Contractors

I'm on the search for a home repair contractor.
I want the kitchen counters replaced. Our kitchen is small, galley style. Cutting the holes for the assorted appliances is beyond my expertise. As is the plumbing and wiring, so someone else needs to do it. I plan to do the trim work, adding mosaic above the back splash. (Michelle's idea)
I also want to install a sink from IKEA in the bathroom. Rip out the wall of cabinets and counter. I contacted the bathroom specialists, who had done some work for us, four years ago. They were quite late and then send a worker, not the main man. The estimate is (drum roll, please!) $4,100.00. Not a joke, they meant that, for two days work. Silly people, they'll never get work from us again, and I'll chat to anyone that cares to listen about it.
Rule of thumb is 50% for supplies, 50% for labor. Clearly we will not pay $4000 for fomica counters.
Then I made contact with the website for contractors. Four estimates were to come in today. Not a peep out of those folks. Not even a call for an appointment.
Our newspaper has a daily half page of pros looking for work. Licensed, and not. I checked on the validity of their licenses thanks to the internet. (It is the way we found our tree guy. That contact has worked out very well.)
I called two people who's ad stated, "No job too small!" and have two appointments tomorrow. Let's hope at least one will work out.
With so many craftsmen out of work right now, you'd think it would be easier to establish a relationship with a handyman.

Continued tomorrow!