Couldn’t agree more about references. I’ve had folks talk a big game, but when I asked to see their work on older homes, they got cagey or just showed me new builds—totally different ballgame. I always ask for photos of similar projects and check if they’ve worked with plaster or old woodwork before. If they can’t show that, I move on. Learned the hard way that not everyone who says “historic” actually knows what it means...
I once had a guy swear up and down he could “match the original trim” in my 1920s bungalow. Turns out his idea of “matching” was MDF and a can of spray paint. Now I always ask for pics of their past work… and if they know what a lime wash is. Learned that lesson after a very weird-looking living room wall.
Turns out his idea of “matching” was MDF and a can of spray paint. Now I always ask for pics of their past work… and if they know what a lime wash is.
That’s such a classic. I’ve been there—well, not with MDF trim specifically, but definitely with contractors who think “close enough” is fine for old houses. My place is a 1935 cottage and I’m always balancing the budget with trying to keep things true to the original. I learned pretty quickly that “matching” can mean almost anything depending on who you’re talking to.
I had someone try to convince me that vinyl baseboards would be “just as good” as the old oak ones in my dining room. He even said, “You’ll save a ton and no one will notice.” Maybe that works for some people, but it just felt wrong to me. Ended up sourcing reclaimed wood myself and doing a lot of sanding and staining on weekends. It took longer, but honestly, it cost less than hiring someone who didn’t care about the details.
One thing I do now is ask for references—actual phone numbers, not just photos. Pictures can be misleading or even pulled from somewhere else. If someone’s proud of their work, they shouldn’t mind if you talk to a previous client or two. Also, I always ask about their process: do they prep surfaces properly? Are they familiar with traditional finishes? If they look confused when I mention things like shellac or lime wash, that’s usually my cue to move on.
I get wanting to save money (who doesn’t?), but sometimes spending just a bit more upfront saves you from having to redo things later. And honestly, sometimes the most creative solutions come from working within a tight budget—like finding salvage yards or trading skills with friends. It’s all part of the adventure... even if it means your living room wall looks weird for a little while.
If someone’s proud of their work, they shouldn’t mind if you talk to a previous client or two.
Preach. If I had a nickel for every “eco-friendly” contractor who tried to sell me on plastic trim because it’s “recyclable,” I’d have enough for actual reclaimed wood. I’m all for creative solutions, but MDF and spray paint is just… yikes. The number of times I’ve explained what a lime wash is makes me feel like I should teach a class. At this point, if they don’t know the difference between low-VOC and VOC-free, it’s a red flag for me.
I hear you on the “eco-friendly” claims—sometimes it feels like greenwashing is just part of the sales pitch now. I’ve had contractors try to convince me that vinyl flooring is “basically the same” as reclaimed hardwood, which… no. I always ask for specifics about materials and finishes, and if they can’t explain the difference between low-VOC and VOC-free, I start getting skeptical. It’s wild how many folks just toss those terms around without really knowing what they mean.