We had trouble finding contractors for our remodel until a member from this Gardenweb site recommended Angie's list to me. It turned out it was a sound advice. I read every review of contractors in the category we were looking for. I picked out ones who had done projects of similar size and dollar amount. It helped me to compile a list of questions and contractors to call. We set appointments with contractors who sounded promising in the phone conversations. We met these contractors in person and presented scope of work. We then made final decision based on their quotes, personality, feedback from their references, work style and starting time. Angie's list provides a starting point; there is fair amount of work afterwards to screen contractors. We know there is risk involved because good contractors work out with other clients may not guarantee they would work well for us. We like to spell out details and specifications, a contractor may think we are difficult. We figured, at least we made informed decisions. We liked the contractor we chose so much while half way working the first project, we asked them to plan for another one. We are very happy with both projects, and had great working experience with the contractor and all of his subs. I left a glorious review for the contractor and his company on AngieâÂÂs list. I also mailed him my review so that he could use it as a reference. On a different subject - we had used Consumer Report for almost 30 years, but in recent years, we are not so sure about their ratings....

kateskouros - When we were redoing our bathroom, one company we really liked didn't have a lot of reviews, but we "had a good feeling about them." When I went back to double-check the reviews, the best one was gone. I contacted AL and was told that they had determined that an employee had written it, so they removed it, but that they were pretty sure the head of the company was not involved (I don't know how they knew that). I emailed AL again to ask if it was an actual employee or a sub-contractor (I thought it might make a difference), and they replied to say that they couldn't give me his name. Weird, since I hadn't asked. We reluctantly decided against that company. So yes, a company can post its own review, but they also do check into them somehow, so that gives me a little comfort. I use AL as a starting point and then do my own research.

I live on Long Island and I signed up for Angie's list for one month just to give it a try. I am disappointed with the subscription as only one of the contractor's I am considering (at least 5) are reviewed on AL. The one contractor that was reviewed received an "f" rating only based on one review and that reviewer only met with the contractor for an estimate. I did not like that AL shows an overall rating as a severe "F" without actual work having been performed. I did look up my plumber, electrician and others who I have used in the past, and the reviews, though minimal in quantity, were quite accurate. I think AL is a good service if the local users submit reviews. My advice, go for the monthly subscription so you can see how useful it is in your area before committing to a longer term subscription. I doubt I will renew mine. Good Luck!

Though as I posted above, I find AL very useful, doesn't mean I am thrilled with everything. I have been with them since they first came to our city. One example of problems that happen is that I had a wonderful experience with a tree-trimming company and I was the one responsible for adding them to the AL database. They probably didn't even know what it was when I did that. I gave them a glowing report. A couple of years later, I was going to hire them again for another job and find they are about three times more expensive at least according to their bid. Success often spoils company. That is why I never use the ones that have the most reviews even if good reviews. Sort of like the stock market, you want to buy when they are low (and new). If you wait too late, then you are not getting that great of a deal. As they grow, they often have to totally reorganize their business, hire new people and buy new equipment. This means it is basically another company than that which you originally hired. Because business sense is not that easy to come by, most of the time, the new company they have become is not as good as the old one (and I don't judge just by price). And like some of those new tech companies in Silicon Valley, the original company you gave a glowing review for got tons of business, made some nice money and has sold the company to someone else - no longer the same company at all though has the same name. Success can definitely spoil a company. So let the buyer beware. AL is good but in some ways has caused a new problem that people need to watch out for. But I don't plan to terminate my membership anytime soon. I just know that there is no substitute for doing homework, getting references, getting multiple bids (this last one I hate the most).