So let me start out by saying the two guys that did all the trenching were amazing. Great guys! The job was to dig a 150' trench (in the sand) to install electricity out back in two locations and they did this and did a great job. My problem with them is the lack of honesty and transparency. The job was originally booked for two days. It actually only took five hours (9am - 2pm) and I questioned the labor charge that was one-half of the bill. I was given the runaround about how there were two electricians on site and they are paid $225/hr. I only witnessed one electrician doing work. Possibly the guy that came out to take a look at what was going on was an electrician, but he did zero work and was only here a few minutes. Here is where the real issue lies. There were so many items on the quote sheet that were not used on our actual job and the cost was much higher, per item than that you buy at Home Depot or Lowe's. They charged us for 50' of conduit but only used 28', they charged for a GFI but none was installed; charged us $32 for four 3/4" 90s when they were only $1.58 in store, charged us $35 for two gang plastic boxes when they are only $4.06 in store. Then they charged us for two posts when they used one that we already had in the ground and one of their own. And the real kicker... a little background: I retired from the State of CA where I managed microwave engineers who built and maintained radio communication systems for public safety such as California Highway Patrol, Department of Forestry, Department of Transporation, etc. I procured all of the needed materials for the engineers and technicians (millions and millions of dollars worth) so I have an understanding of ordering a little more if it is needed. Rivera's stated they 'always order more in case more is needed at the job.' They charged us $800 for 160' of 12/2 UF wire. When I checked Grainger for a price, the cost was $221 and that was not a discounted rate and a 250' roll through Global Industrial was $213 - basically overcharged us by $580 - that's A LOT of money!! My husband called and discussed this matter with Alex this afternoon and they are willing to give us a refund of $48. We are so very disappointed with their customer service and lack of honesty. I was told over and over, yesterday by Alex, that they "never upcharge the materials." That was a flat-out lie. And finally, they left the trench open so that we could lay a water line down - understanding it would be our time and responsibility to close up the trench - again another overcharge of labor costs. This is why they prefer customers pay with a check so that you can't dispute it if paid by credit card where they charge an additional 3.5%. I should have paid the extra $65 to protect myself.
As a side note, my inlaws visited their flooring store not too long ago to purchase flooring to replace water damage in their home. They walked out after receiving extremely bad customer service. Had we known this, we would have never used them. read more
