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Hiring Guide

15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

The home services market is largely unregulated, so the questions you ask before work begins are your main protection. Asking the right ones flushes out the cowboys, sets clear expectations, and prevents the disputes that ruin most bad projects. Here are the 15 that matter most.

9 minute read Β· Updated June 2026

Quick answer: the six non-negotiables

  1. 1. Are you insured? (see the public liability certificate)
  2. 2. Are you registered/certified for this work? (verify on the official register)
  3. 3. Can I call two recent references?
  4. 4. Will I get a written, itemised quote?
  5. 5. What is the staged payment schedule? (never pay 100% upfront)
  6. 6. Do you guarantee the work in writing?
1

Are you insured, and can I see your public liability cover?

Public liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property or injures someone. Ask for the certificate and check it is in date. For larger jobs, also ask about employer's liability if they bring a team.

2

Are you registered or certified for this type of work?

Gas work needs Gas Safe registration; notifiable electrical work needs a Part P competent person (e.g. NICEIC or NAPIT). Ask for the registration number and verify it on the official register before work starts.

3

Can you provide references from recent, similar jobs?

Ask for two or three customers from jobs like yours in the last 6–12 months β€” then actually call them. A confident, honest tradesperson will happily provide them.

4

Will I get a written, itemised quote?

A written quote (not a verbal estimate) protects both sides. It should itemise labour, materials, and any provisional sums, and state clearly what is and is not included.

5

What exactly is and is not included?

Pin down waste removal, making good, scaffolding, materials, and permits. "Labour from Β£X" hides a lot. Ask: "Is this the full price, and what would make it change?"

6

What is the payment schedule?

Never pay 100% upfront. For larger jobs, a 10–25% deposit then staged payments tied to milestones is reasonable. Always hold a final payment until the work is finished and snagged.

7

How long will the job take, and when can you start?

Get a realistic timeline and start date in writing. Vague answers, or pressure to commit today for a "special price", are warning signs.

8

Who will actually be doing the work?

The person quoting is not always the person turning up. Ask whether they use subcontractors, and whether those people are vetted and insured too.

9

Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on the work?

A reputable contractor stands behind their work. Ask how long the workmanship guarantee lasts and what it covers, and get it in writing.

10

Will you handle building control or permits if needed?

Some work (structural changes, certain electrical and drainage work) needs building control sign-off. Clarify who is responsible β€” unsigned-off work can block a future house sale.

11

What happens if the cost goes over the quote?

Agree in advance that any variation must be quoted and approved in writing before extra work happens. This is the single biggest source of disputes.

12

Can I have your full business details in writing?

A real business will give you a company name, address, and contact details β€” not just a mobile number. Be wary of cash-only operators with no paper trail.

13

How do you handle problems or snagging?

Ask how they deal with defects found after completion. A clear snagging process signals professionalism.

14

Do you have examples or photos of similar completed work?

A portfolio of finished jobs like yours shows relevant experience β€” especially important for visible work like tiling, plastering, or landscaping.

15

Is the quote valid for a set period?

Material prices move. A quote should state how long it is valid so you are comparing like with like and not caught out by a later increase.

Walk Away If You See These Red Flags

  • Pressure to decide today for a "one-time" discount.
  • Cash only, no invoice, no paper trail.
  • No fixed address or business details β€” just a mobile number.
  • A demand for full payment upfront.
  • Refusal to put the quote or scope in writing.
  • Cold-calling or door-knocking offering "spare materials from a nearby job".
  • Unwillingness to provide references or proof of insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What questions should I ask before hiring a contractor?

The essentials: Are you insured? Are you certified for this work? Can I see recent references? Will I get a written, itemised quote? What is the payment schedule? Do you guarantee the work? Never pay in full upfront, and always verify gas or electrical registration on the official register before work begins.

How much deposit should I pay a contractor?

For small jobs, pay nothing until the work is done. For larger jobs that require materials to be ordered, a deposit of 10–25% is reasonable, followed by staged payments tied to milestones. Always retain a meaningful final payment until the job is complete and snagged. Be very wary of anyone demanding full payment upfront.

How do I check a contractor is legitimate?

Ask for and verify their insurance and any trade registration (Gas Safe, NICEIC, etc.) on the official register. Get a written quote with full business details, call recent references, and search for reviews. Avoid cash-only operators who cold-call or pressure you to decide immediately.

Should I get more than one quote?

Yes. For any job over a few hundred pounds, get at least three written quotes for the same scope of work. This establishes the fair market rate and exposes outliers β€” both the suspiciously cheap and the unjustifiably expensive.

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