This practical, easy to read and thoroughly entertaining guide to hiring professional help for work on your property will save you money and time. Weed out the bad contractors and confidently hire the good ones. Full of entertaining case studies and nifty verbal approaches that are easily incorporated into your style. No personality change needed for this negotiating advice Whether a big ticket purchase or a two-hour repair, handling the estimator visit is the key. Find out what to say (and not say ) to get fair prices and good work. Become an expert at hiring for project work and keeping projects on track. Check out the immediately useful solutions to common problems and options you can use to keep costs down. This book is for: Homeowners * Landlords * Property Managers * House Flippers A pro with 25+ years of experience shares how to fix off-the-rails projects, make so-so contractors into good ones, and the simple thing you can do to ensure your project progresses, with no-work days kept to a minimum. How to handle callbacks for a good outcome, how to protect your pets, and much more Special section: Over thirty no-cost luxury features to ask for during your renovation. You'll enjoy this wry and engaging window into the boots-on-ground level of home improvement.