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Angie's List Tips Archive


Hiring a plumber on the fly | 7-3-2008
Plumbing problems often require a quick fix, but don't hire the wrong company just because you're in a hurry!

Need a new driveway? | 6-25-2008
Concrete and asphalt are the most popular types of material for paving driveways. But each has their benefits and drawbacks, so keep these tips in mind when deciding which to choose.

Summer lawn and garden help | 6-23-2008
Making small, inexpensive adjustments to your lawn and garden maintenance can make a big difference during the summer when temperatures rise and rain becomes scarce.

After the Storm | 6-10-2008
Devastating storms nationwide have produced massive floods, spawned tornadoes and created a deluge of disaster, as people have been forced from their damaged – sometimes obliterated – homes.

10 tips for choosing the perfect paint color | 6-6-2008
How to select the perfect color for each room of your house.

Man Caves | 6-4-2008
Dad probably already has enough shirts, ties, wallets and watches to fill his closet, so if you’re looking for a fresh gift idea this Father’s Day, consider giving the special man in your life something he’s sure to appreciate: a little space. Not a free pass to go golfing; just real, honest-to-goodness square footage.

Picking a Dentist | 6-4-2008
You know the drill: picking a dentist can be a real pain. Angie's List offers tips to help take the fear out of choosing a dentist.

5 tips for surviving your summer deck project | 6-3-2008
A new deck is a great addition to your home and can extend your living space considerably.

Secrets for Getting a Callback | 5-29-2008
Ever call a company, and no one gets back to you? Angie's List has advice on getting companies to return your phone call.

Burglary Prevention | 5-29-2008
Summer is the season that most burglars get cracking. While there’s no such thing as a completely burglar-proof home, there are some easy ways homeowners can better protect themselves.

Travel Insurance | 5-29-2008
Vacations can become very expensive and many people spend a lot of time saving for a trip. You may think buying travel or rental car insurance will unnecessarily eat into your fun, but if you have to cancel your trip or if you crash the rental car, you could be out thousands of dollars.

Allergy proofing your home | 5-27-2008
Millions of Americans battle to keep away from the triggers that cause itchy eyes, runny noses and asthma attacks. While you might think your home offers a respite from pesky triggers like dust mites and mold, it may be harboring more harm than you know.

Vacation Auto Care | 5-27-2008
With no end in sight for the fast-rising gas prices, Angie’s List members planning to drive this summer to their vacation destination are taking extra steps to ensure they get the most out of every gallon.

Rising Oil Prices Impacting Material Costs | 5-7-2008
Consumers are reminded of rising petroleum costs each time they pull up to the gas pump, but they could soon feel the soaring price of oil well beyond the gas station. That’s because the cost the oil is also affecting material prices.

Go Green: Save Green | 4-14-2008
Green building and remodeling is a big trend right now, but many homeowners still think making their homes more eco-friendly will be expensive and difficult. The good news from Angie’s List – going green doesn’t have to be either.

Guys Guide to Wedding Planning | 4-4-2008
The days when the groom’s only role in wedding planning was to show up at the church on time are long gone. Today, many couples are working as a team by divvying up the pre-matrimonial duties.

Green Living in Your Backyard | 3-31-2008
Whether you want to turn your garden into an organic oasis or make your yard a little more environmentally friendly, getting started isn’t as complicated as you might think.

Spring Break Advice | 3-24-2008
As parents get ready to send their teens off on spring break, they may need to consider doing more than upping the limit on their credit cards: they should examine their health care policies to determine if their young adults are covered once they step over the border.

Fencing Your Yard | 3-24-2008
Many people put their fences up in the summertime. At Angie’s List we typically see an 87% increase in request for fencing companies during those months. What many people don’t realize is that fences can be put up year round.

Flooring for the Home | 3-24-2008
Flooring materials are more varied than ever before, and all those options might leave you a little confused.

Garden Ready for Spring? | 3-24-2008
Landscaping is very important to Angie’s List members. It was the second highest category that people are going to tackle this year, and can add seven to 14 percent to a home's value.

Angie's List Rating Health Care | 3-24-2008
Responding to member demand for a trusted outlet to share experiences about the health care industry, Angie’s List has expanded its ratings coverage area to include physicians, dentists, facilities, pharmacies and health insurance providers.

Exterior painting tips | 3-19-2008
Painting is one of the quickest and least expensive ways to spruce up your home.

Window shopping 101 | 3-10-2008
Windows can account for 10 percent to 25 percent of your energy bill. If your house is among the nearly half of all U.S. homes with single-pane windows, consider replacing them with high-performance glass that will add a fresh look and decrease your energy costs. Here are some tips on how to select the best window for your budget.

Snow Storm Recovery | 3-10-2008
A nationwide Angie's List poll found that 56 percent of our members hadn't winterized either their home or car. We have tips to help your readers get through the post-storm dig out with as little long-term damage as possible.

Insuring Your Home | 3-4-2008
Homeowners fretting about whether the housing market will ever rebound may be overlooking a more immediate and potentially devastating concern: does their homeowners' insurance policy offer enough coverage to replace the house should catastrophe strike?

Spring: Home & Garden Checklist | 3-4-2008
Most homeowners keep to the age-old Spring tradition of deep cleaning when or soon after the season is officially sprung.

Door to door | 3-4-2008
Doors are one of the few upgrades that will add a dramatic new look to both the interior and exterior of your home. Today’s doors are more energy efficient; carry better warranties and come in hundreds of styles. Whether it’s for looks or to increase energy savings, consider these tips when shopping for new doors.

Gift Card Advice | 3-4-2008
With so many people to shop for, gift cards are not only convenient but are increasing in popularity. While a gift card may be “just the right gift,” experts advise both givers and receivers to be mindful of the fine print and to use those cards sooner rather than later.

Hiring a Tax Preparer | 2-28-2008
The tax deadline will be here before you know it. By doing some research and getting organized, you can take the hassle out of tax time -- and perhaps even return some tax dollars to your pocket.

8 Tips for Tax Time | 2-19-2008
Tax time is stressful for everyone, even accountants and IRS employees. But, there are easy things you can do to save yourself time and stress this year as April 15 nears.

Five quick fixes for a beautiful yard | 2-19-2008
From suburban sprawl to city settings, landscaping can add a whole new level of beauty to your home. Regardless of your budget, here are five tips for creating a lush retreat.

Hiring In-home Elder Care Services | 2-15-2008
The vast majority of senior Americans want to live out their days in the comfort of their own home. However, for their families wanting to make that hope a reality, the process of hiring help can be daunting.

Do you need a new roof? | 2-7-2008
Asphalt shingles are on about two-thirds of the roofs across the U.S. And, in most cases, homeowners can expect them to last 20 to 25 years. However, problems that do occur can quickly result in costly fixes. Here are a few things to look for to know when it might be time for a new roof:

Unique Valentine Gifts | 2-6-2008
It’s impossible not to notice… you see red in practically every store this time of year. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and while the usual gifts stick out: chocolates, cards, and flowers, do you know what your Valentine really wants?

Remodeling: Don't Over Invest | 2-6-2008
Are homeowners at risk of over-investing in their home? With so much at stake, Angie’s List has put together a list of questions homeowners should ask themselves before getting into the grit and grim of remodeling.

Flower Buying Tips | 2-4-2008
Some people love the thrill of shopping for holiday gifts at the last minute, and many even find great deals as a result. However, Valentine’s Day, is a big gamble for shoppers who wait it out.

Help for Couples Undergoing a Remodel | 2-4-2008
The road to creating a perfect love nest can be bumpy. Every remodeling project is challenging and carving out individual space can add more than routine stress.

Spend or Save your Tax Refund? | 2-4-2008
Many Americans decide what to do with their tax refund check long before they get it, and in recent years, many have seen it as an opportunity to splurge rather than save or invest. But this year, as millions of Americans deal with what may be the worst housing crisis since the Great Depression, those traditional tax-check shopping sprees may never come to pass.

Maintaining Your Water Heater | 2-4-2008
Maintained properly, water heaters will last for years and deliver gallon after gallon of hot water. Left alone, they’ll quickly lose efficiency, sucking dollars out of your wallet with every degree of heat.

Staging Your Home to Sell | 1-24-2008
As the number of unsold homes on the market continues to rise, sellers are looking for unique ways to capture the hearts of potential buyers. One option is home staging.

Money-saving tips | 1-22-2008
Use these money-saving tips to cut costs on all of your home projects.

To DIY or Not to DIY? | 1-21-2008
While many home-related projects can be tackled successfully by homeowners, others are more challenging and should be left to a professional. But how’s a homeowner to tell the difference?

TV Repair | 1-21-2008
It seems like everywhere you look right now, you see advertisements for high-definition televisions. While prices are dropping, these televisions are still a big investment and can have the same kinds of bugs as any other electronic device.

Let There Be Light | 1-14-2008
A lot of attention is given to paint colors and the overall design of a home’s interior, but what about the home's lighting?

Testing Your Home for Radon | 1-14-2008
You can't see, taste or smell it, but it can pose a serious threat to your family's health. Radon can seep into your home from underground and build up to a dangerous level if trapped indoors.

Finding a Tree Service | 1-7-2008
Spring storms are in full swing and can wreak havoc on trees. With that in mind, here are a few tips to help you find a good tree service:

Top Projects for 2008 | 1-7-2008
The annual Angie’s List project poll indicates homeowners will spend about $11,250 on average on home improvement and maintenance projects in 2008, up 13 percent over the average they reported spending in 2007.

Reduce Heat & Energy Costs | 1-2-2008
While the price consumers will this winter varies broadly from one region of the country to the other, a little preventative care and some common sense will help keep bills down.

Finding a Fitness Center | 1-2-2008
The growing array of options can sometimes make choosing a gym difficult and even more intimidating for some. With that in mind, Angie’s List helps you find the right gym for your fitness goals.

Snow Removal | 1-1-2008
Remember last year when you woke up to find 8 inches of snow? Not only did you have to dig your way out, but you were late for work. You vowed to never be snowed in again! But have you done something about it this year?

Avoid Return Rage | 12-26-2007
Returning holiday gifts is a customary and often frustrating chore for consumers. While it seems like it should be a simple process, it’s often complicated by long lines, lost receipts and confusing return policies put in place to deter “habitual returners.”

Tipping at the Holidays | 12-10-2007
While tipping is something that should be done year-round, the holidays often raise questions for many consumers. How much do you tip for a one-time service provider? How about a year-round contractor? Its questions like these that leave many consumers feeling uncertain and uncomfortable.

Selecting Ceramic Tile | 11-28-2007
Ceramic tile can be a fast way to dramatically change the look of your home. Whether you want to replace that laminate floor, backsplash, or countertops, tile can be a durable and economical option that will also add value to your home.

Cleaning Help at the Holidays | 11-27-2007
As homeowners prepare for visits from family and friends during holidays, they are more often turning to services like housecleaning to help them get it all done this time of year.

Childproofing for the Holidays | 11-14-2007
For many homeowners, putting up decorations and trimming the tree are some of the most enjoyable traditions of the season, not to mention how fun it is for children. However, the addition of colorful ornaments and sparkling lights can quickly create potential safety hazards for kids.

Holiday Safety Checklist | 11-14-2007
Whether you’re spending the holidays at home or traveling to visit loved ones, a few preventative measures will provide a safe and merry holiday for all.

Avoid Turkey Day Turmoil | 11-8-2007
Planning a big turkey dinner and plenty of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving? If so, you’ll want to make sure your oven is in good working order so you can avoid Turkey Day turmoil.

Holiday Decorating | 11-8-2007
Trimming the tree and decorating the home are some of the most enjoyable traditions of the holiday season, but there are many homeowners who just don’t have the time to get tangled up in the lights or grapple with a ladder.

Gutter Cleaning | 11-5-2007
Taking an out of sight, out of mind philosophy toward your gutters could cost you big bucks down the road in roof and even basement repairs.

Fall: Home Checklist | 11-5-2007
Putting off routine maintenance around the house nearly always results in headaches, wasted time and sometimes major expenses. While it’s called “routine” maintenance, many homeowners don’t know where to start when trying to plot a routine maintenance course.

10 Things Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Lead | 11-2-2007
Your home could poison your child or the children who visit it. If your house was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint. If it was built before 1960, it almost certainly does.

Bathroom Mildew | 11-2-2007
One of the most common recurring problems in the bathroom is mildew or mold around tubs and showers. There are a few things you can do to both get rid of mildew and keep it from coming back.

Removing Your Leaves | 10-16-2007
Leaf raking can be tough and time consuming, but the extra effort will pay off.

Ticket Brokers | 10-16-2007
Got two for the game? Getting great seats can be a challenge. If you’re looking for premium seats or have waited until the last minute to buy tickets, a ticket broker can actually be a great resource.

Halloween Yard Safety | 10-11-2007
Angie’s List wants kids of all ages to have a happy Halloween, so we’re offering a few tips for preparing your home for the holiday.

Prevent Dryer Fires | 10-9-2007
Too many Americans take their clothes dryers for granted and are unaware of the danger that can lurk in a poorly maintained machine. Angie's List has tips to prevent dryer fires in your home.

Halloween Costume Rental & Safety | 10-4-2007
No matter how you’re creating your costume for Halloween, safety should be the main priority. Angie’s List offers 11 safety tips for Halloween costumes.

Keeping Critters Away from Your Home | 9-28-2007
Unwanted animals can bring a variety of problems into your safe haven. How do you know if a pest if living rent-free in your home? Angie List suggests checking these areas of your home.

Fall Lawn Care | 9-28-2007
Fall is one of the best times to get work done on the exterior of your home, and regular lawn maintenance is no exception. Angie’s List helps you lay the groundwork for a lush lawn come spring.

Car Buying | 9-25-2007
Buying a new car is a big investment. Angie's List offers tips for driving away with a good deal.

Air Duct Cleaning | 9-20-2007
If your air ducts are not properly maintained, they can become contaminated with dust, pollen and other debris including mold. Angie's List offers tips when hiring a professional.

Protect against scrap metal theft | 9-20-2007
An upsurge in the market price for aluminum and copper is driving an unusual crime wave in neighborhoods across America. Scrap metal thieves are stripping aluminum siding and gutters from houses and even copper coils from air conditioning units.

Pet Grooming | 9-19-2007
Good grooming can help keep your pet healthy as well as beautiful, but you can keep your pet in good shape and still save money by tackling some of the tasks yourself.

Lead Based Paint | 9-18-2007
Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage to young children. While the U.S. banned lead in most paints in 1978, the danger remains in homes painted before the ban.

Living Large in a Small Space | 9-12-2007
Thinking about how to make the space in your home work better for you? Angie’s List consulted the experts and put together tips to help make the most of small spaces.

Music Instruction | 8-29-2007
Music instruction can be a great activity for your child. Angie’s List offers tips for parents to help them encourage their child’s interests without breaking the bank.

Avoid Hair Horror Stories | 8-27-2007
No stylist or barber wants to have an unhappy customer, but it’s up to you to help make your time in the chair a success. Angie's List has tips to help you achieve a stress-free experience at the stylist.

Garage Doors | 8-16-2007
Most of us take for granted that each time we push the button, the garage door will raise or close, and dread the day that it doesn’t. Finding the right garage door for your home, or even maintaining the one you have, can be challenging.

Child Care | 8-15-2007
There's so much to consider when weighing your child care choices. Angie's List offers tips to help you make an informed decision.

Prepare Teens for Drivers Education | 8-8-2007
Driving is one of the few rites of passage for teenagers, but many parents get the jitters when it comes time to put their teen behind the wheel. Angie’s List offers the following tips to consider before putting your teen in the driver’s seat.

Hiring a Handyman | 8-8-2007
Handymen continue to be in high demand. In fact, the handyman category is consistently one of Angie’s List’s most requested.

Home Inspections | 8-8-2007
Home inspections are typically the “last look” a buyer will get before making what will be their largest single investment. It’s important to take the time to find a qualified, experienced professional who is going to do a comprehensive inspection that you can rely on.

Insuring Your Pet | 7-24-2007
Pets are an important part of their families, so keeping them in good health is a priority. Pet insurance can help you afford that unexpected visit to the vet.

Home Warranty | 7-20-2007
When it comes to home warranties, details matter. Angie's List explains the ins and outs of home warranties.

Air conditioning | 7-11-2007
The “dog days of summer” are a great time to remind homeowners to check that their air conditioning is running properly. Industry experts say preventative maintenance can save you on average $100 a year.

Hiring a House Sitter | 7-10-2007
Short trips don’t generally cause homeowners a great deal of worry, but when homeowners have to be gone for an extended amount of time, a great way to achieve peace of mind over pet and property can be finding a good sitter.

Preparing for a Remodel | 7-3-2007
Home improvement can quickly start to seem like a home invasion to you and your family. But, there are a number of things you can do to prepare before the contractors start to turn your home into a construction zone.

Improve Gas Mileage | 6-15-2007
Reduce the pain at the pump! You can improve your gas mileage and extend the life of your car by changing your motoring habits.

Father's Day | 6-1-2007
Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to say thank you, but gift buying for dear ol’ Dad can be hard. To make the annual holiday easier for the givers and better for the receivers, Angie’s List asked dads tips on how to make it a day they’ll truly enjoy.

Garage Sales | 5-24-2007
You’ve always heard that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. One of the best ways to cash in on your treasures is by having a garage sale.

Cutting Summer Energy Costs | 5-23-2007
Keeping your cool during the summer heat can be expensive, but changing a few energy-wasting habits can cut your energy bill.

Renting Party Equipment | 5-10-2007
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, birthday, graduation or family get together party rentals can take the hassle out of planning and leave your guests raving about the great time they had.

Avoid Moving Day Madness | 5-9-2007
Finding a reliable company to help you move can be hard too. If you don’t do your homework, you can find yourself even more stressed out than if you’d done all the work yourself.

Flower Buying Tips for Mother's Day | 5-1-2007
Flowers are at the top of the already planned Mother's Day gifts. With the help of a florist, you can create something that's personalized and even more meaningful.

Pet Travel | 4-25-2007
With so many pet owners taking Fido along for the ride, Angie’s List takes a look at special accommodations you might need to consider and offers tips to keep Fido happy during the trip.

If You Plan to Put Your Home on the Market | 4-16-2007
For homeowners who are about to put the for sale sign in the front yard, Angie's List has a few tips to help your house show better, and hopefully sell quicker.

Appliances: Repair Vs. Replace | 4-9-2007
You wake up to fetch the milk for your morning coffee only to find the milk and everything else inside your refrigerator is warm. Is it more economical to replace or repair the fridge? The right answer depends on a variety of factors.

Mold in the Home | 4-2-2007
You may be familiar with mold that appears on bread or fruit, but if you've had water damage in your home or notice a moldy odor - you could have mold growing within your walls.

Basement Waterproofing | 3-27-2007
It’s a typical scenario for several homeowners: it rains, the basement leaks. A damp basement is a common problem in the home, but can be avoided with some easy steps.

Choosing a Countertop | 3-23-2007
New countertops can be one of the best ways to spruce up your old kitchen. But, the wide array of surface products can quickly make the project overwhelming, not to mention costly.

Easy Tips to Live Green | 3-21-2007
It would be great to purchase a hybrid car or install solar panels, but we can't all make big changes like that. Here are 13 unique eco-friendly tips to help make a difference.

Phishing Scams | 3-16-2007
Americans remain concerned about identity theft and the spread of digital viruses for good reason: identity thieves steal millions of dollars a year and viral attack artists cost consumers millions more to repair and replace damaged computers.

HDTV 101 | 3-12-2007
A high-definition television offers programming that is brighter, sharper and more vivid than standard televisions. But don’t buy without a little bit of homework or you’ll find you’ve spent your money for nothing.

Complaining Effectively | 2-7-2007
Regardless of the old saying "The customer is always right," you have probably been a victim of lousy service. Here are a few tips to incite action for an unresolved complaint.

Home Gyms | 1-10-2007
Finding time to make it to the gym is difficult for many people. If you think a home gym is just what you need, here are a few tips to help you consider the benefits and potential drawbacks.

Cold Weather Help | 1-10-2007
The extreme cold can affect your home and car. Freezing temperatures can lead to many inconveniences including a car that won’t start or water pipes that freeze and burst.

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