ComplaintsforAssociated Plumbing Inc

• Initial Complaint

  03/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My wife and I are constructing a home and hired ********************* - Associated Plumbing to do all of the plumbing on our new construction.My wife and I were only intending to complete a portion of the home which **** had agreed to. When we settled with him for the work he had done, he still had not installed the gas regulators even though the gas lines were run and had been leak tested. When handing him the check he said he would install them later - since they are going to be in an unsecured area in the attic, he was concerned someone would damage them. (September 2022). In early December 2022 (telephone call) I contacted Associated Plumbing to schedule us to complete the remaining portion of our home. I was told they would be out the last three weeks in December for vacation and they wouldn't be able to start until the first of the year. They did not give me a date. On January 2, 2022 I sent a txt message asking about when they would start our project again. No response on a start date but that they have me on the schedule. I sent a follow up txt and asked what day they would start and the response I received was "We will confirm closer to expected arrival...." Still no date provided.... On January 11, I sent another txt asking about the date they could start. The response was: "we have you on the schedule". I sent another txt asking for an approximate date and they stated the best estimated time would be the end of the month. As a result, I told them we were going to go with another plumber because we couldn't wait. At that time - on January 11th in my text message, I asked him to install the regulators and handle a couple of punch lists items. No response, and I never heard from them again. I sent a follow up text message yesterday as I realize they still have not attempted to make things right and now are denying they owe. They also charged me for items that were included in the bid - (hose bibs). I estimate he owes us over $1,000 for regulato

  Business response

  03/25/2022

  Good evening,
  
  Please note this is in response from Associated Plumbing and its affiliates to the filled complaint with the BBB by the homeowner that was filled 6 months after the final date of payment and work. Also,communication was initiated by the homeowner via text. We responded to the homeowners request for comment prior to the complaint being filled. By stating that we address any concerns, when were then notified by the homeowner had filed a complaint with the BBB.
  
  We have also included an additional copy of a signed contract between Associated Plumbing, **** and the party of the homeowners (Signed and returned on January 12, 2021, for the residence of **************, lot ***************************************************************).
  Associated Plumbing was asked by homeowner to price the residence as ONLY rough -end plumbing and Top out plumbing only, the homeowner requested that Associated Plumbing, ****did NOT price to complete the third and final stage of plumbing, (fixture stage) which was requested by the homeowners. In addition, this includes the following items as described in the fixture stage of plumbing. A fixture stage incus, all of the followings aspects and scopes of work such as.trimming and installing of all faucets, trimming out tub/shower fixtures,installing cutoff and supply lines. Setting of toilets, installation of water heaters trimming out fireplace if needed, testing for water leaks/ gas leaks,and silicone all fixtures such as toilets and tubs. The fixture stage also included installation of all gas regulators where needed, (Associated Plumbing,**** was not hired to complete the fixture stage for the homeowner residence at this time, however it was discussed verbally and is subject to interpretation).
  Furthermore, per text conversation initiated by the homeowner (3/24/2022), by homeowners, 6 months from the last billed invoice was billed and paid in full by the homeowners third party individuals.
  

  The concern of hose ***** was brought to Associated Plumbing, **** attention along with additional paid invoice from Associated Plumbing, *** for the need of a rental to repair the broken pipe, in fact the tractor rental was needed to removed dirt in order to finish plumbing rough in for the master side of house. Associated Plumbing, *** installed and fixed broken PVC pipes, that was damaged by the slab crew, as provided in this email as an attachment, the invoice states that there was NOT charged for the fixing of the secondary bathroom plumbing.The homeowners were aware of this transaction and an invoice was provide and paid in full to Associated Plumbing, **** This transaction and dated invoice occurred on January 19, 2021.
  

  Associated Plumbing contract clearly states that we do not honor piece mill work at any time of the plumbing stages. Furthermore, Associated Plumbing did 50% of work as stated per the request of the homeowner and is reflective on the invoice attached.  This covered all gas systems, all vents and drains and 2 hose *****. (Associated Plumbing, installed the tw0 hose bibs that were covered under the top out stage and was requested to be functional by homeowner).
  The homeowner has requested that $1400. 00 (customers estimated amount for his researched price of regulators, Not Associated Plumbing).  This amount was documented in the text conversation by the homeowner, however after reviewing the complaint filed by the homeowner with BBB the amount has now changed to $ ***** dollars as stated by the homeowner. The homeowner has requested due to  homeowners understanding to be reimbursed for the gas regulators, which are not a part of the rough in or top out stage nor was billed or reflected in the signed and paid invoice. 
  Associated plumbing does not purchase future items ahead of the stage of plumbing that is requested. Any gas regulators or inventory that Associated Plumbing carries is acquired by the company own recognizance and is not reflective on any invoice provided to customers.
  In closing, please note at the request of the homeowners, Associated Plumbing was released from continuing the completion and timeline of the above stated residence by the homeowner (January 20, 2022). Despite scheduling conflict from both parties
   Associated Plumbing, *** appreciates the opportunity to clarify billing, construction, and residential questions to our customer and we appreciate their business.
  
  Thank you,
  Associated Plumbing, ****
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Customer response

  04/01/2022

  Complaint: 16945324
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Please note, that this is in response from *************************** and his family regarding Associated Plumbing response to my original complaint:
  

  
  Prior to the complaint being filed on Tuesday January 11th via txt message, when explaining that we couldnt wait any longer to be scheduled to complete the project, and that we were going to go a different direction I specifically asked **** to give me the regulators (since he had indicated I paid for them when I paid his last invoice) as well as handle some punch list items.  I received NO RESPONSE (See No Response attachment).  The complaint was filed 6 months after the work was completed because it hasnt been completed missing regulators, need him to repair a toilet ****** that he set too high, and the overbilling that has not been addressed.

  Regulators:
  

  Why didnt Associated plumbing set the record straight at that time when I asked about the regulators? 
  Yes, there is still a punch list item we need **** to take care of we paid another plumber to resolve the other problems and complete the remaining plumbing including the regulators.
  Your bid dated 1/5/21 states under allowable(s) All plumbing fixtures, drainage, water sources, seen on provided plans/specs sheet:
  Gas piping outlets: (6) ***************n/a, Fireplaces- 1, *********************** n/a, Tank/Tankless
  Water Heaters- 2, Cooktop/Range- 1, Other:2 Porch Lamps
  
  Where in your bid or invoice does it state that regulators are included or excluded?
  Your bid gave very clear instruction as to what is included and excluded no mention of regulators
  Why isnt there any mention of the additional expense anywhere especially when I sent the txt message on 1/11 that was never responded to? (See attached No Response screen shot)
  Originally when I asked **** about installing the regulators, he never mentioned additional cost, he never said that is part of the fixtures that he did not bid on.  He said, I have YOUR regulators, but I am not going to install them because I dont want them to be damaged.  When I followed up with him about it on a telephone call later, he said oh, well I usually keep them in stock but I am currently out, and I am not sure when I will get them   again no mention of additional cost.
  Prior to filing a complaint, I specifically asked what the value of the regulators were (twice on March 24th), with no response to my questions, hence the estimation.  You are clearly trying to convey that I am being inconsistent and therefore dishonest I dont appreciate it when you know specifically that I asked what the value was! (see Regulator attachment)
  If you only completed 50% of the plumbing and did not include the regulators, why then did I pay you $7,800.00 of the $10,000.00 (not including the additional fees) shouldnt it have been $5,000.00?  So you did 50% of the work, but you charged me for doing 78%?  Please justify this.
  
  Hose *****:
   The bid provided for 4 hose ***** (see attached "*****") **** plumbed for two and we paid for two under the $10,000.00 bid amount listed on the invoice, but there is an additional line item for two hose *****?  For $110.00 how can you justify charging me when it was included?
  

  Tractor Rental:
  Yes, I did agree that if a tractor was needed to repair plumbing damaged by the slab company that we would cover it, however **** was offered three laborers by the slab company to dig out the one corner that needed it and **** refused the free labor and made the choice to rent a small piece of equipment that is clearly due to laziness and was NOT necessary.  I did not agree to pay when a solution was offered and refused.
  
  Summation I have been honest and sincere with **** and *************************** In fact I even bought their dinner one evening as we saw them out; I am shocked at the treatment in response.  It has cost my family an additional $8,000 to get another plumber to finish the project that Associated Plumbing did not.  I dont appreciate the indirect attack on my character,and I expect **** to be a man about this and do the honorable thing.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***************************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩