What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Professional?

Not sure who to hire? Use this UK checklist of questions to ask before hiring a professional, so you avoid hidden costs, delays, and unreliable providers.

Before you hire a tradesperson or service provider, a few smart questions can save you a lot of stress later. They help you confirm what’s included, avoid hidden costs, spot unreliable providers early, and choose best value with confidence — not just the cheapest quote.

This checklist-style guide covers the most important questions to ask in the UK, plus what good answers usually look like.

Questions to Confirm the Scope of Work

These questions make sure you and the provider are talking about the same job.

Ask:

• “Can you confirm exactly what’s included in the quote?”

• “What’s excluded from the quote?”

• “Will you handle preparation and clean-up?”

• “Who supplies materials/parts — you or me?”

Good signs: clear, specific answers and willingness to write it down.
Red flags: vague answers like “We’ll sort that on the day.”

If you want a detailed checklist for quotes, use What to Look for When Comparing Service Quotes.

Questions About Price, VAT, and Hidden Costs

This is where most misunderstandings happen — especially with “extras”.

Ask:

• “Is this a fixed quote or an estimate?”

• “Is VAT included in the price?”

• “Are there any extra charges I should expect?”

• “Does your quote include disposal/removal and clean-up?”

• “Do you charge call-out, parking, or travel fees?”

Good signs: VAT clarity, breakdown where possible, and clear wording.
Red flags: “Don’t worry about it” or avoiding direct answers.

For more detail, see Hidden Costs in Service Quotes: What to Watch Out For.

Questions About Timing and Availability

Delays are costly — financially and emotionally — so confirm expectations.

Ask:

• “When can you start?”

• “How long will the job take?”

• “What happens if the work runs over time?”

• “Will you be working on my job continuously or around other jobs?”

Good signs: realistic timelines and clear communication.
Red flags: very vague answers or promises that sound too perfect.

Questions About Who Will Actually Do the Work

Some businesses quote the job but send a different person to do it. That can be fine — if it’s clear.

Ask:

• “Will you personally do the work, or someone from your team?”

• “Who is my point of contact during the job?”

• “How do you handle issues or changes during the work?”

Good signs: clear responsibility and a simple process for updates.
Red flags: uncertainty or “You’ll find out on the day.”

Questions About Experience and Track Record

You don’t need a long interview — just enough to confirm they’re a good fit for your type of job.

Ask:

• “Have you done similar work before?”

• “Can you share examples or photos of recent jobs?”

• “Do you have reviews from customers for similar work?”

Good signs: confident examples, consistent feedback, no defensiveness.
Red flags: no evidence at all, or unrealistic claims.

Questions About Insurance, Guarantees, and Aftercare

This is about protection if something goes wrong.

Ask:

• “Do you offer a workmanship guarantee?”

• “Are materials/parts covered by warranty?”

• “What happens if there’s an issue after completion?”

• “Are you insured for this type of work?” (where relevant)

Good signs: clear guarantee terms and a sensible aftercare approach.
Red flags: “No guarantee” or refusing to discuss it.

Questions About Payment Terms (Deposits & Stages)

Payment terms are a major trust signal.

Ask:

• “Do you require a deposit? If yes, how much and why?”

• “When are payments due?”

• “What payment methods do you accept?”

• “Do you provide invoices/receipts?”

Good signs: staged payments for larger jobs, final payment after completion, written terms.
Red flags: full payment upfront or unclear payment expectations.

Questions About Changes and Price Increases

Many disputes happen when the scope changes mid-job and the cost isn’t agreed properly.

Ask:

• “If something changes, how do you confirm the new price before continuing?”

• “What could increase the final cost?”

• “Do you pause and get approval before doing extra work?”

Good signs: a clear variation process and written approvals.
Red flags: “We’ll add it on at the end.”

Quick Checklist: The Best Questions to Ask (Copy/Paste)

If you only ask a few questions, make them these:

• Is this a fixed quote or an estimate?

• What’s included — and what’s excluded?

• Is VAT included? Any extra fees (disposal, travel, call-out)?

• When can you start and how long will it take?

• Who will do the work and who do I contact?

• What guarantee/warranty do you provide?

• What are the payment terms?

• How do you handle changes and extra work?

Final Thoughts

The best professionals don’t mind questions — they expect them. If someone answers clearly, confirms details in writing, and explains how pricing and changes work, that’s usually a strong sign you’re choosing well.

FAQ — What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Professional?

What’s the most important question to ask before hiring someone?
Ask what’s included and excluded in the quote. Clear scope prevents hidden costs and misunderstandings.

Should I ask if the quote is fixed or an estimate?
Yes. A fixed quote is more predictable, while an estimate can change. Always confirm in writing.

Is it normal to ask about VAT in the UK?
Absolutely. Some quotes include VAT, others list it separately, and some providers aren’t VAT-registered. Always check.

What should I ask to avoid hidden costs?
Ask about VAT, disposal/removal, call-out fees, travel/parking charges, materials, and what could increase the final cost.

What payment terms are reasonable?
A reasonable deposit may apply for larger jobs or materials, with staged payments and a final payment after completion. Avoid full upfront payment.

What should I ask about changes during the job?
Ask how extra work is approved and priced. A good provider will confirm changes in writing before continuing.

Should I ask for proof of previous work?
Yes. Asking for examples, photos, or reviews helps verify experience and reduces risk.

What if a provider avoids answering questions?
That’s a red flag. Poor communication at the quoting stage often leads to problems once work begins.

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