After more than 10 years of hit-and-miss hiring of contractors, I became a member of the Home Owners Club. I couldn’t be happier. It’s a contractor referral service (one of the oldest in the... More

After more than 10 years of hit-and-miss hiring of contractors, I became a member of the Home Owners Club. I couldn’t be happier. It’s a contractor referral service (one of the oldest in the country, according to their Web site). Yes, the contractors they recommend have hourly rates at the higher end of the scale, but you know the work will always be done right, and that the HOC will make things right if you’re not happy. In my book, that’s worth a few extra bucks. After interviewing three asphalt contractors on my own for a large driveway job (I called about eight, but only three showed up, and they left me feeling very concerned ), I signed up at the Home Owners Club. The asphalt contractor they sent was very sharp, showed up on time and had great suggestions on how to fix some longtime drainage problems. The crew and the work was outstanding. They actually finished one day earlier than they had predicted. The cost was about 5% more than what I would have paid the derelicts I found on my own. Since then, I’ve also used the Home Owners Club for two plumbing projects. For one of those projects, the plumber did great work (figured out an ingenious way to move my water heater to another room by taping into existing piping, which meant no walls had to be torn open), I felt the prices the plumber charged might be a bit too high (plumbers charge outrageous rates so I wasn’t sure). The HOC reviewed the bill, agreed the rates were too high and got the plumber to reduce my cost. No more phone book cold-calling and wondering if I’m going to get ripped off. Now I just call the HOC. They also offer an “online membership” option for those who live outside Washington state.
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We have been members of the Home Owners Clubs for the last 6 years. We've used them for virtually all of our home repair, maintenance and construction needs. One benefit of the club is that you call... More

We have been members of the Home Owners Clubs for the last 6 years. We've used them for virtually all of our home repair, maintenance and construction needs. One benefit of the club is that you call them with your need and they can have several companies come to give you bids. So, you make one call- they get you many options. 99% of all the work done by vendors they've sent has been flawless. One project, our roof, had a couple of issues. However, the beauty of working with them is that they hold the funds to the contractor until you say you're satisfied with the work. In our case they sent the original roofer back to fix one problem. When I wasn't 100% satisfied with the "fix" I asked them to send someone else to fix it, which they did and I did not pay that person. The funds came from what would have gone to the other roofer. In the end all was well and it was minimal inconvenience for me. Any tradesman that gets a bad review from customers is dropped from their recommended list. We love the Home Owners Club!
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fee of joining the home owner's club and use forums like these instead. I give it one star because when everything was said and done, home owner's finally came through and had quality plumbing come... More

fee of joining the home owner's club and use forums like these instead. I give it one star because when everything was said and done, home owner's finally came through and had quality plumbing come and fix a job that roto rooter had botched ( and home owner's had referred ME to them!) - BUT that was only after numerous phone calls to roto-rooter, home owner's, the better business bureau and the attorney general's office down in Olympia. I was not able to use my bathroom sink for approximately 4 months! And that was after multiple visits from various roto-rooter plumbers. Plus one of the plumbers from roto rooter hit my car, putting it in the shop for about 10 days ( see my other review about H and I automotive - LOVE them). My favorite quote to homeowner's while I was going through this ordeal - "I don't need to pay you money to refer me to someone incompetent - I can just find them for free in the phone book......."
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I should not give them even one star! My experience was not good. We sought out a couple of contractors whose estimates came in a lot higher than others outside of the network. One of the bids... More

I should not give them even one star! My experience was not good. We sought out a couple of contractors whose estimates came in a lot higher than others outside of the network. One of the bids included items that did not need attending to at all. I think that some of the subs take advantage of the endorsement. We found a general contractor who has a relatively small operation and really high quality sub-contactors as well as a couple of regular employees that can do almost any minor/major repair. Kvamme Construction is the best! Dave Kvamme is the owner and is so nice. He and his men are very trustworthy and polite.
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Belonging to the Home Owner's Club is a fantastic way to find the best quality contractors to do work on your home in Seattle. It is very affordable (about $48 a year) and if you need anything from... More

Belonging to the Home Owner's Club is a fantastic way to find the best quality contractors to do work on your home in Seattle. It is very affordable (about $48 a year) and if you need anything from your windows washed to new electrical wiring to someone to lay a floor, these guys have the right people to perform the work. The companies they send to you are highly reputable, and have to be in business for a minimum of 5 years. If anything goes wrong The Home Owner's Club will mediate between you and the contractor, but so far, every single person they have recommended to us has done outstanding work. They have been in business since 1959, so they really know what they are doing. If you have a home in King or Snohomish County and your husband isn't particularly handy, this is an invaluable service. Thank you.
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