Contractor Spectrum: Outcomes Table
| Outcome | Low Tier | Middle Tier | High Tier |
| Price | Dirt cheap | Fair-to-good value | Premium pricing |
| Speed to Start | Immediate or same week | 1–2 weeks out | 4–8+ weeks out |
| Speed to Complete | Slow due to lack of crew or poor planning | Moderate—usually on schedule | Fast and efficient with full crew |
| Quality & Scope Discipline | Inconsistent, skips steps or improvises off-plan | Consistent, follows scope with some oversight | High-quality work, strictly follows scope |
| Communication Style | Sporadic, reactive | Responsive, practical | Proactive, systemized communication |
| Reliability / Risk | High risk (no-shows, theft, poor follow-through) | Generally dependable, minor issues | Low risk, highly reliable and accountable |
Contractor Spectrum: Profile Table (Pre-Hire Indicators)
| Observable Item | Low-End | Middle (Sweet Spot) | High-End |
| Vehicle | Rusted, messy, no signage | White van/truck, magnetic sign | Branded wrap, clean, trailer |
| Crew Structure | Solo or day-laborers | Owner + same crew | Uniformed team, foreman-led |
| Googleability | Can’t be found online | Searchable by name only | Top of Google, reviews, ads |
| Main Marketing Method | None, or cold-begging | Cards, referrals, repeat clients | Ads, SEO, CRM, referral machine |
| Tools & Gear | Borrows tools, messy setup | Owns tools, decent organization | Commercial-grade, systematic setup |
| Clothing & Appearance | Dirty, no branding | Workwear, paint-stained | Branded shirts, clean, matching gear |
| Sales Tone / Positioning | Desperate, “I’ll beat any price” | Curious and measured | Confident, selective, waitlist-style |
| Email Address | No email or sketchy (e.g. bigdawg420@aol.com) | Gmail/Yahoo, usable | Branded domain, business signature |
Contractor Qualifiers: The Non-Negotiables
| Qualifier | Why It Matters |
| General Liability Insurance | Covers damage or lawsuits |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance | Covers injuries on the job |
| License (if required) | You’re not risking code violations |
| Permit-Pulling Ability | If needed, they must be authorized |
| Valid Work Status / Legal ID | Legal accountability |
| W-9 or Business Entity | Required for tax documentation |