Is there anywhere that neighborhood people recommend local trades people or professionals? For example, I am looking for electrician, plumber, pest control etc...

If we could create such a page, or if there is one that I am not finding, it would nice to have a testimonial page that lets people who have used them tell whether they liked them or not.

Sort of like a better business bureau of the neighborhood

Ken

On a related subject, I am looking for double hung wind parts. Specifically, the metal weather-stripping that must have been used around 1925. Home Depot and the window place over by 15th AVE had no idea what I was talking about. The sidepieces have a protrusion that the window tracks on, that sidepiece is what I am looking for. Please email me if you have any suggestions.

Suggestion...

You may already know of this place, but if not, they have a good supply of various historic items for homes:

S&M Salvage, Co.
5275 Haines Rd. N.

526-8888

Their hours are tough though for people who work a long hours M-F. They do have Sat. hours but close at around noon or 2pm.


Also, there is a well known salvage yard in Naples. They carry everything from french doors to toilets. The name escapes me, but they were featured on Bob Villa a few weeks ago.

Good luck!

Great idea

I like the idea of a forum ... but I wonder about litigiousness. I suppose if only good things were said, how could anyone complain? And a ''no comment'' would speak volumes for subpar tradespeople.

Another source of oldies but goodies -- Lealmans on US 19 in the Largo area.

Also, the Old House Journal publishes a national directory of suppliers. I haven't been to their web site lately; it may provide some sources for you.

Good luck in your quest.

By Me two!

Trades

I just became aware that ''Angie's List'' now includes our area. The ''list'' is a
database of customer-satisfaction information about service companies
throughout Tampa Bay. Companies are added to Angie's List when members recommend them. The list also includes negative reports.

I haven't used it yet but it has a very good reputation in other areas. And costs $37 for a one-year subscription. I suppose that's a pittance if you improve your chances for getting good help.

www.angieslisttampabay.com

There are some ''trade referral'' organizations in our area and I've contacted a couple -- but too often got a ''sorry, no one responds to your request'' replies.