I think it's more lucrative than natural, attracting the greedy rather than artisans and craftsmen.

There are many good contractors. But also many who are just wanting to get paid and shouldn't be in the business.

Just like "sushi" restaurants and "sushi chefs" in the US.

Financially attractive and fashionable - pairing that will always attract the greedy.

The most common advice we get concerning the selection of contractors is to "check references". Who is going to provide the numbers to call? the contractor of course. Would the contractor give out phone numbers of people who were not satisfied?
In the unlikely scenario that we have the opportunity to interview someone who has dealt with the contractor, the key thing is knowing what questions to ask. Most people don't know that the most important question is "Were there any surprises or did the job turn out exactly as he described?" Surprises are indicative of non-disclosure.

There’s a flip side to the whole phenomenon of contractors not bothering to return calls and that’s the contractor who doesn’t seem busy enough and is overeager for your business.

I had some work I needed done on the steps of my old house and was contacting contractors for quotes and this one guy called me back within minutes and then came over and just gave me a really bad vibe and was eager to start the very next day. Something about him told me he was either scamming me or was a shitty contractor who didn’t have enough work for a reason.

Needless to say, I did not go with him and instead waited a few weeks to get the guy I wanted who did excellent work.