Angie’s Halloween tips for homeowners:

• Clear your yard of ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip trick-or-treaters. Also, check for low tree limbs, support wires and hard-to-see fences between yards.
• Opt for a plug-in or battery-powered jack-o-lantern instead of using a live candle. If you insist on a live flame, be sure it is away from any possible exposure to trick-or-treaters' costumes, or where they will be walking or standing.
• Secure your pets indoors, or arrange for them to stay somewhere else. Some pets become frightened; others may become territorial or even aggressive towards trick-or-treaters.
• Check that the path and stairs to your front door are well illuminated and clear of obstacles. While it’s tempting to create a dark and spooky home theme, poor lighting can be a major safety hazard.
• Consider healthier treat options like low-fat crackers, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls or raisins; or non-food treats such as (unsharpened) pencils, stickers or coins.
• Follow community guidelines for trick-or-treating hours. If it’s dark outside, provide your child with a flashlight or glow stick to help them see steps and other obstructions.

Halloween costume tips:

1. Make sure the costume is made of fire-retardant materials. Avoid loose hanging parts such as sashes, shredded parts or overly long sleeves, which can easily catch fire from a jack-o-lantern or candle or can get caught on something.
2. Check the costume’s warning label. If it contains lead, choose another costume. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage to young children.
3. Costumes should be loose, so warm clothes can be worn underneath without restricting arm or leg movement. If your child does wear a mask, be sure holes for the eyes, nose and mouth are large enough for comfort and that they don’t restrict vision or breathing.
4. Costumes that are too long and oversized shoes are tripping hazards. Avoid both.
5. Safety experts recommend wearing makeup instead of a mask, but some Halloween makeup products also contain lead. Check the packaging closely before you buy. Also, test any new makeup products in a small area of the inside of the arm a few days before you intend to use it to check for reactions from latex or other adhesive allergies.
6. Consider hair-coloring products, such as a temporary spray, as an alternative to wigs. Check the product for information on washing and any concerns for dyed or chemically treated hair.
7. Outfits should be made with light-colored materials. Put a few strips of reflective tape on the costume – and on their candy bag – to make children more visible.
8. Attach your child’s name, address and telephone number (including area code) to his or her clothes in case your child gets lost or separated from you.
9. Knives, swords and other accessories should be made from cardboard or flexible materials. Do not allow children to carry sharp or heavy objects.
10. If you're planning to wear decorative contact lenses – which have become a popular Halloween accessory – contact an eye care professional to ensure that they are properly fitted and are appropriate for you to wear. Angie’s List now rates medical service providers, including optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Angie's List surveyed nearly 500 service companies across the country and asked business owners how they will cope with the graying workforce.

• 45 percent said there is a shortage of workers who want to enter their field
• 62 percent plan to pass costs on to consumers if they have to pay more to retain or train workers
• 32 percent are taking steps to prepare for a transition from a graying workforce to less experienced employees

A recent global poll of business owners showed skilled trades at the top of the most-wanted list. The Angie’s List poll revealed a shared frustration amongst business owners in need of qualified candidates for jobs in the carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing and welding trades.

Angie’s List recommends finding a contractor with whom you can build a long-term relationship. 6 tips to hire a quality contractor:

1. Check Angie’s List for ratings and reviews of contractors in the area.
2. Do your research. Don’t just hire based on a conversation. Check the performance record of the contractor you plan to hire. If your contractor balks at providing references, move to the next one on your list.
3. 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 the contractor pays on time.
4. Get contact info: Be cautious of contractors who give you a post office box with no street address, or use only an answering service.
5. Look into licensure: Some states or cities have no licensing requirements for contractors, which can make it difficult for homeowners to check up on contractors before they hire. Don’t rely on the contractor’s word to know whether his or her license is valid: check it out through the appropriate agency. Angie’s List members have access to a list of sites where you can check the licensure status of service providers. Check the status of the contractor’s bonding and liability insurance coverage too.
6. Know your payment options. 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.

Homeowners affected by recent storms are often faced with another potential disaster: storm-chasing contractors who promise quick repairs for cash up-front. More often than not, these contractors pocket the money, perform shoddy, little or no work and disappear.

Angie’s List tips to avoid shady storm chasers:

• What not to do: If a stranger comes to your storm-ravaged yard offering to fix your roof, remove trees or do other major repair work for cash up front, just say no. Chances are, he or she will take your money and disappear, leaving you with little or no recourse.

• Do your research: Check Angie’s List to see what local customer's experiences have been with the company. You can also find the status of the contractor’s bonding and liability insurance coverage. While you might get lucky working with an independent provider who lists his truck as a permanent address, remember that you have few options if the job goes awry or the provider disappears. 

• Quality is worth the wait: When massive storms hit, tree service professionals, plumbers, roofers and hauling companies are in high demand, and the best performers are generally the busiest. Beware the company with time on its hands when every other company can’t even answer the phone.

• Get estimates: Though your situation might seem to be one of desperation, avoid settling on the first contractor who comes along and offers to do the job. Take enough time to get at least a few different estimates on the job.

• Document important information: Get all estimates in writing, including the price, materials to be used and the timeline for completing the job. This is often the best ammunition you have if things go wrong.

• Prepare for next time: Don’t put off necessary home and lawn repairs to the point where a storm can make the situation worse. Research your contractor and establish a relationship before you need them.

“Service companies will be extremely busy after a storm, especially if there is extensive damage in the area,” Hicks said. “In the meantime, take good look around your home – even if it may appear damage free. You may have to make some temporary adjustments to prevent further damage while you wait for someone to come out.”

• Examine the structure: Make sure your home is structurally sound before entering. Check foundations and walls for settling and cracking. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises or smell gas. You may need to hire a professional inspector before entering.

• Look for electrical problems: Stay clear of exposed wires. Leave any repairs to a licensed electrician.

• Remove standing water: Cleaning up the mud and water-soaked belongings can seem like the biggest task at hand, but drying out that area is important because if left damp too long, dangerous mold can grow. Remove any wet items and use a dehumidifier or open windows to help circulate air. Do not bring furnishings back inside until walls, floors and framing are completely dry.

• Protect the roof and windows: Check the roof on the inside and outside. Missing shingles are common after a storm. Put a tarp over the damaged areas - this will allow for temporary protection until the roofing contractor can get out. Board up any broken windows.

• Inspect your trees: Visually survey all your trees and look for damaged and broken branches that may be trapped and could possibly still fall. Consider hiring a certified arborist – they are trained in practices for the purpose of maintaining healthy trees.

• Contact your insurance agent: Report damage to your adjuster immediately to start the claims process – some companies require an adjuster’s approval before work can be done. Take pictures of any damage and take inventory of your possessions and property. The better organized you are, the fewer problems you’ll have down the road.

Angie’s List offers tips on features to consider when searching for a cell phone provider for your child:

• Block it: Consider a phone with parental controls. Some phones have features where parents can set the phone to reject any incoming calls from numbers not in the phone book, or restrict which numbers can be dialed from the phone.

• Track it: Many kids’ phones have an internal tracking device, helping parents keep tabs on their child. A must have for parents buying for young children.

• Limit it: It might be more cost-effective to sign up for a family plan, or you might choose a prepaid plan that limits the child’s monthly allowance for voice minutes, as well as restricts text and photo messages and downloadable content like ring tones and wallpaper.

• Store it: Make sure the phone has ample storage space to program in phone numbers and be careful to avoid storing nicknames in the phone book. Always store emergency numbers and cell numbers for Mom and Dad.

• Simplify it: Nearly 30 percent of the poll respondents said their child’s phone is for emergencies only and some parents avoid extra features, such as texting and downloads. Remember, those extra features often come at an additional price.

Angie’s List  went to the experts to help prospective buyers determine if a foreclosed property is a good idea.

Buying foreclosed property is neither cheap nor easy.

• Inspect your potential investment during off hours: some agents report that criminals often set up shop in empty homes

• To find foreclosed properties check the Multiple Listing Service (www.MLS.com) or your local paper

• Beware of stubborn tenants who previously lived in the house. Some could pose a challenge to force out if they are not already out

• Have your finances in order and be ready to pay

• Research, research, research

There are four different types of foreclosures.

• Pre-foreclosure: Typically, this happens when the owner has missed one or two payments and a buyer can pick it up without the seller destroying their credit. There is a public list available at your local courthouse that lists properties going through pre-foreclosure. The next step would be to contact the owner and start talking about making an offer.

• Short Sale: The bank is willing to take a bit of a loss, in order to quickly sell the property. First, get the homeowner’s permission to talk to their bank to negotiate the total amount the bank wants to collect without going into foreclosure. By offering a lower-than-market offer, you save money and also help the bank and homeowner from going to foreclosure.

• Auction: These usually take place on your local courthouse steps and the home goes to the highest bidder. Depending on what state you live in, you might not be able to inspect the property before bidding, so you definitely want to do your homework first and find out as much about the property as you can. An auction will only work if your finances are ready at that time to purchase the property with cashier’s check or cash at the time of bidding. If there is no bidder, then the home goes to the bank.

• Bank Owned: The home has been vacated and the bank owns property. Be patient. This process can be long and stressful, since you are working by the banker’s hours.

 Angie’s List tips for purchasing a home in any stage of foreclosure:

• Inspect before buying: In most cases you will be able to inspect the entire property before buying. Hire a professional home inspector to inspect the entire house so you know exactly what you are getting into. Most foreclosed properties come “as is”. Sometimes, tenants who get evicted retaliate and strip the house of everything including doorknobs, pipes and all appliances.

• Do your homework: Make sure you find out if the property has any unpaid liens. If you don’t, unpaid lenders could come after you to try and collect what they are owed.

• Location: Know the area where the property is located. If you see a lot of foreclosure signs in yards, it could be a sign that the area is declining in value.

• Be patient: Great deals are out there, but you have to be patient and make smart decisions when buying a foreclosed property. A respectable real estate agent can help you get what you want for the price you want.

• Don’t get emotional: If it seems to be good to be true, it most likely is. It is not safe to assume that someone wouldn’t sell you a house experiencing some “issues.” Buying foreclosures is a business transaction and is not meant for emotional feelings to be attached.

For homeowners worried about how to escape foreclosure:

1. Take the time to assess your situation to determine if you can cut back on unnecessary expenses and then take those steps.
2. Save your tax refund as long as possible, or apply it to your mortgage rather than splurging on something that won’t improve your financial situation.
3. If you know you won’t be able to make the mortgage, call your mortgage holder and ask to speak with a loss mitigation expert. The bank or lender has little interest in acquiring more properties (they generally lose thousands on each foreclosed upon property) and will work with you to craft a way out of your situation.
4. Even if you have missed payments already, a loss mitigation expert or credit counselor can – and will – help you.

Hiring a contractor shouldn't be a snap decision. Angie's List encourages you to keep a clear head and consider the following:

• Avoid door-to-door solicitors and those who only accept cash payments, offer discounts for finding customers or pressure you to make a quick decision.
• Verify the business is licensed to operate in your area.
• Ask the contractor you want to hire for several references from happy customers who’ve had worked completed — and check them. Visit the job sites if possible.
• Never sign a contract containing blank spaces.

If you run into problems:

• Let the contractor know you’re unhappy. Ask him or her to take specific action to remedy the situation.
• Follow up with a letter. Keep records of all written correspondence as well as receipts, canceled checks and credit card statements. If a business requests documents, send a copy, never an original. Keep a log of all conversations, including the date and time of the call, what was said and who you spoke with.
• Report suspected unethical or illegal behavior to the proper authorities.
• More tips on How to Complain Effectively