For homeowners · Finding a tradesperson
Questions to ask before hiring a tradesperson
You do not need to interrogate anyone. Asking a handful of specific questions before work starts sets expectations on both sides, and a good tradesperson will be pleased you asked because it means fewer misunderstandings later.
About the business and cover
- Are you insured for this type of work, and what level of public liability cover do you hold?
- Are you registered with a scheme relevant to this job — Gas Safe, a Part P electrical scheme, FENSA, or a trade body?
- Will you be doing the work yourself, or will someone else be on site?
- How long have you been doing this type of job, and can I see a recent example?
About the price
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate that could change?
- What exactly is included — labour, materials, waste removal, making good?
- What would cause the price to go up, and will you tell me before doing extra work?
- Are you VAT registered, and is VAT included in the figure you have given me?
About timings
- When could you start, and how many days will the work take?
- What hours will you be on site?
- Will there be periods where nobody is here — for example waiting on materials or a second trade?
About payment and aftercare
- Do you need a deposit, and what is it for?
- When is the balance due — on completion, or in stages?
- What guarantee do you offer on workmanship, and how long is it?
- What certificates or paperwork will I receive when the job is finished?
Get the answers in writing
A short message summarising what was agreed — scope, price, start date, payment terms — is enough. On Find A Trade Local your conversation stays in the message thread on the job, so you have a timestamped record of what was said without needing to keep notes.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it rude to ask for proof of insurance?
- No. It is a routine request and any established business will have a certificate to hand. Hesitation is itself an answer.
- Should I ask for references?
- For larger jobs, yes. Recent photographs of similar work and a couple of reviews from comparable jobs are usually more informative than a list of names.
Post your job and ask these questions directly in the message thread.
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This guide is general information for UK readers and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Where a decision depends on your circumstances, speak to a suitably qualified professional.