Hiring a tradesperson is a business transaction. The right questions upfront can save you significant time, money and stress later. Here's what to ask before you sign anything or hand over a deposit.

Are you insured?

Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong — a broken pipe, a cracked tile, an injury on your property. Ask to see proof of insurance, not just a yes. A reputable tradesperson will have it and won't mind showing you.

Are you registered or accredited?

For gas work, Gas Safe registration is a legal requirement — not optional. For electrical work, Part P certification matters. For other trades, accreditation bodies like NICEIC, NAPIT or TrustMark are worth checking. Ask which scheme they belong to and verify it independently.

Can you provide references?

A good tradesperson will have happy customers willing to vouch for them. Ask for two or three recent references — ideally for similar work to yours — and actually follow them up. A quick phone call tells you far more than a written testimonial.

How long will the job take?

Get a realistic timeline in writing. Ask what could cause delays and how they'd handle it. A tradesperson who gives you a vague answer or refuses to commit to any timeframe is a risk.

Who will actually be doing the work?

Some contractors quote the job themselves but subcontract the work to others. There's nothing wrong with this, but you should know about it. Ask whether they'll be on site personally and whether any subcontractors are also insured and vetted.

What's your payment schedule?

Agree payment terms before work starts. A reasonable deposit for materials is normal — typically 10–25% for larger jobs. Be cautious of anyone asking for more than a third upfront, or demanding cash only.

This advice is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.