We got the plumber bill yesterday...
$305!!!
That is so ridiculous.
The materials cost $5. He charged us $300 in labor.
Which the job should have only taken less than an hour. He just had to replace one elbow in our bathroom. But he soldered the top of it first then when he did the bottom the heat melted the top one and he had to cut it off and start all over again. Which ended up making the job 2 hours.
The second time it took less than 20 minutes probably to do it. But in between he tried other things to see if he could save it before he started over which ate up time.
I dont think we should really be charged for his mistake. But even if he are, is $150 really the going rate per hour? That is crazy! I want to be a plumber, they make more than doctors!
I have talked to a couple people, and they agree it sounds outrageous. Maybe he is price gouging because I am a female? Who knows.
I have the money but I am going back and forth if I should call him and ask him about the bill and see if I can get it lowered, or if I should just suck it up and pay and be done with it.
I dont want to make him an enemy because I may need him again someday, and he works with Father in Law on occasion.
But geez!
What would you do?
BIG Bill
January 12th, 2014 at 02:48 pm
January 12th, 2014 at 03:21 pm 1389540119
You could also ask for a discount. Maybe indicate you don't have the full amount, but would he take $X if you send the check today. I always think bills that don't seem right are worth inquiring about. Worse case, you pay the full amount and decide if he is really worth calling in the future.
January 12th, 2014 at 03:34 pm 1389540897
Next time you talk to a contractor you'll know to ask for the rate in advance.
January 12th, 2014 at 03:43 pm 1389541394
I usually get estimates, but FIL set the appointment up and didnt ask for a estimate because he has worked with him before... Bad idea.
I think I will just ask how he came up with that number, because it boggles my mind that he would actually make $150 an hour.
January 12th, 2014 at 03:51 pm 1389541906
January 12th, 2014 at 07:41 pm 1389555686
Where I live (suburban Chicago), there is a flat fee of $80-90 for the call. Then the bill is in 15 increments. I might ask if the work could be discounted. If not, I'd avoid using him in the future and just opt for someone else.
January 12th, 2014 at 08:32 pm 1389558774
January 12th, 2014 at 09:09 pm 1389560985
January 13th, 2014 at 12:21 am 1389572478
January 13th, 2014 at 03:28 pm 1389626905
I tried to call him his morning, but no answer. I will try again later.