Generally, I do all my own work with a helper. If the job is small, or is a staircase, I may work entirely on my own, and if it is a rather large job, I may bring along some extra help. I do not use subcontractors, with the exception of tearing out floors which have been installed with Urethane adhesive. In that instance, I use a demolition company that uses a rather large machine to remove the flooring. Generally, I write a proposal with progress payments spelled out, such as "amount due upon delivery of materials" "amount due upon completion of "X"" and "amount due upon completion of job". I do not offer financing, nor do I take credit cards at this time.