We hired Lichtfeld to do some plumbing work as part of a remodel of a small master bathroom. In all they had four tasks to complete: 1) install shut-off valves for the bathroom sink, 2) install the shower handle and valve, 3) install shower head and 4) install shower base and attach the drain.
When we used the shower after this we found the shower head leaking badly, and the handle would only turn on half way, and not get fully hot. They came back out and tightened the shower head (denting it), and it turned out that they installed the valve backwards. Which should have been a very easy and common install.
When we started using the shower again, a few days later we found that water was leaking into our basement. The remodeled bathroom is on the second floor, so the water had leaked from the shower base drain, into our kitchen ceiling to the outer wall where it followed an air vent down to the basement. This was evidenced by paint bubbling at the drywall seams in the kitchen ceiling.
We then had Lichtfeld out again, showed them the water in the basement and the kitchen ceiling, then left them to fix the leak. After they finished they said they got another half turn on the drain and added some silicone. They also expressed that what they did should fix the problem. Keeping a close eye on the basement we resumed using the shower, and it hasn't leaked since.
Lichtfeld initially said that they would take care of repairing the damage. We had an independent contractor come out who agreed with our assessment, and gave us an estimate for the work. Lichtfeld then sent their own person, who ended up being an old friend of Melanie Lichtfeld, that was apparently sent to discredit us and give us unsolicited legal advice. It turned out that Lichtfeld had since decided that they didn't want to pay anything, so they came back to us saying they didn't think they were responsible for the damage.
Needless to say we were disappointed with this lack of integrity and professionalism. We could have understood screwing up three of the four tasks we hired them for, if they would have been accountable for those mistakes, but they ultimately decided that their character had a price limit. We wouldn't recommend Lichtfeld to anyone looking for a plumber. There are plenty of other companies who will likely do a much better job, and know that screwing over your customers just isn't good business.
Lastly, besides the work being terrible, their customer service was even worse. In 15 years of home ownership, we have never had such an awful experience with a company. read more