We are at the point now where we need to get quotes for the work upstairs. We have asked around and gotten a few referrals, but it wasn't enough. So, we decided to consult Angie's List.
I wonder if any of you have ever used this resource? If so, we'd be interested to hear about your experiences.
It's a national site, so many of you could use it in your area. They have a Quick Tour on the site that kind of gives you the low down. I know many of us are DIYers but there are times when you need outside help! ...except for Gary of course :o)
This week Steve contacted 5 general contractors with "A" reviews on Angie's List. We got 3 return calls within 2 days and 3 appointments set. I think this is pretty darn good compared to past experience. Maybe it's because this is a pretty good sized job.
I'll let you know how it goes...
6 comments:
I used Angie's List to find someone to repair some flashing on our roof, and it was quite helpful. I felt pretty safe with our choice and they did a great job. (I think!)
We use Angie's List all the time, and so far, we've done very well with it, but I can't stress enough how important it is to trust your gut feeling after you meet with someone you get from the list--even if they come very highly recommended. I had one guy come through who was all A's on Angie's List, and he just gave me a weird vibe--a friend wound up using him, and he was a total nightmare.
Also, don't just go with the highest graded person--be sure to check the folks with only a few reports that are good.
-The Old Man
I joined AL when I first bought my new house. Very mixed luck with them. I found a couple of contractors that I liked, but also had some very poor experiences. Its kind of a funny story to tell now, but I had a plumber that stalked me for a few months - never posted a comment for fear that it would start things up again. AL did not respond when I told them of my scary experience - so this guy has no bad comments :-/. Like a previous poster said, trust your gut & get/call references. I let my membership lapse and have been doing fine with a mix of referrals from friends/family and checking the BBB online. I think I am better now at knowing which questions to ask.
Thanks for the comments- good advice on trusting our gut!
Stucco House- how awful- I am sorry that happened and how terribly disconcerting that AL didn't address the issue. Having had my own experiences with stalking- I understand how distressing that can be.
Since you are in Chicago you also have access to the Franklin Report (http://www.franklinreport.com). They are a third party that takes homeowners reviews and compiles them and they create their own reviews based on that. Great resource and well respected here in New York. Good luck.
We hired a Plumber through Angies List. He did a good job for us. AngiesList is very helpful ...
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