- I get the “guardrails” approach, but sometimes I skip the low-stakes stuff and just shadow them on a real project.
- Watching how someone tackles a tricky corner or improvises with limited tools tells me way more than patching a closet.
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If they’re honest about what they don’t know and ask questions, that’s actually a good sign for me.
Same here, but I also like when they suggest creative fixes—shows they’re thinking, not just following instructions.
- I’ve had better luck with folks who have DIY backgrounds, even if it’s just from fixing up their own place.
- Double-checking is smart, but sometimes you gotta let them try the “real” stuff (with supervision) to see what they’re made of.
Letting people jump into the deep end (with a safety net) has worked for me too. I once had a guy who’d never tiled before, but he was upfront about it and asked smart questions. Gave him a bathroom floor to try—watched him measure twice, cut once, and even improvise when he ran short on spacers. That kind of problem-solving is way more valuable than just following a checklist. I’ll take curiosity and adaptability over years of “experience” any day, honestly.
Couldn’t agree more—curiosity and a bit of guts go a long way. I’d rather have someone who’ll ask “why” than someone who just does things out of habit. Quick story: had a new helper who’d never demo’d a wall before, but he stopped to double-check for wiring instead of just swinging away. Saved us a headache. For me, it’s less about the resume, more about how they handle the unexpected. If they can think on their feet and aren’t afraid to admit what they don’t know, that’s gold.
“For me, it’s less about the resume, more about how they handle the unexpected.”
Couldn’t agree more with that. I’ve seen people with impressive portfolios freeze up the minute something’s not by the book. Last year, my go-to guy found a weird plumbing reroute behind a kitchen wall—he didn’t just keep going, he flagged it and we avoided a flood. I’ll take someone curious and willing to ask questions over someone who just nods and follows orders any day. That attitude makes all the difference, especially on older homes where surprises are kind of the norm.
I’ll take someone curious and willing to ask questions over someone who just nods and follows orders any day.
Definitely. I’d add—if they spot a problem, do they actually suggest solutions? I’ve had folks just point out issues and wait for direction, but the best ones will offer a fix or at least brainstorm with you. Makes things smoother, especially when you’re trying to use reclaimed or eco materials that can throw extra curveballs.
