I called a plumber to remove and replace a vanity, and he quoted me an hourly rate. I thought it was fair until he arrived with an assistant and charged me double the rate. The assistant seemed inexperienced, barely helping out. Am I overreacting, or is this a common practice in the plumbing business? What options do I have beyond hoping they do a good job?
3 Answers
It's pretty common for plumbing companies to charge for each worker on the job, but it's crucial for them to communicate that upfront. If you were only told an hourly rate without clarification, you have the right to question the charges. It sounds sketchy, especially if the second person didn't add much value to the work.
Honestly, double charging for a helper isn't unusual in some areas. However, if you weren't informed beforehand, that's a problem. Always get a fixed bid in writing next time, if possible. It might save you from surprises like this!
That’s true! It's tough out there with pricing. Having everything in writing ensures you know what you're getting into.
I've had similar experiences where plumbers quote an hourly rate but then bring in a 'helper.' In my case, they didn't mention extra costs. You should definitely confront them about the breakdown of charges and ask for clarification. If they pushed through the job more quickly, that might justify the cost, but it still needs to be laid out from the get-go.
Right? It's important to have a clear discussion before the job starts. Asking upfront about possible additional help can save a lot of headaches!
Exactly! A good plumber should be clear about how charges are structured, especially with helpers involved. It leaves a bad taste when it feels like you're being blindsided.