Thank you, hollysprings. You make good sense. I've been going about this wrong. I got two other bids- one was double the price, the other was for $2500 but the contractor isn't licensed with the ROC. I didn't have a list of specifics to give them, because I didn't know what was needed (I don't know much about construction- my husband did). It's not easy getting contractors willing to work on manufactured homes. Most of the ones that do are only handymen, not general contractors licensed by the ROC. The contractor I chose specializes in bathroom remodeling. He's licensed in good standing with the ROC, is insured, and has no complaints filed against him that I've been able to find (I've looked). Since posting this question I learned that a window or vent, as well as waterproofing the walls around the tub/shower are both required by code.

Ok, the reason why I'm using a designer/project manager is that I'm sick and tired of the kitchen renovation rut I've been stuck in for nearly a year now! Enter the services of a certified interior designer who will now come in to put a plan together that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. He will find the materials and finishes I've been pining for and be able to purchase them at a designer discount. Then, as project manager, he will be able to explain that plan to the tradespeople who must execute it -- quickly, accurately and in their own language. He will have moderate project oversight (making an onsite visit to the project at least once a week) and will intervene with the tradespeople on my behalf should problems arise. At this point, I've lost way too much money and nerves by trying to go it alone on a project that started out being a just a "modest spiff up" but which has now morphed into a fairly significant reno project. (I blame that, in part, on having discovered the GW kitchen forum and then becoming TKO!) Not having enough trade and design basics at my disposal when I began has caused me countless plan changes and revisions, costly mistakes in purchasing of materials (including appliances and cabs), and frequent bad choices in hiring smooth talking subs who end up either doing mediocre -to- lousy work or completely botching the job. Enough! I now think I will actually SAVE money by hiring someone (designer/project manager) who will be paid to hear my desires and needs, translate them into a plan that is consistent with my heart and budget and then serve as the person who will convey his/my orders to a GC or posse of subs. I don't foresee any problem with the project manager working with the GC and vice versa. In fact, 2 of the GCs I've been talking with about the project have both stated that they would welcome working with the designer/pm. They know that the experienced professional who has designed my plan is going to be better equipped to instruct and assess its technical and aesthetic execution than me in most instances. Jejvtr, your question about liability is a good one. I have verbally confirmed with the designer/pm that no subs are to be hired who do not have required licensing and insurance. I'll make sure that condition is explictly stated in the contract. As to who pays the GC (or subs), that will be me! Again, the designer/pm will oversee the plan progress. When he is satisfied that each phase which triggers a payment has been satisfactorily completed, he will advise me that it's time to pay up.

I think it will not ultimately depend on anything you do or say, Meg. I think it will depend on the seller. IOW: how badly does he want/need to sell the rug? What else must he do to it? Will you have it repaired or does it go back to him and must he deal with that? If he's had it for a long time -- regardless of whether it's been out on approval or not -- then his cost may be lower or he needs to get his $$ out of it. You have no way of knowing. T2G makes a good point about the pad, which would be nice, but I don't even think that's the point. I don't know if this will help you but a dealer I spoke with this week, who has 30 years of experience says she won't ever guarantee age, except in certain circumstances where there is documentation or when you can absolutely see the age due to the size of the knots. Some of the value on this stuff is scarcity, some is size, some is auction prices set for whatever type of rug it is (you haven't said), some is age, some style/origin, color, condition etc. Just this week I saw rugs go for huge prices at an auction even if the condition wasn't so hot. Then there is the issue of old rugs and specialists. I didn't want a new rug and set about finding a dealer who was well known, highly respected and who was a specialist in old rugs. I studied up on my own -- it was hardly a blind item. I know, in retrospect, I didn't overpay because I've watched the auction prices for rugs from the same area, similar size, age and condition. Ultimately, that's the best way to judge. This stuff is expensive whether it's new or old and you want to be sure you're paying a fair price. I would try to decide how much you want it and what you will do if he refuses to lower the price. Will you send it back? Will you be sorry? Or will you go for it? I still don't feel there's any harm in calling to ask if he could do better on it. But I don't see why he should -- you have it on your floor. And lastly, if your local people whom you seem to trust are so good, I must ask why they couldn't get you a rug of this quality for the $1000 less than the price of this one? I'm not trying to disparage anyone but dealers work in market segments. Anyone who isn't working in that segment can say they like something or not, or comment on condition but it's unlikely any other opinion will be very informed. I have a completely seperate dealer, actually a few, I'd go to for Tibetan rugs. If I took a Tibetan to my dealer for an opinion I know he would tell me what he said when I asked him about the value of a Chinese rug I eventually sold: I don't deal in that and don't know. If this is proving so difficult for you, would your DH speak to the guy?

Right on, gscience! There's a whole world of auto enthusiasts out there filled with good, helpful folks who are passionate about cars and want to share their knowledge and experiences with others. Autocross looks like an absolute blast as well. This sort of thing is probably in my DNA though, having been raised by a father who was never without a fast car (he raced for a time), and even as an octogenarian drives a collector's Porsche. It's a rewarding (albeit expensive) hobby and I think most people understand that (or at least understand when they DON'T understand and refrain from dissing something they're ignorant about). ;)