My original review of Chapman was in 2018 and centered around my wonky but still operational…read morefurnace.
This time around, I've gotten the chance to try out Chapman to address some electrical issues in the house.
Truthfully, I wasn't aware that Chapman handled electrical. I'd begun having some significant electrical issues a couple weeks before Thanksgiving. I called another company that I'd used for a smaller project with good results. They came over and did some minor adjustments, however, they noted there were significant issues and planned to send me an estimate.
They did let me know this "fix" was more like a band-aid and the significant work was inevitable.
It was less than a day when the "band-aid" stopped working. I waited a bit anticipating their estimate, though also disappointed that they'd done such a weak fix.
Finally, things got WAY worse. It was shortly before Thanksgiving and the situation was urgent. I left a message for Chapman anticipating that I was likely out of luck for the holiday weekend. My general sense was that was their plan, too. However, I think the rep (I believe her name was Hannah) heard the panic in my voice and I explained my situation. She arranged for a technician to visit the house the next day. This tech did agree that the issue was serious and warranted a few major repairs. He explained it well and explained my options.
To be honest, I'm usually quite cheap. However, when he gave me two options I went with the more expensive option as I really wanted to make sure the fix was done properly. I was tired of band-aids. They used my initial service call as a down payment and the electrician, Rodney as I recall, scheduled it and made sure he would be the electrician for the project (NOTE: In reality, this ended up being a 2-3 person job).
The only slight hiccup was that I'd been told they'd arrive at 8am. In reality, I called them at 10am and learned they were having trouble finding one needed part. That was fine, though I should have been called. Around 11:15, and somewhat surprisingly, they arrived and dug in.
Seven hours later? They were done.
I was particularly touched by a neat gesture - I'm a wheelchair user. In their estimate, the electrician had written that he'd be putting my new panel in at wheelchair height. This wasn't something I asked for particularly, however, it was a pretty cool gesture recognizing my needs.
Rodney explained everything and was entirely work focused. He completed the work as promised and the cost was exactly as quoted. He explained a couple other concerns - including one that wouldn't be a Chapman issue, however, he explained how it could impact the electric.
I've now had Chapman work on my furnace and my electric. Are they more expensive? Yeah, I'd say so. If you're looking for a budget electrician, Chapman probably isn't that. However, in all three visits the work has been done and done well. They've avoided band-aids and actually fixed issues. Their quotes have been accurate. The employees have been professional. With the exception of today's tardiness, the experiences have all been impeccable.
Truthfully, I should have likely called Chapman first. While I may not call them for smaller issues, the truth is for me it's worth a bit more to get the work done right. The work is warrantied and I now have a system that should last for years and is also accessible.
That other company? I still don't have their estimate.
Chapman wins.
