1. What to know before you begin
Good questions help you understand how a company will approach your home, the person’s needs and any specialist equipment involved.
Ask the same core questions of each company and keep written notes. Where an answer affects the design, price or timescale, ask for it to be included in the quotation or contract.
2. Questions about experience and responsibility
Have you completed similar adaptations?
Ask for examples that are genuinely comparable in type, complexity and user need.
Who will design and supervise the work?
Identify the person responsible for measurements, technical decisions, day-to-day supervision and final checks.
Will you use subcontractors?
Ask which parts will be subcontracted, who appoints them and who remains responsible for quality and coordination.
Can I speak to recent customers?
References can help you ask about communication, reliability, respect for the home and response to problems.
3. Questions about design and accessibility
How will you confirm the user’s needs?
Ask how the company will account for mobility, reach, transfers, vision, cognition, carers and likely future needs.
How will you check measurements and clearances?
Discuss door widths, turning space, gradients, heights, controls, seating and routes through the home.
Can you work from an occupational therapist’s recommendations?
Where professional recommendations exist, confirm how they will be interpreted and who will resolve uncertainties.
What alternatives should we consider?
A suitable company should be able to explain practical options, trade-offs, maintenance and why a proposed solution fits the property.
4. Questions about the quotation and project
What is included and excluded?
Ask about preparation, materials, labour, electrics, plumbing, decoration, waste, permissions, testing and making good.
How long will the work take?
Request an expected start date, duration, working hours and an explanation of factors that may cause delay.
How will essential facilities remain usable?
For bathrooms, kitchens and entrances, ask what will be unavailable and whether temporary arrangements can be provided.
How will changes be agreed?
Confirm that variations will be described and priced in writing before additional work is carried out.
5. Questions about protection and aftercare
What insurance do you hold?
Ask for evidence of current cover in the same legal name as the company entering the contract.
What warranty or guarantee applies?
Clarify what is covered, for how long, who provides it and how a claim is made.
What certificates and instructions will I receive?
Ask about electrical, gas, building-control, commissioning, operating and maintenance information relevant to the work.
Who do I contact if there is a problem?
Get a named contact and understand the complaint, repair and emergency arrangements after handover.
6. Common questions
What should I ask a builder before hiring them?
Ask about comparable work, who will supervise it, insurance, references, the written scope, payment stages, timescale, subcontractors, permissions, warranties and how changes or complaints will be handled.
What should I ask an accessible bathroom installer?
Ask about level access, waterproofing, drainage, slip resistance, grab-rail positions, seating, clear space, ventilation, temporary washing arrangements and who coordinates plumbing and electrical work.
What should I ask a ramp or access company?
Ask how gradient, landings, drainage, guarding, handrails, thresholds, surface grip and available space have been assessed, and whether permissions or structural work are needed.