Match the reference to the task
A reference for a different service may tell you little about your project. Ask whether the prior work involved comparable responsibilities, access constraints or property management needs. Respect customer privacy; a provider should obtain permission before sharing someone’s contact information or project details.
Ask about observable results
Useful questions concern whether the written scope was clear, changes were explained and agreed work was documented. Ask how exclusions and incomplete areas were handled. A customer’s satisfaction with communication is not independent proof of product performance during a wildfire, so keep those kinds of evidence separate.
Use the answer to improve your proposal
If a reference highlights an avoidable misunderstanding, ask your provider to clarify that issue in your own scope. For WTG, discuss treatment boundaries, access and the completion record. Do not fill missing evidence with assumed certifications or invented examples. The decision should rest on the actual proposed work and support the provider can substantiate.