Ask These
Questions to ask
Credentials & insurance
- Are you insured? Can I see your public liability cover?
- Are you registered with the relevant body (e.g. Safe Electric, RGI)?
- Can I see examples of similar work or speak to recent customers?
- Who exactly will be doing the work — you or subcontractors?
The quote & scope
- Is this quote fixed or an estimate, and does it include VAT?
- What exactly is and isn't included?
- Who supplies the materials, and what quality/brand?
- What happens — and what's the cost — if extra work is needed?
Timing
- When can you start and how long will it take?
- Will you be on this job full-time or juggling others?
- How will you handle delays or bad weather?
Payment
- What deposit do you need, and what are the payment stages?
- How and when is the final payment due?
- Will I get a receipt and a VAT invoice?
After the job
- What guarantee or warranty do you offer on the work?
- Will I get certificates or compliance documents where needed?
- How do we handle any snags after completion?
Trust the answers, not just the price
How clearly and confidently a trade answers these questions tells you as much as the number at the bottom of the quote.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important question to ask?+
Whether they're insured and registered, and to see proof. It protects you if anything goes wrong and filters out the cowboys immediately.
Should I always ask for a written quote?+
Yes. A written, itemised quote stating what's included and whether it covers VAT is essential for comparing fairly and avoiding disputes.
What if extra work is discovered mid-job?+
Agree in advance how variations are priced and approved, so unexpected work doesn't lead to a surprise bill.
Should I ask about guarantees?+
Always. Ask what warranty covers the work and whether you'll receive any certificates or compliance documents.
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