Totally get the labeled screws thing—makes life so much easier when you’re knee-deep in parts. I’ve found that the best help I’ve had were folks who didn’t freak out when a wall turned out to be 2 inches off from the plan. Had a guy once who insisted on measuring everything three times, but still couldn’t handle it when the joists weren’t where he expected. Give me someone who can improvise and doesn’t mind reworking a plan on the fly any day.
Yeah, I know what you mean about needing folks who can roll with the punches. I had a buddy helping me with a kitchen reno once—super precise, but the second we found out the subfloor was sloped, he just froze up. Meanwhile, my cousin (who’s never read a blueprint in his life) just grabbed some shims and started problem-solving. Sometimes you need someone who’s not afraid to get creative when things go sideways.
Sometimes you need someone who’s not afraid to get creative when things go sideways.
Man, that’s the truth. I once hired a guy who could quote building code chapter and verse, but the minute we hit a weird plumbing reroute, he just stared at it like it was a magic trick. Meanwhile, my uncle—who thinks “level” is just a suggestion—had it sorted with a hacksaw and some elbow grease. Sometimes you need a little MacGyver energy on the crew, even if it makes the inspector sweat.
Sometimes you need a little MacGyver energy on the crew, even if it makes the inspector sweat.
That’s the line right there. I’ve had guys freeze up when they hit lath and plaster, like it’s some ancient curse. Ever tried explaining to a “by-the-book” contractor why your walls are three layers of who-knows-what? I just want someone who doesn’t panic when the house throws a curveball. Anyone else run into folks who just don’t get old houses?
I totally get what you mean—some folks just freeze when they see anything outside drywall and studs. Have you ever had someone try to “modernize” an old house and end up making things worse? I’m always curious how people handle finding knob-and-tube or random brickwork behind the plaster.
