Yes unfortunately finding good painters isn't as easy as it should be. My biggest problem is a lot of the crews around here tend to be Spanish-speaking. I have no opinion/judgment about that in general, but it's important to me to hire painters who I can communicate with easily. I'm super picky, and I've had too many times where I try to tell the crew something, they act like they understand what I'm saying, and then my request goes ignored. I liked these subs because they seemed to do a good job, my contractor has used them a lot, and they speak perfect English. Paintguy22-- I didn't even know contractors try to keep that secret! This is the only one I've ever worked with, and when I get his bill, I literally get the bill or timesheet he received from his sub plus a charge for 20%. I have no problem with the arrangement for hard-to-find subs and jobs that require coordinating multiple types of labor. Plus it's important to me that the contractor's insurance is available to cover any issues that arise. I just don't love paying the fee for single-sub jobs. Anyway, I appreciate the input! I just had a new guy I found on Angie's List come out and he's supposed to give me a quote soon. (Don't even get me started on Angie's List...I'm well aware of how flawed it is.)

I agree, talk to a good HVAC contractor. Finding the good ones is the key point. I'd question if what you are asking for makes sense for your house (how new and how tightly, or not. is your home sealed). Do you want unheated/unconditioned air coming directly into your kitchen, do you want to stand under that supply of air when it is 32 degrees outside? Qualifier: I'm not familiar with Fantech products. What is used in newer, well sealed homes are devices knows as HRV or ERV (Heat Recovery Ventilators or Energy Recovery Ventilators). What these devices do is get any heat from air being exhausted from the structure (cooking, bathroom exhaust, clothes dryer exhausts, etc.), and exchange the heat to add it to air coming into the structure (some do exchange of moisture along with heat). In some areas, northern and colder climates and Canada, these devices are required by code. If your structure is older and enough makeup air comes in through door and windows seals, mail slots, screen doors, garage entrances, dryer and bathroom exhausts when not in use, etc., etc. then you don't want this arrangement. A good HVAC contractor will have someone on staff who understands all this stuff and can tell you what options make sense for your house.

3+/ I believe that insurance should cover all risks of loss of funds, money or damage to materials. You will protect yourself from the fact that something may not go according to your plan. That's exactly how it was for me. I started working with my house, but it took too much money. I was upset. I realized that I needed to hire a contractor. In the end, I turned to these guys https://alsharqa.net/%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%B4%D8%B7%D9%8A%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%82%D9%87-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A7/. They did their job very well. I was satisfied with all the finishing work done! And what would you say about turning to someone for professional help?

The content on houzz.com is ample evidence that most homeowners don't understand or minimize the value added by a GC and are dealing with the lesson. Ditto for many who buy services based on price. Glad you're not one of them. I don't know if your GC gets any significant discounts from his/her painter based on volume. In our area, trade contractors generally charge more when working for homeowners due to the extra effort required to manage their expectations and the risk of not getting paid in full. Remember that the painter you hire won't be painting an empty room. He/she will be painting a kitchen full of new cabinets, counters, and appliances. Choose wisely.