A J Michaels

We've had 4 major jobs handled by AJM over the years.  They've replaced the feed to my house from the street after a major leak, my water heater, my boiler after BGE Home broke it, and they replumbed my bathroom after a galvanic reaction caused a MASSIVE leak in my living room.  They've also done one minor repair on one of my steam radiators.  Additionally, they replaced my parents' HVAC system when BGE Home wanted to charge them double.  

Furthermore, their boiler inspections are 2-3 times as long as BGE Home's inspections were, indicating they're significantly more thorough.

They're consistently on time if not early, polite, clean up any messes they cause, show folks how to use whatever shiny new gadget they've installed, and will go above and beyond to make sure the customer is happy.

We're at the point of just not bothering with other plumbers at this point.  Their pricing has been competitive but ALWAYS lower than BGE Home and Saffer, and their employees are significantly more polite than either of the named companies.

Had my water heater replaced by AJ Michaels recently and was quite satisfied. Transparent, competent, professional, efficient, everything you could hope for in a contractor which made it low stress for me. No issues whatsoever with the installation and the water heater has worked smoothly since. They were also quite helpful in explaining various features of the water heater which was much appreciated. Will definitely use AJ Michaels again in the future.

I have been a loyal customer of AJ Michaels for 5 years. I trusted them to do my annual maintenance and come fix my HVAC system any time there was an issue. Unfortunately, I have now learned that I may have just learned that for the thousand plus dollars I've given them  over the years they have been falsely telling me that I just needed to change the filter every time I found an issue when in fact there was a gas leak.

I most recently had them come in November and February to fix issues with my heater. In February paid them a rush service fee because my heater stopped working during a cold snap and I wanted everything in good working order asap. Each time they came and left finding no major issues just said the door screws just needed to be tighter or filter changed (even though we changed the filter before their arrival to avoid that diagnosis). Just two weeks after the Feb visit the heat went out again and we called someone else. They found a gas leak and had BGE over that day to verify.

How many months did AJ Michaels put my family at risk? How many months did AJ Michaels negligence increase my gas bill. I may never know exactly. But I urge anyone seeking an hvac person in Baltimore to find people who take the work seriously.

Rescheduled twice for the same service at the last minute. Each reschedule resulted in a new 4-week delay for service. Service never performed. Avoid at all costs if you value promptness and reliabilty.

I had severe banging and hissing in my steam radiators which was unusual so I called AJ Micheals, who installed the boiler/furnace some years ago. A technician came within one hour, even though I had not requested emergency service.  I was given cost information when I called and the initial visit was actually a little less than they told me over the phone. The tech diagnosed a failed automatic water feeder control and did not have one on his truck. I received a call that they were able to get the part and could come back the next day to install it. Again I was quoted a price up front over the phone. The tech came back within the time frame I was given and the office called when he was on the way. The tech was personable and professional and did an excellent job. Plumbing/HVAC repairs are always costly but there were no hidden costs. The service was timely and professional. Communication with me was excellent. I don''t know how it could have gone better. I highly recommend AJ Michaels.

A/C went out yesterday . Called the company, a tech was at the house within 2 hours . The unit must be replaced . They brought window units to keep us cool .

The repair estimate was reasonable . Work slated to start this week . Very pleased . Quick and professional.

I would recommend them for all your  hvac needs

Good way to upset your neighbors.  Blocking the alley at the time when people are leaving for work.  I waved at him and he saw I was waiting and he left his truck there blocking the alley.

Don't hire a company that demonstrates this level of not caring about their reputation and doesn't care about treating your neighbors politely and professionally.

I had someone less reliable come and take a look at our boiler, the quote they provided sounded off.  I called my plumber Brian Lutz (no relation) and he recommended AJ michaels to do the repair.  Brian said He had come in behind them on occasion and they do good work.

I spoke to Donna and she was able to line someone up that day. Matt came out with his helper, they cleaned a few of the parts and were able to restore our hot water.  Matt was very clear that this was a temporary fix.  That day the water went out again.  I called Donna and she had the replacement part dropped at our house and Matt came back to complete the repair.  All in the same day!  

The repair was $400 less than the other guy and was a totally different part.  

They were professional and cleaned up everything they touched.  

Thanks, you will be my first call next time!

Paul just came by because I called AJ Michaels morning because upstairs unit was not working. He figured it out within minutes. It could have Ben a very costly job but it was simply a 3 amp fuse that had blown ! He also replaced a dirty air filter that my hubby ignored and requires a step ladder and I was a little lazy to replace I must admit.
He was professional and honest and efficient !  Would highly recommend AJ Michaels. Have had them do annual service and service person was always very professional and helpful with advice !  Service trip cost $99 trip charge plus $5 part plus $85 labor!  I'm a happy customer !!!

EDITED at the bottom

I think if they had charged less money, I wouldn't have been so annoyed with the low quality of the work and cheap materials. We paid about 13k for a bathroom remodel. They gutted and redid the bathroom about 5 years ago.  

Pros: Great job on the green board walls (but I could have done that myself) They did come out and fix the wood in the window (mentioned below) so I appreciate that a lot

Cons:  I wanted a recessed medicine cabinet. They did not inform me that this would make it lopsided from the counter top.  It just doesn't look right. But I can live with that.  They used WOOD TRIM on the window in the shower (#oldhouseproblems)   I am not a contractor, but I have many friends and family in other areas who are. You don't use wood in the shower. It started warping.  I appreciate that they replaced it with plastic but why would you use wood in the first place?  The tiles on the floor were not installed well.  If tiles are not firmly installed into the grout/glue/stuff, they will crack easily.  Tile is supposed to be super durable. We don't drop tons of heavy things in our bathroom. We walk on it. We've probably dropped a shampoo bottle or a hair brush. There is no reason that the tile should have as many hairline cracks as it does.  Now we have a dent in our tub. I'm not even sure how that can happen unless you use the cheapest tub possible.  

tl;dr: They cut corners or just didn't do it right for other things, and charged a lot. I definitely can't recommend them.

You can see the tiny cracks in the tile aren't so tiny. The grout is coming out in some places which is from tiles not pushed in properly.  The entire floor is going to have to be re-done. Tile should last 50 years. This is dying after 5. That is PATHETIC.  I've included the hole in the tub. Crappiest tub possible. You can also see in the picture where the crappiest quality sink cabinet known to man is splitting.  

The ONLY thing they did well (that I couldn't have done myself) is the demo. I can't  vouch for the electric or plumbing because I can't SEE the electric or plumbing.  Their work speaks for itself.  

DO NOT USE THEM UNLESS YOU WANT TO REDO IT IN 5 YEARS.

Here's a link to some pictures of their work:
twitter.com/ShellyKosack…

EDIT: I was not aware of their warranty. It is good for 10 years.  After contacting me via my review, they came out and replaced the tile with sheet vinyl at my request.  They replaced the splitting vanity as well as added quarter round on the perimeter of the room.  They said the dented tub was not their fault.  

I still can't give them 5 stars, but I am much happier with the work and I think it will be a lot more durable.  The carpenter that came out this time seemed a lot more experienced and knowledgeable  than the one that came out the first time.  I am adjusting my review to 3 stars because I'm I'm still frustrated that we had to go thru all this, I am happy that they stood by their work and made it right.

I can't rave about AJ Michaels enough.  It was a hot and muggy summer day when I realized that the original air conditioning unit in my condo was on the fritz.  I called AJ Michaels at the suggestion of friend who had used them.  Jim Blake came out and replaced a part and had it working in no time.  I decided, since it was vintage 1987and on its last legs anyway, that I would get an estimate for a whole new unit rather than allow it do die at the worst possible moment.  Their written estimate was promptly supplied in a way that I could understand and in comparison to others was reasonable. I spoke with Jim over the phone to discuss possible options and decided to go with his recommendation. They scheduled my install at my convenience, a time I was able to take off work and they showed up promptly.  Chris, the installer too was knowledgeable and friendly.  He brought his hard working apprentice with him, who was very polite and dedicated.  They were able to finish the job by the end of the day as promised, removing all of the old equipment and installing the new, in spite of the extreme heat that they had to work in. They cleaned the area after the were done and left everything neat and working great.  I also got a lesson on filter cleaning and general maintenance.  
I would use them again and recommend them highly to anyone I know who needs their services.  I am a tough critic and for me to give 5 stars really means something.

Don't bother contacting AJ Michaels, as the staff appear to be completely unaware of the information posted on their website.  

I haven't had hot water in two days, which isn't going to fly much longer in a house with a newborn - between laundry, baths, showers, doing the dishes, etc. we use our fair share of hot water.  Desperate for a place who will either bill or offer financing options, I thought I had struck gold when I found the AJ Michaels website.  

It's possible that my reading comprehension skills aren't what they used to be, but I doubt it.  This is what I found online today, and read aloud to the person with whom I spoke:

Bank financing is available for all of our offered services and installations including plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and bathroom remodeling for up to 5 years. Water heaters and smaller service repairs can also be financed for 90 days same as cash or from 12 to 24 months depending upon the size of the job.

When discussing the issue with the hot water heater with the woman who called me back (after I left a message with their answering service), she lost points on several accounts.  First, by telling me it's not possible that I have a gas hot water heater (really? but the pilot light went out!) because they don't come in the size I told her I have (which is clearly posted on the hot water heater itself).  Second, by telling me that they don't offer any sort of financing at all on repairs under $1500.  When I asked her about the 90 days same as cash financing available for hot water heater repairs, I was told we don't do that anymore.  I told her that I was reading that to her from the website and she changed her response to oh, I had no idea we do that, I guess I'll have to ask someone.  

She finally told me that she would have someone call me Monday morning to discuss.  Awesome.  I might like to take a shower at some point before then, as I am expected to look (and smell) like a professional at work, rather than like the population I serve.  

AJ Michaels is only getting two stars on the off-chance that they do decide to assist with financing with this repair.  Otherwise, they'll get a very reluctant single star!

A.J. Michaels was our plumber for years until two weeks ago when our ac died. The technician they sent was rude.  The estimator couldn't come for an entire week.  Then the Estimator never showed. He called after we inquired with the office about the no show and said that the office had given him the assignment at the last minute even though the office had confirmed with us the appointment the day before.  They are not the company they used to and they are no longer our plumbers.

I had a new unit installed by AJ Michael's 2-3 years ago. They  took down my enclosement to get to the unit (or so they said) and never put it back or did anything . I should have complained immediately I am almost never in the back so it didn't bother me until I saw it again I called them again and they kept their word and removed the wood today. I probably still wouldn't use them again since they probably didn't need to remove the enclosure but updated since they kept their word

No Show , Had appointment they didn't show , I confirmed this morning I was told they would be in my house 11-4 well guess what no show I called office and goes to voicemail , wouldn't recommend this company

I have had an outstanding appointment for an AC check for over a month. Whenever I call to schedule, I am called back the day of my appointment to cancel due to weather. I know that an AC can not be tested below a certain temperature, so the rescheduling is understandable. The last reschedule came this morning. It wasn't even the fact that it was canceled again that caused me to write a review, it was what the woman said to me, when I said, do you know when it will be rescheduled for, my AC is not working very well. She replied with you and 100 other customer's aren't working well, as I mentioned we would get there as soon as possible.

Apparently you have enough customers and are very busy with them, so losing my business won't hurt you!!

The whole process was a breeze. From the sales person to the installation everyone we worked with was so polite and really went out of there way to accommodate  all of our needs. The little things they made sure to cover was not even something we thought of. We would recommend  to anyone.

Service was never rendered.  Left message on voicemail and got call following day by a pleasant representative.  Gave demographics including cell and home number and set up for services following Tuesday.  Representative called home number morning of day of service asking to reschedule as they have urgent request for service for someone without A/C.  Although it was an inconvenience agreed to have service on Thursday between 2 and 4 pm.  the same week (2 days later).  Arranged to have someone home to allow entry and service.  Company service department left message on cell phone while I was at work and did not call the home number where we were waiting for the service tech as they rescheduled for this time.  Since I did not return the call within one hour they cancelled the service call.  They claimed they did not have the home number which they apparently did as this was provided on the initial call and they called us on that number to reschedule.  They never mentioned that someone would have to return a call within one hour of their call in order to get the service. We did them a favor in agreeing to reschedule the visit and reaarange our schedules only to have them fail to show and be chastised for their poor customer service.

Saturday afternoon: Notice a leak in the basement of a property I manage. Called A.J. Michaels and scheduled an appointment for Monday.  Was called day of asking if they could come early.  You bet!  Technician Brian (great guy) showed up and located a leak coming from the cast iron stack.  He called the office and set a same day appointment for an estimator (Chris) who arrived on time (with a pre-call to say he was on his way). He assessed the job, wrote up the estimate and left with no hard sell (I had to check with property owner). I got the okay and Chris came to my home to pick up the signed paperwork and deposit check.  40 minutes later, a plumber friend finally gets back with me saying he could do the job ASAP.  I immediately called Chris who didn't hesitate when I asked if I could back out of the contract, sure, no problem.  Days later, the voided check and estimate were delivered by mail.  

In today's climate of screw the customer at any cost, it is refreshing to find a company with integrity.  I've used AJM in the past and will use them again . . . if my friend isn't available, that is.  :o)

After replacing my water heater and bringing the gas line up to code, they even helped me light the pilot lights in my oven after turning the gas back on. Thanks, guys!

I used AJ Michaels for my Heat Pump Replacement and I couldn't be happier. My old system was a Ruud Heat Pump and it was failing. Even when it was working, the house was COLD in the winter with lukewarm coming out of the vents. They put in a new Carrier Infinity system and I can't believe the difference!

We've lived in our house for 2 years and this is the first time we've been comfortable. There's warm air coming out of all the vents! Also, our electric bill has been slashed because of the new high efficiency system.

The installer was great. He kept everything very neat in the basement. The Estimator that came out was very knowledgeable and explained everything to me in a way I could understand. This is definitely a company that takes pride in making sure the customer is happy before, during, and after the job is completed.

I would highly recommend them!!!

It is a pleasure to recommend A.J. Michaels, especially, because so many of my contacts with other plumbing establishments have ranged from mediocre to just plain awful.    From the receptionists, to the sales department, to plumbing service personnel, this company has really been first rate.    Among the services they have performed, have been an entire house air duct sealing, air conditioning and heating repairs and maintenance.    The air duct sealing has helped lower my monthly energy bills and has kept the house at more comfortable temperatures.    The repair and maintenance efforts were performed by highly knowledgeable, courteous and friendly workers.    I have had no problems receiving service at the promised times.    A matter of fact, when my heating system needed a little additional work, A.J. Michaels responded with deep concern and had a professional at my home within a few hours--the job was done perfectly and they insisted upon no additional fee for this service!    I would not hesitate to use this company for any heating and cooling problem, which I might encounter in the future.

I had AJ Michaels come and service my boiler and also come and fix my drain in my bath tub since it was not draining. These guys rock! I love them! They were early both times and fixed both things really well! I pretty much rely on these guys whenever I need something done! Love them!

Two great experiences with AJ Michaels. We had issues with our older furnace both last year and this winter. Both times the men who came were quick, to the point and professional. The repairs were minor and they only charged the fee to come to the home. It was a good experience to trust a company not to jack up the price for an easy fix.