Best Austin Contractors of 2012
DBL Check | Austin, Texas
Angie’s List member Rosemary Weiss says she and her husband, David, maintain two Texas homes, one in Austin and one in San Antonio, and they hired DBL to inspect two homes in Austin before deciding which one to buy. “He doesn’t guess what is wrong with a house. He proves it to you with photos and detailed explanations,” she says, adding that owner Aaron Calhoun provided both inspection reports the following day.
Calhoun, who garnered 12 Page of Happiness nominations from members in the last year, says his thoroughness and use of the latest technology gives his reports an edge above the rest. “I have a really great understanding of home science. Part of that comes from the fact that I’ve remodeled a lot of homes,” says Calhoun, who worked as a home remodeler for 15 years prior to getting licensed as a home inspector.
Wimberley, Texas, Angie's List member Dan Floeck says he’s hired companies to inspect eight of his rental properties, and Calhoun’s inspection was the best. “He takes the time to look at all the home’s intricacies,” he says. “He makes it easy for anybody to understand.” Members say Calhoun is friendly with their pets, works even when he’s sick, and gives tips on making their homes more energy efficient. He strives to be green by sending reports via email, and donates to Austin Pets Alive! — a local no-kill shelter.
Ultra Service Company | Buda, Texas
In an era where many contractors choose to hire subs to perform painting and other home repairs, Ultra Service owner Jim Kuykendall says he’s old school and only uses his own employees. “I go to the job site every day and have used the same foreman for over 10 years,” he says.
Austin, Texas, Angie's List member Scott Killen, one of 12 members who nominated Ultra for a Page of Happiness in the last year, says the company made a difficult painting job look easy. “Jim’s crew enjoyed themselves as they worked, they were smiling and had great energy,” he says.
Members also say he’s pet friendly. Kuykendall, whose work doesn’t require a license, donates services to people afflicted with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and he uses low-VOC paints.
Westwind Mortgage | Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, Angie's List member Lisa Koonce says she finds it hard to trust mortgage brokers, but Westwind owner Michael Llewellyn really knows his stuff. “He was very smart about finance and lending,” says Koonce, one of 11 members who nominated the mortgage company for a Page of Happiness in the last year. “I am a business school professor and so I know when somebody knows what they are talking about, and he did.”
Llewellyn, who holds the proper state mortgage broker license, has worked in the industry for 35 years, and says communication is paramount. “I have a passion for helping people understand the process. I don’t always tell them what they want to hear, but I am always honest,” he says. Llewellyn recycles the company’s paper and computers, and says most of his business comes from referrals.
More Austin Best Contractors of 2012
Find these companies' full profiles at AngiesList.com to read more about what makes their service superlative.
American Irrigation Repair | Georgetown, Texas
AMS Appliance Repair | Round Rock, Texas
Austin Deck Co. | Austin, Texas
Austin Irrigation Management | Austin, Texas
Eagle Transmission | Austin, Texas
Energy Attic | Boerne, Texas
Energy Guys | Austin, Texas
Garage Floor Effects | Conroe, Texas
Hardwood Flooring
Services | Austin, Texas
Nine Design Group | Austin, Texas
ProTect Painters
of Austin | Austin, Texas
Square House | Austin, Texas
Texas Dry Out
& Restoration | Austin, Texas
