$1280 to change a faucet…read more
On Thursday I found mold under my kitchen sink. I recaulked, tore out the moldy areas, and bought a new faucet just to be safe. My wife and I both work and are busy with 2 kids under 4, so even doing this much on my own was a bit stressful and our sink is in high-demand. However, I've changed faucets before, and I knew I could do it myself. Then I learned that the water shutoff was broken. At this point, I decided to call a professional. I called a few highly rated plumbers in my area and got quotes. The competition quoted $220-450. The Refined Plumber would not give a quote or even a ballpark estimate in advance, but I assumed it would be in the same range. Even if it was 10-15% higher, no big deal. The refined plumber was the only one available to come 8-12 am the following morning. Great. I went to sleep happy that my sink would be fixed in a few hours and a few hundred dollars. My in-laws rearranged their mornings to help out with childcare when the plumber arrived.
What follows are criticisms I never would have written if (a) the price was in the realm of the others, (b) there had been better management of my price expectations and communication about they the team was capable of completing, or (c) the team had actually delivered an exceptional "refined" experience. I want to be clear that the young men who visited my house had the standard professionalism you'd expect from certified plumbers. It is the price and perhaps company strategy that compels me to dissuade others from making the same mistake I did. I wish Yanky and Nate the best. It's not their fault the company uses the pricing strategies they use. Had the price been in line with the product, I'd give 4-5 stars.
Between 8-12 I politely declined service for the competition as they followed up on my inquiries. I knew that help was on the way. My mistake.
Yanky and Nate arrived at 1 PM for our 8-12 window. Apparently there was a plumbing emergency. No big deal. Not convenient for my family and in-laws who arranged their day to be available in the morning, but I get it.
After quickly assessing the problem, Yanky spent a while telling me about the various packages and memberships available. A salesperson or a plumber? We already know what needs to be fixed.
Then the bombshell: $1280 to change a faucet AND they can't change the water shut off valve. This was the whole reason I called a plumber. I told the receptionist when I ordered their service. How can this cost 3-5X what the competition quoted!?
Yanky assured me that nobody else offers the quality that he can offer. He also said the water valve issue maybe I could do myself.
Now I am in an awkward position. Do I send them away and coordinate time off work and babysitting another day? Do I tell my in-laws sorry they cancelled their plans to help out with the kids today?
I decided to go for it. At least they will do a professional job and their online reviews were good. Maybe they really are worth $1280? I just need an operational, watertight kitchen sink, and it would be great if it was done before the next round of toddler feeding. "We will be gone within an hour," said Yanky.
Of the 3 hours they were here, far too much time was spent explaining various packages, memberships, and referral programs. Perhaps if they didn't waste this time, they could stay on time for their appointments.
Again, I want to emphasize that very little of my disappointment is actually Yanky or Nate's fault. In a company like this they do not choose the price and they surely are told to present things a certain way. However, due to the outrageous price I feel compelled to disavow them of the illusion that this I some kind of superior or luxury product.
I'd recommend Yanky wear eye protection and a respiratory mask when he is working near mold, especially in front of Nate who is only two weeks into his apprenticeship, but if Yanky wants mold in his eyes and face that's up to him.
