He is an amazing contractor (He did our kitchen remodel which was fantastic).. and the fact he shows you his cost of goods (or even lets you supply your own) up front makes him in high demand. We've been on his schedule for the past 2 years to start this project...
I know he'll offer to float me the money to start, but I also don't want to drop to the end of his schedule again (and wait until next year or longer)