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by skirmish 25 days ago
Contractor costs are insane, our recent experience. Gas heater wouldn't start:

-- diagnosis: $180 flat fee

-- quote for replacing a failed igniter: plus $300, one week waiting for parts

-- I found the part on eBay and replaced it myself for $20, delivered in 2 days

Trimming an (admittedly large) tree in the backyard: $2,500. One guy in the tree with a chainsaw, 3 guys carrying branches to a wood chipper truck.