"Sometimes it's just right place, right time..."
Couldn't agree more—I've found some of my best subs by pure chance too. But honestly, spotting their truck at a neighbor's is practically a personal recommendation anyway... neighbors don't usually invite back the bad ones twice.
That's a good point about neighbor recommendations—I've noticed the same thing. But to be fair, sometimes neighbors have different standards or expectations, so it's still worth doing your own homework. I've had situations where a sub was great for my neighbor's smaller project but struggled with my more complex remodel.
One thing I've found helpful is chatting briefly with the subcontractor when they're working nearby. You can usually get a sense of their approach, attention to detail, or even just their general attitude toward the work. Also, asking casually about their availability can give you an idea of how busy they are—often the really good ones have packed schedules, so planning ahead becomes essential.
Another tip: if you do end up hiring someone based on seeing them around the neighborhood, start with a smaller job first. That way you can test compatibility before diving into something bigger and more expensive. Saves headaches down the road... trust me, learned that one the hard way.
"One thing I've found helpful is chatting briefly with the subcontractor when they're working nearby."
That's usually a good strategy, but honestly, some subs can be pretty charming in casual chats and still fall short on the actual work. I've had better luck asking to see their recent projects firsthand or even visiting a current job site if possible. It's amazing how much you can learn from seeing their workspace mid-project—tidiness, organization, and all that stuff can tell you plenty...
