El D.
07/01/2015 12:00:00 SA
Received an estimate for repairing and replacing outside drain by breaking concrete and repairing pipe up to 5ft into the home as needed. Estimate also including back-filling with concrete up to the previous level. I authorized the ESTIMATE OF SERVICE and the credit card was charged by the vendor 3 days before the work was scheduled and almost a full week before it was actually performed due to rain. After contacting vendor 2 days after the rains to obtain a schedule for the repair, I was advised that it would be the next day but the time estimate didn't seem certain. After having someone wait all day for the service, I advised the vendor that if repair wasn't performed by the rescheduled date, a new plumber would be contacted.
The work was done on the rescheduled date after 5pm. The actual repair required only replacing outside drain and 6-12 inches of pipe. SIGNIFICANTLY less work than estimated. When I inquired as to a discount for the service that was performed, I was advised that there are no discounts because the scope of work was with the anticipation of having to go further. I advised the vendor that the auto repairman doesn't charge me for what he could have done when the work turns out to be something different, and that I was disappointed, but learned a lesson. To that I received no response. Had I been there to monitor the work, I would have asked about revising the estimate and had I known there would be no change in the amount, I would have had them dig out and replace the full 5 feet of pipe to get my money's worth.
I advised the person who recommended this vendor that I was disappointed and would never use or recommend them for future work. She indicated that she had never received a negative response from any recommendation and I told her that I guess someone had to be the 1st.
The shame is that had the work been more than estimated, you can guarantee the vendor would have required additional payment. But since the service was less, I as the customer, am SOL. Sadly, not even the 10% discount from the vendors website was offered as a concession.
I would love to retain business cards and request or recommend repeat business by the service providers I've used, but after having dealt with 5 contractors in 5 years. I have yet to find 1 who doesn't do sloppy work or sloppy business.
This is my review. Take it for what it's worth.
