Ask an Expert Online

I asked about a strange smell coming from my car's air conditioning system. The mechanic correctly identified it as likely mold or bacteria buildup in the evaporator and told me exactly what product to use to fix it myself. Took about 15 minutes and cost me $12. Couldn't be happier with that outcome. The response was clear and didn't try to upsell me on anything.

I'm not great with technology and needed help understanding what kind of contractor I needed for a foundation crack I noticed in my basement. The general contractor expert explained the difference between cosmetic settling cracks and structural concerns, and described exactly what mine sounded like based on my photos and description. He told me to get a structural engineer first before any contractor. That was honest and helpful advice.

I had a general question about whether I needed to file taxes in two states after moving mid-year. The tax advisor broke it down clearly and even mentioned a specific thing I should watch for related to my employer's payroll withholding. I felt informed enough to handle it myself instead of paying a preparer. Good value for the cost.

I had a neighbor dispute involving a fence that was allegedly on my property line. The legal expert helped me understand what a survey would cost, what my legal standing was, and how to approach the conversation with my neighbor without escalating things. He was practical and didn't just push me toward expensive litigation. Resolved the issue without any court involvement.

I asked a fairly specific question about whether my dog's symptoms could be related to a tick-borne illness and the vet just told me to take him to a local clinic. I already knew I might need to do that. I was hoping for some guidance on what questions to ask the vet or what tests to request. The response felt generic and copy-pasted. Not what I expected for the price.

I asked a legal question about a contract dispute with a former employer and waited over two hours for a response. When I finally got one, it was vague and kept saying things like 'it depends on your jurisdiction' without actually helping me understand anything. I ended up finding more useful information on a free legal forum. Complete waste of money.

The mechanic I was connected with gave me advice that contradicted what my actual mechanic told me when I brought the car in. He told me my brake noise was likely dust and nothing serious. It turned out to be worn pads and rotors that needed immediate replacement. I'm glad I got a second opinion in person. This service gave me false reassurance and could have been dangerous.

I used the general contractor service to ask about getting an addition built on my home. The expert gave me a ballpark cost range but it was so wide as to be nearly useless. He said anywhere from $80,000 to $250,000 depending on factors. I could have googled that. I was hoping for something more tailored based on the details I provided. Mediocre experience.