This is an honest, recent review of a local HVAC/Plumbing company . We want to support local…read morebusinesses if possible. That being said, our 1st experience with this local business didn't go very well.
We initially contacted them to have a small valve replaced at our boiler as it was dripping. I asked for an estimate of the price upfront, and was informed without seeing it, they were unable to provide that. I also sent a picture of the valve that was leaking and still no estimate. When they arrived, they were cordial and professional. After taking a quick look at the valve, they also decided to replace the check valve adjacent to the dripping valve, even though it seemed to be functioning perfectly. They proceeded to complete the work and were essentially leaving the driveway in approx. 30 minutes.
During our conversation with them, we asked them to stop at the front door before they left. They basically said "we will write up a slip and it will be mailed to you" We assumed that at the very least we would get a paper receipt of what was done before they left. Well, they left without giving us a price, a work order, a receipt, anything. I had to call the office and asked what the total bill would be.
Later that day they got back to me and quite honestly, I almost fell off the chair. $540.00 for less than 30 minutes and a simple shutoff valve installation. I was informed that $212.00 was their minimum just to come out to a home. We were never told any of this up front even though I asked.
They indicated that the valves (one of which was not required, but "suggested") cost them over $200.00. This may be true, but we were able to easily find the replacement valves in both HD and Amazon for $65.00, for BOTH valves. Since we had originally sent them pictures of the valve to be replaced, they knew beforehand what they planned to use as a new valve, but never informed us that it was far more expensive than what a typically valve would be. The valves seem to be overkill for such a simple replacement, but we as the customer had no opportunity to not have them install it should we have decided that.
The installation seems professional, but the price was sky high for such a simple job. Being a local resident, we were assuming in good faith to build relationships with local businesses, but that is obviously not the case. Its clear to us they are driven solely by money, not customer relationships.
Also, there is no indication from anyone what the warranty is on the work performed, its all just a total mystery working with this company.
Since then, we reached out to (2) separate contractors who indicated there is nothing at all unusual or difficult about this routine job and they confirmed (what we had researched before we ever contacted Sarette), which is that the absolute most this should have cost was $250-$300. Sarette installed the valves they chose, but gave the customer no option, no opportunity / choice to refuse this installation if we wanted to.
The installers were fine, but whomever is responsible for the final cost should understand that you may have gotten the bill paid this go-around, you have lost what would have been a loyal and repeat customer going forward. An expensive lesson for sure, but a valuable lesson all the same, that not all businesses see value in their customers, just the bottom line.
We understand its a business, but frankly we felt taken advantage of by this company and would not use, nor recommend their services again.
A very frustrating & disappointing experience.
