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Updated about 8 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

81
Posts
39
Votes
Ross Bernard
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Durham, NC
39
Votes |
81
Posts

Trust No One (when it comes to contractors...)

Ross Bernard
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Durham, NC
Posted

I found an HVAC tech online who had 64/64 five-star reviews on Google Maps. There was nothing but praise for him, so I gave him a shot. He diagnosed my problem as a faulty control board. He quoted me $700 for the board plus installation. I nearly said, "OK, do it". But then I looked up the replacement cost of the exact same board online and found that it sells for $380. I called him and said I found the board online for just over half of what he quoted me. He laughed and said, "That's the cost of doing business." A nearly 100% premium payed just for parts? I bought the board online, installed it myself in about 15 minutes. AC works. At least his diagnosis was correct.

Anyone have any ideas for finding honest contractors? I almost feel like the only way to find an honest HVAC tech is to become one myself. This guy now has 64 five-star reviews and one two-star review, courtesy of yours truly.

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

86
Posts
56
Votes
Craig E.
  • Real Estate Broker / General Contractor
  • Sacramento, CA
56
Votes |
86
Posts
Craig E.
  • Real Estate Broker / General Contractor
  • Sacramento, CA
Replied

I went to the dentist yesterday.  20 minutes. $1200 invoice.  I could've done the work myself with a mirror and swiss army knife. 

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