On rare occasion Timmothy's cartoon strip includes "Porky", an ironic name being he is a much smaller guinea pig than the strips name sakes, Titus & Philemon. Trouble is usually the result when Porky comes to Joe's home to visit Titus & Philemon.
Unintended Consequences,
Can and often do happen even with the best intentions. Philemon and Porky only intended to have a little fun.
Friends helping friends.
If you are a first time home owner (or hoping to be one) you are most likely very conscientious about your budget. I was 18 years old when I purchased my first home and I was earning minimum wage, about $2.00 an hour. I am familiar with keg beer labor and doing things quid pro quo.
Over-all I have had good luck with friend labor and DIY projects (when following instructions in a book). When working with friends I've known their profession or they explained to me why they can help me. Steer clear of "I've never done that before but I think I can help".
Working with professionals.
If you are on a tight budget it's tempting to take the lowest bid or maybe even using a start-up like your best friends cousin Vinnie. Even though I am NOT on a tight budget this has been a trap for me and usually has poor to bad results. I've never jumped into a vat of hot coffee but that may have been preferable to some results I have seen.
Tip 1 for working with a professional. Ask for their license. If they show you a drivers license laugh at them and say NEXT!
Tip 2 ask who their contractors insurance is with. If they don't have any laugh at them and say NEXT!
Tip 3 ask for references and can they provide pictures as well. If all the references have the same last name as his/hers and the pictures are unreasonable (like a picture of the White House or the Eiffel Tower laugh at them and say NEXT!
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