A handyman can change one faucet for another, or do a drywall patch, or change out a ceiling fan for a chandelier.Simple DIY tasks that someone doesn't really want to DIY. They have no business being involved with anything more involved or serious. Nor can they, legally. No "handyman" is licensed to do plumbing or electrical---IF he is licensed or insured to do anything. A licensed and insured General Contractor can do basic of both, and has expert subs that he can hire if the scope of work deems it necessary. A "handyman" also cannot pull the needed permits, nor arrange for the required inspections. He would require that you do all of that, and then YOU would be legally responsible if something were done incorrectly as your name would be on the permit as the responsible party. If a handyman wants to do general contracting, then sitting for the contractors exam and obtaining contractors insurance is a requisite. Then they aren't a handyman anymore, but an actual contractor.

First, get another insurance agent! Many don't have a clue about these things! They get nervous because many inexperienced homeowners install the stoves themselves and then there's a fire because they didn't take all the necessary precautions. "But I SAVED money doing it myself!" From what I see the location is perfect for a wood stove or another gas unit. You already have a raised hearth and a non combustable back. The only place I might see a situation arise is the chimney itself. Today's stoves need a 6 inch flue. If your chimney is 8 inches you'll need a liner installed. That can be labor intensive but for a professional it's done every day. Go to a COUPLE of stove shops. Tell them what size area you wish to heat and they'll find the right size unti for you. Also tell them the dimensions of the raised hearth. The hearth might be too small for a wood unit, but only a professional can tell for sure. Also write down the height of the centerline of the opening in the back wall from the base of the hearth. I like wood fires. Not gas. But that's a decision only you can make.

Leigh K, a question for you. I am not asking to provoke you but it seems that you constantly post antagonist respones to every section. This is a menopause forum. Some of us, (perhaps the unlucky ones) have genetic predisposition to poor health. I was a body builder work out vegetable eating machine, at 28 huge inner ear and jaw tumor (never did drugs, smoked or anything) chemo and four surgeries later (including hysterectomy have left me very unhealth. I am now 36, 2 years ago became so ill I couldnt walk. Auto-immune sle (3 aunts have perished from this) and hypogammaglobulenemia. Therefore, gamma globulin infusions. I have been to more doctors than I could count to the infinity number (slight exageration 'joke'). I have found that doctors are practictioners and try. I will consult a pharmacist regarding meds way before a doctor. Doctors know what the particular drug is useful for but, as I am allergic to sooo much. I fall into the 1% side effect profile. Pharmacist know the composition and such. I have personally taught many phycians about new side effects and after controversy and putting the pdr in front of them they say wow. But on the whole doctors try to do what is best for their patient. I am even sometimes glad they receive free samples from drug companies because they pass those on to us less fortunate long term ill patients that have to pay for meds directly out of our pocket. Now my question to you is. Have you ever had a serious illness for which you had no control, trust me I have now been through 9 surgeries. 2 in 2 months. I have a 13 year old son and an 11 year old. There constant worry is mommy are you going to die on us. Heart wrenching. I come to this forum for advice on what has worked for other people. As far as meds go, because unlike you. Some of us has to take them to have a better quality of life. You remind me of my mother that never had a soar throat telling me to get out of bed and run when the pain is so bad my leggs arent even working. I would do anything to not to have to take another pill but I would a least like to find some form of hrt to make my younger life a little more peaceful.... AND I don't feel guilty about that. Give me good advise instead of bashing please. We all know meds are harmful, doctors are not perfect but companies hire sellsmen to do what it takes. Its everywhere. Banking, escrow and Realtors are worse (Ive been involved in all three).

We have had USAA for nearly 16 years. We've had two smaller claims for our house - a leak in our roof that damaged our bedroom wall and a leak in our water heater that flooded our rec room. Both of those were many years ago. We've had at least 1-2 claims from car accidents that were dh's fault. Never had any problems with the homeowner's claims but our auto insurance went up slightly after dh's second accident, but mainly b/c they were within months of each other. I absolutely love USAA - they have always been incredibly helpful whenever we've called about anything (we have several different accounts with them). Dh's family had USAA when he was growing up. Their house caught on fire after faulty wiring in a Sears refrigerator in their garage caused a fire. They had incredible service from USAA. Someone had a horrible time with Allstate years ago. His house burned down after catching fire during renovation. I don't remember the story now, but he ended up suing them. I remember going by the house one day and he had a huge sign posted in front of his house chastising Allstate. I don't recall what exactly happened but I believe he did win the case eventually.