James Conley answers:

Location would help you get an answer.

Do some homework about the different companies. Find out what exactly is or is not covered and if there are deductibles or fees for services. Find out who does their service work. Ask about “after hours” help. Ask for references. Ask your neighbors or friends if they have recommendations.

There is a growing trend in utility companies starting to offer home warranties that relate to their specific utility. For example the power company in my area offers a coverage plan that fixes or replaces any of my home electrical problems. All they charge is a low monthly fee and the parts and labor for repairs are covered. The natural gas provider does something similar to cover parts and labor on home appliances. The plans that the utility companies have are considerably cheaper than using a company focused on home warranties.

James Conley answers:

Have a look at the 3rd link for specific costs of living there.

Lari (GEL) = 100 tetri. Notes are in denominations of GEL100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 tetri.

Exchange rate (today’s)

£1 = 2.63GEL Lari

Cost of living:

Tbilisi has an overall cost of living index which equates it with middle cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Tbilisi is currently ranked 143 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 300 international locations. The cost of living rank for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 19 out of 300.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 214 out of 300.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 251 out of 300.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 226 out of 300.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 152 out of 300.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 163 out of 300.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 58 out of 300.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 181 out of 300.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationery, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 178 out of 300.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 14 out of 300.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 237 out of 300.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 185 out of 300.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 99 out of 300.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Tbilisi is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Tbilisi is ranked as a high degree of hardship location with a hardship index of 30%.

James Conley answers:

Seeing as how it is a friend’s washing machine that you broke, it would be the right thing to have it fixed. More than likely you have burnt the motor that runs the agitator. It also could be something as simple as a broken agitator belt. First check and see if you friend was lucky enough to have bought an extended service plan on the washer. If she did, then repairs would thankfully be covered. If there is no service plan in place, then do the right thing and pay for the repairs. The parts will probably run way less than the serviceman’s fee, unfortunately. If you know of a Handy-man friend….you can also buy parts at a Sears Service Center and have your Handy-man friend fix this unfortunate mistake. My husband was able to fix our Kenmore machine for years just because he is handy at things like this. You should also be aware that most ANY appliance repair place can fix a Kenmore washer…so check around for competitive prices on service fees.