So how do your posts assist the average reader in avoiding those shops, and finding the ones that are proactive in training, and reinvesting in their techs? How do your posts assist the average reader in understanding that the $100 code puller is not a substitute for, nor in any way representative of the investment that the best shops and techs have to make in order to keep up with the technology that is designed into their cars? Of one point I am sure, no-one can accurately describe what it takes to be a good shop today, unless they are actively trying to be the best that they can be, and have the first hand perspective that doing so creates. The answer to solving the most technical issues faced by vehicle owners today is in fact to find top independents who make being the best technician that he or she can be a lifetime commitment that cannot be measured by who writes a techs paycheck. People with that much drive won't work at a dealership because the focus inside the dealerships service department is totally about profit, and not about understanding and repairing the car. Occasionally an individual will show up in the dealer network that shines above the circus atmosphere inside it. But they rarely last there anymore. The dealerships focus is selling cars, not fixing them. You will see things like "Flush brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant systems, injection cleaning, intake cleaning, engine flushes, etc. and they are all performed by the least experienced technicians all in the scheme to "flush the wallets" of the customer. Shops, and yes, shops like mine are the alternative to all of the nonsense. We don't live by shoving unneeded filters and flushing this and that. We just fix the cars, straight in at the symptom reported, and straight back out. I'm not alone in my approach, there are quite a number of shops just like mine. But how does the average customer realize the difference if all they see are the twisted perceptions that I attempt to correct even here in this forum? Note to everyone. If you walk into a business and see a menu card with lists of what they flush and the associated prices, you are not in a top shop! If you walk into a shop and the only scan tool they have is a single aftermarket tool at any level, Your not in a top shop. If you ask price first, and they can quickly throw an answer to you, without looking at the car first, your not in a top shop. If you ask them to show you what continuing education classes the tech that is about to work on your car has attended in the last year, two years, five years and the answer is less than six a year, then again your not in a top shop. If the shop supports R2R, in the mistaken belief it will solve the problems caused by a habit of not investing in the business, which means it's tools, equipment and most of all it's people. Well, then your definitely not in a top shop. If none of that genuinely matters to you, until the day finally comes when all of the chips are down and the regular place hasn't made the investment to keep up with the technology, some will say you can always go back to the dealership, which of course could be miles, and miles away since they are closing in record numbers or you can try and then seek out a top shop. Maybe you'll even be lucky and find one and if you do, you need to reward their investment with all of your business or else don't expect to have them available for the next time. JMHO

That's why I would never hire someone individually -- I've only called companies that are bonded and insured. In one case, I found that a treasured knick-knack (not worth much in dollars, but in sentiment) had been broken and simply left on the bookcase. I found it by accident. I filed a complaint, not because of the monetary value, but because I felt that they should have at least notified me or left a note. The owner called me and said that they do tell their people to keep them informed, but unfortunately this woman didn't do so. She gave me half off my next cleaning.

If you do the CL method, you will be able to keep 100% of the money, therefore you can price it to have it move. Also, you won't need to lug it to a consignment store, who will keep probably a big chunk of the sale for their fee, maybe 50%. If you do CL, you just have to be in control of when the buyer is coming, make sure you are not alone when there, only take cash. Do not answer any emails that are "odd", just use your common sense. And do not put the price in the title, you want it hidden in the body of the blurb, because I am convinced scammers are just looking through and reply to anything over a certain amount of money. I've had a great amount of luck selling and buying through CL. Would I do it if I were home alone or go alone to buy? No. As far as pricing, look on eBay, see if you can find it there and see what has sold, under "completed listings". Also, check CL for similar items. Consignment is a way to get it out of the house and then you don't even have to deal with anyone. Some places will come an move it for you too. But again, you really need to remember their fee is big. And of course, eBay, with the "Local Pickup Only" option.

Here are a couple of guides Houzz did a few years back you might find helpful: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/5-steps-to-help-you-hire-the-right-contractor-stsetivw-vs~16338453 https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-hire-a-contractor-stsetivw-vs~65714029 Also, if your MIL doesn't want to be the point person on this project, be prepared to go back and forth frequently for meetings with the GC. I'd also make sure that whomever you hire is technology-friendly so he can share documents and/or Skype with you online. Many larger contractors use project management portals that have a client-facing interface for you to review project details. You'd be amazed how few contractors value tech; some of them barely answer emails. This will keep keep the project moving in the face of change orders or other interim approvals. Lastly, consider hiring a contractor that is a design/build outfit. Will be one less professional you have to manage and they have designers on staff. Good luck!