You're spot on about double-checking licenses. I've noticed the same thing—networks can lag behind or just skim over updates. Last year, I almost hired a plumber listed as "licensed and insured," but when I checked our local board's site, turns out his license had expired months earlier. Lesson learned: always verify yourself, even if it feels redundant. Better to spend five extra minutes than deal with a headache later...
Had a similar close call myself when we redid our deck. Contractor recommended a painter from some network I'd never heard of. Everything looked legit at first glance, but when I dug deeper, turns out the guy had multiple unresolved complaints about sloppy work. Dodged a bullet there... Definitely worth the extra few minutes to verify independently, even if it feels like overkill at the time.
"Definitely worth the extra few minutes to verify independently, even if it feels like overkill at the time."
True, but sometimes those lesser-known networks can offer pretty solid deals. I've saved a decent chunk by giving smaller outfits a chance—just gotta balance caution with budget, ya know?
True, but sometimes those lesser-known networks can offer pretty solid deals. I've saved a decent chunk by giving smaller outfits a chance—just gotta balance caution with budget, ya know?
Fair point, but is budget really the best place to compromise? I've seen smaller networks offer tempting deals, sure, but what about warranty support or material quality down the line... ever had issues there?
Yeah, that's a legit concern. I've seen smaller outfits deliver great work initially, but when something goes wrong later, warranty support can be hit or miss. Had a situation once where a smaller contractor did solid work upfront, but when we needed repairs under warranty, it took forever to get a response. Not saying they're all like that—just gotta do your homework and maybe ask around locally before jumping in.
