Angie's list

[Tailgate]

Yes or no? We need some foundation and duct work... Just wondering if it is worth the price to join.. Thanks

 

[REWahoo]

We had good luck with Angie's list when we had granite countertops installed in the kitchen. Not so good luck (not bad, just "OK") when we had some wallpaper removed and the walls textured.

 

[danwhite77]

I have had great success with Angie's list, with only a few (really, just one) misses out of a dozen or so contractors hired. If you google (or search Retail Me Not) you can probably find a coupon to join for $15 for the first year. I am in the suburbs of a major metropolitan area, so I can't speak to whether or not Angie's list works for less populated areas.

 

[JakeBrake]

I use Angie's list. I live in a rural area. It's been a mixed bag. the problem is that there are very few reviews in most categories and the few reviews often offer conflicting opinions, but it's a place to start. The best feature is the costs for various projects.

Back in the day I would save a copy of "The Real Yellow Pages" for several years. My theory was if a business had advertised for several years, it was probably a good bet. (I don't mean the lawyer ads on the covers). Unfortunately, it appears that "The Real Yellow Pages" is about out of business.

 

[ERhoosier]

Meh. Not truly independent anymore since they started doing business with some of their advertising contractors via "deals". Still decent for avoiding true fly-by-night scammers, but read the actual reviews before making a decision. Some well-rated companies have some less than stellar comments. Personal experience with their top-rated firms has been mixed. I would still check references & BBB file.

 

[omni550]

This topic was also covered several years ago....

http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/angies-list-57602.html

omni

 

[travelover]

My local library has an Angie's list subscription that library patrons can check out. Your library may have something similar.

 

[MichaelB]

We and other family members have used Angies List in three areas, found it very useful in two (New York, Chicago), and of little use in the third (South Florida). AL really does need lots of responses before it becomes useful, even then it is best for making a short list of candidates for a service.

 

[LoneAspen]

I've always had good luck checking Yelp when I need a contractor of some kind, and it's free.

As with any rating service, I throw out the outliers...the overly positive, and overly negative, reviews, and look at the middle ground. I figure the overly positive reviews are shills or paid reviewers, and the overly negative ones just have an axe to grind.

 

[Chuckanut]

Here is one take on Angie's list.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiem...umer-reports-says-you-cant-trust-angies-list/

 

[samclem]

I'm an AL member, it is marginally useful. It's hard to tell if a contractor is good based on the reviews: How many satisfied customers are not writing anything? If there are a slew of negative reviews, is it just because a particular contractor is very big (more customers=likely more unsatisfied customers). I have the feeling it works best in larger metro areas. Still, it's better than nothing, so I've kept my membership. When I get quotes I let the bidders know I found them on AL, and I subtly remind them again that I'm a member when they start doing the work--maybe they'll take a little extra time to do the job right if they want a positive write up from me.
One thing that bugs me: AL calls me several times a year and asks about contractors I've used (based on searches I've done on their site). They want customers to write reviews, or at least to give some feedback on various businesses when they call. I find this to be intrusive. The calls are always very friendly, but its a minor annoyance.

 

[tomz]

I just signed up for Angie's list. AARP has a discount offer (google angies list cost). It ended up costing me around $9 for an annual subscription. For that amount, I don't have much to lose.

 

[Katsmeow]

While it may not be perfect, it is working well for us. I do read the in depth reviews and feedback and look for contractors who have a long history and a substantial number of reviews. So far, everyone we have used from it (tree service, electrician, and plumber) have done a good job and we've been very satisfied.

 

[Greg V]

I've found Angie's List useful and have been satisfied with service providers I have found through that site. However, Angie's List is only part of my process when researching and selecting vendors/contractors. Better Business Bureau info and recommendations from people I know and trust, as well as personal vibes when I get an estimate/proposal, help complete the picture.

 

[madsquopper]

Seems useful for weeding out the real losers. Absent any other info, what I usually do is cross check Angie's List with Consumers Checkbook (I'm in the Wash DC area so have it) and find companies with good references from both. Results have been good to just OK. My problem with the "just OK" contractors/remodelers was that they were both a pain in the ass to deal with although the end result (and price) was good. After doing a number of major remodeling projects I'm coming to the conclusion that all contractors are going to be a pain in the ass at some point.

Larry