I always hope that they are honest and not try to pull the wool over my eyes by charging too much and doing a bad job. You never know what you are going to get. I now just ask people in the neighborhood getting something done to find out if they liked their services/prices.
2007-09-02 08:30:56 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Oh, always with trepidation, Daisymae, and with good reason. The last time I had to call a serviceman, I was getting no more than lukewarm water out of my rented gas heater. Now you would think that since the water heater was rented, then the company that owns it would be responsible for any and all repairs....
Well, it seems that there has been a new "non-scald" law passed in Ontario, where every water tank installed after a certain date (like more than 5 years ago) had to also have a non-scald valve installed on the line leading OUT of the heater. This valve regulates the temperature of the water available in the hot water taps, by mixing cold water into the hot to give no more than 140 degree water coming out of this valve, no matter what temperature water had gone into it.
Apparently, the gas company (from whom I rent the heater) does not cover the replacement of these valves because they are not actually part of the heater itself.
Mine stopped working well, and had to be replaced. I have a bill for $305.00 for the installation of just this valve alone sitting on my table awaiting payment on Tuesday. (That was $275 for the valve itself, half an hour's labour and taxes.)
What can you do? At least I can now take hot baths again, which is important now that we are getting into the cooler soon to be fall weather.
2007-09-02 13:35:55 · answer #1 · answered by Susie Q 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Thankfully, I am able to fix just about anything that can go wrong here at the house for myself. In the past, I've been able to do that with the car as well. But, I'm getting older now and some of these things are getting a little harder, and cars are getting very complicated.
For all new appliances I buy now such as a new range hood, a new cook top and a new clothes dryer, I purchase service agreements for as long as I can get them. As I replace other things I will try to do the same if possible.
Just to get a service person to come to the house is a real whack in the wallet then it just gets worse.
2007-09-02 16:52:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Friends are the most reliable source based on who they used, received good/bad service from. You did not say what service you needed, have to be more careful these days. Trust no one, watch what they do without hovering. Women are more susceptible, get several estimates before you hire anyone. Had a problem, phone Co sent a man out to troubleshoot, stole an unactivated CC from desk, charged >$4k before CC co caught it. Keep ALL receipts, signed service calls. Call the BBB and check someones record, and NEVER pay anything before the work is done. Use your 6th sense.....if you are uneasy about something....trust your gut and call someone else.
2007-09-02 15:45:56 · answer #3 · answered by yknothavefun2 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. Most of the criminals in this area are "self employed" and everyone in the area charges you 3 times More than their "standard service charge" you get quoted when you make that first call. You can count on being scammed unfortunately. Luckily we can fix the majority of stuff ourselves and if not, we learn quickly how to do it.
I highly recommend asking for references and calling the Better Business Bureau in your area to check out any company you choose to use.
2007-09-02 15:40:06 · answer #4 · answered by Hebrews 11 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am new to the state I live in now but family here, has steered me in the right direction when needing to make service calls. That helps a lot!
2007-09-02 15:39:49 · answer #5 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i know how that is.i hired a man who did odd jobs for people in the neighbor hood.and i had him fix a t on my water line under the trailor that had a bad water leek[bill this month is 100 dollars] and he charged me 150dollars for a 3 minute job.now that was a ripp off,and he called and asked me the other day if their was eny thing else he could do for me.[i dont think so]
2007-09-02 15:37:58 · answer #6 · answered by alcaholicdemon 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
referrals are the best way to go. NEVER pay for services in advance. if you are asked to pay for any part of the work before it is done, tell them to just keep moving on. i paid for materials in advance and then the guy took off with my money. do not let this happen to you.
2007-09-02 15:38:22 · answer #7 · answered by Mary D 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly what you mean. It's like taking your car to get fixed! If you are a woman, you just know they;re gonna take advantage of you! I'm sure there are some honest ones out there. Just ask around.
2007-09-02 15:35:59 · answer #8 · answered by ladyscootr 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they take advantageof women all the time,,,My neighbor is good about doing things for me and I have a brother that helps once in a while.
2007-09-02 15:51:13 · answer #9 · answered by Gypsy Gal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I still do it myself. I also help the neighbors, and don't charge for my services. I let them pay for the parts, if they can afford it.
2007-09-02 16:46:13 · answer #10 · answered by RB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋