Munich Kids

I was recently looking for an English-speaking person or company to paint our apartment.  When I raised the question on Toytown Munich’s chat forum, I consistently received recommendations for 2 companies - Huntcrest Services and Benchmark Building Services. 

I received estimates from both companies for the expected work.  In the end, we decided to wait a year before painting, but I was impressed by the professionalism of each representative. 

There was, however, a very large difference in the final estimate of costs  - one quote was 3 times the quote of the other.  So, I would definitely recommend getting an estimate from each company before deciding on something that fits your budget and needs.

Huntcrest Services describe themselves as English-speaking painters and installers.  Benchmark Building Services describe themselves as English-speaking builders, providing services in carpentry, renovations, painting, etc.

I have not been able to find a website for either service, other than the paid advertisement on Toytown’s website. Phone numbers and email contacts can be obtained from that site.

Benchmark Building Services:  http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/benchmark_building_services.html

Huntcrest Services: http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/huntcrest_services_painters_installers.html

There are so many things to take care of when you first move into a new city - finding an apartment, choosing schools for the kids, buying all the odds and ends you need for your new home.  Setting up phone and internet service will probably be near the top of 2 to-do lists - “Things that Must be Done” and “Things You Wish You Could Avoid at All Costs”.  In my experience, dealing with phone companies is never a pleasant experience — especially if you only know enough German to produce sentences like this “Bitte, bitte.  Telefon , bitte!”  Luckily, the telecommunication company TKS Snap has recognized the problem held by English-speaking newcomers to Germany.

TKS Snap was launched in July 2002.  According to their website, they offer “anyone living in Germany the opportunity to have a full range of home telephone and internet services, with all transactions and billing in English”.  You may not realize what a relief it is to receive bills written in English until you’ve dealt with a few bills or “Important Notices” in a language that you can not yet comprehend.

We have used TKS  for 3 years, and we have always been satisfied with their services and billing.

Phone:  089/ 483 5053 or 089/ 483 5054

Email: info@tkscable.com

Website: http://www.tkscable.com/

A Munich Kids reader offered this very useful tip.

There is a diaper service in Munich.  It’s called Windelservice Muenchen. 

Vern nice owners. They speak German and some English.  Cloth diapers. Collection is once a week, with delivery of new diapers.  Website is soon to be in English.

 Address: Plinganserstrasse 6, 81369 Munich

Phone:  089-120 22 897

Website:  http://www.windelservice-muenchen.de/