Tims Electric Service LLC

Originally we wanted to replace two linear track lights with three spots per track in the kitchen ceiling with four pendant fixtures. we were continually told that the cheapest way to go was to put six recessed cans in the ceiling itself.

We did not know what was available that would allow us to drop four pendants from the existing tracks. The contractor refused to help us with this saying that "you buy what you want, and I'll install it". Between my wife's two visits to the local lighting supply store and my three hours of online research, we finally settled on the ones we wanted. My wife went to purchase these and was told that they were too expensive, Now the contractor and the lighting supply people convinced her that she needed recessed lighting, which she purchased.
Contractor over-billed us for 5 hours instead of 4 hours, and padded the additional materials over and beyond retail value by up to 100%. We contracted the contractor and he insisted this was normal in the industry. The discussion ended with the contractor hanging up on us.

After further conversation via email, we were able to at least insure that contractor would replace a defective dimmer switch for free, although we had to purchase another one and take the faulty switch back for credit. This portion of the work took us two hours of additional time, something we don't feel we should have had to do.

We have a far different understanding on what should have been billed than what the contractor insists is proper. I would not use this contractor again without a clear and specific understanding of what each portion of the job will cost up front and get the contractor to sign off on it.