Ellison Electric

I found out on Wednesday that I would be unable to install the gas stove and gas dryer which were coming that Friday. I called Bowie electric from Angie's List and my contractor recommended Jim Ellison who he'd worked with before to install the 220 now needed for an electric range and an electric dryer. I spoke on the phone to Bowie Electric who quoted me $800 for the job (based on their estimated labor and parts). They did the quote over the phone after talking to my General Contractor and seeing a picture of the breaker box. They were able to get me on the schedule for Friday morning. On Thursday evening Jim Ellison came by at the behest of my contractor and told me the job would require 2 electricians and was a lot more involved than probably Bowie Electric thought. Jim Ellison told me he could start work on Friday mid-day and work on Saturday and probably Monday to finish the job. He told me $1500 is what he could do it for and that he worked for the same hourly rates that Bowie Electric worked for. Jim Ellison came mid-day on Friday to work and left at 4:00 or 4:30ish and came at around 9:00 on Saturday with a teenager he was apparently training. They finished on Saturday mid-afternoon. I felt the job was taking much longer than it would have with two professionals but it was done a lot sooner than what I believe I was led to think was necessary (probably coming back on Monday). I received an e-mail saying my bill was $1300 plus tax. I asked for an itemized bill thinking I was getting billed by the hour but I was told by Jim that it was a flat rate! It was my mistake for not clarifying this with him but I expected two professionals and I felt I was led to believe it was a much bigger job than the time that was put in by one professional and a kid who he was training. I gave them the work over Bowie electric relying on the much bigger job and two electricians information I received from Jim Ellison. I'm fine with apprentices but it was not what I expected. He then got irritated with me asking for an itemized bill (which when I received it still didn't itemize the parts he used nor the labor and rate) and wanted to come by and get his check right away. I paid him but I will never use him again and I will be sure and clarify that I am receiving an itemized bill by the HOUR! My business goes to Bowie Electric next time! I beleive the quality of his work and his knowledge were good. But boy, did I pay for it! Hi bill for about 9 hours was almost the same as my contractor's for a week. I think I was taken advantage of.