Best Phoenix Contractors of 2011

Acme Locksmith | Mesa, Ariz.

Upon moving to Phoenix this year, member Christopher Campbell turned to Acme Locksmith to get the locks rekeyed on his new home. He says Acme's technician arrived on time and completed the work within 20 minutes. "He answered my questions honestly, without trying to sell me unneeded equipment or additional services," Campbell says.

Owner Robert Vallelunga says he emphasizes communication with his nine employees. "We give two-hour time windows, and call with updates," he says. "We want customers for life." He bought Acme in 2007, but the company's been in business in Mesa since 1997. Locksmiths are not required to be licensed in Arizona.

Acme donates money every year to the Special Olympics and Vallelunga's also donated locks to One in Ten, an organization that provides counseling for gays and lesbians. The company, a 2010 Super Service Award winner, also was a finalist for the 2010 BBB International Torch Award.

Acme's employees also work well with pets. "We have several cats, and the technician was very kind and patient about this," Phoenix member Patricia Rethore says in her Page of Happiness nomination for the company.

Bradley Carpet Cleaning | Chandler, Ariz.

With only two years in the carpet-cleaning business, Brian Bradley believes his practice of spending quality time on customers' carpets sets him apart from competitors. "I'm not in a big hurry to get out of the houses," he says. "Some other carpet cleaners brag about how fast they can work, but the way I do it takes longer, with more attention to details."

After a dozen years in a more corporate working environment, Bradley invested in carpet cleaning equipment because he wanted to go into business for himself. "I love not being under fluorescent lights," he says.

Member Jon Woods of Gilbert likes the results of Bradley's detailed and personal approach to cleaning. "It's the best carpet cleaning we've ever had and the only carpet cleaning company we've referred to friends," Woods says. "He wasn't the cheapest one, but jobs I've had by other companies didn't look half as good as what he did." Bradley says he charges 30 cents per square foot.

Member Brandon Smith of Chandler hired Bradley through a $75 Angie's List Big Deal offer and felt he got more than his money's worth. "Brian offered several suggestions for water-based cleaners for our own spot cleaning rather than solvent-based cleaners," Smith says. "Also, he asked about pets in advance of his visit and made a point to say he uses pet-safe cleaners."

Bradley says he labors over every job like he's doing his own mother's home. He's not required to be licensed but voluntarily achieved carpet-cleaning certification through The Clean Trust, formerly known as the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. "My goal is to give the customer a better experience, and a cleaner, healthier carpet," he says.

Phoenix member Craig Kenyon says Bradley's willingness to engage with his 18-year-old son while he cleaned the family's carpets also impressed him. "Kyle asked questions from the chemistry of cleaning to marketing," Kenyon says. "They even talked about business expansion and the challenges of employees. Brian is an excellent service provider and a class act."

Budget Blinds | Phoenix

Honest. Fair. Prompt. All are words used by Angie's List members to describe Brad Lewis, franchise owner of Budget Blinds on North 27th Street and a two-time Phoenix Best Contractor.

Lewis, who holds the state-required window treatment license, attributes his success to good customer service and a quest for quality. "The customer is always right," the three-time Super Service Award winner says. "You have to work hard, but it gets you great results."

Scottsdale member Barbara Ross nominated Lewis for a Page of Happiness after he installed shutters in her home. "It was the most positive experience I've had working with contractors and service-oriented people," she says.

Lewis offers energy-efficient products, donates salvageable window treatments to Habitat for Humanity, and serves as the Arizona state commissioner for Cal Ripken Baseball - a league serving about 6,000 children.

A-1 Advantage | Gilbert, Ariz.

When member Beth Carrigan's garage door malfunctioned, the Chandler resident turned to A-1 Advantage. "They knew immediately what was wrong and got busy fixing it," she says in her Page of Happiness nomination for the company. "Next time I need something, these are the guys I'm going to call!"

John Lawson, who holds the proper state licenses, operates a family shop with his wife, Mary, and son, Michael. He says he focuses on preventive maintenance. "We don't just try to fix the garage door opener; we look for what caused the problem and fix it," he says. "Our motto is to fix it and forget it."

A-1 occasionally does free work for elderly customers. They also recycle old parts and use environmentally friendly lubricants.

More Best Phoenix Contractors of 2011

Find these companies' full profiles at angieslist.com to read more about what makes their service superlative

Adirondack Chimney Sweep | Phoenix

Amped Sound & Cinema | Phoenix

Arizona Air Duct Cleaning | Chandler, Ariz.

Brilliant Epoxy Floors | Scottsdale, Ariz.

Bulwark Security | Mesa, Ariz.

Complete Custom Detail | Phoenix

Croffoot Heating and Air Conditioning | Chandler, Ariz.

Full Circle Auto Body | Phoenix

Golden Touch Carpet/Window Cleaning | Litchfield Park, Ariz.

Homewerx | Mesa, Ariz.

Neely Electric | Tempe, Ariz.

Sun Wolfe Irrigation | Phoenix

Metropolitan Window Cleaning | Phoenix