“You should call my guy. He’s great.” It’s one of the most useful things a friend can say when you need help with your home, car, or family. But “great” can mean a lot of things. Great at small repairs or big remodels? Great on price, or great on quality? Great a few years ago, or great last month?
A recommendation from someone you know is the best place to start. A few follow-up questions turn it into a confident decision. Here’s what to ask, and how to ask it without making your friend feel cross-examined.
Why follow-up questions matter
Your friend’s experience is real, and you can talk to them about it. That’s what makes it more useful than an anonymous comment from someone you’ll never meet. But every job is different. A pro who was perfect for your friend’s bathroom touch-up may not be the right fit for your full kitchen remodel. Asking a few questions helps you understand whether their experience matches your needs.
Questions about the job
- What did they do for you? The type and size of the job matters most.
- When was it? Recent work tells you more about the business today.
- How long did it take? Did it finish on schedule?
- Was it similar to what I need? If not, ask whether the pro does that kind of work too.
Questions about price and estimates
- Did you get a written estimate?
- Did the final bill match it?
- If the price changed, did they explain why before doing extra work?
- Did you feel the price was fair for the quality?
You don’t need to ask for exact numbers. What you’re really learning is whether the pro is upfront and consistent.
Questions about communication
- Were they easy to reach?
- Did they show up when they said they would?
- Did they explain problems and options clearly?
- How did they handle questions or concerns?
Good communication is often what separates a pro people love from one they merely tolerate.
Questions about quality and care
- How has the work held up?
- Did they clean up and respect your home?
- Did anything go wrong, and how did they handle it?
That last question is especially useful. Every pro hits a snag sometimes. How they respond tells you a lot.
Questions about fit
- Who actually did the work, the owner or a crew?
- Are they licensed and insured, if the job requires it?
- Are they still taking new clients?
- Would you hire them again?
How to ask without making it awkward
Keep it casual and grateful. Your friend is doing you a favor. Here are a few ways to ask.
By text:
Thanks so much for the name! Quick question: what did they do for you, and did the final price match the estimate? I’m looking at a similar job.
In person:
I’m thinking of calling your electrician. How was working with them? Anything you wish you’d known going in?
For a bigger project:
We’re planning a remodel and your contractor came up. Would you mind if I asked a few questions about how it went? Totally fine if you’d rather not get into details.
What to do with the answers
Once you’ve talked to your friend:
- Decide if the pro fits your job. Similar scope, timing, and expectations are good signs.
- Mention who referred you when you reach out. It helps the pro understand the connection.
- Still do the basics. Verify licenses where required, confirm insurance, and get a written estimate.
- Ask the pro questions too. Your friend’s experience is a starting point, not a substitute for your own conversation.
When the answers give you pause
If your friend hesitates, or mentions problems that matter to you, it’s fine to keep looking. Ask whether they know anyone else, or ask a different friend. A lukewarm recommendation is still useful information.
Close the loop
After the job, let your friend know how it went. A quick “Thanks, they were great” means a lot, and it strengthens the recommendation for the next person who asks.
How MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® can help
Asking the right follow-up questions is easier when you can see who in your network knows the pro. MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® is a social & professional networking app where you connect with service pros through the people in your own network, with visibility up to second-degree connections. You can browse a feed, like and comment, and message pros. Pros build visibility through real client relationships.
FAQ
What should I ask when someone recommends a contractor?
Ask what job they did, when, whether the final bill matched the estimate, how communication went, how the work held up, and whether they’d hire them again.
How do I vet a recommendation from a friend?
Ask follow-up questions about the job, then verify licenses and insurance where they apply, and get a written estimate.
Is it rude to ask a friend about their contractor’s price?
Not if you ask politely. You don’t need exact numbers. Asking whether the final price matched the estimate is usually enough.
Should I still check a license if a friend recommends a pro?
Yes. A recommendation is a great starting point, but you should still verify licenses and insurance for work that requires them.
What if my friend’s job was different from mine?
Ask the pro whether they do your type of work. If not, ask whether they can recommend someone who does.
Ask the people you trust
Download MY PRO: TRUSTED PROS® on the App Store and Google Play, and see the pros your network already trusts. Learn more at my-pro.io or email hello@my-pro.io.