Credentials are a good baseline, but they're definitely not bulletproof. I've had licensed plumbers leave me with more leaks than I started with—go figure. Personally, I lean heavily on referrals from people I trust who've actually used the contractor. Online reviews are helpful too, but you've gotta sift through the extremes—some reviewers act like a slightly crooked tile is the apocalypse. Bottom line, it's always going to be a bit of a gamble... layers of protection is exactly right.
Totally agree about credentials being just a starting point. I've seen some roofers with all the right paperwork still manage to botch a simple flashing job. Referrals from friends or neighbors who've actually had work done are gold, honestly. Online reviews can be helpful too, but yeah, you gotta read between the lines—some folks will dock stars for the tiniest things.
One thing I'd add is that sometimes smaller, lesser-known contractor networks can surprise you in a good way. A few years back, I took a chance on a roofer recommended by this eco-friendly building group I'd never heard of before. Turned out they specialized in green roofs and sustainable materials, and they did an amazing job—way better than some bigger names I'd used previously. So while it's always smart to be cautious, sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone (with proper vetting, of course) can pay off big time...
That's a good point about smaller networks—sometimes the hidden gems are worth the extra digging. But I'd still run a quick license and insurance check, even if they're eco-friendly roof ninjas...better safe than sorry, right?
"But I'd still run a quick license and insurance check, even if they're eco-friendly roof ninjas...better safe than sorry, right?"
Haha, roof ninjas...love that. But honestly, sometimes the whole license and insurance thing can be a bit overrated—hear me out. A few years back, I hired this small local crew who were just starting out with green roofs. They didn't have the fanciest paperwork yet, but their passion and knowledge were off the charts. They walked me through every step: from choosing native plants to explaining drainage layers (who knew roofs had layers like an onion?). Anyway, fast forward to now, my roof's thriving and neighbors keep asking who did it.
I'm not saying skip due diligence entirely, but maybe don't let paperwork alone scare you away from giving smaller outfits a shot. Sometimes those hidden gems really do shine brightest when given a chance...just my two cents.
"Sometimes those hidden gems really do shine brightest when given a chance...just my two cents."
Haha, totally get where you're coming from. I've seen plenty of smaller crews who know their stuff inside and out, even without fancy paperwork. But from an inspector's perspective, the insurance thing isn't just red tape—it's protection in case things go sideways. Maybe it's my cautious nature speaking, but I'd still suggest double-checking coverage details, even if they're eco-friendly roof ninjas with onion-layered roofs... 😉
