Handyman Connection Did not complete work, did not provide receipts for parts, attempted to steal, overcharged Akron Ohio

On November 24, 2008 Handyman Connection of Akron, Ohio sent a plumbing contractor to my home for a requested shower kit replacement including shower arm, showerhead, and new valve and control. I purchased the Moen shower kit before this date. After looking at my existing shower kit, the plumber stated that the labor on the project would be $250.00 and that additional parts would cost $25-$40, this would also include installion of 2 shut off valves.

The plumber left my home and returned with parts, then performed the job requested. Following the plumbers completion of the job I checked the work and he did not install the shower arm or showerhead that were requested. When I asked himif he could finish this work, he stated that he typically finds that people want to keep their old shower heads and not replace with a new one, he went to his car where he had taken my new shower head and shower arm and bathtub fixture and returned with them.

The plumber installed the showerhead; he did not install the new shower arm as agreed. The plumber calculated the total for the job to be $350.00, approximately $60.00 higher than the agreed upon price (no estimate in writing provided). I wrote two checks to the plumber, one in the amount of $250.00 to Handyman Connection, and one check in the amount of $100.00 made out to the plumber for parts. I just had surgery on my foot and was not walking.

I assumed the plumber would leave a receipt for the work performed as well as the receipt for all parts that he purchased to complete the job, no receipts were left. I phoned Handyman Helpers 2 times the next day and 2 days following and asked for the owner who until today Dec 10th had not returned my call. I spoke with their receptionist who I explained that I was interested in receiving my receipts for the labor and parts used, I also had some concerns about the labor rate that was charged which later found was inflated ($125.00/hr).

I finally received a receipt on December 9th in the mail that indicated the plumber had paid $49.29 for parts from Famous Supply of Akron (the date on this receipt was December 5, not November 24th..when he did the job?) I phoned Famous Supply to confirm that my receipt for $49.29 was for purchases made on 11/24, they would not confirm, they stated I must talk with the plumber who made the purchase.

I also received a material or proposal list indicating that the plumber used some of "his own parts called "truck stock to complete the repair. These parts were listed, HIGHLY inflated in price and amazingly came out to an even number of $51.00 which of course would equate to the $100.00 he charged me for parts with the addition of the $49.29 amount. Tom also listed tools on this "truck stock" sheet like a saw blade, sandpaper, tape which were not left with me.

I don't believe I should have to pay for the tools to perform the repair as well. This proposal sheet/material list was never indicated, shown, signed, or agreed upon with me. I truly believe that I was taken advantage of in this case; I was immobile for the most part recovering from surgery. The plumber did not complete the work, he appeared to attempt to take my new Moen faucet kit pieces away, and he overcharged for parts, which he cannot provide a legitimate receipt for. I believe the plumber never expected for me to request receipts.

On December 10th, I attempted to discuss my concerns with the owner, who was unwilling to hear and or make any reasonable effort to resolve this. This was my first experience with a company like Handyman Helpers; it will certainly be my last.

They indicate on their website some points that led to me choosing them and were not true.

The 10 important questions to ask a contractor, Tom did not provide or address any of these items.

When your job is finished, a customer service rep will follow up to make sure you're happy with the work, nope

Note: make sure you keep your project's material receipts in the event that there is a materials' failure. Wish I could

Morris4242
stow, Ohio
U.S.A.