SeattlePlumber.com
Evan Conklin, of SeattlePlumber.com is the type of Plumbing and Heating company that I would be happy to recommend to anyone in that area of the country. Why do I say this? You'll want to read his thoughtful and educated response to my article "Got Flat Rate?" and you can easily see that he not only knows his business, but he also knows what is happening to the industry and he is not afraid to say what he knows. Also, at his website you can read his articles about flat rate charging methods and how they lack transparency. Don't just take it from me in my article.
Consumers, you have to open your eyes and educate yourself about Plumbing and HVAC purchases that you need to make. Please be a wise consumer and don't become victimized by trickery and slight of hand that borders on FRAUD! The legal system is not going to be there for you when you get taken by wolves-in-sheep's-clothing. Attorneys General Consumer Advocate offices are not devised to help you and lawyers are going to charge you more than it is worth to go after the fraudulent plumber who got away with a lot of your money. Lady Justice holds 2 scales in her hand for a reason, both are piled with money from legal budgets and the bigger pile almost always wins out. There is as much so-called Justice in our system that you can afford to purchase - Justice is not free and your state's Consumer Advocate is not going to be your friend.
If you think that smooth talk is going to be a good value, then think again. The lowest price up front is always going to be the highest cost in the end when you think of life cycle cost of plumbing and HVAC products and services. If it wasn't done right in the first place it will always require more, if not perpetual, repair and most likely will consume more fuel or electricity or water or your time. What is your time worth? Time spent on frustration, worries, lost sleep, inconvenience, fighting a legal fight, call-backs, and finding the next guy to fix what the first messed up. Let's hope the next guy you get does it right, because if he doesn't, then you are at square one again my friend. When I make purchases it is from the one who seems the most honest, competent and customer service oriented, regardless of his/her price. Period! I rarely get burned, but it still happens once in a while, but that's a fact of life. (See my article "What Can Go Wrong With A Vehicle Wrap?" and look for the final chapter, coming soon.)
Please check out SeattlePlumber.com, even if it's just to get an idea of what an upstanding and professional company should look like.
Caveat Emptor! Buyer Beware!