Angie's List

[33girl]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Also, purchasing a home warranty (in addition to home owner's insurance and, if applicable, having a home owner's association) works well.

I already have one of those. This is cosmetic stuff that has nothing to do with it.

[BraveMaroon]

Interestingly, we just bought a year subscription, because we had a leak in the roof, and couldn't decide who to use.

The guy we found on there came today and gave me an estimate - and because we found him on Angie's List, he's going to cut us a 5% discount - which turns out to the same basic price we paid for our subscription.

The fact is, we live in a house built in 1930, and so repairs are more the rule than the exception - we'll try it for a year and see what we think. But I was incredibly impressed with the guy they sent. Followed safety precautions, was nice to my dog, thorough in his estimate and the explanation, took pictures, showed up on time...

Most of our friends are as new here as we are, and not a great many are homeowners, so the word of mouth isn't always an option.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Are you sure you couldn't get a referral through a home warranty agent?

Considering that once the people the home warranty company has sent have on occasion had to come back and redo things, umm no. And yes, I told them that they need to get better contractors in the area. The HWA is in Minnesota, so obviously they don't know from here. Their service and follow up is top notch though, so I'd rather help them than dump them.

But at any rate...as I said, this is purely cosmetic stuff. My home warranty isn't going to cover it.