That bit about “rough around the edges” types getting creative when things go sideways really resonates. I’ve had my share of contractors who couldn’t keep a calendar straight to save their lives, but when a pipe burst in the middle of demo, they MacGyvered a fix with stuff I didn’t even know I had lying around. Saved me from a massive headache and probably a few hundred bucks.
I do get nervous, though, when paperwork gets *too* sketchy. Had one guy who was a wizard with drywall, but his invoices looked like they were written by a toddler with a crayon. Made it tough come tax time.
“If they can make a basic reno work, that’s a good sign.”
Totally agree here. Fancy kitchens are nice, but if someone can turn a dingy basement into something livable without blowing the budget, that’s real skill. Sometimes I wonder if we put too much weight on portfolios and not enough on how folks handle the ugly jobs.
“Had one guy who was a wizard with drywall, but his invoices looked like they were written by a toddler with a crayon.”
That hits close to home. I’ve had folks who could patch 120-year-old plaster like it was nothing, but their paperwork was a mess. I’ve learned to ask for a sample invoice before hiring—saves a lot of headaches later. Skill’s great, but if you can’t track expenses, it’s trouble come audit season.
Skill’s great, but if you can’t track expenses, it’s trouble come audit season.
Couldn’t agree more. I once had a tile guy who did beautiful work, but his “receipts” were just scribbles on napkins—literally. Made tax time a nightmare. Now I always ask for proper paperwork upfront. It’s wild how many folks are amazing with their hands but allergic to anything involving a spreadsheet. Guess you can’t have it all...
I’ve run into that too—had a painter who was a wizard with color matching, but his “invoices” were just text messages with numbers. I get that paperwork isn’t everyone’s thing, but after one too many headaches, I started making it part of my first conversation: if you can’t give me a real invoice, we’re not a fit. It’s awkward at first, but it saves so much hassle later. Funny how the folks who are super organized with paperwork aren’t always the most skilled, and vice versa... guess it’s all about finding that rare combo.
Funny how the folks who are super organized with paperwork aren’t always the most skilled, and vice versa...
That’s been my experience too. I’ve had guys who could build anything but couldn’t keep a receipt to save their life. I started bringing a simple contract template to initial meetings—nothing fancy, just something to set expectations. It weeds out the folks who get cagey about paperwork. Still, sometimes the best tile guy is the one scribbling numbers on a napkin... tough balance.