Get matched with top sump pump installation pros in Aldie, VA

"I will preface this review by saying that I work as a general contractor (with regular interaction with mechanical contractors), work in the service and sales industry (as a personal trainer), and am a business owner (yes, three separate jobs in three separate industries). I say the above because I have the credibility to be able to write a review like this. On 10/3/23 I discovered that my AC (an Amana 3 ton, 36,000 BTU, R410a split system) was not blowing cool enough air to meet thermostat settings. As the original installation of the system was performed by Snell Heating & Air Conditioning [on 1/6/12], I decided to use them for the service call.  The technician (Franco) arrived on 10/4/23 within his scheduled time slot. Franco was transparent and clearly explained the process. Within minutes he was able to identify the source of the problem (the evaporator coil within the indoor air handling unit had frozen indicating a refrigerant leak). He presented me with three options: 1) refill the refrigerant at $715 per four gallons; 2) do a leak check to identify the source of the leak and replace the component from which the leak is originating (i.e. the coils at the outdoor condensing unit, the evaporator coil at the indoor air handling unit, or the line sets) for ~$7,000 and possibly higher; or 3) replace the entire system at anywhere from $18,000-$35,000. This is when I realized the 'sales pitch' was going to start. You see review readers, companies like Snell and others (that have been gobbled up by private equity firms and/or larger companies) no longer operate as a 'small local family business' where integrity, honesty, and doing what is best for the customer is the priority. Snell (which was acquired by Horizon in 2020) now operates as a giant selling machine. These types of businesses have large overhead, extensive marketing costs, training costs, fleet costs, insurance costs, uniform costs, IT costs, and much more that all need to be accounted for in their pricing. They simply cannot operate as such a large business if these expenses are not passed down to the consumer...and frankly, most consumers will happily pay it (as is evidenced by the hundreds of positive reviews). However, an educated consumer can be dangerous for these types of companies. Let me expand on what I mean here. For example, R-410a refrigerant costs <$400 for 25 lbs or <$15/lb (Snell is charging close to $200 per pound). An Amana evaporator coil costs ~$600 (Snell is charging close to $7,000). I won't even begin to tell you how much of a markup they are putting on a brand new HVAC system (it is astronomical). It is understood that their prices include installation, travel, warranty, and all of the aforementioned overhead costs, however, within minutes of their departure I found several small residential HVAC contractors that quoted the same items for fractions of the cost of Snell. Let me be clear, Franco was professional, courteous, and patient. He was an ideal employee for this type of business (a commission-based business where sales are the priority). However, the bottom line is this, Snell is part of the new wave of larger residential HVAC contractors where maximizing profit is the most important thing...and, you know what, I get it. As the old saying goes, "don't hate the player, hate the game". This is where we are in America - products/appliances/gadgets/devices becoming obsolete and having shorter and shorter life spans and businesses caring less and less. I am not some disgruntled 'Harry Homeowner' It is simply inexplicable to me that a system that was installed by Snell only 11 years ago (and just out of the ten year warranty period) must already be replaced. My hats off to David Snell and their entire team - they run a well oiled machine but I simply will not pay the type of costs they are charging."

"Excellent customer service. Excellent finished product. West Shore Home came to install a shower in one bathroom and bathtub/shower in another bathroom. Their customer service is top tier! They took extra caution to ensure they didn’t damage or disrupt my home or other furniture as they carried their equipment in and out of the house. They encouraged me to see the progress as they worked. (Nothing to hide is always a good thing.) When I expressed surprise and disappointment with one aspect of the design, they immediately began solutioning the issue."

"Professional, expert paintings, appeared on time. No complaints. Gate good advice on wiring home for wifi TV. "

"The original project I hired them for was to replace leaky faucets in both the kitchen and bathroom. Frank, the owner, was responsive and professional. They scheduled the work promptly and showed up on time. Unexpected issues were discovered that required a second trip and additional work. They communicated everything clearly and the additional costs were handled separately and transparently. They also cleaned up after the work was done. I would hire them again."

"15 years with Water Boy LLC. Always professional, quick response, valued product. Thank you!"

"Renken did an excellent job. Highly recommend."