Champion Services

PRICING CONCERNS UNDER THE NEWLY COMBINED BUSINESSES OF LAS VEGAS HANDYMAN AND PRO HANDYMAN I have used Las Vegas Handyman several times in the past and always have been extremely satisfied with the services rendered; see my prior reviews here on Angie's List. This was my very first encounter with Las Vegas Handyman under new ownership, specifically after its being bought out by/merging with Pro Handyman. The first thing that I noticed when my Senior Craftsman - Ken McCloud - arrived to give me an estimate for the work that I wanted done was that pricing was no longer on a billable hour basis, but by the job. This makes for a much less transparent pricing experience for the consumer. Previously, Las Vegas Handyman had a $80.00 to $90.00 hourly rate for labor plus supplies and you pretty much always knew how much something would cost based on how long it took to perform the work. This is no longer the case and the estimate provided of $1,373.00 for the aforementioned work did strike me as being on the high side, but since I needed to get this work done and had always been pleased as punch with Las Vegas Handyman in the past I accepted this proposal. The work proceeded smoothly enough over the course of three days (several hours each day, never an entire day) and certainly appeared to be quite satisfactory initially as well as coming in at a final cost $50.00 below the initial estimate ($1,323.00 total). The one problem that did develop occurred about 3.5 months later with the brownish wall stain/ peeling baseboard paint to the right of my shower door returning after the bottom of my shower had been newly caulked and the dry wall repaired by Las Vegas Handyman in late June 2014. A return visit by Ken McCloud on 10/13/2014 determined this to most likely be water damage due to water seepage from my shower. I did naturally wonder why this potential problem wasn't noticed in late June 2014 during the initial services that were performed, especially since the bottom of the entire shower was newly caulked by this craftsman and any problems with shower tiles (loose, etc.) located there should have been noticed at that time to avoid having the wall damage recur. In any case, this second follow-up visit resulted in the recommendation that my shower be properly retiled and waterproofed with wonder board to eliminate any water leakage problems that I might be having. The two estimates provided (I still have the copies.) made me feel all the more that the work that I already had paid for on 06/30/2014 was overpriced. I received one estimate from Ken McCloud for only partial retiling of the shower - just what was needed - after tiles were removed and the surface underneath was inspected for $1,930.00 and a second estimate for retiling the entire shower for $2,512.00. Each of these estimates included the cost for once again repairing the wall damage as well as replacing the water-damaged baseboard near this area. Now by doing a little research on the Internet, I was easily able to determine that the average cost for retiling a shower with 100 square feet of tile should cost right around $1,500.00. My shower is one-half this size, only about 50 square feet of tile needed, and thus should cost somewhere in the $700.00 to $800.00 range to redo completely. Now this is quite outrageous, even the Las Vegas Handyman estimate for only partial retiling of my shower excessively exceeds this cost! I don't know whether this is established pricing policy at the new Las Vegas Handyman/Pro Handyman or whether this is specifically a craftsman-related pricing problem with each craftsman pricing projects for as much as he/she can get individual customers to pay. I even still have an invoice from the old Las Vegas Handyman (prior to buyout) dating back to 01/07/2008 when a total of eight (8) rows of tiles on two walls were replaced in this very shower for a similar reason. It ended up costing me only $578.00. Needless to say, I did not avail myself of Ken McCloud's kind offer to retile my shower and instead contacted another 2013 Super Service Award winner here on Angie's List to do the work instead. Curt's Home Repairs LLC completed this identical job which would have cost me somewhat more or less than $2,000.00 at Las Vegas Handyman for ONLY $369.00 (documentation available)!!! This included the drywall repair, damaged baseboard replacement, proper waterproofing behind the removed tiles, application of grout, caulk and silicone throughout as well as replacing and adjusting the door seal to my shower door. A truly dramatic difference, what could be better than this? And everything has been absolutely waterproof and leak tight since this job was completed. About the only disadvantage of using a sole proprietor such as Curt's Home Repairs LLC (a former Las Vegas Handyman employee) is that he tends to be nearly fully booked all the time and thus all jobs - as well as the initial estimate - need to be scheduled several weeks in advance. If what you need to have done is not an emergency, this should not be a problem. However, if you can't wait and need to have something done right away, then feel free to contact Las Vegas Handyman or Pro Handyman, but you will more than likely end up paying a hefty premium for the immediate processing of whatever it is that you need to have done. UPDATE ON 10/30/2015 The number 3 repair above - backyard hose bib replacement - has bitten the dust after only 16 months of use and has just been replaced once again on 10/29/2015 by a different service provider. This is an unacceptably short period of time for a repair that was "supposedly" properly performed in 2014 to start leaking 9 gallons of water daily where the faucet joins the pipe. My previous hose bid lasted about 10 years without any problems whatsoever! Bargain Plumbing & Rooter, who installed my new faucet, told me that the hardware used by Las Vegas Handyman/Pro Handyman did not really fit - wrong thread size/pattern on the lower quality faucet used. The difference between the faucet installed on 10/29/2015 and the prior "wimpy" faucet which I received from Las Vegas Handyman/Pro Handyman is like night and day. The new faucet is of much better quality, constructed of heavier gauge, durable materials and is solid throughout. It is clearly more expensive hardware. Cheap parts used in combination with inferior workmanship and inflated prices for work that needs to be properly done by someone else in little more than one year do not make for a very attractive offering to the consumer.

I was searching for a Handyman/Contractor to complete a number of jobs around my home. I found the Las Vegas Handyman Angie's List Page and was very impressed with not only their A rating but the reviews that were left by people who have used their service. I clicked on the "Schedule Now" link at the top of the Las Vegas Handyman Page in a box which was also for 10% off Labor for Angie's List Members. I printed off this coupon because I was supposed to present it at the time of service to redeem. I sent this message through the schedule now link on 10-28-14: Hello, I have various projects I need completed to include but not limited to the tile floor in my laundry room area is lifting and seems to be hollow under some of the tiles. I am not sure what has caused this. I only have one matching spare tile and was hoping I would not have to replace the entire floor in this 6' X 6' room as it matches and continues from the laundry room to my family room. It seems like the tiles will need to be removed to see what is going on under there. I am sure some cement will need to be poured and tile replaced. I am sure it won't be quite that easy. Next, the facing on my guest bathroom double sink has fallen off and needs to be reattached. I guess the plastic brackets just broke like they have in my kitchen on some of the cabinets. Maybe we can look at that cabinet as well to reinforce some of the facing. Next, install door sweeps and possibly new thresholds under my French doors to my backyard off my family room and off my master bedroom to the upper deck/veranda. Unfortunately, the rain has caused some damage to the baseboards and door trim that will need to be replaced in both areas. Also, install a sweep on the bottom of the house door to the garage. Next, patchwork in the garage ceiling from a pipe leak we had repaired a few months back. I believe it's mostly just a bit of sanding, possible mud and tape and some paint. Next, replace a soap dispenser in kitchen sink. I have already purchased this item. Next, replace seal on the bottom of the master bath shower door. Next, check to make sure there is not a leak in the line to the clothes washer. When they installed my new washer and disconnected my old washer it seemed like the water was not turned off all the way or it needs a new seal because it seemed to leak a little bit while they were changing the two machines out. I think that is it but will need to check my list to make sure. I have some photos of most of these items. Please let me know if you would like me to provide them. I am available almost all of the time. Please let me know what your schedule looks like. Thank you very much. I sent another message the same day which included my telephone number so they could call me to discuss this work further. I sent a third message on 11-7-14 in which I wrote: Hello, I sent a very detailed message through the Angie's List site to you Last Tuesday, October 28th, 2014 (over a week ago) for a variety of work I would like to have done. Can you tell me how long it usually takes to receive a response from you? Also, how far out are you scheduling work? It is now 11-17-14 and I have still not heard a word from this company. Do not waste your time as I have. As I said earlier, I was really impressed by the reviews, but am not in the least impressed now. This non-responsiveness is very unprofessional. Unfortunately, I will have to begin my search over again to find another company I feel confident in. Finally, I am wondering how a company can get an "A" rating on Angie's List when they have "F" ratings because of not even responding to a request. This is very disconcerting to me.

He installed a new toilet and has done some other odd jobs for me. I have a bad back and call him to help me out whenever I need handyman services. He does a really good job for me and I trust him. I would highly recommend him to others.. he is a very nice gentleman.

Ken was a very professional handman, his work on the drywall was outstanding. The only problem was the cleanup. With drywall, paint and winds, there was paint/drywall all over the place. He cleaned the best he could, but there are still some areas that have residue. There were some initial problems with the outlet, it appears a wire broke after installation. Ken called another guy out and they resolved the problem. Overall excellent job, and came in about $50 under estimate.

Pete showed up on time and called in advance he was coming. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Made the repair to the shower faucet and then I asked if he had time for another project. He was able to remove a reverse osmosis system that hadn't been working for quite sometime and reconnect the water to the refrigerator purification system. Gave me a fair price for all the work. I will request him for any future projects.

I contacted them through Angie's list. They replied within hours with an appointment the next day. Jamie arrived a few hours early but he called first to confirm it was ok with me. He was very polite and professional and fast. I would definitely use them again for small odd jobs. He said they have ten employees with differing areas of expertise.

Great they are courteous, efficient and timely with everything they do. I have used them for years

I have used them twice. The man that had came from them said he had worked for the owner and they are also called Las Vegas Handyman. There was one man that came out. He was carpenter by trade and I had a construct a cover for the crawl hole for the wooden floor. He had to take it home with him, and by lumber. He did a good job at a decent price.

He installed longer screws and guaranteed the work for 1 year.

Mr. Brandenburg (I believe his first name is Larry) arrived on time. I explained to him about installing stainless steel curtain rods on my back patio cover. He quoted me $263.00 as an estimate. He went straight to work. The patio is quite long and since the support materials which came with the packing did not do the job to keep the rods from sinking in the middle, he took some material and made additional supports for the rods. Everything looks great and stays in place. The final charge was $238.00. Great professional service and very reasonable. I highly recommend Pro Handyman.

Shawn arrived on time and gave me an estimate of $200.00 to install my patio mister system for the backyard patio. He started immediately and was finished sooner than expected. He drilled the holes and put up the hooks as well as connected the extensions for the system. When Shawn was finished, he turned the mister on and tried it out. Everything worked properly and he even gave me tips on cleaning the sprayers if and when they get clogged or just as a preventative measure. Shawn was very pleasant and professional. I have used this service in the past and have been very pleased. The final cost was $140.00 since it did not take him as long as estimated to do the installation. I feel, as I have in the past, that Pro Handyman is a fair service and I don't have to worry about being taken advantage of. Great job.

He was able to reposition the wooden beam and drill 2 more bolts in it to repair the bed.

The renters before me damaged the rails that the closet doors hung on. Mike refurbished the doors and got them working again. I was very pleased with Mike's work.

They were good, I was impressed. They were on-time, called before they came, and explained everything.

I really liked them. He was able to do it all. I have their card and I would definitely use them in the future.

They were awesome. They did a great job. I heard about them from a friend that lives out there. In the gated community I live in, we all have to have our homes repaired, re-stuccoed and painted by October. One of the neighbors in there recommended them because they did her house. So they ended up doing my house and my sister's as well. They were professional and quick. They were priced very fair and lower than what I talked to some people and what they had to pay for theirs. They were there really early. They worked like a little team of ants and got everything done quickly. They did the entire house in one day. I recommended them to two of my neighbors.

Excellent service. Very thorough. Unfortunately they were unable to do the repair as it requires an electrician. No charge as they weren't able to fix the problem. I've used this company before and have always been very satisfied.

It took a long time to get stuff done. The work was shoddy and he didn't have a great attitude. It seemed like he was working the clock. For the time that he spent here... he took a long time to get stuff from the store. It was not great. Overall, I was not impressed. The pricing seems a little expensive. When you have someone working for a set price, you want them sprinting to get the work done. He was on time but was not working at a very rapid pace.

They rescheduled both times I had an appointment.

Very happy with his work. It took some thinking 'outside the box' to make the retrofit work, and he did. He advised us of any changes and didnt proceed without our approval.

I sent a request to this provider through Angies' List. Here is how it went ORIGINAL REQUEST Karen wrote: 4/8/2014 install new bathroom sinks and faucets and repair one "leaky faucet" Member suggested dates to schedule service: Afternoon (PM) on 4/10/2014 Afternoon (PM) on 4/11/2014 Afternoon (PM) on 4/14/2014 Karen THIS IS THE RESPONSE I GOT Las Vegas Handyman wrote: 4/8/2014 Hi Karen, We would love to take care of these items for you. Please call our office at 896-0000 so we can get it on the schedule. The phone call will take about 2 minutes to gather address, phone, etc. Thanks! MY NEXT RESPONSE Karen wrote: 4/8/2014 My phone number is 702-XXX-XXXX Please feel free to call with the date that works for you. Here are the dates that work for me (We are always home) Afternoon (PM) on 4/10/2014 Afternoon (PM) on 4/11/2014 Afternoon (PM) on 4/14/2014 My address is XXXX XXXXXXX Drive Las Vegas, NV 89117 I RESENT THE INFO THE FOLLOWING DAY Karen wrote: 4/9/2014 Hello, are you interested in giving me the quote, I sent all of my info yesterday, here it is again.... Karen Martinez My phone number is 702-XXX-XXXX Please feel free to call with the date that works for you. Here are the dates that work for me (We are always home) Afternoon (PM) on 4/10/2014 Afternoon (PM) on 4/11/2014 Afternoon (PM) on 4/14/2014 My address is XXXX XXXXXXXX Drive Las Vegas, NV 89117 SENT MY FINAL RESPONSE THIS MORNING Karen wrote: 4/11/2014 I will now put you on my NEVER contact list.....Since you clearly don't want our business. I pay for and use Angie's list because I want to be able to avail myself of the services they provide, most importantly being able to schedule quotes and services without spending my days on the phone. I could simple use Google to look up people and call them. Using the phone is the fastest way to eat up my busy day. The other vendors sent back a date and time, I provided my address and phone, and in the time it took you to ignore me and lose my business, I hired another. The reason I take the time to write this and give you a bad review is because after I spend my time choosing what I think are good vendors, you don't even have the common courtesy to use Angie's list appropriately. Others may want to know. Moving on, Karen

He was wonderful! Knew what he was doing and did it right even though we bought the wrong doggie door and he had to improvise while we ran to the store. He did an amazing job hanging the pot rack at just the right angle with just the right amount of chain. Wouldn't hesitate to use him again and again. Actually we were hoping he was up for adoption. :)

We will definitely hire this company again. We had 2 different handymen come (Cosmo and Tom) and both were professional, knowledgeable, neat, friendly and respectful. They arrived when they said they would and completed the jobs in a timely manner.

I called and explained my problem with my downstairs toilet which was making a loud whistling sound on and off; it was also leaking. Mark arrived on time and took a look and he believed the unit in the tank needed to be replaced. He had the replacement parts with him and did the job in a very professional and timely manner. I highly recommend their services.

David showed up to R&R our door everything when smooth..