Join Today for Unlimited Access
Tired of getting ripped off and receiving poor service? For more than 40 years, our nonprofit has helped thousands of consumers find high-quality, fairly priced service providers in their communities without accepting advertising or referral fees from the businesses rated.
Join Checkbook Today or Sign In
Our price research and ratings will help you save money and find top service pros.
Unbiased Reviews and Undercover Price Research on Local Services
We aren't loyal to businesses, we're loyal to you.
Easily find ratings, reviews, and advice on local service providers.
Checkbook is nonprofit, independent, and provides unbiased information.
We don't run ads or take referral fees from businesses that we rate.
More from Checkbook
-
![Kennels image]()
Where Will Rover Sleep Over?
Doggone good boarding options.
-
![Auto Body Shops image]()
Finding an Auto Body Shop That Will Do a Bang-Up Job
Collision-avoidance auto technology doesn’t change one vital factor: Humans still get behind the wheel, so accidents still happen. Fortunately, our ratings have you covered.
-
![Travel Insurance image]()
Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Spoiler: For most trips, probably not.
-
![Identity Theft: Are You Protecting Your Kids? image]()
Are You Protecting Your Kids from Identity Theft?
Identity thieves don’t just victimize adults; they also target children. Parents need to be aware of this very real threat and take steps to protect their kids.
-
![Organizers image]()
Managing Your Mess
Can a personal organizer help you clean up your act?
-
![Used-Car Certifications Often Not Meaningful image]()
Are ‘Certified’ Used Cars Worth Bigger Price Tags?
Dealers promise rigorously inspected rides and peace-of-mind warranties, but some consumers get rebuilt wrecks and even a former crash-test vehicle.
-
![Cabinet Suppliers & Installers image]()
Buying Cabinets & Countertops
How to get the kitchen you crave for the least amount of hassle and money.
-
![Solar Energy image]()
Solar Energy Systems
Here’s a rundown of options, how to pay for your project, how to find an installer, and energy savings you can expect.
-
![Right-to-Repair Fight image]()
The Fight for Your Right to Repair
Manufacturers of vehicles, electronics, appliances, and more are making it tough for independent shops and DIYers to make repairs. Shouldn’t you be able to get stuff you own fixed where and how you want?
-
![Buy Now, Pay Later Spending Traps image]()
Beware 'Buy Now, Pay Later' Spending Traps
These offers seem like smart, responsible ways to pay. While using these plans can improve your cash flow, these point-of-sale loans can lure you into buying things you can’t afford.
-
![Saving Energy at Home image]()
Saving Energy at Home
32 changes that will cut costs and help the planet.
-
![Electricians image]()
These Ratings May Shock You
Need to install a new light fixture or do some other wiring around your home? Pull the plug on DIY electrical work—our ratings will help you find a pro.
-
![Used Cars Often Sold with Dangerous Defects image]()
On the Road Again, Despite Dangerous Defects
Our investigation found that used-car dealers often sell vehicles without addressing known life-threatening problems.
-
![Contractors: Remodelers & General image]()
Read Before Remodeling
How to hire and work with a contractor to score a hit home makeover.
-
![Home Maintenance Plan image]()
Home Maintenance School
Here’s a yearlong plan on how to keep your home from falling apart.
-
![Getting Rid of Your Unwanted Stuff image]()
How to Get Rid of Your Unwanted Stuff
Decluttering strategies plus ideas for how to jettison extra belongings, from books to electronics to sporting goods to toys.
-
![30 Tricks Sellers Use to Make You Pay Up image]()
Buyers Beware
Think you’re getting a deal? 30 tricks sellers use to make you pay up and pay too much.
-
![Funeral Homes image]()
Planning a Funeral
When grieving for a loved one, you’re vulnerable to making hasty, costly decisions. Funeral homes provide important services, but they are businesses with a goal of maximizing each sale.
-
![Estate Planning Tasks & Tips image]()
A Smart Guide to Estate Planning
Here are some basic dos and definite don’ts that will save you hassles and money—and avoid common mistakes.
-
![Acupuncturists image]()
Acupuncture
Should you try the gift of jab? Here’s a roundup of what we do and don’t know about acupuncture.
-
![Buying Used Stuff image]()
Best Bets for Buying Secondhand Stuff
Our team went secondhand shopping for everything from electronics to armchairs and saved a bundle. A bonus: buying used stuff helps the environment. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) consider buying used.
-
![Appliance Repair Services image]()
Appliance Repair: Get Your Fix
Your fridge or washer goes on the fritz, you need help fast. Our ratings evaluate local fixers for quality and price.
-
![Computer Repair Shops image]()
Surviving the Crash
Ratings of computer repair shops, plus advice on keeping your devices safe.
-
![Home Security image]()
Planning a Home Security System
Because most burglars enter homes by simply opening unlocked doors or windows—or pushing and kicking locked ones until they open—even the most basic protective measures will improve your security.
-
![Housecleaners image]()
Managing Your Mess
How to find a great housecleaner.
-
![Life Insurance image]()
Life Insurance for Less
Shop around to save thousands of dollars.
-
![Painters image]()
Primer Time
How to paint your house or hire someone to do it for you.
-
![Free Perks You Didn't Know You Have image]()
Free Perks You Don't Know You Have
We sifted through member benefits that come with credit cards, warehouse clubs, health insurance plans, and more, they discovered dozens of free, often little-known perks.
-
![Hearing Centers image]()
Hear Here
Where to shop for the right hearing aid.
Current Issue
-
A Message from Our Founding President
After more than 45 wonderful years, I am retiring as president of Consumers’ Checkbook. I want to thank you for your support and for helping to create a marketplace that works for all.
-
Looking for a Top Doc?
Use our ratings to find the best primary care doctors, specialists, and surgeons.
-
Top Travel Booking Tips
60 strategies for finding the best deals and avoiding trouble.
-
Auto Body Shops
Accidents happen. Here’s how to get a bang-up repair job.
-
Auto Glass Repair and Replacement
How to deal with a distorted vehicular view.
-
Aging in Place
Tips on making your abode accessible, and resources for getting seniors help at home and beyond.
-
Kennels
Doggone good boarding options for when Rover needs to sleep over.
-
Managing Your Mess
Can a personal organizer help you clean up your act?
-
Are ‘Certified’ Used Cars Worth Bigger Price Tags?
Dealers promise rigorously inspected rides and peace-of-mind warranties, but we found some consumers get rebuilt wrecks and even a former crash-test vehicle.
-
Travel Agencies
Getting help from a pro for planning where to go.
-
Window Treatment Stores
Made in the shade: Get a good deal and good advice on window treatments.
-
Buying Cabinets and Countertops
How to get the kitchen you crave for the least amount of hassle and money.
-
Solving the Mystery of Medical Costs
New laws should help consumers find out what they’ll pay, but many available tools are still works in progress.
Latest Newsletter
- Do You Need Travel Insurance? (Spoiler: For Most Trips, Probably Not)
- Best-in-Show Pet Groomers
- Front and Center: Buying and Installing Doors
- Are You Protecting Your Kids from Identity Theft?
- Tickets for Less: Six Ways to Save on Seats
- Robocalls and Texts Remain on the Rise: Here’s How to Protect Yourself
