DILLS PLUMBING

At the time, I was not educated on the plumbing materials. Since I have had to hire another company to totally redo this work (Health Dept and Bldg Dept directed that it be redone), I have found out that what he used that was visible to us was fine but what he buried in the ground was not, I feel that this was a "bait and switch." He failed to pull a permit and have since found out he doesn't believe in pulling permits (his response to my complaint filed with the State Licencing Board, and I quote: you don't have to pull a permit to fix a broke pipe. If you did no one could afford to fix their plumbing at $75 per permit, per break.) Just for the record, you do need a permit for this job and you do pull a permit for a "job," not "per break." Also, with all the code violations I found and reported to the participating authorities; they have subsequently inspected for themselves, and found more. For Example, he used a $.64 cent coupling (price tag still on it from Lowe's) to be a "Sleeve" through our 14" foundation. When faced with new, more costly problem, I was informed he had instant access to where our septic field lay as well as our water line and electric were located, if only he pulled a permit We did show a hand drawing of our property to Mr. Dills during the heavy trenching and expressed our concerns, but he thought he "would miss it." To add insult to injury, he was only 5' away from the main water line when he stopped hand digging before changing course. He has responded by stating we told him where to dig and he was just trying to make us happy. He has even said that State Code allows him to trench through our septic field, this is not the case, not through Bldg Dept, Health Dept or State Codes. Yet, another indication of his not be a professional, much less being aware of what the codes are. He totally misses the point, we hired a professional to guide us. At the time, he did not carry General Liability Insurnace and as he is a Sole Proprietor, chance of recouping our losses? I should also mention that the only receipts I have are our cancelled checks. As I have filed a complaint with the State Licensing Board, I foresee this record along with state findings, being available in the future. In the meantime, I suggest checking with your local departments if you need a permit (they could fine you if your contractor doesn't), making sure contractor is properly licensed without complaints, making sure they are properly insured (get a Certificate of Insurance) and get all transactions (quotation, receipts, etc...) in writing. I found out that this time was actually minimal when hiring 2nd contractor. As we felt this was an emergency situation, we plunged ahead without the previous. I have since found out that the permit, being an emergency, was a "call in" permit. I should have been given a detailed contract and a form to "waive" my 3-day change mind rights.