Ouch. I think I had to do three or four papers total for my freshman English class in college. Later I took an elective on Shakespeare (bad mistake) and it was still only three or four papers. They were tough ones though.

Well it's an English Composition class, to get freshman ready to write for college. It's not too bad. Most papers are short. We have three longer papers in the semester. The last one will be in November and my argumentative essay will be on whether or not Obama deserved the Peace Prize. (don't want to get into it here, though)

This one is informative about something we know a lot about. Or at least can write a successful paper on. Two people in the class are writing about zombies. . .

Response for Kerry
 

Here is a quick reply for Kerry - I know this is a bit off topic: So if you want a more in-depth answer then start a new post and I'll join in!

To cut a long story short I have found that the cost of getting someone else to do something here in the Netherlands is not necessarily related to the cost of parts or the time taken to do the job. It is arranged more like "what we can get for the job in question".

Why do you think? Not much competition?

I know my brother has had an awful time trying to get anything done with contractors in England. Have to say I've not had such an experience here.

- Peter.

Peter in Phoenix says
 

Peter in Phoenix says...

Apart from the sense of accomplishment at being able to do it yourself there's the financial advantage of not wasting money that doesn't need to be wasted. Not to mention of course the fact that you will have a better understanding of the way the device in question works, and probalbly at least more confidence in the repair having been done right.

I have no mechanical training but have in the past on various Mercedes of mine done the following...

Removed and replaced radiators, replaced thermostats, replaced radiator hoses, removed and replaced fenders and front windshield, repaired rust in the windshield channel, replaced brake pads, changed oil and replaced oil filters, replaced fuel filters, replaced air filters, repaired air filter housing by re-constructing aluminum mountings on the intake manifold with taps, threads and JBWeld, replaced seats, replaced brake boosters and master cylinders, replaced light clusters, valve cover gasket replacement and did a valve adjustment.

I'm afraid I can't provide an accounting of how much this has saved me but I'm pretty sure it's been a bundle.

- Peter.

Hi Peter,

The problems that your brother is experiencing are probably more due to getting someone to come and take his money! It has been pretty bad in the UK for the last decade or so since the house prices started to go through the roof - there has been a sea of work that even cheap Polish labour couldn't quench - though I dare say that even through the good times there will be some English builder who says it has been tough! From my most recent visit to the UK large construction has been hit quite hard but small household work looks as busy as ever.

Here in Holland I think (and I say think - not know!) that it is due to a very Dutch attitude which is a little bit like "that's the price - there is no negotiation":- It sometimes feels like a conspiracy. In my opinion the only way out is to do it yourself... {Shouldn't we open a new post for all of this?}

Army,

You are obviously new here. ;) Staying on topic is not something that happens here. We always go off topic and at some point, sex will be mentioned. It is as predictable as the sun rising in the east.:D

Oh well in that case - if we always go off topic - here is a typical price for work in the Netherlands:- would you pay about 35000 euros (current rate of exchange 49000 USD) for someone to fit a bathroom for you?

(Typical bathroom size over here is about 3 meters X 3 meters X 2.6 meters high) For this price you'll get tiles, posh German taps and perhaps a Danish sanitary suite comprising bog basin and shower and may be underfloor electric heating if you're really lucky...

Deal or no deal?

Not here I wouldn't. No way in hell. But actually I wouldn't be paying that there either. I'd do as much myself as I could.

- Peter.

Well, that may be but it doesn't appear to be what he's been experiencing.

Interesting. Why did you move to Holland? I'm assuming you are American, or British. My brother's wife ironically is Dutch.

- Peter.

Hi Peter, I'm English but like your brother I married a Dutch byrd!