G & L HOME MAINTENANCE

It started with a small leak and quickly advanced to heavy flow from around the base of the toilet, just before Thanksgiving. I called Gary the Friday after the Holiday, about midday; he listened to my description of the problem and right away gave me a preliminary diagnosis. He said it was most likely a deteriorated seal and asked me if the bolts holding the toilet on the floor were rusty. They were, so he said he could be here between 9 - 9:30am on Monday morning, with the replacement parts he would probably need. Gary showed up just after 9am on Monday and after evaluating the appliance he asked if I knew about the new low-flow toilets. Apparently, mine was the original piece, installed when the house was built in the 70's. Gary told me our county had a rebate program for installation of a low-flow, and he helped me find the website with the information and the rebate application. He said since he had to remove the toilet from the floor anyway, it would make sense to go with an economical device that the county would absorb most of the cost for. Gary ended up going to Home Depot and picking up a toilet for $147, and the entire bill including the purchase was $309. He was thorough, neat, friendly and professional. While he had the toilet off the floor he asked if I had any leftover paint and offered to paint the wall behind it. After the installation he told me to call him if there were any problems. My rebate from the county was $125, so my actual cost for the entire job, plus the new appliance, was $184. There has been no further leaking, and I'm really happy with my new low-flow! I will definitely call Gary again, when I need odd jobs done around the house.

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He is a very pleasant man. Didn't provide an estimate, was already working upon arrival prior to any discussion. The job was worth the cost, it would have been nice to have an estimate.

We had to replace a bad front door latch and lock assembly on a five year old door. In addition we had two interior door hinges that were pulling out frames. Not particularly challenging repair work, unless you don't know how to do it. The company is a mom and pop deal, the gentleman retired from a construction background and working as a handy man - knows his stuff, nice as can be, but a little pokey. My call was returned quickly, an appointment set for 2 days later. I had pre-purchased the door lock assembly and had it waiting. He was an hour late due to truck problems (it happens), but into the job he discovered he needed some tools left back on the other truck so he returned another day. The work was good, but it took 2 visits to complete it. I was in and out, but left instructions - front door lock assembly worked like a charm, beautifully installed, but after writing the check and dismissing him I discovered that night that the Master Bedroom hinges had not been repaired. The guy is a craftsman - but time is money so you might want to have him quote the job first.

Overall excellent - Gary arrived on time and fixed a couple of small (but aggravating) plumbing problems. He's an older fellow, retired from Mare Island, and had a good "let's make this work right" attitude. He clearly likes small jobs and gets along well (he's patient) with older folks - the sort of guy you trust with your keys.

He is very competent and offers moderate pricing. Gary does not like nor accept work involving heights. I have hired him a few other times for electrical work and the repair of some basement doors in my house. He can also be reached at 707-334-0738.