Say you're about to hire someone to build your dream deck or maybe renovate your kitchen. You find a builder online, reviews look decent, but something feels a bit off. Um, what if you ask them about their license and they kinda dodge the question or give you some vague answer? Would you just trust your gut and move on, or is there a way to double-check without making things awkward? Curious how others handle this kinda thing...
I get the hesitation, but honestly, I'd say trusting your gut alone isn't always the best move. Sure, vague answers about licensing can be a red flag, but sometimes builders just aren't great communicators or might feel awkward discussing credentials directly. I've worked with some excellent contractors who were initially a bit cagey about paperwork—not because they weren't legit, but because they weren't used to clients asking detailed questions.
Instead of immediately moving on, you could discreetly verify their license yourself. Most states or local jurisdictions have online databases where you can quickly check if a builder's license is active and in good standing. It's usually as simple as typing their name or business into a search bar. I've done this myself a few times when something felt off, and it saved me from making assumptions based purely on gut feelings.
Also, keep in mind that online reviews aren't always reliable indicators of legitimacy. I've seen builders with glowing reviews who turned out to be unlicensed or uninsured, and vice versa—some fantastic professionals barely have an online presence at all. So, while reviews are helpful, they're not foolproof.
If after checking their credentials you're still uneasy, then yeah, maybe it's time to look elsewhere. But I'd caution against dismissing someone outright just because they seemed uncomfortable answering directly. Some people are just awkward about these conversations, especially if they're more hands-on types who aren't used to being questioned.
Bottom line: trust but verify. A quick online check can clear things up without making things awkward or confrontational.
