Mark and I are in the process of rehabbing the house next door and we hope to move in within 2 months... at least move into the 2nd floor (grin). Lots of work to be done... and both our handymen are unreliable to an extreme. In fact, we can't count one as a handyman... he's never showed up! The other hasn't been around in a year. Ugh. And there's so much work to be done!
Asking around with our neighbors has only turned up one or two leads, and looking on CraigsList is OH SO SKETCHY.
But today, in one afternoon, from three individuals, came the phrase, "Angie's List." Angie's List? Oh, yes. Rate your services. Anything from a hair salon (yes, I just took the time to review mine!) to dog walkers to hardwood floor repair to kitchens and baths... you name it, that service is probably listed. They've recently branched into reviews of healthcare providers, which is great, because nothing I've seen out in the www does that job well.
I wasn't sure how active the Albany Area List would be, but it seems reasonable (a number of Grade A and B options for all categories I've checked out so far). We've probably found the guy to refinish our floors (found on CraigsList, confirmed on Angie's List after the fact), and I will definitely review the folks we end up using and look for reviews before using anyone. Two thumbs up!
Yes, there are fees (monthly or yearly), but you pay for the site, rather than getting ads from the contractors and never knowing whether it's fair and accurate data. A friend who's used them for all their home contractor needs states all "A" work done was great, the one "B" contractor they used was not "A" quality, but at half the price, it was worth it to them.
So if you're on the fence about paying the fees for use, be on the fence no more. Only one day and I'm happy already. Now, if you're going to sign up, feel free to put our name as a referral - I'm looking forward to the M&Ms coming in the mail. It will sweeten the long process of the rehab!
