Angie's List is a website and app (iOS and Android) owned by ANGI Homeservices that allows members to research, hire, rate and review local service providers. You'll find businesses and professionals specializing in more than 700 categories including home repair, auto services and health care.
While a lot of the company's resources are free, the professional you're looking to hire won't be. Prices for general contracting work and other services vary based on the type, location and details of the job. You can use the Pricing Guide to get a general idea of what to expect, but the best way to get an accurate estimate is by requesting quotes from nearby companies.
What to Know About Angie’s List Before You Sign Up
Whether you need help with plumbing, roofing, house cleaning, pest control or something else entirely, you'll likely find a professional on Angie's List that can do the job. In addition to searching for professionals and requesting quotes, you can also read verified reviews, browse available deals in your area and more.
- What Is Angie's List?
- How Much Does Angie's List Cost?
- How Does Angie's List Work?
- How to Cancel Angie's List
1. What Is Angie’s List?
In addition to hiring professionals, Angie's List offers online resources including free expert advice in the site's Solution Center. You can also watch videos to learn more about home improvement and DIY projects. The Pricing Guide is another tool available on the website and in the app. You can use it to see the average costs for particular types of projects.
2. How Much Does Angie’s List Cost?
There are three membership options to choose from. When you first create an account, you'll join the free Green membership plan by default. With this status, you can view nationwide ratings and reviews, access service pros and receive a digital magazine.
3. How Does Angie’s List Work?
Getting Started
To get started, visit Angie's List online or download the mobile app for iOS or Android. While you won't be prompted to create an account as soon as you visit the website or download the app, I recommend getting it out of the way. Creating an account is easy and free, plus you'll have to sign up before you can see any business information from professionals in your area.
Finding a Professional
- Search for a specific professional. If you're looking to read information or trusted reviews for a specific company in your area, you can enter its name in the search bar and see if it's on Angie's List.
- Search by category or project. If you're gathering quotes or looking for recommended companies, you can search based on your location and the type of service you need. You can type in a category, or you can browse popular categories. After choosing a category, you'll be asked for some specific information regarding your project. Then you'll see a list of recommended businesses in your area. You can also find nearby general contractors by entering your ZIP.
- Browse deals in your area. If you're on the website, you can scroll down on the homepage or click "Shop Deals" to find coupons and deals in your area. If you're using the app, click "More," and then "Browse Deals." From there, you can scroll through featured deals or narrow the results based on popular categories and project types. Note that Angie's List does make money from company advertisements including coupons, discounts and other promotions. But to advertise, all companies must maintain an "A" or "B" overall rating on the site.
Gathering Information and Requesting Quotes
Each business has an overall grade ("A" through "F") based on customer feedback. For service professionals, it's based on price, quality, responsiveness, punctuality and professionalism. For medical providers, the grade is based on availability, office environment, punctuality, friendliness of staff, bedside manner, communication, the effectiveness of treatment and billing/administration.
You may notice that some businesses are Angie's List Certified. These companies are paying to advertise their services and discounts to members and will appear higher on your search results. They have also met the following standards:
- Maintaining an overall member rating of "A" or "B"
- Remaining in good business standing with Angie's List
- Passing a biennial criminal background check (owner or relevant manager)
- Attesting that they have the proper licensing to perform listed work
- Maintaining a company-verified profile page
Additionally, businesses may display a Super Service Award badge. These companies aren't necessarily paying Angie's List for advertising, but they do meet the following high standards:
- Maintaining an "A" rating
- Remaining in good business standing with Angie's List
- Passing a criminal background check (owner or relevant manager)
- Attesting that they have the proper licensing to perform listed work
- Having at least three reviews indicating that services were performed
When it comes to customer feedback, Angie's List prides itself on offering reviews you can trust. The company says it takes several precautions to ensure that reviews are unbiased including no anonymous comments and feedback verification.
I provided a few more details about the project before requesting the quote. I did have to check a box authorizing Angie's List, its affiliates and their networks of service professionals to deliver marketing calls or texts about my project and other home service offers.
What’s Next?
For more on how to hire a contractor (or any service provider) be sure to check out these six tips.
4. How to Cancel Angie’s List
If you have a free account and are subscribed to the Green membership plan, you don't have to worry about canceling anything through Angie's List. If you have a Silver or Gold membership, you can cancel at any time online or over the phone.
To cancel your membership online, log in to your Angie’s List account, visit the “Manage My Account” page and click “Cancel Auto-Renew.” You can also call Angie’s List at (888) 828-5478.
Note that you must submit your cancellation request no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the business day prior to your renewal date in order to avoid the charge. For more information on how to cancel your account, visit the company's FAQ page.
If you have booked a professional and need to cancel the project, communicate directly with the business/contractor you’ve hired. Disputes are only handled through Angie’s List for Gold members.
Final Thoughts
Pros:
- Price. There's no need to pay for an expensive membership.
- Reliability. You can find credible businesses in your area, read verified reviews and write your own.
- Convenience. The mobile app has all of the key features and is very easy to use.
- Additional resources. You can watch videos, read expert tips and use the Pricing Guide to plan ahead.
Cons:
- Spam mail. You can expect to get emails about related services from Angie's List and its affiliates.
- Quotes come in different forms. If you request quotes through Angie's List, you may hear back from the companies in several different ways (messages, texts, emails, calls, etc.)
- Usability. The website can be intimidating/difficult to navigate for new members.
Have you ever hired a professional that you found on Angie’s List? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
More Clark.com Content for Homeowners:
- 6 Tips for Hiring a Contractor
- Best and Worst Home Insurance Companies
- The Best Time and Place to Buy Power Tools
[ This article was originally published on Clark.com ]
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