Harbison's Repair Solutions LLC

Service Provider Response

We performed this job in the manner in which the customer asked us to and to fit into the customer’s budget. He wanted ¼” drywall installed over paneling without removing trim to save cost. Everything, including the leaving of the crown moulding was pre-approved by the customer. We did remove and re-install the base trim. He was not willing to pay the additional cost for removing and re-installing the crown. The customer was not happy with the first color of paint he chose after it was applied and accused my painter of not doing the job correctly. My painter painted the walls again with a second color of the customer’s choosing at no extra charge as a courtesy. The customer was still not happy with the second color, but told my painter he would live with it. I have used these painters for over 6 years and they have been in business for over 25 years, with a very good reputation in the area! I have not had any serious complaints in these 6 years, and any issues were always handled promptly and to the customer’s satisfaction. It is not the painter’s responsibility to re-paint the room for free until the customer is happy with the color. I got a call the next day from customer saying he wanted his money back since the job was so terrible. He tried to find everything possibly wrong with the job, a drop here and there, a couple placed that needed another coat of paint, some caulking that was missed or that had shrunk in. I offered several times to fix any issues he pointed out but he refused, saying he didn’t want us back in his house, and again demanded his money back. As an offer of good faith I refunded him $500, the labor cost of the painting minus materials, since he was so unhappy and it was obvious I was not going to be able to satisfy him at that point. As a contractor it is sometimes very difficult to give a customer what they desire in a remodeling project at the price they are willing to pay, or that they can afford. Compromises have to be made if you want to cut cost. I have been in business for over 14 years with hundreds of very loyal and satisfied customers. I take a lot of pride in my workmanship and my other reviews, and other web sites, speak for themselves. I am not perfect and never claimed to be. I do high quality work; that is my customers expect, and as you can see by my other reviews I believe I do just that. I guess you can’t please everybody.

Service Provider Response

Mr. [member name removed] did contact me about a backsplash on April 29th, I told him during our first conversation that I was booked for several weeks but that I would be glad to come take a look at his job. He said that was fine since he was in no hurry. I called him back on May 6th (not two weeks). According to my notes from the call Mr. [member name removed] wanted to schedule something for May 9th. I told him I would not be able to meet with him that day, but that I could meet with him in the late afternoon or early morning any other day. He said anytime after 4:30 any day of the week would be fine with him since he was home by that time. As I remember our last conversation, I told him I would call him on Tuesday, May 7th if I could meet him on that day. He said that would be fine since he would be home anyway. I was unable to meet with him, so I did not call. I did not forget, in fact it was in my calendar to call him. In hind sight I should have called anyway, my mistake. When he called me on that evening, he was upset that I had not showed like I said I would. When I tried to explain what happened (simple mis-communication), he didn't want to hear it and said forget it and hung up on me. I called him back to try and explain and to apologize for my error in not calling him; he thought I was just calling to cover up my mistake so he would not go on Angie's List and write a bad review. Not true. When I asked him if he still wanted me to come out and look at the job his reply was for me to come by when I wasn't busy. I told him again that I was booked for the next several weeks, he said he would find someone else to do the work. I work very hard at what I do and try and do the right thing. I am human and I do make mistakes. I find it sad that Mr [member name removed] felt the need to write this scathing review based only on a couple of phone conversations. He has never met me nor used my services.

Service Provider Response

The valve Member is talking about is the Fluid Master 400 flush valve. I have installed hundreds of these over the past 25 years as have most plumbers I know. Nothing about her toilet was different than most in houses today. The $50 I charged her included the valve and labor. I'm sure if Member had called a plumber to come out on an emergency call to fix this problem the fee charged would have been much higher, I try no to take advantage, $50 is my minimum charge and I didn't even charge that since the parts were included! As for not leaving her the box or receipt, I buy these in bulk packs so there is no box. And as far as warranty, I warranty all my work for a minimum of a year, I handle the manufacture warranties for the parts I use. I have given Member estimates on several large jobs over the past three years, none of which have been completed as of the last time I was there aside from her own demolition of an old fence. She has complained my prices are too high, I feel my prices are fair as do most of my 600 plus loyal customers. I am not the cheapest in town and don't want to be! I charge a fair price for the quality work my customers deserve and expect from me. I guess you can't make everyone happy!