TrustDALE Blog

Insights on Companies and Trust

What Do the Switches on Your Breaker Panel Mean?
Home Services

Laura Lovejoy

What Do the Switches on Your Breaker Panel Mean?

Learn what the switches on your breaker panel mean, including the main breaker, individual circuits, and GFCI/AFCI breakers. Understand when to reset or call a pro.

Porch Dreams, Contractor Nightmares: One Woman’s Fight for Justice
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Porch Dreams, Contractor Nightmares: One Woman’s Fight for Justice

A Georgia woman lost over $8,000 to a fake porch contractor she met at a hardware store. Here’s how she fought back—and how you can protect yourself.

Unlicensed or Just Unverified? The Truth Behind Business Licensing
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Unlicensed or Just Unverified? The Truth Behind Business Licensing

Concerned about hiring an unlicensed HVAC company? Learn how to verify licenses in Georgia, why it matters, and what steps you can take to protect your home—and your wallet.

Paint Job Pitfalls: How to Avoid a Curb Appeal Catastrophe
Exterior & Landscaping Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Paint Job Pitfalls: How to Avoid a Curb Appeal Catastrophe

Hiring a painter? Don’t get stuck with peeling paint and no recourse. Learn how to vet pros, avoid scams, and protect your home’s exterior with these smart curb appeal tips.

She Was Sold a Dream—Then Left to Fight for Repairs
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

She Was Sold a Dream—Then Left to Fight for Repairs

A new RV should offer peace of mind—not a series of costly breakdowns. Learn how one owner faced a race against time as her warranty neared expiration, and what every RV buyer should do to avoid being left with repairs and no recourse.

Atlanta Senior Outsmarts Shady Contractor — And Wins Big
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Atlanta Senior Outsmarts Shady Contractor — And Wins Big

Atlanta senior fights back after contractor ghosted her over patio project. Learn how TrustDALE helped her get a full refund — and how to avoid contractor scams yourself.

The HVAC Lease Trap: An AC Nightmare That Exposed a Costly Mistake
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The HVAC Lease Trap: An AC Nightmare That Exposed a Costly Mistake

Leasing an HVAC system might seem affordable, but Atlanta homeowners are learning it can cost thousands more than buying outright. Learn the risks of HVAC lease agreements and how to protect yourself.

Why Contractors Charge More Than Retail
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Why Contractors Charge More Than Retail

Wondering why your contractor charged more for that water heater? It’s not just the part — it’s the expertise, protection, and peace of mind. Here’s what you’re really paying for (and how to make sure you’re getting a fair price).

The Solar Power Letdown: How One Man Got Burned by a Bright Idea
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

The Solar Power Letdown: How One Man Got Burned by a Bright Idea

Solar panels are supposed to help save money on your electricity bills. That's not how it worked for one homeowner. We’ll tell you what happened, and what you can do if you run into the same problem.

Warped Promises: How a $23,000 Floor Job Became a Costly Headache
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Warped Promises: How a $23,000 Floor Job Became a Costly Headache

Kraig hired a well-known flooring company to install new floors in his home. The floors they installed in his kitchen are now a mess. Oh, and it gets worse: the company wants him to chip in for the repairs!

Window Nightmare: What to Do When the Company Disappears With Your Money
Scam Prevention Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Window Nightmare: What to Do When the Company Disappears With Your Money

You don't have many options if you're waiting on merchandise from a business that filed for bankruptcy. In this article, we explain two ways to get some, or all, of your money back.

Window Pain: How One Homeowner Fought Back Against a Warranty Loophole
Finance & Tips Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Window Pain: How One Homeowner Fought Back Against a Warranty Loophole

Many of us know what it's like to not get what you paid for. This story is a little different. We’ll tell you what happened to Helen Thomas after she ordered windows for her family's home, and you'll understand why TrustDALE got involved!

Is Your Home Foundation Safe? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Repair & Maintenance Home Services

Laura Lovejoy

Is Your Home Foundation Safe? 5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Is your home’s foundation safe? Cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors, and moisture are signs of foundation problems. Ignoring these issues can lead to costly repairs.

Waterproofed but Flooded?! How It All Went Wrong
Repair & Maintenance Home Services
Jessica Long

Jessica Long

Waterproofed but Flooded?! How It All Went Wrong

After spending $17,000 to waterproof her basement, a metro Atlanta homeowner was left with mold, flooding, and a warranty that failed her. Learn how things went wrong—and how to protect yourself before hiring a contractor.