This was my second experience with Meridian Plumbing. Previously, I had called them to repair a leaking toilet seal. Turned out that the commode was cracked. They checked with the manufacturer and found that it was still under warranty. They arranged for a replacement and did the install. I was very impressed with their honesty, competence and experience.
So when I needed to replace my kitchen faucet, they wrere #1 on my list to call. I asked 3 questions:
1. Could they do the job on this high end faucet, providing them with the model #. I was told yes, they had the experience.
2. How much would it cost me and how long would it take? $95/hour and ~ 1 hour.
3. When could they schedule the work? Thursday.
Areas they need to improve:
1. The plumber they sent:
a) had to read the installation guide to figure out how to get the job done - learning on my dime.
b) He had to make 4 trips to his truck to get the tools
he needed as he went - again on my dime.
c) He had his cell phone on and he took at least 3 calls, one regarding another client and 2 that seemed to be personal - again on my dime.
d) He was very careful to place booties over his shoes each time he entered our home, however, he stood inside on my oriental entry rug which had just been cleaned to do it. I have recleaned the rug 3 times and still can't get whatever the dirt was he had on his shoes out - so I am planning to buy a small rug cleaning steamer to do the job - costing me $129.
2. Remember, I asked how much it would cost and was quoted $95/hour. When the plumber handed me the bill after 1 hour - it was $142.50. I asked why wasn't it $95 - he replied, we charge for 30 minutes travel time at the hourly rate, which comes to $47.50 for the half hour. I explained that the young lady on the phone did not tell me that. He apologized for her omission, but explained that was Meridian Plumbing's policy. So I "ate" the additional 50% over what was quoted.
On the plus side:
1. They called the day before the install was scheduled to let me know they had a plumber in my area that could get there shortly if I wanted the work done sooner. Yes, this was appreciated.
2. The install went smoothly and the young man did
an excellent job. He also demonstrated the features of this high end sensor-touch faucet and showed how to change the batteries. Even though he had to check the installation guide to get the job done - he was quick, thorough and knew his stuff.
3. I had a coupon for $25 from their prior work on my toilet and the young man honored it, so in the end, my bill of $142.50-$25 came to $117.50.
So would I use Meridian Plumbing again? Yes, they did an excellent job and hopefully this review will be taken to heart and they will improve on their customer communication and be a bit more sensitive about impressing their customers while on the job.
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