When you hire contractors such as electricians or hvac companies, take the people they send aside and ask if they work on the side.

Of course, if they can get them cheaper, I'm happy to let them, but this isn't generally the case.For the labor bid, I create a Statement of Work (SOW) that details exactly what I want done, broken down into categories that relate to specific skilled trades (GC, Plumber, Electrician, Painter, Roofer, Carpenter, Flooring, Foundation, etc).

I have to have a ventilation system put in (since we removed the window the city requires this) and my electrician wanted me to be in town for that - so thanks for reminding me to call him. :-)

I am a 27 year old electrician and love my career just would love to do it as a hobby and not work the amount I have to as of now.

Does anyone have referrals for property managers, handymen, plumbers, electricians, lawnmowers, turn-over cleaners, window installers, roofers....you get the idea! 

I am a electrician here in Oakland CA and one benefit my career has is I know great people from the jobsite who work hard and vary in trades.

And go: Expect it to take twice as long, and cost twice as much as you presume.Don't pay your contractors in full up front.Get your electrician and plumber in there on day two (after demo).  

Please tell me I don't have to hire an electrician to do what should be an ultra-simple little chore!

I consider this guy one of my mentors, and I happily pay him his rates because we both know the score.My electrician is one of the best men I've ever met, a product of this town that certain powers that be in this country decided long ago to throw under the bus.

An Electrician that is experienced could talk to you about that possibility.