I thought I would share some insight with you, so many people use contractors but rarely ask them for anything or about anything outside of their specific job or task.   Recently, on a project I am working on I asked about where one of  the people was originally from, which in turn turned out to finding out about a whole new area near the city foreign to me also feeling like more than mearly a task maker the contractor shared helpful ideas on energy savings, places for discount items, and recommendations about guys he had know for years.   Just 20-30 minutes may end up saving a good bit of money and aggravation as well as established a line of communication for a mutually beneficial relationship down the road.   Never discount a persons wealth of knowledge based upon their day job as most trades people especially have been around for a while, may be second generation and are constantly talking to a variety of people.   Just a though-  

As always, have a great and healthy day!!

-John