Yeah, that's a fair point—bathrooms are definitely tricky. But I wonder, is hiring a pro always the safer bet? I've seen some "professionals" cut corners on waterproofing too, especially if they're juggling multiple jobs or trying to save on materials. A friend of mine ended up with mold issues precisely because the contractor rushed the job and didn't seal things properly. So, it's not just DIYers who can mess things up... pros aren't foolproof either.
Maybe the key is doing solid research beforehand? Checking references, reviews, or even learning enough yourself to spot red flags during the project. At least then you're not just blindly trusting someone else with your sanity (and wallet).
Totally relate to this. A few years back, I hired a highly recommended contractor for my kitchen remodel. Turns out, he subcontracted half the job without telling me... ended up with uneven tiles and shoddy wiring. Lesson learned: references help, but they're no guarantee either.
Yeah, learned this the hard way myself. We had our bathroom redone last summer by someone who came highly recommended from neighbors. Everything seemed legit—good references, detailed quote, friendly guy. But halfway through, I noticed some random workers I'd never seen before coming in and out. Turns out he subcontracted the plumbing without mentioning it. Thankfully, nothing disastrous happened, but still... would've been nice to know upfront.
Honestly though, subcontracting isn't always a red flag in itself—lots of contractors do it. The real issue is transparency. Next time, I'd suggest asking explicitly if they'll subcontract any part of the job and request details about who they're hiring. Also, definitely worth checking if they're insured and licensed separately. Won't guarantee perfection, but at least you'll have a clearer picture of who's actually working on your home.
Had a similar experience a few years back when we were building an addition. Our contractor was upfront about subcontracting the electrical work, but didn't mention he'd also sub out the drywall. Caught me off guard when a different crew showed up one morning. Turned out fine, but yeah, transparency matters. Now I always ask specifically about subcontractors and their credentials—saves headaches later on.
Had a client once who was surprised when we brought in a separate roofing crew mid-project. I thought I'd been clear about subcontractors, but looking back, probably could've communicated better. Even though the work was solid, the trust took a small hit because they felt blindsided. Now I make it a point to explicitly break down who's doing what, and why they're the best choice for that specific job. Transparency isn't just about honesty—it's about setting realistic expectations. Saves everyone stress down the line...and honestly, it makes my job easier too.
