Ten Questions Worth Asking Before You Hire Anyone

Most bad hiring experiences trace back to a question that was never asked. Before you accept a bid, it's worth getting clear, direct answers to a handful of things — not to be difficult, but because a professional who's confident in their work won't mind answering them.

Ask when they can actually start, not just when they'd like to — availability slips are one of the most common sources of frustration. Ask if they're insured for the type of work, particularly for anything involving your property or someone else's. Ask for examples of similar jobs they've done, ideally with photos, and ask what happens if something goes wrong or takes longer than expected.

For anything with a fixed deadline, get the date agreed in writing before you pay a deposit, not as a verbal promise. It costs nothing to ask, and a clear, specific answer to all of these is usually a good sign in itself.