Chen, first I owe you an e-mail. Second, I wish it was like that here, but everywhere else people expect to be paid for their work, as
they have to make a living also.
Actually, the people who are working on my house are professionals (well some of them) and are out of work. So with so few jobs
here, I would rather hire them. Although they are neighbors and would do this for free, I feel that paying them helps out their
family's and helps them along the way. It also helps out our small town, because that is where they spend the money. So it works
out all the way around for everyone.
By the way, your labor exchange is a great idea, wish it was like that here, sometimes it happens, when neighbors come over and work
on your place without being asked, and you don't owe them anything, they just do it out of friendship and because you are their
neighbor.