Angie's List is the nation's premiere provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including cable and satellite TV services.

With all the commercials for pay TV flying around the airwaves, it’s hard to know which TV service is best for your pocketbook.Good research is the key to getting the best pay TV deal. While it may seem tedious, you’ll maximize both your savings and your TV offerings.

Angie’s List steps to negotiation for the best pay TV deal:

• Check availability: Some areas don’t yet have a full array of pay TV options. Check out all that’s available to you and then fully research each one so you can more easily use the different offerings to your best advantage.
• Know the details: Some basic packages start as low as $20 but there may also be fees for receiver boxes, DVR’s and installation and other things that could escape your notice. As you are comparing service providers, ask for an itemized listing of charges, equipment rental fees, etc… so you’re comparing fairly.
• Read the fine print on promotional offers: That free DVR or low, low price for a few months may be great, but read the fine print so that you understand what your costs will be when that promotional period has expired.
• Contract or contract-free service: Cable and fiber optic companies often tout contract-free service, while most satellite companies require a 1-2 year commitments, depending on the programming package you choose. Know when your contract ends and any early termination fees associated with canceling it.  
• Bundle the services: While pricing for cable and satellite service are fairly comparable, one of the best ways consumers can save these days is by looking for opportunities to bundle multiple services, like high-speed Internet, TV and telephone. You’ll have to know what getting out of existing contracts will cost you to determine savings.
• Channel choice: What do you want from your television? How much TV do you really watch? Do you watch premium movies or follow a certain sports team that requires you to buy a special package? Figure that out first and then choose the tier or package that matches your actual viewing habits. If you don’t watch many movies, it might be cheaper to skip those channels and either rent or go out to a movie rather than paying every month for something you never use.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better deal: Keep an eye out for special promotions. Have examples of one or more competitor’s lower prices or better service deals and call the company’s consumer retention department. Record the name of the person you’re speaking with and note the date and time you called. These details will increase your credibility if you need to follow up later. Be prepared to end your service if you can’t get a better deal.

Before you fire up the lawn mower this spring make sure it – along with your other gardening tools – is cleaned, sharpened and ready to work when you are.

Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, reached out to its highly-rated lawn mower repair specialists to get the dirt on proper lawn mower maintenance.

Angie’s List tips on lawn mower maintenance:

• Bring in your mower for service in early spring – this will help avoid breakdowns and extend the life cycle. It also helps you beat the rush so your mower is in tip-top shape.
• A service appointment should check the oil, blade, spark plugs, filter, battery and belts. Some facilities will require you to drop your mower off at their shop, while others will make house calls. Always ask for an estimate and guarantee on the work. A spring check up can cost $50-$150 depending on your mower. 
• Warning signs that your mower needs maintenance can include difficulty in starting, a smoking engine, and reduced horsepower.
• Be sure to sharpen the blade at least once a year. Cutting grass with a sharpened blade is important for lawn health – it promotes better grass health. If you notice the blade has some major gashes, it may be time to buy a new blade – which costs around $10.
• Before mowing for the first time this season, clean up your yard. Walk through and pick up any sticks and branches that have fallen over the winter. Then rake up all the leaves that are left over.
• Rake away all the thatch that has accumulated since the fall/winter. Thatch is that tangle of dried up dead grass and weeds that intertwines with your live grass. If left alone, thatch can prevent nutrients and water from reaching the roots of your lawn.
• Start mowing when the grass grows about 3 to 4 inches tall. Keep grass at least 2 to 3 inches tall. This height helps keep the moisture in the grass and the weeds out.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen and bathroom remodel, or just want to add some extra living space to your home, do your homework before you hire. Separating the good contractors from the bad isn’t as difficult as it might seem. With just a bit of effort, you can save, time, money and a lot of stress while turning your home into a haven.

Angie’s List tips for hiring:

• Do you need a general contractor? For larger projects, especially those that may involve several different service providers, hire a general contractor to oversee the various specialized areas, which could include carpenters, plumbers, electricians and engineers, depending on the size of your project.
• Do you need an architect? Some homeowners are turning to architects, rather than general contractors to design and oversee their project. Some communities require an architect for certain remodeling projects, including those that affect the structural integrity of your home. Take the time to research specifically which professional will best meet your needs and which ones are required.
• Shock value: Most remodeling projects will require at least some attention from an electrician. Electrical systems on homes built 30-40 years ago were not designed to carry the extra load of all the appliances homes use today. At a minimum, have a licensed, qualified electrician review your system to be sure you’re not endangering your family.
• Will you go green? Green remodeling can lead to energy savings, possible tax credits, and a healthier environment. Finding a green contractor requires the same attention to detail and research as hiring any other professional for your home. The contractor should be able to explain more than just the “green” approach, but also the benefits to you and your home.
• Clearly define your project: Before you begin talking with contractors or architects, pick up remodeling magazines, search the Internet for information on designs and materials and put your ideas on paper. Even rough ideas on paper are better than nothing at all. It will give a potential contractor a better sense of what your expectations are and what you're hoping to accomplish.
• Do your research: Don’t just hire based on a conversation. Check consumer reviews of the contractor you plan to hire through Angie’s List. Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address or only use an answering service.
• Check references: Get names of previous customers and find out if they were pleased with the work and the timeline of the project, as well as if they’d hire the contractor again. Get the names of subcontractors and ask if they work with the contractor often and if he or she pays on time. If your contractor balks at providing references, move on.
• License for hire: Determine if contractors must be licensed to perform the job. Contractor licensing laws vary by city, state and township. Check with local departments of commerce, consumer affairs or professional regulators. If licenses are required for your project, ask for a trade license number; be sure you don’t receive a business or occupational license number instead.
• Insured & bonded? Check the status of the contractor’s bonding and liability insurance coverage. At a minimum, all contractors should carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Does your home have lead-based paint? If your house is older than 1978, it very likely contains lead-based paint. Beginning April 22 2010, any contractor who might disturb lead paint in homes built before 1978 will be required to be trained and accredited in proper lead safety techniques. A certified contractor should tell you that he or she will follow the new lead-safe work practices, including isolating the area where lead paint will be disturbed with plastic sheeting, posting warning signs, cleaning up thoroughly every day, and avoiding the now-banned removal techniques. Check status with Angie’s List or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Get estimates: Take the time to get at least three written estimates for your job. And get it in writing. Documentation is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong
• Prepare your family for the stress: This is one of the most overlooked, but critical considerations. How will the project change your routine, especially if it’s a kitchen or bath? Where will materials be stored? What are the working hours for the crew?
• Know your budget and payment options: Be wary of contractors who want large deposits up front. Most contractors who require a deposit charge between 10 percent and 15 percent of the total value of the project. Even the most careful budget will change, especially if your project includes hidden problems. Never pay for a project with cash; always use a credit card so you have recourse in case something goes wrong. Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that the work is complete to your total satisfaction.  
• Review all aspects of the contract before you sign: Never sign a blank contract and don't assume that certain specifics are included, such as appliance installation. Know the details of the contract, as well as how any change orders will be handled. Keep all paperwork involved in your project, including proof of licensing, bonding and insurance, the contract, invoices, proof of payment, and all letters and e-mails. Photos of the job in progress can be helpful, too.
• Confirm the “punch list” procedure: This is, literally, a document that lists out the remaining tasks your contractor will perform for you before your project is complete. This is a great way to keep track of all the things you want accomplished. A punch list can be created at the beginning of a project, but is often developed as your project nears completion. Common tasks include things like, cleaning up construction debris and finishing trim. Determine the cost of these items, double it, and then withhold that amount from the final payment until the punch list is complete.

Beginning April 22, the Environmental Protection Agency will require any contractors who might disturb lead paint in homes, schools and child care facilities built before 1978 to be trained and accredited in proper lead safety techniques.  

• The law holds contractors responsible for following strict protocols to maximize the containment of poisonous lead dust. It also prohibits unsafe practices, including open-torch burning and high-heat guns, and using high-speed equipment -- such as grinders and sanders -- that don't contain a HEPA filter.
• More than 24 million U.S. homes were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned. More than 300,000 children in the United States have dangerous blood lead levels which often leads to long-term developmental and behavioral problems.
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that about 37 million housing units contain lead-based paint and 23 million contain significant lead-based paint hazards. 

Angie’s List tips to keep your family safe from lead poisoning during a renovation project:

1. Ask your contractor if she or he is certified in lead-safe work practices. If you live in a home built before 1978, the answer, very simply, should be, “Yes.” And the contractor should have the documentation to back it up.
2. Ask, “How will you protect my family from lead dust?” Walk away from any contractor who says it won’t be a problem. A certified contractor should tell you that he or she will follow the new lead-safe work practices, including isolating the area where lead paint will be disturbed with plastic sheeting, posting warning signs, cleaning up thoroughly every day, and avoiding the now-banned removal techniques.
3. Make sure your house is free of lead dust after the job is done. Lead dust can be invisible and it doesn’t take much to make your child sick. While the new EPA guidelines call for a cleaning verification, which involves doing a visual inspection, cleaning with a HEPA vacuum and a conducting a wipe test with dry and damp cloths, the only way to be sure that the house is safe, even after thorough cleaning, is to have a clearance exam. Clearance testing involves collecting samples and having them analyzed at a lab for lead content.

Angie’s List is the nation’s premiere provider of consumer reviews on local service companies. You can find certified lead testing and removal professionals on Angie’s List.

National statistics show 88,000 people had their homes repossessed in January in 2010. That’s a 31 percent increase from a year ago, and experts believe more than 3 million Americans may face foreclosure in the coming months.
 
Just like shady contractors follow storms, preying on those in need of quick home repairs, predators are now seeking homeowners reeling from foreclosure notices.

If you have been victimized or you’ve had a narrow escape, call your state Attorney General’s office to report it and submit a consumer review to Angie's List to help warn others.

Angie's List warning signs that you're being approached by predatory foreclosure consultants:

• I’m here to help: Be wary of any company – other than your lender – that initiates contact with you about your mortgage or foreclosure process. Foreclosure notices are public records and scam artists use them to target homeowners in distress.
• For a small fee: You don't need to pay for “loan modification” or “foreclosure assistance” services. Walk away from any company that asks for payment upfront –  in many states upfront payment for these services is illegal.
• Let’s not bother your bank about this: Walk away quickly from any consultant who tells you not to bother to inform your lender, or who says he/she will take on that task for you. Chances are they’re not legitimate and they don’t want the bank to know they’re “helping” you because they’re preparing to take your money and run.

How to get help after you’ve received your foreclosure notice:

• Work first with your bank/lender: When you get a call or a letter from your bank inquiring about past due payments, respond – you may be able to work out a new arrangement that will keep you out of foreclosure. Keep making mortgage payments – even if you can’t pay the full amount unless your bank tells you otherwise.
• Check it out: Call your state Attorney General's office to check out any company that approaches you or one you want to hire. Dozens of AGs have ongoing investigations into many companies and can alert you to problems, and point you toward legitimate help. Check Angie’s List to see if there are member reports about any local consulting or mortgage companies.
• Find legitimate help: Start with your mortgage company. If you don’t think your mortgage company is being responsive, look for free counseling. The Homeownership Preservation Foundation operates the national HOPE Hotline which helps borrowers find non-profit housing counselors who can provide information on foreclosure. Call 888-995-HOPE, as soon as you realize default is imminent.

Checked your cell phone bill lately? You should. As cell phones have gotten more sophisticated, some carriers have quietly started changing the way they’re billing customers.

Several service providers are charging more for voice plans and some text and data plans. Those without newer smartphones may be charged for features they’re not using. Too often people don’t know the details of their cell phone contracts or even when the end. If you don’t know what 3G, 4G or even what a smartphone is, then it’s time to find out and make sure you’re not paying for extras you don’t need.

And billing complaints is just one reason why cell phone carriers landed back on our most-complained-about list for 2009.

5 ways to save money on your cell phone bill:

1. Review your bill – Don’t just assume you’re being billed correctly. Read the fine print to be sure your bill and contract, phone, features and usage match up. You can find significant savings by ridding your plan of the “extras” like ringtones, text messaging fees, Internet, roadside assistance and others. Ask yourself:

• Are you paying for a data plan but rarely check email or the Internet on your phone?
• Are you paying for texting but never tap out a message?
• Are you texting without a data plan and paying too much?
• Are you really using the minutes you’re charged for?
• Are you being charged for insurance on your phone? Do you really need it?
• Is your landline phone dusty? Lose it and save that monthly fee.

2. Negotiate. Negotiate. Negotiate. Don’t switch providers on a whim. Look for special promotions and have examples of one or more competitor’s lower prices or better service deals before you make your call. Don’t settle for customer service. Ask for the consumer retention department. Record the name of the person you’re speaking with and note the date and time you called. These details will increase your credibility if you need to follow up later. Be prepared to end your service if you can’t get a better deal.

3. Bundle services – Consider combining phone, Internet and cable/satellite services, which can result in discounted fees by the provider and more savings.

4. Understand your contract – Always read the fine print before you sign any contract. Look for hidden charges, including text messaging, activation and upgrade fees or insurance. If you’re not happy with your service or want to negotiate a new contract, you should first know how much it would cost you to get out of the contract. Early termination fees have been under federal scrutiny for fairness. So know what you’re up against before you end your contract.

5. Consider Prepaid – If you’re not a high-volume cell phone user, a prepaid phone might be the way to go. You aren’t hit with pricey overage charges, aren’t locked into a long-term contract and you pay for only the minutes you use.

Are you looking to dress up your driveway, walkway or patio? Consider stamped concrete as a decorative option. It is poured just like regular concrete, but patterns and textures are added before the concrete dries and it can be shaped to resemble brick, wood or slate. Color can also be added to enhance the look.

Angie’s List, the nation’s premiere provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, asked its highly-rated concrete pouring and repair experts for advice on stamped concrete.

• Does the contractor specialize in stamped concrete? Stamped concrete involves special tools. Ask what type of training and experience the contractor has with pouring decorative concrete.
• Research a contractor’s past work: Ask for photos of past projects. Visit the home of a past client, preferably a client who had work done 1-2 years ago so you can see how the concrete has held up.
• Have a design idea in mind: Design ideas for your driveway and patio are endless. Provide the contractor with a picture of what you are considering.
• Details in writing: Ask about the removal of existing concrete, base preparation, thickness of the concrete, costs, timeline, and follow-up.
• Manage your expectations: Homeowners should remember that weather is the number one factor that all concrete contractors face. Sometimes jobs take longer due to weather delays. Ask about backup plans, should the project get delayed.
• What maintenance is required? Concrete generally lasts longer (10-20 years) and requires less maintenance than most other paving materials. Sealing every couple of years may be required depending on its usage.

Dampness, periodic wetness and/or out-and-out flooding are common problems for homes with basements. In many instances, homeowners can take relatively simple steps to literally push moisture away from their basements. In others, more serious measures are necessary. Angie’s List offers tips for both scenarios.

Basement Waterproofing hiring tips:

• Before you hire any basement waterproofing contractor, check consumer reviews on Angie’s List to get a look at the quality of work local companies have done for other members.
• Evaluate at least three written estimates.
• Get references from others who have used your prospective contractor and talk to them about how the work went and if the project worked out for them – try to find homeowners who have lived in their homes for a few years after the work to see how it held up.
• Check Angie’s List to determine if your contractor is licensed – look for a green checkmark on your search results page and ask your contractor to provide proof that his or her license is still valid. Another great indication of reliability is membership in an authorized accrediting trade association. A reliable contractor should be able to easily provide proof of these credentials.
• Insist on a lifetime warranty for products and the work done.

Tips to keep your basement dry:

• Check your gutters to be sure it’s installed correctly and that you have enough downspouts to push water away from your foundation. If you have water pooling, something’s wrong.
• Clean your gutters regularly so water flows freely.
• Clear debris from your window wells to allow proper drainage.
• Have interior and exterior drains cleaned yearly to minimize clogging or caving in. This is especially important if your house was built in the 1960’s or before when clay pipes were commonly used – they collapse easier than today’s pipes.   
• Seal cracks and holes in concrete block walls.
• Never pile up snow against your house.
• Ensure landscaping slopes away from your home and foundation so that surface water will run away from your home and not toward your basement or foundation.
• Check for water leaks where pipes enter the basement.
• Install a sump pump and a battery back-up system for times of power loss or if the primary pump mechanically fails.

Many companies have a list of customers who’ve already arranged for snow removal ahead of time, so the contractor comes out as soon as the snow falls. Those customers will get their driveways cleared first as opposed to someone who calls at the last minute.

Angie's List, the nation's premiere provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, including snow removal, says even if you’re still snowed in, do yourself a favor and don’t rush to hire the first person you see with a plow attached to a truck. Hiring the wrong person could put you in an even worse situation.

Red flags:

•    Companies who offer steep discount or insist on cash payment. A credit card will protect you.
•    Blade? Yes. Insurance? No:  That Good Samaritan who plows your drive and disappears won’t bear the cost if he destroys your or your neighbor’s car or mailbox: you will.

Angie's List tips before you hire:

• Get an estimate: Have someone come out and take a look at your property.  Ask what is included: Only the driveway? What about walkways and sidewalks?  Get all details in a written estimate.
• Cost: Is it a flat rate, based on the depth of snow, or by trip? How much is an additional service such as shoveling?
• Coverage: Does the company have insurance against damage? Get a name and number to contact in case of damage.

If you want to dig out yourself, there are many types of equipment you can use. Popular ones include gas and electric snow blowers. Both differ in price and efficiency, so choose which one fits your needs best. And if you enjoy physical labor, there’s the good old fashioned snow shovel.

Still undecided about what option is best for you? Here are some snow removal alternatives to think about:

• Friendly neighbors: Share a snow blower with the folks on your street.
• Hire Help: Help a teenager on your block make a few extra bucks by hiring them to clear your paths.
• Do it yourself: If you own a truck, you could buy your own snow plow and attach it to your truck.

Keep these factors in mind as your prepare for the winter season:

• Frequency of snow: If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow you may want to hire a snow removal company or invest in a piece of equipment that will last through the years.
• Snow Density: Slushier snow is more difficult to remove and may pose problems to your snow blower.
• Your health: One of the most common injuries during the winter months is snow removal, so think safety first before grabbing that shovel!

Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies, collects reports on more than 80 classic car or custom car categories.

In a nationwide Angie's List poll, nearly one in eight members say they own a classic, custom or restored vehicle.

Before you dash out to purchase your childhood dream car or start customizing that hatchback in your driveway, consider these Angie’s List tips.

• Don’t trust the “for sale” photos you see online: An automobile might appear perfectly restored on the surface, but you never know what lies beneath. Have a restoration mechanic or vintage car expert inspect the car before you buy.
• Don’t buy a car that was recently restored: Buy one that was restored at least five years ago. You’ll be able to see how the car has held up and determine if any lingering damage or issues exist that can’t be hidden with a fresh coat of paint.
• When customizing, do your research: Be wary of rough estimates for parts or services. Don’t allow the shop to make a single change without a written order that includes the cost differential.
• Check with your insurance company to ensure proper coverage: The use of a specialty insurance company might be required to make certain your antique car is properly protected.