It turned out kind of nice, and it toned down the fireplace brick.If I were you I might get some general finishes java gel stain and stain the bookcases and mantel dark...unless the kitchen is same woodtone, then no....unless you do the kitchen too.

Depends on the type of GC you're looking for.The guys picking up material early in the morning at HD/Lowes/Menards are unlikely to run a very tight ship or handle large scale jobs.

I kind of feel it's a nice way to get my feet wet and like the low maintenance aspect.

When I go to Lowes I know everyone there and they know me, the in-store commercial guys will call me when there is clearance/closeout stuff they think I might like, and due to my volume purchases I have a good relationship with the regional sales rep who stops by my office for periodic visits and is a great go-to when I'm not getting the answers I want at the store. 

Good Luck guys.

You have allowed this guy to not pay garbage for a year now.

Most of the guys who claim to do everything are mostly good at 1 or 2 task.

Best of luck from another small town Iowa guy!

For wholesalers I have heard that Simple Wholesaleing with @Brett Snodgrass does a great job and they sound pretty ethical and I would also recommend @Andy Rumple who I met personally and seemed like a great guy.  

Hey guys, I'm interested.