Questions to Ask Before You Hire Any Tradesperson

Hiring a tradesperson can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory, especially if you've never done it before. Whether you're getting a joiner to fit new kitchen units, a decorator to refresh a dining room, or a carpenter to build bespoke shelving, getting the wrong person for the job costs time, money, and stress. The solution is simple: ask the right questions upfront.

This applies whether you're hunting through a business directory like furniture-deal.co.uk or getting a recommendation from a mate down the pub. A good tradesperson will welcome these questions. A dodgy one will dodge them.

1. Are You Fully Insured?

This is non-negotiable. Ask for proof of public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance if they have staff. Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on your property. Most tradespeople should carry at least £1 million in public liability cover. If they can't show you a current certificate, walk away.

2. Can You Provide References from Recent Work?

Not testimonials on their website. Actual contact details for people they've worked for recently. Ring at least two or three. Ask those customers about quality, timekeeping, and whether they'd hire the same person again. If a tradesperson refuses to provide references or makes excuses, that's a red flag.

3. What's Your Pricing Model?

Is it hourly? Fixed price? Material costs plus labour? Do they charge a call-out fee? Get the full breakdown in writing. With furniture-related trades like fitted wardrobes or kitchen installations, pricing varies wildly depending on complexity. A quote should itemise labour, materials, and any contingencies. If the quote is vague or written on the back of a napkin, get a detailed version before they start work.

4. What Happens If the Job Takes Longer Than Expected?

Discuss how overruns are charged. For example, if they estimate three days to install bespoke furniture but it runs to four days, is there a daily rate? What if unforeseen problems emerge, like structural issues or damage to existing fixtures? Knowing this upfront prevents nasty surprises at the end.

5. Do You Guarantee Your Work?

A craftsperson worth their salt will stand behind what they do. Most reputable tradespeople offer a guarantee on workmanship, usually between 12 and 24 months. Ask what this covers. If fitted furniture starts warping or joints fail within that period, will they come back and fix it for free? Get the guarantee in writing with specific terms.

6. Will You Supply a Written Contract or Quote?

Verbal agreements are worthless if something goes wrong. You need a written quote or contract that includes the scope of work, materials to be used, start and finish dates, total cost, and payment terms. Don't sign anything until you've read it properly. If they won't provide written documentation, they're not professional enough to hire.

7. What's Your Payment Schedule?

Never pay in full upfront. Typical payment structures include a deposit to secure the job, stage payments as work progresses, and a final payment on completion. For larger projects like kitchen or bedroom installations, ask if they can work with a 30 per cent deposit, 40 per cent mid-way, and 30 per cent on completion. Clarify when invoices are issued and what payment methods they accept.

8. What Happens If You're Not Happy with the Work?

This is awkward but crucial. Ask how disputes are handled. Is there a process for rectification? What if you ask them to redo something and they refuse? Some tradespeople will offer a percentage refund or return to fix issues. Others might suggest mediation through a trade body. It's unlikely you'll need this conversation, but having the answer beforehand means you know where you stand.

9. Do You Handle Waste Disposal and Site Cleanup?

If you're having furniture installed or extensive work done, there will be packaging, offcuts, and debris. Is this included in their quote or charged separately? Will they remove old furniture or fixtures? For fitted furniture installations, this matters. A professional will leave your space clean and tidy, with rubbish removed. If they don't mention it, ask explicitly and get the answer in writing.

10. Are You a Member of Any Trade Body or Scheme?

Membership of recognised bodies like the Federation of Master Builders, FENSA, or Trustmark provides you with protection. These organisations enforce codes of conduct and offer dispute resolution if things go wrong. It's not essential, but it's a sign they take their work seriously. Many furniture and interior installation specialists are registered with industry-specific schemes too.

Final Thought

Getting these ten conversations done before you sign anything takes an hour. Dealing with a botched job takes weeks and costs thousands. If you're sourcing someone through a business directory, ask these questions via email so you've got everything in writing. If you're speaking face-to-face, take notes and confirm key points in writing afterwards. A good tradesperson won't mind the scrutiny. They know their work speaks for itself.