Best Businesses in Oklahoma

[] Irrigation Review Series [] Part 3 (of 3)

Jump to the summary at the bottom if you can't be bothered to read this essay.

[] Background []

I had a fence contractor install a fence this past winter, and in the process of doing so, they hit one of the sprinkler water lines. They said that they fixed it, and in a way they did, but they kinda did a crap job of it. I only discovered that the fix didn't take after my sprinkler system was turned back on after the winter, and my lawn turned into a soupy bog (as well as getting hit with a ridiculous water bill in the process). So I needed to find a cost-effective solution to the problem. This is the third of three irrigation companies I dealt with to that end.

[] Irrigation Company No. 3 []

After realizing that 405 Irrigation was not going to be able to fix my broken sprinkler line for several weeks, I knew I had to keep searching. So I went on Yelp (again) and came across... some company. I don't remember what they're called now. And I called them to ask them for pricing. The lady who spoke to me on the phone informed me that they don't do irrigation system repairs anymore, but contract the work out to Quality Irrigation. So I contacted Quality Irrigation. And the dude, whose name I forget, so henceforth he shall be called Quality Dude (QD) responded pretty quickly.

The pricing was reasonable enough, I guess? $85 for the first hour (which is cheaper than most others I came across), and $125 or something for the second hour (which is much more expensive than most others I came across). But there was no two hour minimum, so I ultimately made the decision to have the QD come fix the broken sprinkler line, because he said that he didn't expect to have to take more than an hour. He got it done in 55 minutes. Granted, he had a friend, and it probably would have taken longer if it wasn't for said friend, but the work being finished in under an hour meant that I had to pay $85 plus parts or whatever. Which, I feel like the parts were a tad on the expensive side, but it ended up being only $109 (total), which was notably cheaper than the other quotes I had gotten, so whatever, I'll take it, QD, I'll take it.

QD was friendly. He's young (like, younger than me, which is weird, but weird in that I can't wrap my head around how everyone born on September 11, 2001 is now an adult), but he seemed pretty knowledgeable. He showed me what caused the leak and why it happened. And as I previously mentioned, he worked quickly. Also, no leaks anymore. QD checked his work by checking the water meter. I have checked it myself a couple more times since then (and it's been almost two months now) just to make sure that the fix held. And it has. No leak. No ruined lawn. No insanely expensive water bill (as the result of an unintentional event, at least). Quality Dude did a quality job, and he did it for less than everyone else I had asked. And for that, I'm grateful.

[] Summary []

Quality Irrigation seems to live up to its name.

Excellent service from this licensed professional. Chris communicates promptly, clearly. Arrives on time. Generous with advice on things we can do for ourselves, handles problems in need of his expertise and skill efficiently and effectively. Cleans up afterward. Pleasant to be around. On-site estimates and very reasonable rates. High rating on Angies List, BBB. Recommend him without reservation!

Shane Robb is a really nice guy AND a tip-top electrician. (Highly intelligent. Wonderfully dependable work. Motivated and friendly, and the polar opposite of some of the slackers I've dealt with over the years.)

Good job, Shane!

Very professional, came on time and did great work! Highly recommend for any electrician needs

If you're looking for professional, courteous service, this is the company for you. I would rate Tim 10 stars if I could. He was so patient, so meticulous, so down to earth. I don't think I would even think of using anyone else ever again. Wow!

They went above and beyond with both customer service and quality. They have earned me as a customer for life. I was left without power and they jumped in and corrected problem and helped get restored quickly.

Soooo many beautiful options at great prices! Very kind and helpful staff as well. I'd recommend this place to anyone.

Dropped off two floor lamps for repair - after 2 years these folks declined to follow through with making the repairs.  During the 2-year process they made several excuses telling me that parts were backordered, etc.  When I called to ask if they intended to repair the lamps or should I pick them up the saleswoman said you can pick them up and hung up the phone.  I did pick the lamps up and took them to Andrews Lighting Gallery; within 3 days the lamps were repaired and for less than $70 total!  

I'll add that the lamp selection at James Lighting is a bit dated.  If you're looking for polished brass and really really really bad customer service they're your folks.  Otherwise, may I recommend Andrews Lighting Gallery.

We bought a generator and installation thru Lowe's and Aker's came out to do the installation. Their sub-contracted plumber took a week to install the gas line. I asked him to leave the 20 foot ditch open so the electricians could extend it 3 feet and lay their pipe in as well. (Inspector had already ok'd this method). I had him relay this message, and also left a text and a voice mail to ensure they understood what I wanted. After a week, Akers finally showed up, and the first thing they did was start filling in the ditch, which by this point had been open 12 days. Jared informed me they would not be putting it in the ditch but rather, running 18' of pipe across the side of my house. I told him that would look like crap and no he would not. He replied I had 2 options, 1) It was on the utility side of the house with no gate where no one ever goes so let him do it his way or, 2) he would pack up and leave the job. I went inside to call Lowe's. While I was on the phone, Stephanie called to demand I decide to let them do it their way or tell them to leave. I did neither. They continued filling in the ditch. When I came back out with the salesman on the line, who told them to stop, they continued until the ditch was filled in. They then packed up and left. When Lowe's later asked them why they filled in the ditch, they said it was for safety. REALLY? It had been open for 12 days on the utility side of the house with no gate where no one ever goes, as Jared so eloquently said. They claim we wanted something for nothing. We paid over $6000 for the installation alone. We did not ask for something for nothing. All we asked is they make the installation look professional. It wouldn't have been more materials or labor, and it would have taken them less time than they spent arguing to have completed the ditch. If it were a problem for them, they had a week to communicate with me, yet they chose not to do that, but rather to inflict their will upon me. There is nothing in my Lowe's contract about digging or not digging. I cannot help what is in theirs. When we put a review on their Facebook page, Stephanie responded by trying to make us look cheap, crazy, and obstinate, then blocked us where we could not respond to their lies. The bottom line: their paradigm of how customers should be treated is sorely lacking integrity, honesty, and professionalism.

He forgot to hook up a wire during installation.  So for 5 years, our heat and AC blew out on low speed.  Obviously, it didn't heat and cool like it should and I complained about that.  Foster couldn't find anything wrong.  Probably thought I was imagining things.  To be fair, another tech or two didn't find anything wrong, either, but they weren't the one who did the faulty installation.  Finally, somebody who really knew what they were doing found the problem but unfortunately after running on low speed caused a $600 problem.  Don't remember exactly what that was.  Of course, this happened a few months after warranty expired.  Entire unit now will have to be replaced a good bit ahead of what it should be, probably since the old underground lines were used instead of running a new line overhead like it should have been done with R-410a and also the vacuum/clearing out the old line obviously wasn't done very well.  Would never use Fosters again.  Do what you want.

I hired Allstate to come out and inspect a home I was buying.  They charged me over $300 and one GFI and two plugs did not work.  We have used Allstate for over seven years and have spent in excess of $20,000 in some years.  My wife called them to do a service call and they did nothing about it.  She called and talked to the owner and he said that he did not care and that we have only spent $2500 with them last year.  DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM.  They will over charge and under deliver on service as they only care about the big customers that they have!