A video/audio-based service from Google promises to bring the immediacy of real-live home remodeling advice to your own home.  Is it worth it?  

What Are Google Helpouts?
If you've ever used Skype or iPhone's Facetime, you have a good basis for understanding Google Helpouts.  It's a live video chat system that allows you to talk--and see--in real time with another user.

You need to have a Google + account (free), a webcam, audio, and a microphone before you can join a Helpout.

 Do not confuse Helpouts with Hangouts, a similar Google video service.  Hangouts are similar to Skype, where the communication is mutual.  By contrast, Helpouts are about getting information from topic experts.

Home Remodeling Topics Covered

• Tree services
• HVAC
• Roofing
• Plumbing and sewer
• General home design and architecture
• Kitchen and bathroom design
• Pest control
• General contracting, additions, and home-building
• General home improvement

Who Will Give Advice

Experts fall into two distinct categories:  1.)  companies that are usually doing this for free to drum up business or to provide customer support; 2.)  small companies or individuals doing this to earn cash.  Some of the bigger-name outfits participating in Helpouts now include:

• Sears Home Services
• Home Depot
• HomeAdvisor

What Kind of Advice Do You Get?

I characterize the type of remodeling advice you get on Helpouts as being like the advice you get from a knowledgeable person at The Home Depot or Lowes:  generalized and on the target, but not on the bullseye.

 

I think it's fine to give these experts some leeway in this area.  They are expected to know about everything and to come up with an answer on the fly.

Cost

Prices range from free to about $240 per hour.  However, most of the specialists who charge fees set their rates around $100/hour or less.

Tips

• Sometimes the same company will list the similar-sounding service for different prices.  For example, Sears Home Services lists its Refrigerator and Freezer "Help" for $30/hour, yet its Refrigerator and Freezer "Tips" are Free.
• If you're paying for the service, make the expert work.  You're paying for work done, just as if you would be paying for a local expert who you meet at an office or your home.  
• Push the free experts for as much information as possible--after all, they put themselves out ther for this service.  But don't be surprised or offended if they try to move you along quickly.  Since the free Helpouts are about P.R., they stand to gain more when their outreach is the widest.
• With Helpouts, it's possible to provide photos and screenshots to the expert.  Be sure to do so if your problem involves complex issues.