I get the logic behind paying extra for a consistent crew, but honestly, I've had mixed experiences. Last year, we went with a higher-priced contractor for our bathroom remodel because they promised a stable team. Sure enough, the crew had been together for years, but we still ran into some hiccups—mostly scheduling issues and a couple of minor miscommunications about materials. Nothing disastrous, but it wasn't exactly smooth sailing either.
On the flip side, a few years back, we hired a cheaper crew for a deck build. They subcontracted out a lot, and I was pretty nervous about it. Surprisingly, they knocked it out of the park. Communication was clear, and the subs were actually really professional and efficient. Go figure...
I guess my takeaway is that crew consistency helps, but it's not a guarantee. Sometimes you just get lucky—or unlucky—no matter how much homework you do.
Yeah, I've noticed the same thing. Paying more doesn't always guarantee a smoother experience. Had a similar situation with our kitchen remodel—went with a pricier contractor who promised consistency, but we still had delays and some confusion over cabinet specs. Meanwhile, my neighbor hired a cheaper crew for their basement reno, and it turned out great. Seems like it's less about price or crew stability and more about how well they manage communication and logistics...and maybe a bit of luck thrown in.
While I agree communication and logistics play a huge role, I'd argue that crew stability and experience can make a bigger difference than you're suggesting. I've seen plenty of projects where cheaper teams started off strong but ran into trouble later because they lacked the technical know-how or consistency to handle unexpected issues. For instance, when we installed our green roof, we initially considered a lower-priced contractor who seemed solid on paper, but after digging deeper, realized they hadn't handled complex drainage systems before. We ended up paying more for a specialized crew with proven experience in waterproofing and vegetation management. Sure, it cost extra, but step-by-step they navigated permitting, structural assessments, and installation without major hiccups. So while luck and communication matter, I'd say investing in a technically proficient and stable team is often worth the premium—especially for specialized projects.
Totally agree with your point about crew stability and technical expertise. I've seen similar situations myself—especially with specialized roofing systems like green roofs or solar installations. Even minor oversights in drainage or waterproofing can lead to costly repairs down the line. Paying a bit extra upfront for a crew that's handled complex projects before usually saves headaches later. Plus, experienced teams often have better relationships with inspectors and suppliers, smoothing out the whole process... definitely worth considering when weighing bids.
Have you ever noticed how inspectors seem to relax a bit when they recognize the crew? I remember one storm repair job where the inspector was super picky at first, but once he saw our contractor had handled similar projects, things suddenly got smoother... coincidence? Maybe not.
