Richard, that is correct.

Every task has to be performed by a licensed contractor who bids out and tracks paperwork.

Now that you have mentioned the payday loans though and how easily that would be to correct I can see why you should stick to the higher amounts.

@Andre HarrisI'm not in Pittsburgh, but have a couple in the area, and just starting DD on a few more that bids were accepted on.   

You'll want to make sure you structure the language in the correct way based on what you decide. 

I understand it that you have to live on the property for the first year correct?

I would continue to work with the same contractor next time around, he did a good job and his bid was more competitive than others.

The total credit card debt I have left, i've calculated that it will take me 6 months to pay the rest off if I budget correctly minus my student loans which the interest rate i have it super low its like $100 a month.

So, if it goes back to the bank the HOA may get nothing, correct?

Without drawings you don't have a baseline to bid from or control change orders.