Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Professional

A practical list of questions to put to any local professional before you book, covering experience, availability, pricing, insurance and aftercare.

A short conversation before you book can prevent most of the problems people complain about afterwards. You do not need to interrogate anyone. A handful of well-chosen questions, asked in a friendly way, tells you whether someone is organised, honest and a good fit for your job.

Questions about the work itself

These show whether the person has understood what you need.

  1. "Have you done this kind of job before, and roughly how often?" You want a confident, specific answer, not a general claim that they can do anything.
  2. "What would your approach be, step by step?" A good provider can explain it simply. If you get jargon and no plan, press gently.
  3. "Is there anything about my situation that could complicate it?" This invites them to mention old wiring, damp, awkward access or anything else that affects price and time.
  4. "Will you do the work yourself, or will someone else?" Subcontracting is common and fine, but you should know.

Questions about timing

  • When can you start, and how long do you expect it to take?
  • What happens if the job runs over?
  • What time will you arrive, and will you message if you are delayed?

A realistic timeframe with a margin is a better sign than an over-promised one. Our article on what to do when a provider is late covers what to expect if timing slips.

Questions about price

Price confusion causes more disputes than poor workmanship. Ask:

  • Is this a fixed price or an estimate? (See quote versus estimate.)
  • What is included, and what is not?
  • Are materials included, and who buys them?
  • Is VAT included, if it applies?
  • What could make the final cost higher, and how will you tell me before it does?
  • When and how do you expect to be paid?

If the answers are not already in writing, ask for them to be added to the offer. See agreeing scope in writing.

Questions about credentials and insurance

For regulated or higher-risk work:

  • Are you registered with the relevant scheme, and what is your number?
  • Do you have public liability insurance, and can I see a copy?
  • What paperwork or certificate will I receive at the end?

Those questions are routine for professionals. See checking a trade registration for how to confirm the answer.

Questions about the aftermath

  • What happens if something is not right after you leave?
  • Do you offer any kind of aftercare or return visit for faults in your work?
  • How should I contact you if I have a problem?

Do not assume any guarantee exists unless the provider says so and puts it in writing. The answer helps you understand how they handle problems, and it sets a tone: someone who has a clear process is likely to take responsibility.

Questions you should be ready to answer

Good providers will ask you things too. Be prepared to explain:

  • Access, parking and any restrictions in your building
  • Pets, children or vulnerable people in the home
  • Whether you will be there
  • Your budget range, if you are comfortable sharing it
  • Your deadline and how firm it is

A written job brief makes all of this easier.

Reading the answers

Pay attention to how things are said as well as what is said:

  • Direct and specific answers suggest experience.
  • Willingness to say "I do not know yet, I need to see it" suggests honesty.
  • Irritation at ordinary questions suggests you would struggle to raise concerns later.
  • Overpromising, such as guaranteed same-day completion for a large job, suggests the opposite of reliability.

Keep it in writing

If you are using a platform with messaging, ask these questions there. You will have a record of what was said, and the provider has a clear reference too. On Compito you can message a provider before and after accepting an offer, which keeps the conversation in one place.

A short version to copy

If you only remember five questions, use these:

  1. Have you done this before?
  2. What is and is not included in the price?
  3. How long will it take, and when can you start?
  4. Who will actually do the work?
  5. What happens if something is not right?

Frequently asked questions

How many questions is too many?

If the questions are about scope, price and timing, there is no such thing as too many. A professional would rather answer them now than argue later.

Should I ask for references?

For larger jobs, it is reasonable. Ask for a recent customer who would not mind a short message, or examples of similar finished work.

What if they answer none of my questions clearly?

That is useful information. Move on to the next candidate rather than hoping it improves.

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