Since about 1980 i and then in 86 my wonderful wife and I have been managing rental properties both commercial and residential. Most of the time I did most of the repairs on the properties, but when being a cop started taking up more of my time; i began subbing out the jobs. However, my first remodel on our first home together, I became the owner builder on the house; used subs recommended to me by others whom I trusted, but still build most of the house myself with the help of relatives. Currently, we are building a large home on a lake in Texas which has forced me to rely on a general contractor. My advise to any new home builder or re-modeler is: Do your homework on contractors, ask people who have used him, check references, make sure his license and insurance is valid, try and see some of his work, get good quotes on prices, and hold him to same. Be on the job site as much as possible. As I tell folks be a parrot on his shoulder. Those going into a build, I wish you good luck, and try and do as much sweat equity as you can to save money and learn.