We have had Chris assist us with two Plumbing projects. The first time was the addition of a 2nd…read morebathroom, in July 2016. We were pleased with the outcome of that project. Since this project was managed through a general contractor, we didn't compare pricing. We paid $1868.80 for his services. I would've given Chris 4 stars based on our bathroom project ,if this was our only experience with his services.
However, it was the 2nd installation project that is the reason I only gave him One Star. I would've given him ZERO based on the outcome of our 2nd project.
Our second service request was to install our new GE dishwasher. Our other GE dishwasher died and GE offered us a deal to replace it for $450.00, included delivery and installation.(Excellent customer service from GE) Unfortunately, the 3rd party delivery service was unable to install the new dishwasher, given the hook up required a connection through the sink wall. They said we needed a plumber to install it. That is when we called Chris. Chris came and took a look at the connection and said " it would probably take a couple of plumber hours to install it."
His dispatcher, Darryl was very professional,friendly and attentive to my phone calls, for both projects. She deserves a raise! The technician scheduled to install the dishwasher had assisted with the bathroom project. I do not have an issue with him, regarding the dishwasher installation, since he was following orders.
He arrived around 8:30 am and left around 1:30pm. The technician ran into some difficulties and needed assistance. Chris arrived on the scene to assist him. Apparently, it wasn't a simple, replace and reconnect installation. Once it was completed, I received a bill for a whopping $960.50!!
I had to leave for work before the technician was done, so I left my credit card with my son to pay the bill, without my not knowing the total cost. When I got home and saw the invoice, I called Chris to complain about the total of the bill. We were charge 5 hours of labor at $104.00, $189.00 parts, and $200.00 service call charge.
I said that this bill cost 2x as much as the dishwasher! If I had known that it would've cost so much, I would've cancelled the installation.
Normally, I would've requested a written quote prior to the job. It is my mistake that I didn't do so. I trusted Chris, given how well we worked together on our bathroom project. When I spoke with Chris, I expressed my extreme dismay with the bill. I told him that I regretted not getting a written quote. He said it would've been too hard to give an accurate quote, since he needed to open up the wall. Without knowing what he might encounter with opening up the wall, he was not able to give a price quote in advance.
I believe this is an excuse that allows him to benefit from verbal quotes, as opposed to written quotes. Had he written a quote for "the few plumber labor hours" he would be at a loss and not us, the consumer!
He said he would review the bill and see if there was anything he could do. He said his pricing is not the most expensive in the area, nor is it the least expensive in the area. In other words, 'buyer beware." It doesn't matter to him that we will never ask for his service again. That's because he knows that we are moving out of state and won't need him anymore.
We were trying to do the right thing by leaving our buyers a working dishwasher. The price and customer service from GE was outstanding. Sadly, Chris your billing practices are lacking. I strongly suggest that any potential customer get a price quote in writing prior to service from you. The money and aggravation they will save will be in their best interest. Definitely, the price was NOT Right!