- Report: #1524729
Complaint Review: GUIN HVAC and PLUMBING SERVICE - Birmingham Alabbama
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GUIN HVAC and PLUMBING SERVICE
10 55th Streeet South Birmingham, 35212 Alabbama, United States
Phone:
(205) 595-4846
Web:
https://www.guinservice.com/
Categories:
Business Rating:
(1)
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GUIN HVAC and PLUMBING SERVICE OUTRAGEOUS MARKUP FOR INSTALLATION OF GAS HOT WATER HEATER Birmingham Alabbama
I have been using Guin Plumbing for many years. I have always been pleased with their service. However, that all changed with the recent installation of a gas hot water heater. I wanted to have another Rheem hot water heater installed. I repeatedly stated that I wanted a Rheem hot water heater installed. Each time, I was informed that Rheem Manufacturing produced both Rheem and Rudd hot water heaters. I was told that these two hot water heaters were “basically the same.” Even when a Rudd gas hot water heater was brought to the house for installation, I inquired whether a Rheem gas hot water heater was available or not. Once again, I was informed that both Rheem and Rudd hot water heaters are the same.
After doing research, I discovered that there were differences between the two water heaters. The differences between the two heaters are like comparing the cars manufactured by Toyota Manufacturing, i.e., a Lexus LS sedan versus a Toyota Camry XLE. The Rheem hot water heater would be like a Lexus sedan and the Rudd hot water heater like a Toyota Camry. This really wasn’t a problem as the Rudd hot water heater seems to be functioning okay, but not as proficiently as the Rheem hot water heater.
Other than the fact that Rudd gas hot water heaters are not the same quality as Rheem gas hot water heaters, the major problem that I had with the purchase of the Rudd hot hot water heater was the outrageous markup of the item, i.e., 113%. My research of numerous places revealed the same model of Rudd hot water heater costs about $890. I was told there was a $1,400 flat fee for gas hot water heaters. After the hot water heater was installed, the invoice revealed that I was charged $1900 for this water heater. I feel like I was somewhat taken advantage of and robbed with a markup of 113%. I shall not be using services from Guin Plumbing in the future.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Flint
Rolla,Afghanistan
This is ludicrous
#2General Comment
Sat, February 25, 2023
Do you have a written contract specifying the exact brand and model number of water heater they will install? If it's a $1400 flat fee (and you have that in writing), why did they charge you $1900? If you don't have a written quote for this, I don't know what to say.
Apart from that, your complaint is pretty ludicrous. First, Rheem and Ruud are made in the same factory, on the same assembly line, and have the same quality. One is not "more luxury" than the other, they are identical water heaters sold to different distributors under different brand names. Hell, they sell Rheem water heaters at Home Depot, it's not some kind of high end brand. The real differences in quality are between the cheap and the higher-end models (6/9/12 year warranty).
And do you think plumbers work for free? If you want to pay $890 for the water heater, you can go to Home Depot or SupplyHouse.com and do that. That doesn't include tax, delivery, haul-away of the old one, building permits, plumbing/electrical/gas/venting modifications, supplies, etc. The price you paid seems fairly reasonable, depending on how much work they had to do. A total drop-in installation would be probably around $500 in labor (hence the $1400). I'm guessing your installation wasn't a simple drop-in.
