Here is more in the series that can save you time and money. When it comes to plumbing, Ive found that there are many smaller items you can do yourself, and save yourself some money, and learn something in the process. However, I also go over where you should hire a contractor. This is part of the Cutting Costs category
I used big box stores for a variety of reasons: Financing terms, appliances, to get advice on do it yourself projects and their installation services for windows, roofs, etc. Here, I go into my experiences within difference cities, and which ones I go to for different reasons.