Early in April, while moving into my townhouse, I hired Hometown Plumbing to replace a broken faucet in the bathroom and fix a wobbly kitchen faucet (which was replaced). I also asked Mr. Gary Gaugler (who, I believe, is the owner) to replace 2 rusted drain covers below the faucets. For this minor job, I was charged $1310.10. I paid it, protestingly, but Mr. Gaugler said he had a lot of expenses and would not yield on the price. Since then, I have been told that this was a big ripoff.
Using questionable practices (like removing the bathtub faucet before discussing any prices, and hitting me with "trip charges" to persuade me to continue), I signed a statement listing outrageous charges for this type of work, including hundreds of dollars for removing the faucets! (My handyman later told me he would have done the work for $20!) I notified the Registrar of Contractors, but they said they have nothing to do with pricing. I want to prevent these tactics from "ripping off" other seniors like me, who cannot afford to use more than their monthly income for a minor job. Predatory practices should be outlawed. I am warning other seniors or anyone who will listen that they should be wary of anyone posing as a "helper" who will instead "take them to the cleaners." The unsuspecting are his prey! I think that I am owed some redress here. This type of "business" tactic should not be allowed to continue.
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