"size doesn't guarantee good communication... it's more about whether they're upfront from the start."
That's a fair point, but do you think transparency alone solves the issue? I've had contractors who were totally upfront about subcontracting, yet the communication still fell apart because the subcontractors themselves weren't responsive or organized. Maybe it's also about how well the main contractor vets and manages their network? Seems like transparency is just one piece of the puzzle...
Yeah, transparency helps, but it's definitely not a magic fix. I've seen upfront contractors still struggle because their subs were just unreliable or swamped with other jobs. Vetting and managing makes a huge difference... if the main contractor doesn't have a solid handle on their network, transparency alone won't prevent headaches. It's really about whether they're proactive enough to step in when things start slipping.
"if the main contractor doesn't have a solid handle on their network, transparency alone won't prevent headaches."
Exactly. Had a similar situation after a major hailstorm last year—contractor was upfront about everything, but their subs were stretched thin across multiple jobs. Transparency didn't stop the delays or quality issues we faced. It ultimately came down to how quickly and effectively the main contractor stepped in to manage the chaos. Transparency is helpful, sure, but without proactive oversight and solid relationships, it's just window dressing.
Yeah, transparency alone definitely doesn't solve everything. When we redid our kitchen, the main contractor was super upfront about timelines and costs, but one of his subs just didn't show up for days—no warning, no calls. It took the main guy stepping in personally to get things back on track. Makes me wonder...how do you even vet a contractor's network beforehand without seeming overly skeptical?
I totally get that hesitation. When we moved into our first place, we had a similar issue with a plumber who was recommended by our electrician. The electrician was great, but the plumber...well, let's just say he had his own schedule. I think it's fair to ask upfront about who they'll subcontract to and maybe even casually ask for references or past projects they've collaborated on. Most good contractors won't mind you being thorough—it's your home and your money, after all.
