Contractors in Ames/Nevada Area

[Eremite]

So, I'm looking for suggestions on a couple of projects that I just don't want to do myself. Before all of you jump in with do it yourself, generally I am with you and would be. However this time around I got quite a few other things going on that I just want to hire out the work and be done with it. I thought maybe you guys might have some suggestions of some quality contractors in each area that do good work, actually show up when they say they will and do it for a good price.

Project #1: Electrical work: work is simple of adding a breaker to panel, running a new line, adding a switch. Looking for suggestions/personal opinions on a reasonably priced electrician who does good work, and doesn't act like the job is beneath them.

Project #2: Windows. I've got at least 3 windows that need replaced. 2 out of the 3 have sills that are rotted pretty bad and need replaced as well. Looking for suggestions on someone who does great work, and isn't going to charge ridiculous amounts. -Also on this one, if you've got suggestions on window brands/types feel free to chime in.

Again, I know this is strangetalk so 90% of the posts will be "Do It yourself. Thats what I would do." Sorry guys, I do a lot myself. I'd just like to get these projects out of the way and really don't have the time to finish them myself in the near future.

Thanks!

[Alice Ayers]

It's pretty hard to find people to come out and do things on time. Good luck.

[Talenos]

Do it yourself?

[Eremite]

Thanks talenos! True Strangetalk style! ha ha.

[Max Weinberg]

I know who I'd call in the I.C. Cedar Rapids area but most probably won't travel that far. For Problem #1 I'm partial to Union shops but thats because I know most of the Union Electricians in the area. More expensive but well executed work. I'm partial to a place that at least participates in some sort of apprenticeship program. There is more pride in the work they do when they view it as a profession instead of a job. Wherever you pick, you'll get a good idea about the place when they send out someone to do an estimate. Ask him questions and base your decision on how they answer.

#2 Any major manufacturer makes good windows. Although, despite what other home owners tell you, new windows will not add much value to a home and the energy saving will take years to pay off. Lots of people install windows. As above you get what you pay for generally speaking. Any place that sells windows has a list of who can install them and probably knows who to avoid.

[Alice Ayers]

Sears installed my first set of windows and several other contractors have stated that the installation is great and that the window itself looks great. Had some pretty damaged original 1911 windows in a few places. I think that for my house, it DEFINITELY improved the value and I know it's more efficient, but it depends on what kind of house you have. Mine is very old and has single pane glass, so almost anything would be better.

The second set of windows, we just measured the windows, special ordered when HD had a major sale and found some dude to install them with us. Worked well & was much cheaper but they don't get us the same compliments that the professional installations did, mostly because we didn't redo the exterior plastic trim around it. Since you need sills replaced and presumably have wood rot, I'd call a factory install. Every place that came to me made me spend about 1.5 hours with them, but of course, we had a lot of windows to measure and a lot of house to see. How big are your windows?

The electrical work I had was just a union electrician. Spent about $800 on a new circuit box and about $800 on the new electrical line to the garage, but we paid more because they had to drill through cinderblocks to get into the garage. And when a union electrician does it, you know you're following city code. Good luck, Eremite.

[Eremite]

Alice and Max- Thank you for the tips! I appreciate the non talenos style response of do it yourself! Thanks again!

[Talenos]

someone had to do it!

[Eremite]

I know. And out of all of the strangetalkers that could have said it, I'm glad it was you. Or something.