What insurance should a tradesperson have?

Public liability insurance that covers the work they will do is the usual minimum. Ask to see the certificate and check the dates and the type of cover.

Should I check who will do the work?

Yes. Ask whether the person quoting will do the job themselves, or whether employees or subcontractors will, and who is responsible for the quality.

Is it normal to ask for references?

Yes. Good tradespeople are happy to show similar recent work and put you in touch with a past client.

← All guides

10 questions to ask a tradesperson before you hire them

By the GlowUpp team · 27 October 2026

A tired small bathroom next to an AI redesign with green tiles and a glass shower screen

BeforeAfter‹›

An AI-generated example. Real results depend on your own space.

A few good questions before you hire someone can save you a lot of trouble. A professional will not mind being asked; if someone gets annoyed by sensible questions, that is useful to know too.

The ten questions

Are you insured, and can I see the certificate? Look for public liability insurance that covers your type of work.
Are you registered for this work? Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, and electricians can belong to recognised schemes.
Can I see similar recent jobs, or speak to a past client?
Who will actually do the work: you, your employees or subcontractors?
When can you start, and how long will it take?
Is your quote itemised, and what is not included?
How and when do I pay? Can payments be tied to stages of the work?
What happens if you find something unexpected, and how will extra costs be agreed?
Do you give a guarantee or warranty, and what does it cover?
Who handles waste, tidying up and any permissions or certificates?

What good answers look like

Good tradespeople answer clearly, give you things in writing and are happy to be checked. Vague answers, pressure to decide quickly or reluctance to show insurance or past work are reasons to slow down.

Write the answers down

Keep a note of what was said, and ask for anything important to be added to the written quote. It protects both of you if there is a disagreement later.

Check what they tell you

Check the registration and insurance rather than taking them on trust, and look at reviews in more than one place. Our guide to checking a tradesperson explains how.

Find professionals who show their work

On GlowUpp you can share your design with local professionals and see who responds with a quote. You choose who to talk to and who to hire. Always ask a qualified professional before moving gas, electrics or plumbing, or changing anything structural, and check your lease or local rules if you rent or live in a conservation area.

See your own bathroom redesigned

Upload a photo and see AI-generated ideas in about two minutes. Free for homeowners, no sign-up needed to start.

Try it with your photo

Common questions

What insurance should a tradesperson have?: Public liability insurance that covers the work they will do is the usual minimum. Ask to see the certificate and check the dates and the type of cover.
Should I check who will do the work?: Yes. Ask whether the person quoting will do the job themselves, or whether employees or subcontractors will, and who is responsible for the quality.
Is it normal to ask for references?: Yes. Good tradespeople are happy to show similar recent work and put you in touch with a past client.