Streeter's Service 1st

"This one definitely proves the saying that 'You can't please everyone'. When I was young, my mentor shared with me that as long as clients, when they do complain, tell you about the price (not the work) you are doing something right. It is important to note that there is a difference between an ESTIMATE and a QUOTE: an estimate is just that, an ESTIMATE. You are using these terms interchangeably, and that is not factual. A QUOTE is a contract price. No credible contractor will give you a hard quote on a plumbing or mechanical item unless it is priced ridiculously high, as in flat rate pricing scenarios. The bottom line is: $1100 direct cost for parts and supplies, (brand new Bradford white power vented water heater and XP tank, valves, fittings, and supplies) two mechanics, six hours on the job (correcting gas piping for safety reasons), total bill of 1822. OH, AND we hauled away the old unit as well. Having left an open check to cover the bill balance, you had to have heard me when I said it "may very well be more, depending on how long it takes" so please don't try to make it out like we somehow 'suddenly' took advantage of you. And since you did not reveal any other pricing you received (as anyone would not), AND your final cost was within $22 of the estimated cost you already got, you got a very good deal, since the other co was STARTING at 1800. And I should add, your installation cost was below the (zip code keyed) average labor cost of 962....all of this taken together, tells me that no matter what, you were not going to be pleased. But its been educational, and I'm grateful for that."

"This is why I got into the business in the first place, 30 years ago; to put right what once went wrong. I felt for this client, who had purchased a home that turned out to be jury-rigged in many ways. When we get involved in something like this, I always try hard to establish what the expectation of the client is; in this case, she was trying to overcome a LOT of prior bad workmanship, quickly and inexpensively, and her expectation on what it would cost was not realistic, regardless of what I said. We cannot solve a 3000 dollar problem for 300 dollars. We did return a second time, however, at no cost to her, and repair a disturbed solder joint under the sink, but we could not make her truly happy, because of her deeper remorse about buying this home in the first place. We can't please everyone all the time, but we will always do our best!!!! :-)"