Complaint Review: Mister Sparky

I posted a request for an electrician through home adviser. I was contacted by Mister Sparky and set up an appointment. The Technician arrived on time and and appeared very professional. 

I explained the problem, loss of power to kitchen outlets. He began by removing all of the outlets in the kitchen checking for voltage. After explaining everything that was on that circuit (garage door openers, AC blower, etc.) He proceeded into the attic to check a junction box.  Finding nothing, he pulled the cover off of the load center.

He concluded that the circuit breaker was bad and asked if i wanted replaced.

I said yes and was presented with a bill for $452.00.  $79 service fee, $279 diagnostic fee and another $100 to replace the circuit breaker ($15 at Lowes).

In conversations, he told me that Phase B was going bad in the breaker box. I inquired about the cost to replace the box.  From his binder, he said the price would be $2700.00 plus inspection fee.  I asked how long it would take to do the job. He said "about 4 hours."

The cost of a load center fully populated with all new breakers is less than $300.  From the service I received and the quote I got, I figure Mister Sparkey charges about $500 per hour.  This seams a little excessive to me.

I needed a cigarett after that.