Angie's List?

[starwood]

I'm thinking of signing up for Angie's List. We have several projects we need to do and I'm tired of running after contractors. Has anyone use them? I'd like some feedback on how useful you think it is before I pay $4.99 for a month.

 

[IUTBAM]

I have been a subscriber in the past, but I know I didn't pay that much for it...it was probably along the lines of $35/year when I did it. It was okay, but I wouldn't pay that much for it now. I do remember using one contractor who came "highly rated", and I wasn't overly impressed with his work. Honestly, you can do just as well by using the BBB website for your hometown, most likely. That's what I do now.

 

[FLAngie]

I use the BBB now too. Angie's List didn't really have many reviews for my area.

 

[silmarg]

go thru the process of signing up by inputting your name and email address on angies list... but then dont put in your CC number...

a few days later you will get an email to sign up at a discounted price.

 

[starwood]

I did find a code for 15% off and another one for no activation fee (which is the better deal). It would be $4.99 for 1 month. Still not sure I want to spend it if there isn't enough information for me.

 

[loonieroonie]

I've used Servicemagic.com to find contractors. It's the same as Angie's list, they give you a list of contractors, their reviews, and their licensing information. Best thing about servicemagic.com it's FREE. You can also call and have someone help you find a contractor in your area.

 

[FergieTCat]

I've used Servicemagic.com to find contractors. It's the same as Angie's list, they give you a list of contractors, their reviews, and their licensing information. Best thing about servicemagic.com it's FREE. You can also call and have someone help you find a contractor in your area.

I used Servicemagic, and the contractor disappeared with my deposit. I did win in Small Claims Court, but it's not worth the paper it's printed on. He closed his bank account, lost his license and there's nothing else I can do without hiring a lawyer.

My point is ... don't rely on Servicemagic. They did guarantee $500 against my loss, but it appears that some dishonest people sign up with them to appear legitimate.

(If you ever come across Leonard Santos from Queens, New York as a contractor -- run away!!)

 

[DebMcDonald]

Do you have a local mom and pop hardware store, they are sometimes GREAT for referral for contractors. Also, I am a huge person for keeping my business in town, I specifically look for contractors that are in my town right out of the yellow pages and have been very satisfied.

 

[christygobar]

I have found several contractors on ServiceMagic and have had no problems. I also will look up contractors who have excellent ratings through the local BBB.

These are the methods I use if I can't find a contractor through an actual referral from a friend/co-worker/family member/etc.

 

[starwood]

I tried servicemagic once and they didn't give me a list of contractors they gave my information to the contractors. I was inundated with e-mails.

As for keep my business local - my mother had a new roof put on by someone in the next town over (referred by my brother no less). He left a terrible mess but he cleaned it up when she called him. She then paid him. About a week later she went up inb the attic (she's 84 and doesn't go up there much). There were roofing shingles and filth everywhere. She tried calling him to have him clean up the mess and he never returned her phone calls. We sued him in small claims and in mediation he said he would come back and clean it up. He claimed my brother called him and cursed him out so he wouldn't return the phone call. My brother only called him after he refused to return repeated phone calls and he never cursed. There is no record of this guy with the BBB. I really don't want to have any problems with these contractors.

 

[silmarg]

sometimes real estate agents have good leads on local handimen as they will call on them to make a quick fix in a house if needed...

 

[hambirg]

sometimes real estate agents have good leads on local handimen as they will call on them to make a quick fix in a house if needed...

I was going to post the same thing.

ETA- My ex was a painting contractor and I just wanted you all to know that Service Magic (not to be confused with Service Masters that is an insurance restoration co.) is a pay for leads company. Contractors pay to be listed by them. . .that's it. They are a PITA calling constantly. . ."Hey we got all this work in your area. We're really swamped. Can you help us out?" And then they go into their sales pitch. I really don't remember what they charge because that's always when I cut them off.

 

[dmank]

I've used Angie's List for the last 3 or 4 years and been pretty happy with it. When I need someone quick, I can login and get reviews right away (without needing to go via a realtor or quickly asking around to friends). My area is well represented with reviews, which does help. Also, there are coupons available for Angie's List customers which I have taken advantage of in the past. 5% off electrical service and such.

 

[disney_mommy]

go thru the process of signing up by inputting your name and email address on angies list... but then dont put in your CC number...

a few days later you will get an email to sign up at a discounted price.

I did this and got an email with a discount. Still didn't sign up. Today I received an email with an even bigger discount. If anyone needs it:

Join Angie's List today and save 40%!
Use promo code WIRE102 by 10/17.

 

[Abbie]

Do you belong to your local freecycle group? Ours has a "sister" group, which is called the Community Cafe. It works sort of like freecycle, only it is specifically for recommendations for plumbers, contractors, doctors, community sales, etc. You can ask for whatever you're looking for and get responses immediately from people who can either recommend someone or warn about someone. I love it and have found some great help there....even found the location for DD's wedding reception last year!