[timebuilder]

So why do you assume that 25% of the people you talk to are hacks?

You may have gotten lucky and had four completely qualified individuals quote your work. Don't assume the worst, but take the same diligence with each one to arrive at your choice.

Like was mentioned earlier, a contractor that gets offended for you asking for proof of insurance would quickly be shown the door!

Someone who didn't want to provide you with references, the same.

Someone who suggested bypassing the permitting process, the same.

And so on and so forth.

All the best, John.

And, as mentioned, you can end up with the world's worst hack who never gets upset no matter what you ask him, always has a ready answer, a few cherry picked references, and then does a lousy job of which you may be completely unaware.

The better way to is get a referral from several people in your area, and the good and the bad will usually come to light.

Longstanding presence in the market is good, but I have one caveat on that: sometimes, "junior" takes over and proceeds to murder dad's hard-won reputation. So, consider references and referrals from the past ten years with consistent leadership in place.

 

[timebuilder]

n.
1. A horse used for riding or driving; a hackney.
2. A worn-out horse for hire; a jade.
3.
a. One who undertakes unpleasant or distasteful tasks for money or reward; a hireling.
b. A writer hired to produce routine or commercial writing.
4. A carriage or hackney for hire.
5. Informal
a. A taxicab.
b. See hackie.
v. hacked, hack·ing, hacks

v.tr.
1. To cut or chop with repeated and irregular blows: hacked down the saplings.
2. To break up the surface of (soil).
3.
a. Informal To alter (a computer program): hacked her text editor to read HTML.
b. To gain access to (a computer file or network) illegally or without authorization: hacked the firm's personnel database.
4. Slang To cut or mutilate as if by hacking: hacked millions off the budget.
5. Slang To cope with successfully; manage: couldn't hack a second job.