Questions to Ask a Maintenance Contractor Before You Hire
6 min read · 2 March 2026
Maintenance work varies enormously in scope, so the first question is always the simplest: is this contractor qualified for the specific job? Gas and electrical work in particular should only be carried out by someone who can show relevant certification — don't be shy about asking to see it.
Get a clear idea of how the job will be priced. Some contractors quote a fixed price for defined work, others charge hourly with materials on top. Either is fine, but you want it agreed before work starts, not estimated afterwards.
Ask about call-out coverage and how they handle emergencies outside normal hours, especially for anything related to heating, water or security. Knowing this in advance means you're not searching for help at the worst possible moment.
Lastly, ask what happens if something isn't right after the job is finished. A contractor confident in their work will have a straightforward answer about follow-up visits or guarantees on parts and labour.
