When I was seeking bids for my fence I think I got about 5 call backs, only two showed up for estimate, but neither got back with me on estimate. Subcontractor from HD called immediately, was out here within a day or so, and by end of week job was finished. I don't know if they were cheaper or more expensive than independents would have been. At least I didn't waste any more time making calls, waiting for call backs, or waiting for no shows. Even though I work from home most of the time the distraction of anticipating someone to show up, during a time block, is too distracting for me to get any work done. And they frequently don't come during the "time block" even if they do show up.
Although many people have bad experiences with AHS I have always been able to count on the workers to show up, usually during the agreed upon time block. That's "priceless" to me.
gg=alice