THE BS
DETECTOR
5 QUESTIONS TO SEPARATE THE PROS FROM THE BOYS
Master the hardware, lose the dude.
Listen up. You've got a home worth protecting: marble counters, custom cabinets, the works. You deserve a pro, not some amateur fumbling through your pipes like they're wearing oven mitts. I've watched too many women get talked into overpaying by guys who spin technical gibberish to confuse and control. Not on my watch.
Brent Russell
Licensed · Insured · 20 Years in the Trade
Most guys walk into a woman's home thinking they're the only player with leverage. They're dead wrong. You don't need a Master Plumber's license — you need to know how to handle the man holding the wrench.
This guide? Your tactical advantage. Use it to set the standard before anyone touches your hardware.
THE 5 POWER MOVES
"Walk me through exactly what's broken. Show me the wear. Explain why this fix is the only one that holds."
A real pro loves to show off his knowledge. A hack hates being watched. If he can't explain it simply, he doesn't know enough to touch it.
"I'm going to need an itemized breakdown: parts, labor hours, every fee in between. Can you have that to me by tonight?"
Vague quotes are where the padding hides. Demanding details tells him you're no easy mark.
"What's the emergency and what's the upsell? Tell me what needs fixing today to keep this house standing, and what can wait."
This separates the partners from the predators. If everything's an emergency, it's time to kick him out.
"Give me the specifics on your warranty. How long you stand behind your labor, and what happens if this part fails in six months?"
A man who trusts his hands isn't afraid to put it in writing.
"Send over your license and insurance before we schedule. I need to know who's liable if things get heavy."
This is the ultimate BS filter. Amateurs flinch, pros respect.
RED FLAGS & RESULTS
High pressure sales?
If the deal expires when he walks out, let it.
Cash only? No digital trail?
He's hiding something.
The "daughter" tone?
If he talks down or dodges your questions, fire him.
The shrug?
Can't give a straight warranty answer? He's planning to disappear.
Video the problem before he arrives.
Know exactly when the trouble started.
Have these 5 questions ready.
Command the room.
CONTRACTOR COMPARISON TABLE
Fill this out for every contractor you interview. If the vibe isn't a 10, the repair won't be either.
| Field | Contractor 1 | Contractor 2 | Contractor 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Name | ___________ | ___________ | ___________ |
| Price Quote | $__________ | $__________ | $__________ |
| Warranty | ___________ | ___________ | ___________ |
| Vibe (1–10) | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Licensed? | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No |
| Insured? | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No |
Ready to stop faking satisfaction
with mediocre help?
Head back to the blog. I'll show you what hardware belongs on your workbench so you can outwork the "experts." And if you ever need someone who actually knows what they're doing, you've got my number.
I'm Brent Russell
Licensed · Insured · Milwaukee, WI · 20 Years in the Trade
Brent is a professional handyman who believes a woman with a drill is the most dangerous person in the room. He's here to make sure you're that person.