope and protect you from unexpected costs.
- ☐Is this quote fixed-price or an estimate?
- ☐What exactly is included — and what is excluded?
- ☐Who supplies the materials, and are they included in the price?
- ☐Is VAT included in the total you have quoted?
- ☐Is waste removal and skip hire included?
- ☐Do I need building regulations or planning permission for this, and who handles it?
- ☐What guarantee or warranty do you offer on the work?
- ☐How long will the job take, and when can you start?
- ☐Will you or a sub-contractor be doing the actual work?
About money and problems
Payment terms and how they handle issues tell you a lot about a tradesperson.
- ☐What deposit do you require, and what is it for?
- ☐What are the payment stages for this job?
- ☐How do you handle variations if the scope changes?
- ☐What happens if the work is delayed by weather or supply issues?
- ☐How do you deal with snags or defects after completion?
- ☐Do you provide a written contract and invoice?
- ☐Can I pay by bank transfer so there is a record?
- ☐Will you sign off the work with building control if required?
- ☐Have you ever had a complaint go to trading standards or a trade body?
Frequently asked
Is it rude to ask all these questions?
No. A professional tradesperson expects these questions and will answer them clearly. Evasion is a red flag.
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