I know this is kind of vague, but i need to know if the things i need from a future site are within my scope, and if not how much professional help ill need.

I need these fundamental things from my site.

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-Forms for work requests. Customers fill out information including personal info, job related info (like what they want me to do for them). As a bonus if there could be a special part to each form allowing either the use of a predetermined chart/table (to input start/end times and descriptions) on the computer, or to send in a spreedsheet type document via email later.

-A database of the above forms, organizable by me and only visable by me...but allowing customers to edit or delete the orders up til i disable the features...but from that point letting them veiw the past orders.

-Setting up user accounts that allow the customers to access a page where they can upload and download things to thier folder (saved on the site) through the browser. Essentially setting up something like ftp access without the need for seperate software. If possible having it manually assign them the space once they register (like if thier name is John Smith giving them a folder on the site named JSmith, maybe adding thier address number to the end incase multiple customers have the same name)

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That being said there is the obvious site structure and layout, which i think is within my scope, or at least reasonably close.

I guess what i need to know is what knowlege and capabilities would i need to acheive the above in a website?

server side programming and database design primarily

So chances are i need professional help?

Also could you maybe give me a breif on what exactly server side programming is?

Is it likely that i need to find 2 seprate pros for what you said or is it likely that these skills are typically held by one person?

Thanks

Server side programming is... the programming of a server.

server side programming - ASP, PHP, ASP.NET, ColdFusion, Perl etc etc

Some programmers understand database design;
Some programmers don't understand database design;
and there is a LOT MORE who think they understand database design, but just know enough to be dangerous

I would have to say it depends on your time frame. If you are in no rush - you could probably pick it up yourself with a little practice. If you need it ASAP - take a look at some freelancers.

Just remember - you get what you pay for. If you do it free - you are responsible for any screw-ups - sometimes it is worth it to pay for a little insurance that something is done right.

That's just my two cents.