I have a great window supplier that gets them installed for less than 150 a pop, and most rehabbed homes in our area have updated windows, so we try to keep up with the neighborhood norm.

You can tell a lot about a contractor by visiting a site.One more thought on asking the supplier for references is that you will more likely to get a guy who is paying his bills.

My suppliers get me better quality and at better prices.

I ordered the steel from a local steel supplier who has a good reputaion and who has always been very helpful with my questions.The bad part is the contractor.

In Georgia Bellsouth is already felling the Heat so they merged with AT&t for broad band service or their out of the phone and internet business for good.

His contribution is doing some, yes, some of the work, managing the contractors and getting material at a "discount" from his suppliers.  

I am doing a flip as well, and in this area I will be buying my cabinets from a local supplier for the flip.

I ordered a contactor from Expert Appliance, and it's been 3 weeks, and still no part, and I can't get any response to my inquiries. 3 weeks is a long time to have the heat and AC not functioning.The local shops won't sell to anyone who isn't licensed for HVAC, so I need a supplier on-line.Ruud heat pump; hardly anyone carries parts for them.

Try to find a local supplier who has low end products.

From my forensic research, attempting to create sworn statements, and talking with all of the subs, and suppliers of which I have known oat of them for 15+ years.