A short, structured evaluation catches most problems before they become expensive.
Questions to ask
Who will work on the project? How do you handle changing requirements? What does your testing process look like? How is code and IP handed over?
Signals worth checking
Recent, verifiable projects, consistent reviews, a maintained website and public technical content are all useful indicators.
Red flags
Vague portfolios, unwillingness to provide references, pressure to sign quickly and fixed prices quoted without discovery.