Years on the job don’t mean much if they’re just phoning it in. Give me someone who actually cares, every time.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ll throw a wrench in the works—sometimes those “years on the job” folks are the ones who know how to avoid the rookie mistakes that make homeowners cringe. Caring is huge, no doubt, but there’s something to be said for muscle memory and knowing which end of the caulk gun to point at the wall. Seen plenty of well-meaning newbies turn a simple patch job into modern art... not always in a good way.
I hear you—passion goes a long way, but I’ve learned the hard way that experience counts for more than people give it credit for. Had a guy once who was super enthusiastic, always early, asked a million questions... but he managed to tile a bathroom floor with the slope going away from the drain. Water everywhere. He cared, but he just didn’t have the reps.
That said, I’ve also dealt with “old pros” who stopped caring years ago and just wanted to get paid. They cut corners, left messes, and acted like I was bothering them with basic questions. Honestly, the sweet spot is someone who’s been around the block but still gives a damn. Those folks are gold, but not easy to find.
At the end of the day, I’d rather have someone who’s made their mistakes already and learned from them, as long as they haven’t lost their pride in the work. That’s the combo I look for... and yeah, it’s rare.
- Totally get what you mean about the “old pros” vs. the eager newbies. I’ve had both types on my projects and honestly, it’s a gamble either way.
- For me, I try to look for folks who can show me photos of their past work—actual jobs, not just stock images. That tells me a lot.
- I also like to see how they react when I ask about mistakes they’ve made. If they’re honest and can explain what they learned, that’s a good sign.
- Curious—do you ever do trial runs with new hires? Like, start them on a small job before giving them something bigger? Or is that just too much hassle?
Trial runs are my go-to, honestly. I’d rather find out someone’s not a fit on a closet install than halfway through a kitchen remodel. It’s a bit of extra work upfront, but way less headache later. Learned that the hard way...
Trial runs are a lifesaver, no doubt. I learned that the hard way too—once had a guy who talked a big game, but when it came to actually hanging cabinets, let’s just say my “level” became more of a suggestion than a tool. Closet install as a test run? Brilliant. It’s like a first date before you get married to their work ethic.
Honestly, I’d rather spend an extra weekend patching up a small job than having to redo half my kitchen because someone couldn’t measure twice and cut once. You’re right, it’s a little more hassle upfront, but it saves a ton of stress (and cash) down the line. Plus, you get a feel for how folks handle surprises—if they freak out over a crooked shelf, they’re not gonna survive a full-blown reno.
Sometimes I wish there was a Yelp for “didn’t ghost me after demo day” or “didn’t use my good towels to wipe grout.” But until then, trial runs are about as close as we get.
