These are folks in the area that can help you with specific tasks, mostly related to homeownership. Feel free to check them out. If you have any comments on them, put them below! And remember, you can always contact me directly for more recommendations. I have thirty pages of Allie Beth Allman recommended folks ranging from "Appliances" and "Appraisers" to "Weather-Proofing" and "Window Cleaning".
Pest Control
So despite all the perfect housekeeping we do, everyone should still have the number of a great pest control company. I personally use Eco-Safe and have them on quarterly contract. Damon, my technician, is fantastic! No hesitation to come out (free of charge) between quarterly visits if a new pest problem crops up on you. He gives me nice tips to help prevent pests and shows actual interest and dedication to his job. Plus, he will explain why you might have the problem (say ants in the bathroom) and whether or not it is just the climate at that time of year (something out of your control) or something you can do to prevent them. They are top-rated in my book.
Speck Plumbing is a Father-Son company that gives you honest opinions, quality work, and simple dependability. Tim Speck and his son, Trevor can handle problems large and small. At my house, the helped rule out bigger issues on a mystery leak, and saved me thousands of dollars (other folks had recommended ripping out the tile shower to replace the shower pan, which Tim found did not actually leak). Let Tim have the first look at any plumbing problems you may have.
Tim Speck Master Plumber Speck Plumbing Cell (214) 562-2360
Portraiture
Yes, you read that right. My friend Jenny Mader is a supremely talented artist. Portraits are her specialty. I've seen her works, finished and in progress, and the resemblance to the subjects is simply remarkable. They glow; they are like photographs with depth, breathe, and texture.
If you are even remotely considering a family portrait, a child's portrait, a painting of your new home, anything. Contact Jenny. Run over to her site and check out the gallery then email her from the contact page. Words can't do the work justice, so please check out her gallery. You won't regret it!
This is a biggie, no doubt. In Dallas, air conditioning is key to survival in the summer. And having no heat in a cold snap isn't great either! Brian Lackey of Tom's Mechanical solved one of my hardest A/C problems I have ever encountered! Every other company I contacted (which had great ratings on Angie's List) provided solutions too big for the problem, unworkable solutions, or were stumped. I'll spare you the details, but know that Brian is my guy, hands down. I've met him and his entire five-man team and they were all great! Even the new guy who worked on the house went above and beyond the call.
And if you have a single room in the house not getting the right air, be sure to ask him about the coolest of cool products, the LG Art Cool mini-split ductless units. I give them a HUGE THUMBS UP!
Brian Lackey Residential Sales Manager (972) 254-7888 (817) 277-4493 Ask for Brian or email him: brian.lackey@tomsmechanical.com
