I don't think judges in small claims court expect the parties to show up with expert witnesses, testimonies, and professionally worded statements. If you go that route, just bring photographs and documented records of attempts to solve the problem with the contractor, and any other evidence or records you have that show the work was not done correctly. Since you have been after him to make the repair since you moved in, hopefully you have kept a record of your contacts with him. I wouldn't worry about whether or not the contractor will "make you look pretty silly." Let the judge decide if you are being silly or not. Your contractor's license board might also be able to assist you ... it may be worth a phone call to find out.

I decided to paint some old boards over old colors that are light and neutral with the Aura Satin paint I have here in the quart and the BM Regal Pearl Finish paint in the SW Antique White color (not for the color but for the finish/shine). I really like painting with the Pearl Finish paint and the VOC count and drying time is so much less than the old formula. I know I will not be doing the painting but it is such a nice paint and really covers well. The Aura Paint I can not paint well with and I know a painter would have to be very skilled to paint with it. I will see how I feel when both boards dry but so far my feeling is that despite wanting to go lower VOC, I may just stay with the BM Regal Paint in the Pearl Finish since it is so nice and rich on the walls without too much of a shine. The Satin is definitely shinier than the Pearl. I do not like Eggshell or flat paint so I have decided to not try out the Aura Eggshell finish. I am going to have to air out the room due to my preference for finish over VOC count. If I would like an eggshell finish, I would go with the Natura.

I think it depends on how the layout of your house flows from room to room. If you have wood casings around your doorways so that each room has a start and end point for paint colors - then doing colors that are similar in tone but not exactly in the same color family works fine in my opinion. If you have an open floor plan where one wall is shared between two room then I think a common wall color is required. I think the green in your photo would be beautiful with creamy cabinets. The yellow in the photo you posted looks really yellow to me, and I guess I would picture more a light gold to go with that green ie. BM Pittsfield Buff or SW Believable Buff. I'd go with the green and the nice part is if you both don't like the green with the cabinets or with the color chosen for the foyer/LR, paint is easily fixed. I would focus on picking the perfect color for your cabinets and trim - that is a much bigger job to correct if the color is off!

Thanks for all the kind comments. Harry is blushing with the praise; Sam is just trying to chew it up. LOL There's never a quiet moment around here, except during Sam's two daily nap times. Cynic...They've had a few more magic carpet rides, but none as perfect as the first two. Sam's getting a bit heavy for the fast flying. It seems that when I get my camera out, they stop being so comical. Granlan & Pattico...It's hard to tell. Harry doesn't really dislike Sam. And he does treat him much better than he does the dogs we sometimes "babysit" for. When either dog is in the a kennel for some quiet time, the other one will try to "free" the captive. When that fails they plop down and stare at the incarcerated pup. I don't know if it's sympathy or gloating! LOL Harry plays with Sam, a lot, and usually instigates the play. Still when Harry's had enough, he's not any too gentle letting Sam know to "bug-off." And Sam just keeps coming back for more. Harry enjoys the time after Sam goes to bed (at 7 p.m.). The rest of the evening is all about Harry and puppy-free. Sam sleeps in a kennel in our bedroom. Once we tuck him in, he doesn't make a peep (except for some surprisingly burly snoring) until morning. Did you see the photos of the two boys out on the prairie (it's on page 2 now)? Sam loves going out for their runs when the weather permits. He can't take the cold and deep snow like Harry so they only stay out a few minutes at a time if Sam is along. He really tries to keep up with Harry. Harry usually just shoots off toward the horizon and leaves Sam in his wake. Sam won't get that far away from Wes. He's still a little dude and he likes to feel protected. Sam knows the commands "Sit," "Place" (means to lay down), "Off" (as in don't jump up on people) and "Come." Actually responding to "Come" every time is still hit or miss. He also knows he doesn't get fed unless he sits quietly while we fill and place his dish. He's really good about this. When Harry eats (and Harry is always fed first) Sam sits quietly on the other side of the room, waiting his turn. He is so cute when he's doing this.