How It Works

Call My Guy Friday gives you a trusted, experienced person to turn to when you are not sure what to do next.

You may be dealing with a home repair, a contractor estimate, an appliance problem, a vehicle question, a maintenance issue, or simply trying to decide whether something needs to be repaired, replaced, ignored, or investigated further.

Instead of starting with an internet search or calling the first contractor you find, you can call your Guy Friday.

1. Join Call My Guy Friday

Membership begins with a one-time $39 signup fee, which covers your initial member interview, plus $14.95 for your first month. ($53.95 to get started)

After that, membership is $14.95 per month.

There is no long-term membership commitment.

2. We Get to Know You

Every new member begins with a brief initial interview.

The purpose is not to pry into your personal life. It is to understand enough about you and your property to give you better advice.

We may ask about:

• Whether you own or rent

• The age and type of your home

• Major systems such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof, appliances, pool, generator, septic system, well, and other equipment

• Whether you are comfortable making repairs yourself

• What kinds of tools and skills you have

• Whether you normally prefer DIY solutions or professional help

• Whether your priority is lowest cost, best value, or the best long-term solution

• Contractors or service companies you already trust

• Other properties, vehicles, equipment, or systems you may want help with

You may skip any question you would rather not answer.

The more we understand your situation, the more useful our recommendations can be.

3. When You Have a Question, Contact Us

When something comes up, contact Call My Guy Friday and tell us what is happening.

It might be something simple:

“My water heater is making a strange noise. Should I be worried?”

Or something more complicated:

“A contractor says I need a $12,000 replacement. Does that sound reasonable?”

You do not need to know the right terminology. Just explain the problem as best you can.

Photos, model numbers, estimates, invoices, and other information can often help us understand the situation.

4. We Help You Figure Out What to Do Next

Our first job is to understand the problem.

Then we help you determine the sensible next step.

That might mean:

• Fixing something yourself

• Calling a qualified professional

• Getting another estimate

• Repairing instead of replacing

• Replacing instead of continuing to repair

• Asking a contractor better questions

• Checking a warranty

• Buying a particular part or product

• Waiting and watching the problem

• Doing nothing at all

Sometimes the best advice is simply:

“You don’t need to spend money on this.”

5. We Help You Understand Your Options

Many problems do not have one perfect answer.

When appropriate, we may explain several approaches, such as:

Lowest-cost option — Solve the immediate problem for the least reasonable cost.

Best-value option — Balance cost, reliability, and expected life.

Long-term option — Spend more now when doing so is likely to save money or trouble later.

The right answer can be different for different members.

That is one reason we take the time to understand you.

6. You Stay in Control

Call My Guy Friday is an advisory service.

We can help you investigate problems, evaluate options, understand estimates, find information, and decide what questions to ask.

But you make the final decision.

We do not authorize work, commit your money, sign contracts, or make financial decisions for you.

When a licensed professional is appropriate, we will tell you.

7. Call Us Before You Spend the Money

One of the best times to contact Call My Guy Friday is before approving a major repair or purchase.

Before you say yes to a contractor, replacement, expensive part, or major project, ask us what we think.

A short conversation may help you determine whether:

• The recommendation makes sense

• The price seems reasonable

• Another option should be considered

• You should get another estimate

• More information is needed

• The work really needs to be done at all

You are never required to follow our recommendation.

Our job is to help you make a more informed decision.

A Guy Friday When You Need One

Most people do not need an expert every day.

They need one when something happens and they are not quite sure what to do.

That is what Call My Guy Friday is designed to provide:

Experience. Perspective. Practical advice. And someone you can call before making an expensive mistake.