Vendor Red Flags (and Green Lights)

After years of working with vendors across estates, patterns emerge. Some vendors make your life easier — others make you wonder how they stay in business.

The challenge? It’s not always obvious on the first call. Here’s what to look for.

🚩 Red Flags:

• Vague scopes like “Replace electrical as needed”

• No written estimate or “ballpark” without detail

• Doesn’t ask to see the site or photos before quoting

• Overpromises availability or speed without verifying constraints

• Can’t answer basic questions clearly

✅ Green Lights:

• Specific, line-item estimates with options

• Clear scheduling protocols (and realistic timelines)

• Transparent communication preferences and availability

• Willing to walk the job and answer “dumb” questions patiently

• Mentions permits, code, or safety even when you didn’t

Bottom line: Good vendors don’t just do good work — they show up well before the work begins.