Is there a web site with consumer reviews or recommendations of local service providers such as plumbers, drycleaners?
Angie’s List does exactly that — it collects consumer reviews of local businesses. Companies cannot pay to be listed, so reviews are very fair and realistic. Angie’s List is not free, but in my opinion it is definitely worth the money. They cover both the Baltimore and Washington DC metro areas, so many of your local businesses should be listed.