Hiring a handy out of work friend or a contractor?

[Lana Ly]

I need to change windows in my house and some siding and have a trusted contractor who is currently estimating my work. My carpenter friend who is currently out of work offered to do the job. What are your thoughts on that? My initial thought that the job needs to be done quickly and changing 12 windows will take time if my friend does it. But then he needs money and a great handy man. No insurance though. I am torn.