Thank you Scotty!!

[cappykat]

That's a "thank you" to our son in law.  He did our electrical this weekend for the cost of materials which were about $325.  

[orlandoguy]

That's about half of what mine cost, but I didn't have an electrician in the family.

We do have good friends who own a paver company who put in our patio for the cost of the bricks and materials and it only cost around $900 so I guess I should count my blessings.

It does help to know handy people.

[Brewman]

It does help to know handy people.

Or to be one.

Years ago my brother in law built his own home.  I spent a lot of time helping him- electrical, plumbing, drywall, ceramic tile, you name it.  I didn't get paid for the work, but I learned enough from him that I've saved thousands over the years doing my own work.

[cappykat]

Actually, my husband told me I had the $ wrong.  It was about $200 for materials.

It has been a godsend to know people who are helping to keep our costs down.  We are good friends with the guy who owns the landscaping company so we feel we're going to get a beautiful backyard.

My father was a custom home builder and my husband worked with him in the early years of our marriage.  He learned a lot also, and that's why he's so handy now.

It definitely helps to have connections.