Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
About us
Call the reliable, affordable, and experienced electrical experts today for troubleshooting, repairs, or installations. Additional DBA - Zapp Electric. Additional contact name - Elaine Damschen.
Business highlights
Services we offer
24-Hour Air Conditioning Repairs, Boilers, Cooling Services, Dishwasher installation, Drain Cleaning, Electrical, Exhaust, Faucet repair, Garbage disposals, Generators, Heating Repairs, Landscape lighting, Plumbing fixtures, Plumbing repair, Sewers Repair, Sink Repair, Smoke detectors, Tankless water heaters, Water heaters, and ceiling fans, attic
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Accepted Payment Methods
- CreditCard
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 82% | ||
| 7% | ||
| 5% | ||
| 1% | ||
| 5% |
"Hello [Member Name Removed], Thank you for choosing Mainstream! We appreciate your review and look forward to working together again! Sincerely, Elaine, President"
"Thank you!!! :) :) :) Sincerely, Elaine D, President Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing"
"Thank you for your business, & thank you for taking the time to share of your positive experience with Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing!!!! Both are MUCH APPRECIATED!! :) :) :) Sincerely, Elaine D, President Mainstream Electric, Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing"
"Thank you for taking the time in sharing of your service experience with Mainstream Electric, Heating, & Cooling!!! It is truly APPRECIATED!!! And, your business is appreciated too!!!! Sincerely, Elaine D, President"
"Thank you for your thorough review!!! Unfortunately, Mainstream does NOT employ a technician by the name of Anthony. We USED to have a Tony, but he hasn't worked here for nearly a year. Sounds like you caught him on his personal phone. Just want to make sure that YOU (as a consumer) understands that Mainstream did NOT do the work as described & hopefully he did not misrepresent himself to you as a Mainstream technician. If we're talking about the same Tony & you're ok that he did your work as a NON-Mainstream staff member .... we agree that he's amazing & kind!! Sincerely, Elaine D, President"
"THANK YOU for your feedback & business!!!! With gratitude, Elaine D, President"
"THANK YOU for your candid review!! Your business & trust are MUCH APPRECIATED!!! Sincerely, Elaine D, President"
"Thank you!!!! :) :) :) With appreciation, Elaine D, President"
"Thank you for taking the time in submitting a review!! AND, appreciate your business!!! Sincerely, Elaine, President Mainstream Electric"
"Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Mainstream Electric appreciates your business."
We rated Mainstream Electric with F's because we feel they failed as a company in our community during a time when thousands of people were without power and decisions had to be made quickly without the opportunity of making a thorough review. We asked Mainstream to be patient while the insurance company reviewed the claim. Mainstream was paid in full just 19 days from completion of their work. In those 19 days we were put through h***!! In those 19 days we had a lien placed on our building, a Cashier's Check lost in the mail due to Mainstream refusing to accept it and many sleepless nights. The timeline below gives more detail.
We were desperate to get power to four families in our multiple dwelling. Downed trees had pulled service wires from the main building. Mainstream gave an estimate that we thought was excessive, but they could begin work immediately so we agreed. Elaine Damschen, President of Mainstream will be quick to point out that I had agreed to pay for the work upon completion when I first called them and that they have it on a recording. That is true; however, my untrained eye saw that a roof mast needed to be replaced and would be an affordable fix. This agreement was made before Mainstream came to the job site. When they got there, their proposal said we needed to bring the power in our building up to code and they couldn't do the work unless we agreed to do that. We've had electricians do work on that building in the past and this is the first time we had been made aware of being out of code. Our tenants had already been without power for six days. We were on a waiting list with three other companies and, quite frankly, I felt trapped. Our insurance adjuster deemed, by the amount of the bill, we were taken advantage of due to a disaster and he wanted his company to review it. We explained this to Mainstream but at no point suggested that their bill would not be paid in full, only that it would take a week or two at the most. Upon reviewing the breakdown of charges, it is quite apparent why Mainstream did not want to cooperate.
The way the proposal was written made it look like the job itself would require $14,262 of labor and materials to complete the work. After reviewing the breakdown Mainstream provided us on Dec 2, it appears that of the $14,262 charged, the total direct cost for the job was $5,537. The rest of charges ($8,725) went to Advertising, Employee and Manager Wages, Uniforms, FICA & Medicare, SUTA & FUTA, Worker's Comp, IRAs, Education Expense, Payroll Expense, Recruiting Expense, Tools, Facility Rent, Shop Supplies, Repairs & Maintenance, Utilities: Gas, Electric, Garbage, Water, Telephone. Computer Software, Janitorial, Vehicle Fuel, Maintenance, Administrative Insurance, Accounting, Professional Fees, Legal Fees, Bad Debt, Outside Consulting, Dues/Subscriptions/Licenses, Office Supplies, Office Expenses, Bank & CC Fees, WA B&O - the list goes on. The proposal was completely misleading as it spelled out necessary electrical work to be done--saying nothing about the overhead expenses or even what percentage would go to "cost of doing business". The insurance company was in total disbelief regarding the charges but because I had signed the proposal and the work had been done, they agreed to pay.
Mainstream badgered us and inappropriately and unnecessarily filed a lien on our property. This was 4 days after completion of the work. It was only 19 days between when the work was finished and full payment was made. They had received a partial payment of $5,537 from us on Dec 4, 2015 which they refused and has since been lost in the mail. When asked if Mainstream would reimburse us for the cost of canceling our Cashier's Check, Todd Damschen, owner of Mainstream, said "You can try to collect it."
Mainstream Electric, in our opinion, is a highly advertised, dangerous entity with which to do business. Beware!! Their charges may exceed 200% of competitive and acceptable charges for similar services. This was easily the worst business experience we have had in many years of property ownership. Their business model is not designed to provide good service at a fair price. Rather, in our opinion, it is to aggressively advertise for potential customers and then manipulate the collection process through intimidation and to manipulate the legal system to ensure payment for gross over-charging.
Below is a timeline of this ordeal:
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Tuesday, Nov 17, 2015 Catastrophic Windstorm
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Wednesday, Nov 18, 2015 called four electrical companies. Put on waiting list on all four.
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Monday, Nov 23, 2015 Mainstream first to arrive. Started work but then had to stop to wait for a part to be ordered.
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Wednesday, Nov 25, 2015 ordered parts arrive
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Thursday, Nov 26, 2015 - Thanksgiving
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Friday, Nov 27, 2015 Insurance adjuster arrived from Texas. Reviewed job in process and expressed serious concerns about over-charging in the face of a disaster. Advised me not to pay bill until Mainstream provided a detailed invoice.
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Saturday, Nov 28, 2015 Mainstream completed the work
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Nov 28, 2015 that evening Mainstream made three calls badgering for payment. Suggested they could not pay their technician without our payment. It was explained to them that payment would be made but because the bill was larger than our insurance company could justify, we would have to wait for the insurance company to send us a check.
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Monday, Nov 30, 2015 the Adjuster called Mainstream asking for a detailed invoice. They emailed him the proposal I signed on Nov 23. It was not a detailed breakdown, rather it showed general statements of materials needed to do the work. The adjuster felt wording was cloudy and wanted more specific detail. Asked again for a detailed breakdown.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Mainstream filed a lien against our property for the $14,262.07.
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Wednesday December 2, 2015 Mainstream sent their breakdown of the proposal to be sent to the insurance company. It showed that $5,537 was the Direct Cost. The remaining $8,725.07 went to their business as partially outlined above.
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Thursday, December 3, 2015 we purchased a Cashier?s Check for $5,537 to help Mainstream pay their employees and supplies. This was sent to their PO Box as instructed by the Accounts Receivable person via Certified Mail. We emailed them letting them know. She emailed back thanking us for the partial payment and asked when they could expect the remaining balance.
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Thursday, December 3, 2015 our insurance company notified us the Mainstream invoice would be going before a committee for review as the bill was more than 200% of normal charges for the work done.
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Friday, December 4, 2015 the Cashier?s Check arrived at Mainstream?s PO Box. USPS tracking showed it was ?available for pickup?
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Wednesday, December 9, 2015 USPS tracking showed the Cashier?s Check was refused and was being returned. Due to holiday mail and windstorm problems the Certified Check did not get returned to us. After four weeks, we were required to purchase a Surety Bond at the cost of $221 in order to stop payment on the Check and have our funds reinstated.
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Saturday, December 12, 2015 we received a Certified Letter from a Lien Processing entity notifying us that our property was encumbered by a lien from Mainstream Electric.
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Tuesday, December 16, 2015 our insurance company informed us they were mailing us a check.
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&n
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"Thank you for your review. The November 2015 windstorm was sure a big one that left over 200,000 without power in Spokane County. For most, it was as simple as having a utility company repair the main line and power was restored. For other home owners and landlords (like you), the repair was more extensive by having physical damage to the electrical service and home/rental unit(s) by fallen trees. I want to take a moment to thank the hundreds of workers from all the utility companies and smaller independent electrical shops (such as ourselves) that put in 80-100 hour weeks for several consecutive weeks to get Spokane and the surrounding areas re-energized. At one point, Mainstream Electric had over 200 homes on a wait list that needed electrical repair beyond what the utility company could do for them. Some repairs were minor while others were quite extensive and needed complete rebuilds. Mainstream employees (including the call center and dispatchers) worked around the clock to book calls and dispatch electricians for several consecutive weeks. Because of the desperation of many on our wait list, we even called upon past employees and hired them temporarily to help. We served as many homes and rental units as quickly and safely as possible, while still performing quality electrical work. Of the hundreds of customers we helped in the month of November, Mainstream Electric had only 1 customer (one) that refused to pay in full until an “investigation’’ was completed by their insurance company to see what other companies might have charged do the same work. This project (a 4-plex) was quoted upfront, in writing, and two days prior to the official start of the job. The landlord’s signature gave Mainstream Electric permission to proceed with this project and for the amount that was quoted upfront. It was completed in a prompt and timely manner with quality products, a quality installation (no short cuts), and also passed electrical inspection …. an inspection conducted by a State of Washington Electrical Inspector who holds our work accountable to the National Electrical Code as well as the Washington Administrative Code. Only when asked to be paid did we have a problem? Thank goodness that most states have a Mechanics Lien Law that protects contractors from customers who do not want to pay their bill. In the end, it all worked out. What an honor to serve so many appreciative people in our wonderful community, so they could get back to their normal day-to-day lives!! Todd Damschen, CEO"
"After reviewing the service that was provided to your location, in our electricians findings were the following There were overloaded circuits in bedroom, hall and main house area. The home had aluminum wiring thru out the home, and high loaded electronics in the living room. Also it was mentioned to our electrician that Alpha Electric was out 2 weeks prior and replaced 1 outlet but it didn’t fix the problem. All this information was disclosed to your landlord and 7 different options were presented to her, she choose the option that she felt was in your best interest and the best interest for her rental home and her budget. We appreciate your concern for your landlord and we will make sure that we follow up with her regarding what you have shared with us. Thank you for taking the time to write a review, we value our customers. Jenni McGuire Mainstream Electric"
"Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Your satisfaction and our reputation are of great importance to us. After reviewing the service that was provided to your home, our electrician found that your electrical panel was unsafe due to a overheating and melting. At that time he provided you with 2 options, # 1 replacing the electrical panel and the second which was to replace the quad breaker and GFCI. Which you decided to opt out of and go for Option # 1 for replacing the panel. When this decision was made we sent out 2 licensed journeymen electricians if hopes to get you restored as soon as possible due to the weather conditions at no cost to you. When the service was completed we followed up with you in regards to the service that was provided and found out that you were dissatisfied due to pricing and gave the resolution to our Customer Service Resolution Manager for a follow up. She did the follow up with you shortly after with you and tried to provide a break down on costs and go over everything with you. When that conversation was over, it was our understanding that this issue had been resolved. Our pricing structure is based on a very specific model that allows us to operate the way we do and provide the level of service our customers have come to expect and look forward too. We are up front with our pricing from the time the customer calls in to the time the job is complete. No hidden surprises. Thank you again for taking the time to write a review and we wish you the best, Jenni McGuire Mainstream Electric"
"Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Mainstream Electric appreciates your business."
"Thank you for taking the time in submitting a review!! AND, appreciate your business!!! Sincerely, Elaine, President Mainstream Electric"
"Thank you!!!!"
"Thank you!! We appreciate your business. Jenni McGuire Mainstream Electric"
"We at, Mainstream Electric appreciate the opportunity and thank you for the business and positive review. It was our pleasure. Jenni McGuire Mainstream Electric"
"Thank you, Thank you!! We appreciate your business. Jenni McGuire Mainstream Electric"
"We at, Mainstream Electric appreciate the opportunity and thank you for the business and positive review. It was our pleasure. Jenni McGuire Customer Care Representative"
I have no problem with the technician. He was on time, professional and did quality workmanship. It is the business that customers need to be cautious of.
This is one company that I will not be recommending to anyone.
"Thank you for your candid review. It is disappointing to find that a client had a bad experience with Mainstream Electric … Definitely not our intention and not a common practice for our company. I am not sure where you are reading the negative reviews, but we know for a fact that the positive out weighs the negative here on Angie's List and the BBB, and the negative reviews have been addressed with findings that there is nothing we are hiding from anyone. No excuses …. We do value customer feedback, as demonstrated by us, calling you after the initial visit to find out if you received outstanding service and if you were 100% satisfied. (This happy call occurs after every single service visit, so we can invite that feedback). When the electrician was at your home he gave you several estimates with break downs, as it was explained to you earlier in the initial call we do not charge by the hour it is by the job, therefore we break it out according to the job not by individual material, labor etc. I am sorry to hear that the break down you received was not what you were wanting. We have been in business for over 15 years and plan on being in business much longer, good luck trying to find a company that is more suitable for you. Thank you again for your review Jenni McGuire Mainstream Electric"
"Thank you your review, we appreciate the opportunity to do business with you. Thank you again, Jenni McGuire Customer Care Representative"
Super happy that the job got completed right and professional looking.
"We at, Mainstream Electric appreciate the opportunity and thank you for the business and positive review. It was our pleasure. Jenni McGuire Customer Care Representative"
"Thank you your review, we appreciate the opportunity to do business with you. Thank you again, Jenni McGuire Customer Care Representative"
Licensing
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