Yeah, that's a good point about neighborhood groups—usually my go-to as well. But even then, I've had times when everyone's booked solid or the recommended person doesn't quite click. Having a vetted network as a backup sounds like smart planning...just gotta make sure it's actually vetted, haha.
- Totally agree on the vetting part...I've learned the hard way that "recommended" doesn't always mean reliable.
- Had a plumber once who came highly praised by neighbors—nice guy, but let's just say my basement disagreed with their assessment. 😅
- Now I always double-check reviews online, ask for references, and even do a quick license lookup if it's a bigger job.
- Might sound overly cautious, but as a first-time homeowner, I'd rather spend an extra hour researching than days fixing someone else's mistakes.
- A backup network sounds great in theory, just gotta make sure it's not just contractors recommending their buddies.
You're definitely on the right track with your approach. I do something similar—quick license checks online are a lifesaver. Saved me from hiring a roofer whose "stellar reviews" turned out to be mostly family and friends...
"quick license checks online are a lifesaver."
True, license checks are handy, but they're not foolproof. Had a guy once whose paperwork checked out perfectly, yet he still cut corners on materials... sometimes gut instinct and face-to-face chats reveal more than online checks alone.
License checks are definitely useful, but honestly, they're just one piece of the puzzle. When I hired someone for my roof, I didn't just rely on the online license verification. I asked for references and actually called a couple of previous clients. It felt a bit awkward at first, but hearing directly from people who'd worked with him gave me way more insight than any online check could. Sometimes old-school methods still have their place...
