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[151949]

I dread home improvement projects because my DH does poorly when ever anything upsets his routines and then he gets to whining EVERY DAY , ALL DAY because he is having to put up with something he doesn't like. How a grown man can be so immature is beyond me but he certainly can be sometimes.

[carrob]

I can relate, we are nearing the end of a whole house & pool renovation! We thought we could deal with contractors and workers…..after 3+months of this I feel like I have aged at least five years! We are living in a detached garage on the property while this is all going on,we are in the thick of things, never again!

[expatgal]

I have been putting off having a backsplash installed in my kitchen for 2 years!!!! Like you said, it isn't the $$$ at all. For me personally, I hate the mess and the intrusion on my privacy. Guess I'll just have hubby put the 356th coat of paint over the stains!

[StylishLady]

DH and I did a lot of renovation in our old 2 story wood frame house back north. Gutted rooms to install insulation with dry wall replacing old plaster & lath. Ceramic tile floor in kitchen and half bath. New doors to rooms and front and back exits. Hired someone to replace all windows. It took a while, but was great when done. When we sold the house after moving south, it was advertised as a dream house. Did not have the resources to hire out all the work. That's what is called sweat equity.

[Rainbowsarefree]

I'm very lucky in that I know people who know people and have gotten some very good contractors through referrals. However, I was looking for another referral source and I decided to join Angie's List. It was only $20 when I joined a few months ago and has been well worth the small investment. I have found 3 or 4 fantastic contractors through Angie's List that I unlikely would have found through other sources. I definitely recommend Angie's List.

[Kachina624]

I joined Angie's list and find that it takes a lot of aggravation out of getting projects done. I pick the top-rated 3 or 4 companies in any area of expertise and call to get estimates. They always return my calls and I've never had a bad experience with the results. Right now I'm negotiating with a couple of roofing companies for a complete new roof. One of the things workers are rated on is their dependability. I'll hire a roofer this week.

[Kachina624]

On 4/26/2014 Allegheny said:

We share the same issues stated. So have other family members. When we do find someone reliable, skilled and honest, its like gold. It is indeed frustrating because we are the type of people who are very patient and fair minded. We'll arrange our schedule to accommodate them.

We had selected someone to install a multi level stone wall. He did a beautiful job and kept us updated even while we were out of town. During his slow season he came in and did some interior work. We thought bingo, we finally found some one reliable. Well when we called for another job, he never returned our calls. I finally left a message telling him if he was not interested in the job just please call and let us know, no hard feelings. You guessed it, never heard a word back.

If someone could enlighten me to why so many contractors are like this I'd appreciate knowing.

I've had this happen too. I think some of these people have alcohol or drug problems and go on benders periodically.

[Abrowneyegirl]

On 4/26/2014 kachina624 said: I joined Angie's list and find that it takes a lot of aggravation out of getting projects done. I pick the top-rated 3 or 4 companies in any area of expertise and call to get estimates. They always return my calls and I've never had a bad experience with the results. Right now I'm negotiating with a couple of roofing companies for a complete new roof. One of the things workers are rated on is their dependability. I'll hire a roofer this week.

I found some great people on Angie's List and they are great on giving verbal round about quotes on projects. I unfortunately find a bid with a 20,000 range to be unacceptable. I can guess the job will cost between $15,000 to $35,000 I expect a professional to narrow it down a little bit and put things in writing.

I found a glass installer on AL and I know someone who used him, both gave rave reviews. HE was great to talk to and wanted the job as it was only a one day project but a high $ project. It has been 5 weeks and he has never called back, I left him 3 messages in case he lost my number.

[goodstuff]

We've had really good luck with contractors we've found from a couple of well-advertised and rated online "recommendation lists" that give info, referrals, and ratings on various types of contractors. We've used the same contractor for the last several painting/wood repair and replacement jobs, replacing an exterior door, and some other repairs. They make and keep appointments, are polite and professional, come back on schedule with a written estimate, and have done all work professionally and on time. Ditto for a carpet cleaning service found through this list. We've had similar positive experiences with a plumber and a handyman from our HOA's list of recommended contractors.

Maybe we're just lucky, but we've had some great contractors do work for us.

[vicki is ok]

When we moved into a new area, we didn't even know anyone to ask for referrals so we joined Angies Lists and am so glad we did. We have used contractors from Angies and have never once had an issue. I like the fact that you see all of the reviews, good and bad. If you have an issue, Angies checks into for you and helps get it resolved. Highly recommend them.

Vicki