Quick Answer
Before hiring any tradesperson in the UK, always ask: Are you insured? Can I see proof of qualifications? Do you have references? Will you provide a written, itemised quote? How do you handle unexpected costs? These five questions alone will filter out most unreliable traders.
Hiring a tradesperson is something most UK homeowners do several times a year — from a plumber fixing a leaking pipe to a builder extending their kitchen. Yet most people hand over their home and money to someone they've met once, with little more than a search result and a phone call to go on. In 2026, taking five minutes to ask the right questions before hiring can save you thousands of pounds and months of stress.
This guide gives you the 10 most important questions to ask any tradesperson — with explanations of what to listen for in their answers. Use it as a checklist every time you hire.
In this guide
The 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Are you insured, and can I see your insurance certificate?
Public liability insurance protects you if the tradesperson damages your property or a third party is injured because of their work. It's not legally required for most trades, but any professional will carry it. For larger jobs (building work, roofing), you want to see at least £2 million public liability cover. Ask for the certificate and check the expiry date. If they say they're insured but can't show you the certificate, treat it as unverified.
Be wary of: "I'm covered, don't worry" without showing documentation.
What qualifications do you hold, and are you registered with any professional body?
Different trades have different requirements. Gas engineers must be Gas Safe registered (a legal requirement). Electricians should be NICEIC or NAPIT registered for Part P work. Plumbers should ideally be WaterSafe approved. Builders should have FMB membership or similar. Our guide on how to check if a tradesperson is qualified explains exactly what to look for by trade.
Be wary of: Vague answers like "I've been doing this 20 years" without specific credentials.
Can I have two or three references from recent, similar jobs?
A trustworthy tradesperson will have no problem providing references. You want recent references (within the last 12 months) from jobs similar in size and type to yours. Don't just take a name — follow up. Call the reference and ask: Did they arrive when they said? Was the final price close to the quote? Was the site left clean? Would you use them again?
Be wary of: "I don't have references handy but I can get them later" — get them before hiring.
Will you provide a written, itemised quote?
An itemised quote breaks down the cost of labour, materials, call-out charges, and any other fees separately. This is essential for two reasons: it lets you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis, and it protects you legally if a dispute arises. A quote that just says "Fix bathroom — £800" tells you nothing. For guidance on comparing quotes, read our guide on how to get multiple quotes for home work.
Be wary of: Quotes given verbally only, or lump-sum quotes without a breakdown.
How do you handle unexpected costs or additional work?
Building and repair projects frequently uncover unexpected problems — a leak that turns out to be worse than it looked, rot discovered once cladding is removed. The question is how the tradesperson handles this. The correct answer: "I'll stop work, explain the problem, give you a revised estimate, and only proceed once you've agreed." You never want to hear "I'll just get on with it and add it to the bill."
Be wary of: Any tradesperson who says they'll handle extras without consulting you first.
What is your payment structure?
Standard practice: small or no deposit, with payments tied to completion milestones. For small jobs (under £500), pay on completion. For larger jobs, milestone-based payments with a final 2.5–5% retention until defects are fixed is ideal. Never pay the full amount before work starts, and never pay more than 30% upfront on any project.
Be wary of: Requests for more than 30% upfront, or requests for cash payment only.
Do you use subcontractors, and if so, who are they?
On larger projects, it's normal for a builder or contractor to use specialist subcontractors (electricians, plumbers, plasterers). What matters is that the main contractor takes responsibility for the quality of all subcontractors' work. Ask who they plan to use, confirm those subcontractors are also qualified and insured, and ensure the main contractor accepts liability for their work.
Be wary of: "I'll sort the subs out later" or reluctance to identify who will be working on your property.
Do you have any pending complaints or disputes?
This is a bold question, but worth asking. A professional with a clean record will appreciate your thoroughness. You can also check reviews on Checkatrade, Trustpilot, or Google. For trades registered with professional bodies, you can contact the body directly to ask if any formal complaints have been lodged. Our guide on red flags when hiring a tradesperson covers what to look for online.
Be wary of: Defensiveness or inability to direct you to reviews or a professional body.
How long will the job take, and what are your working hours?
Get a clear timeline before work starts. For larger projects, ask for a schedule of works showing when each phase will be completed. Understand whether the tradesperson works every day or may have other jobs on simultaneously. Ask: "Will you be on-site every day, or are you managing other projects?" Delays are the most common complaint in home improvement projects.
Be wary of: Vague timelines like "a few weeks" with no milestones attached.
How do you handle disputes if something goes wrong?
Even with the best tradesperson, disagreements can happen. Before you hire, understand the resolution process. Reputable tradespeople who are members of professional bodies (FMB, NICEIC, etc.) have access to independent dispute resolution services. Ask: "If we disagree about the quality of work, what process do you follow?" The answer tells you a lot about how professional they are.
Be wary of: "I've never had a complaint" with no explanation of what they would do if a dispute arose.
How to Verify Their Answers
Asking questions is only half the process. You also need to verify what you're told. Here's a quick reference for the key checks:
| What to check | How to verify | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safe registration | Ask for ID card, check number online | gassaferegister.co.uk |
| NICEIC registration | Search by name or postcode | niceic.com |
| NAPIT registration | Search by company name | napit.org.uk |
| WaterSafe approval | Use contractor search | watersafe.org.uk |
| FMB membership | Use find a builder tool | fmb.org.uk |
| TrustMark registration | Search the TrustMark register | trustedtrader.which.co.uk |
| Insurance | Ask for the certificate directly — check insurer name, expiry, and cover level | N/A |
Getting a Proper Quote
Once you're satisfied with a tradesperson's answers and credentials, the next step is getting quotes. Always get at least three for any job over £200. Use GetQuickHelp to post your job and receive quotes from vetted tradespeople in your area — it's free and saves the time of making multiple phone calls.
For more detail on comparing quotes, see our guide on how to get multiple quotes for home work in the UK. Once you have quotes, you can also use our guide on contracts to make sure the work is properly protected before it starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to ask a tradesperson for their qualifications?+
Not at all. Any professional tradesperson will respect a homeowner who takes their time to verify credentials. In fact, most reputable tradespeople actively want customers to check — it's how they distinguish themselves from unqualified competitors.
What if a tradesperson can't produce insurance documentation immediately?+
Give them 24 hours to email you the certificate. If they cannot produce it within that time, find someone who can. Operating without insurance is a sign of someone who either isn't taking their business seriously or is trying to cut costs at your expense.
Can I hire a tradesperson without references?+
For very small jobs (fixing a tap, replacing a light fitting), reviews on a reputable platform like Checkatrade may be sufficient. For anything over £500, or any work involving safety-critical systems (electrics, gas, structural), always request and check at least two references.
What if the tradesperson won't answer my questions?+
Then don't hire them. A reputable professional has nothing to hide and everything to gain from demonstrating their credentials. Evasiveness, irritation at questions, or inability to provide basic documentation are red flags.
Should I always get a written contract?+
Yes, for any job over a few hundred pounds. For smaller jobs, a written quote that you've accepted in writing (even by email) functions as a simple contract. For larger projects, use a formal contract that includes scope, timeline, payment schedule, and dispute resolution.
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