Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler OT: Need good contractor in LA

I second that, but if I lived in the LA area, I'd help you for free (beer). Cuz I'm like that.

Wow! Good luck, enjoy the move, and don't work too hard. Ok, well, work hard enough to get it done...

Sorry Curtis, I've only got one Rotel amp, and I'm keeping it!

I've got three guys coming to give me estimates this week on the heating/AC. I've also got a couple of people coming to look at the floors.

Let's hope his doesn't cost too too much.

Craig, Congratulations! Someday, you will wistfully recall your pre-homeowner days and all of that disposable income and discretionary time you USED to have.

I did not grow up in a family where we performed remodeling tasks ourselves. So, it was with much trepidation that I responded to several gouging bids by saying "I'll just buy the tools and do it myself". This series of decisions was very satisfying for me, as I learned new things and developed skills by just plunging in and DOING IT myself. Plus, it rarely costs more to pay the "professional" to fix something after you have tried yourself, and I found that the act of paying someone did not guarantee quality work. I'm slow, though.

Just don't place implicit trust in advice dispensed by Home Depot staff.

That being said, some things are obvious outsource deals - like your AC situation. However, the floors might be a DIY project. You can rent sanders and do the finish work yourself.

Anyway, I'm happy for you. Keep us posted with pictures and stories.

I used to do a lot of work in my car myself, and agree that there's a tremendous sense of accomplishment involved to getting your hands dirty and doing it yourself.

I try to do some of the smaller things around the house as well. I've already bought a new faucet for the kitchen sink, and intend of installing it myself.

As much as I'd love to give the floors a try, I also know that is a job that if screwed up, will be a major problem. If I mess the faucet up, it's not the end of the world.

In reply to:

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If I mess the faucet up, it's not the end of the world.

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Depends on how long it takes the plumber to get there to stem the flood.

On that note, learn the location of your main water shutoff BEFORE starting any plumbing work.

I had intended to shut off the water first.

spiff, ask what kind of equiptment your hvac contractor will be using,the differences in the price from one estimate to the next may reflect the brand of furnace and a/c unit you will get.ask about trane,costs a little more but well worth it,very reliable...congrats and good luck...oh yeah,get a basin wrench before you start your sink or you will be mr-fn the world...ron

Thanks for the tips.

I've got three guys coming, and am going to try and get prices on Trane, Carrier, and York units.