I do not like to call contractors who charge by the hour. I would call and ask them if they also give estimates for the entire job. In that case I would check references and the work done and if I give their name to someone I would tell them that i have not yet worked with this person and they should do their due diligence too. 

I stick with reliable contractors for those who need names and suggestions.  They put in bids on jobs prior to being hired.

Don't know about others here, but we've never paid any contractor on an hourly basis. We always get bids for any projects we do, and also build in time of delivery and non-performance clauses in our contracts just in case they decide to string things out or skip town.

Would call if there was a need.  Would check them out thoroughly before engaging them.

I would prefer to use the contractors with whom I have a existing working relationship.

If it is a remodel why would it not include the electrical in the estimate.

As to the discount a definite no as if their services were that good they would be fairly priced.

no, I wouldn't call that contractor..... a desperate contractor is desperate for a reason...

Good morning Annette. A cheap or discount price has cost many a lot more money in the long run. I have a select few contractors that I refer, as I trust them and their work.

 Good Friday morning Annette. IMHO, it would be better to get a bid price rather than an hourly price

Annette - If I could see a portfolio of their work performed, and could speak with a few references, I might give them a call. Also depends on what their normal rate is compared to the going rate for same services.

I have seen a flyer sent to me offering first 4 hours free of charge.

Many agents will offer free staging as the competion is fierce....

I would definitely check out the contractor and if he turned out to be legit I'd take him up on the offer.

Most likely yes but I would make a few phone calls first.

I don't recommend contractors to clients either as a general rule.  If the buyer doesn't like their work, it could come back to bite you.

I would check references first and if they checked out then I would say sure I will give you a try. The discount alone isn't enough to convince me without talking to others.

That would make me suspicious.

I don't hire contractors on a time and expense basis and I don't recomment T & E contractors to my Clients, relatives or friends. Better to know up front how much the job will cost, how long it will take to complete and what grade materials will be used. 

It's hard to find available contractors here so I would check out his references, etc. to see if he should be on my list.

Phone calls are cheap and I would cross all my Ts and dot my Is to help my clients...