Three times in the past month, clients, past and present, have called with questions about home repairs.  Two times furnaces were involved and one was for an electrical repair.  Both furnaces were deemed unsafe and in need of replacement by the first contractor.  The home owners then contacted two other contractors for further bids.  These contractors stated the furnace was in need of a basic repair, but not replacement.

Another client called an electrician who wanted $200 just to do an estimate.  I realize the contractor’s time is valuable, but come on!  I gave my client the names of two electricians I’ve had experience with who could help her out.  Neither electrician charged for a bid, but has done great work for other people in the past.

I constantly update my contractor referral list.  If I know a client has had a bad experience, the contractor goes off my list.  Conversely, if someone tells me about a great experience, I add that contractor to the list.  Sometimes I’ll have had direct experience with a contractor or service, other times it will be a name obtained from a colleague.  Sometimes one contractor or another may be better for a specific repair.   Feel free to contact me if you have more specific questions about any referrals. 

If you have questions about a repair or service, check the Better Business Bureau’s website, and The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website, and feel free to contact me for a referral. As in every business, there are some great contractors.   However, be careful to get references and more than one bid before doing any home repair.