"Maybe it's worth considering smaller, local recommendations next time—could save money and headaches down the line."
That's true in many cases, but I've also seen smaller local outfits make some pretty questionable decisions too. I once had a client whose previous builder installed insulation backwards... yeah, backwards. Makes me wonder, do you think there's a reliable way to gauge actual skill beyond just reviews or websites? Maybe something specific you'd look for or ask about beforehand?
You're definitely onto something there—reviews and websites only get you so far. One thing I've found helpful is asking detailed questions about their process upfront. Like, "Can you walk me through how you'd handle insulation installation step-by-step?" or "What specific materials do you prefer and why?" Usually, the way they answer tells you a lot about their actual experience and attention to detail. It's not foolproof, but it can help weed out the ones who are just winging it...
That's a smart approach—wish I'd done that before my kitchen remodel. I asked general questions, got vague answers, and ended up with countertops installed backwards... Lesson learned: specifics matter, especially when you're aiming for quality.
"I asked general questions, got vague answers, and ended up with countertops installed backwards..."
Yikes—seen that happen more times than you'd think. Clear specs and detailed sketches are your best friends in these situations. Sounds like you've got the right takeaway from it though!
Hmm, clear specs definitely help, but honestly...isn't there some responsibility on the contractor too? I mean, countertops installed backwards—shouldn't they have asked if something seemed off? When I did my kitchen remodel on a tight budget, I didn't have detailed sketches or anything fancy. Just asked a ton of questions and double-checked everything as we went along. Maybe it's less about perfect drawings and more about finding someone who'll speak up if things don't look right?
