Q. US, only residents, please. What is the custom for tipping (or not tipping) contractor installers for things like refrigerators, water heaters, etc.? What about guys who deliver furniture and large TVs? Is there a custom out there I don't know about ? My husband seemed to think that no tipping is necessary (or expected). Thoughts? Thanks

A. I deliver rock,mulch,dirt and it makes my day when I get only one ten dollar tip for the day. I got a grand total of about half of our customers tipping me. In most cases the labor wont be getting paid squat to deliver or do the work.

(No Chosen Answer)

Q.

A. American Home Shield They have an excellent plan for under $500/yr. Service calls are $55 each to repair or replace. Some items have a 30 day waiting period for new customers. They cover not only appliances, but electrical, and plumbing as well. I have used them for years. In one year they replaced my 38 year old (orig. to the house) hot water heater, 38 year old (orig. to the house) dishwasher, and 38 year old (org. to the house) paper duct work. Each time it only cost me the service call. All work is guaranteed by the contractor for 90 days. We recently moved, and they warranty my new house as well.

(No Chosen Answer)

Q. I have a modern maid gas wall oven #pko191 that is 75 degrees hotter than indicated on the control knob

A. It is hard to give a difinitive answer not knowing how old this oven is. Most likely unless you can do it yourself any repair is going to be fairly costly. ... say over $100 since you'd have to pay for someone to come out. An alternative is to get a thermometer for your oven. There is the very inexpensive kind which usually hangs off the rack and you can see through the window or have to open the door to read.d You can also get a slightly more expensive kind which reads remotely so you don't have to open the door. Then always make a note to set the oven to 50 or so degrees less than the recipe calls for. Then use the thermometers for a double check as you cook things. I had to deal with this in an old house I rented some time ago. best, cez

(No Chosen Answer)

Q. The appliance is a Whirpool electric range purchased in November of 2006. I live in the midwest-Indiana. Is a Whirpool tech more costly than a business which services several brands of appliances? Thanks for your replies.

A. Generally a Whirlpool tech is familiar with all brands. It just depends on who you get in to service your appliance. I've seen them charge anywhere from $80 per hour all the way up to $150.00 per hour. If you go with like Sear's they usually charge in between because they compete with the small home town appliance techs. :-)

(No Chosen Answer)

Q. Hi there, Looking for any good web pages that can help with learning of Appliance Repair (fridges, wash machines ect....). Any will be much appreciated although if you know of sites that also provide pics showing the parts they are talking about that would be most helpful. Thanks in adavance I have tried looking on the net but most sites just give me the run around and try to sell me their product.

A. Try www.repairclinic.com. Yes they sell parts but they also offer advice and have good pictorials.

(No Chosen Answer)

Q. Looking for the most dependable and affordable appliance repair in Long Beach?

A. Have you try http://www.appliancerepairlosangeles.com they service Long Beach.

(No Chosen Answer)

Q. Looking for a Good appliance repair in Torrance?

A. Good and Cheap go to http://www.appliancerepairlosangeles.com

(No Chosen Answer)

Q. My technician will be contract labor in Louisiana. I wont be selling anything technician has own truck, own parts, own tools etc. Do I need a business license, DBA, and Tax ID? Since technician is contract labor I will be providing him with a 1099.

A. The only way you know if he is an independent contractor is to go to irs.gov and download the form SS-8 for determining his status. You can get into a lot of trouble if you claim him as a an-independent contractor when in fact he is an employee.

(No Chosen Answer)