JH Plumbing + Heat
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Labor rates?

$75/hr. for residential home service; $80/hr. for: trailers, projects with homeowner supplied fixtures, commercial service and other projects (this includes all landlord/non-homeowner work on residential properties).

I Also bid jobs for contractors and homeowners (see below for more information). For subcontracting rates, please contact me. After hours rates listed below.

Payment options?

Payment due on receipt by Cash, Check, or Credit/Debit Card. Cards with signature will have 2% of bill added as a fee. Credit cards over phone will have 3.5% of bill as a fee.

How do you process cards?

I have card swiper for my smartphone or I have to write your card information down; name, number, CSS code, zip code and card address, then put the information into a secure merchant services account online. I do not keep the information. Receipts can be emailed immediately.

Why is payment due on the receipt?

Please, if you can't afford the services, don't use them. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, you may even be asked for a payment up front. Don't take it personally if you receive a reminder call or email after two weeks. Remember: I've got bills to pay too! (e.g. the materials used on your job).

After hours service calls?

Yes. After hours, holiday and weekend labor is $160 for the first hour. After the first hour time and a half normal rates. Time starts after I hang up the phone and runs until the work is done. Minimum first-hour charge.

"Estimates" for work?

Short answer: Of course! By my definition, an estimate is an amount given in good faith that you pay for the work if it is reasonably near the estimate given, over or under the amount, as it relates to the nature of the activity.

I can give you broad estimates for many repairs and replacements over the phone. A more detailed, closer to the mark estimate will probably involve an on-site inspection of work to be done. Usually, there is no fee for the first look, if I do need to charge the time we will agree to that before I look.

More on "estimates": An "estimate" is a very dangerous thing if we have different ideas or definitions of what that word means. I generally try not to use that word unless I am talking about a contract with defined terms in it. I instead like to use price ranges as my form of "estimating" and will use terminology reflecting that.

In my view, an "estimate" is best given as a price range from a low mark which assumes ideal conditions for performing the work with expected materials, to a high mark allowing for a more difficult or unexpected situation causing more time and/or materials to complete properly. The high mark could be quite a lot higher than the low mark, but understanding the unknowns of the repair/installation should prepare you for having to pay out on the high mark. In the event that work completion will lead to a charge over the high mark, it will not be completed until approved by the customer.

My view on "estimates" is really what amounts to a "Not to exceed" amount. This is usually the term I refer to in most of my contracts; a contract is what I call my printed "estimate" as it's defined terms. A "not to exceed" amount is similar to an "estimate" as a way for you to control costs of the job with well-defined terms for the expected work, but it allows for best of both worlds: a known amount for the project, but paying as little as possible.

A "not to exceed" amount is best for us both because I get protection for my most valuable asset: my time, and you get the chance to have the work done for as little as possible. Again, be aware that unexpected problems can still arise, and may force you to make hard decisions about the final product or cost.

Do I put in bids for Bid jobs?

Yes. Bid jobs are generally for larger projects lasting days, weeks, or more, and are usually for new construction or renovation of whole systems for home or business applications. I welcome bids for a new home or business installations, renovations, and additions. I do work on my own, however, and some projects will just be too large in scope for my business unless time considerations are made.

Will I be on time for an appointment?

I do my best. If I'm running + or - 15min. or more, I try to call you with a heads up. Unfortunately, a notice of my delay (it's usually a delay) will not come with many warnings, most likely. That is just the nature of the business; sometimes things don't go according to plan, and unexpected events crop up. At any time of day, an immediate emergency may be called in, and interruptions like these could even push your appointment to another day.

Boiler cleaning services?

Yes, I will test for efficiency and perform maintenance on your oil burning boiler or furnace. A standard cleaning is $160, including soot cleaning, filter replacements, and nozzle change. Hard to reach spaces, larger systems, or additional trouble-shooting resulting in more labor will be charged by the hour plus materials.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OR: Questions you didn't ask, but could benifit from hearing the answers. 

Labor rates?

                                               $120/hr. for regularly scheduled service activities.

              I Also bid jobs for contractors and homeowners (see below for more information). For subcontracting rates, please contact me. After hours rates listed below.                                    

Payment options?

                                               Payment due on receipt by Cash, Check, or Credit/Debit Card. For larger projects or estimates, some payment (usualy material costs) may be needed in advance.


Cards with signature will have 3% of total bill added as a fee. Credit cards over phone (or manual input) will have 5% of total bill as a fee. These are PayPals transaction fees.                                    

How do you process cards?

                                                                                                                            I have a card swiper for my smartphone through PayPal, or I can use the app to enter your card information (name on card, card number, CSS code, zip code and maybe card address) into the secure merchant services account online (PayPal). I do not keep the information. Receipts can be emailed immediately.


Note: PayPal charges 3% of the total for a card swipe, and 5% for manual info input, so this payment method costs extra accrodingly.                                                  
   

Why is payment due on the receipt?

                                                                                                                            Please, if you can't afford my services, don't use them. I am not a bank, make an arrangment with me before the work is started if you can't pay in full.


In an emergency situation, you may even be asked for a payment up front. Don't take it personally, I have to be realistic about the situation.  Remember: I've got bills to pay too! (e.g. the materials used on your job).                                                
   

After hours service calls?

                                               Yes. After hours, holiday and weekend labor is $250 for the first hour. After the first hour: time and a half normal rates ($180). Time starts after I hang up the phone and runs until the work is done. Minimum first-hour charge. 

 Unless other arrangments have been made.                                 


I am the owner/operator, so kindly keep in mind I have a life to live and may be unavailable sometimes.

"Estimates" for work?

Short answer: Of course! By my definition, an estimate is an amount given in good faith that you pay for the work if it is reasonably near the estimate given, over or under the amount, as it relates to the nature of the activity.

I can give you broad estimates for many repairs and replacements over the phone. A more detailed, closer to the mark estimate will probably involve an on-site inspection of work to be done. Usually, there is no fee for the first look, if I do need to charge the time we will agree to that before I look.

More on "estimates": An "estimate" is a very dangerous thing if we have different ideas or definitions of what that word means. I generally try not to use that word unless I am talking about a contract with defined terms in it. I instead like to use price ranges as my form of "estimating" and will use terminology reflecting that.

In my view, an "estimate" is best given as a price range from a low mark which assumes ideal conditions for performing the work with expected materials, to a high mark allowing for a more difficult or unexpected situation causing more time and/or materials to complete properly. The high mark could be quite a lot higher than the low mark, but understanding the unknowns of the repair/installation should prepare you for having to pay out on the high mark. In the event that work completion will lead to a charge over the high mark, it will not be completed until approved by the customer.

My view on "estimates" is really what amounts to a "Not to exceed" amount. This is usually the term I refer to in most of my contracts; a contract is what I call my printed "estimate" as it's defined terms. A "not to exceed" amount is similar to an "estimate" as a way for you to control costs of the job with well-defined terms for the expected work, but it allows for best of both worlds: a known amount for the project, but paying as little as possible.

A "not to exceed" amount is best for us both because I get protection for my most valuable asset: my time, and you get the chance to have the work done for as little as possible. Again, be aware that unexpected problems can still arise, and may force you to make hard decisions about the final product or cost.

Do I put in bids for Bid jobs?

Yes. Bid jobs are generally for larger projects lasting days, weeks, or more, and are usually for new construction or renovation of whole systems for home or business applications. I welcome bids for a new home or business installations, renovations, and additions. I do work on my own, however, and some projects will just be too large in scope for my business unless time considerations are made.

Will I be on time for an appointment?

I do my best. If I'm running + or - 15min. or more, I try to call you with a heads up. Unfortunately, a notice of my delay (it's usually a delay) will not come with many warnings, most likely. That is just the nature of the business; sometimes things don't go according to plan, and unexpected events crop up. At any time of day, an immediate emergency may be called in, and interruptions like these could even push your appointment to another day.

Boiler cleaning services?

                                               Yes, I will test for efficiency and perform maintenance on your oil burning boiler or furnace. A standard cleaning is $250, including soot cleaning, filter replacements, and nozzle change. Hard to reach spaces, larger systems, or additional trouble-shooting resulting in more than two hours labor will be charged by the hour plus any extra materials.

                                   I do not clean or trouble-shoot gas fired units; I do not carry a gas license.

I Saw "XYZ" online (or in local store) for less than I was charged!?

The answer to this could be very long...


 First, you should be aware it is not my goal to use the most inexpensive items available. I do my best to balance cost over function. I want to install quality items that last, whenever I can, not cheap parts that fail quicker. Being a licensed contractor, I have to guarantee my work, so the least expensive available option may not be the best one to use!


FW Webb (plumbing/heating/HVAC supplier) in Brattleboro is my primary source for material purchases. My account allows me to charge all of my material purchases on a per-month basis. FW Webb also has a website which customers and contractors can use to find available options, and even place orders.


I acknowledge some of the materials I purchase from FW Webb are available from other retailers for less money. Please read on to understand how that affects my choices.


My main talking points for issues affecting material purchases/charges are as follows:


  Purchases from other local businesses would be "up front" and not charged to an account, which affects my cash flow. Also, local hardware stores will often not carry all the parts needed for a job, leading to multiple stops (time = $).


  Online purchases from other retailers are also "upfront," but may also have shipping fees, no guarantees, and the products may even be cheaper "knock-offs." Timely delivery may also be a factor. Additionally, price shopping online can easily be a time-suck (time = $).


 The bottom line is a "one-stop-shop" is the most effective way for me, even with some items costing more, to effectivly complete work in a timely fashion. To put it in a nut-shell, I do not have extra time to run around shopping everywhere; the billable time lost to such activity is ultimately not cost-effective.

 For example, you probably don't want me for $100/hr to take an hour driving to Home Depot to save $20 on an item. Now reverse that example; if I am driving there on my own time to pick up parts, I am not billing for that same hour and losing $100 in billing, plus gas and vehicle wear!


 Having said all that, I do stock a limited amount of frequently needed products using bulk-buying to gain savings, but these are also quality items, so you may, perhaps, still find similar styles for less.


 I hope you can see that I put a lot of time, energy, and thought into doing the best work I can for every customer. You may find a lower price in an online search, but that price does not represent my best options for obtaining these items for your project. And in the end, to stay profitable, I do have to pass on my material costs, whatever they may be.


 Please note, you are welcome to purchase any items for your project you want me to install, I cannot guarantee them, or be liable for their failure. My services come with a quality work guaranty built-in, so choose your options carefully!


 Thanks for your time and feel free to ask me any questions you may still have!

JH

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