ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF?
I get the logic behind wanting references from jobs that went sideways, but honestly, I’ve found it’s not always that useful. Most builders aren’t going to hand over the name of someone who’s still mad at them. Instead, I started focusing on how they handle tough questions—like, “Tell me about a project where things didn’t go to plan and how you resolved it.” Their reaction says a lot. Sometimes you can learn more from their attitude than any reference list.
ARE BUILDER REFERENCES REALLY THAT HELPFUL OR JUST FLUFF?
I get where you're coming from. Half the time, those reference lists feel a bit like a greatest hits album—only the best tracks, never the messy stuff. I’ve worked with a few builders who had glowing references, but when we actually got into the project, their communication totally fell apart when something unexpected came up. On the flip side, I’ve had one or two who admitted to past hiccups and were really open about how they fixed things, and that actually made me trust them more.
I’m always curious—has anyone tried chatting with other trades or suppliers about a builder? Sometimes the painter or tile guy will give you a way more honest take than any “official” reference. Wonder if that’s just my experience or if others have found that helpful too...
