Angie's list

[Quattro Pete]

Anyone using it?

My biggest gripe is that you can't find out whether the company you're looking for is even in their system prior to signing up.

 

[TooManyWheels]

That is a large disadvantage. And even if the company is listed, it may have few, old or otherwise irrelevant reviews. Also, the reviewers are from the general population, so they may not be technically qualified to comment, and overweight things like clean uniforms, good customer relations, etc on a contractor who does overpriced or technically deficient work.

 

[oilboy123]

Yes once I noticed they wanted money I was thinking thanks, but no thanks...............

 

[dishdude]

I was a member for a year, and it was a waste. There are "sponsors" and they get the preferential listings when you go through the reviews, so I really felt as though it was skewed. Someone I ended up using that was A+ highly recommended turned out to be a nightmare. With Yelp and Google Places, you should be able to find out enough about the company without it - but you have to watch those too, as I found a lot of false reviews that were obviously placed by the owner or employees of the company.

 

[meangreen01]

It's pricey if you're only doing minor work. But, if you're talking thousands or tens-of-thousands it's well worth it.

I had a subscription when I first bought my house 7 yrs ago and did a lot of work immediately. Reviews were very accurate and I was satisfied. I cancelled shortly thereafter and just had some work done without review from Angie's and am really disappointed.

I personally am a former contractor that was honest, customer-oriented, and driven to satisfy, I am shocked as what passes for "acceptable" work now. Pretty sad.

Vet, vet , vet. Check and verify references and testimonials. [censored], ask for an address and personally view a job they did. If you're picky like me the time/work will be worth it. I'm sooo [censored] with my recent work, but they fulfilled the wording of the contract, so I'm left to make my nit-picks right myself.

 

[chubbs1]

Stay away from Angies list. PERIOD

 

[T-Bone]

I used Angieslist for about three years when I needed a lot of fencing, siding, and general contracting done, and it was 99% GREAT!

In particular, I found a general contractor that I never would have otherwise found - and he is the greatest! I also found a cedar fencing guy who was great, and some others who worked out well.

If you're doing substantial (like >$1000) work, it is worth it. Give it a try. By reading the evaluations of the contractors you can really get a feel for the way each one operates, who he has working for him, and who is really good.

You must ALWAYS ask for and check references, however.

 

[oilboy123]

Good to hear something positive.......