Expert Home Tips: Angie Hicks on Maintenance, Safety, and Hiring Right

In this insightful interview on The Money Pit Home Improvement Show, Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List (now ANGI), discusses the ongoing challenges homeowners face in finding trustworthy contractors, the shortage of skilled labor, and the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to home repairs and maintenance. Angie offers practical advice on budgeting for home upkeep, deciding between DIY and hiring a pro, and essential safety tips like knowing how to shut off the main water valve. This interview is a must-listen for homeowners looking to navigate the complexities of home improvement, as Angie provides valuable insights on avoiding costly mistakes and finding the right help when needed. Topics include:

Finding Reliable Contractors

• Angie explains the difficulty many homeowners face in finding qualified contractors due to the small business nature of most pros. They often lack large marketing budgets, making them hard to find.

• ANGI helps homeowners by providing reviews and recommendations based on feedback from real customers who have used these services.

Skilled Labor Shortage

• The hosts and Angie discuss the increasing shortage of skilled tradespeople, which stems partly from a lack of vocational training in schools. Many young people are encouraged to pursue college rather than trades.

• The unrealistic expectations created by home improvement TV shows and the lack of basic home maintenance knowledge in younger generations are also contributing factors.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

• Angie advises homeowners to consider whether they have the tools, talent, and time before tackling a DIY project. If any of these are lacking, it’s often better to hire a pro.

Home Safety Essentials

• Angie stresses the importance of knowing how to shut off the main water valve and having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. These small steps can prevent minor issues from becoming major disasters.

Are Home Warranties Worth It?

• Angie recommends homeowners carefully review the details of home warranties. While they can provide protection, it’s important to understand what’s covered and what’s not, as well as who will be performing the repairs.

Tracking Key Home Components

• Keeping an inventory of major home systems like the roof, furnace, and air conditioner helps homeowners plan for repairs or replacements. This avoids unexpected expenses and helps with budgeting.

Budgeting for Home Maintenance:

• Angie suggests homeowners set aside 1-2% of their home’s value annually for maintenance. She encourages new homeowners to inspect their homes critically, as they would when buying, to prioritize repairs and improvements.

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