Here at FDS we talk about how to identify LVMs and NVMs to not date them, but you can use these principles to vet other situations as well.

I thought it didn’t really matter if the guys doing work around my house were LV. Sis, save yourself the headache. LVM/NVMs will cost you more money in the long run. They will do a mediocre job and try to charge you top of the line prices. They will hide their mistakes. They will be rude to you. They will refuse to clean up after themselves making more work for you.

LVM/NVMs aren’t even fit to do manual labor. Don’t let them build your house, renovate your bathroom, anything. It will cost you $$$$$ They aren’t even fit to mow your lawn or plow your driveway. Do you want your landscaping ruined? Vet early and vet often. Don’t feel bad about firing them. Don’t worry if you have to run through every contractor, carpenter, handyman, etc. in your city/town and all the surrounding towns until you find a decent one. There are so many LV and NV guys in these jobs, it can feel like they’re all worthless. The ones who actually have a good work ethic might have a waiting list. It’s worth the wait. They might charge a little more. It’s still going to cost less than having it done twice. (Just be careful because some of the con artist types will charge a little more than average and talk a big game about how and why they’re worth the extra money - don’t take their word for it. Check references, try to rely on recommendations from friends, family or neighbors if you can.)