PAUL'S PLUMBING & HEATING

Description of Work: The sump pump failed not long after I moved in to my new (for me) home. It was about 7 AM and the basement was quickly flooding. I called this contractor because there was a sticker for his business on a drainpipe in the basement, and I figured he must have worked there before. The guy shows up and asks me to make a path to the sump that he can walk on without getting wet, since he didn't bring his boots. He got to the sump without wetting his feet and asks me for tools, explaining that his truck is in the garage and he only came with a few tools that fit in the trunk of his sedan. fortunately he was able to install the backup that I had on hand. the backup pump will do for a while, but the failed pump needs to be replaced. Of course, since his truck is in the shop he doesn't have a replacement with him, and needs to go get one, and he quotes a price. while we are talking he asks how i learned of him, and i tell him about the sticker on the drain pipe. He replies that the stickers work well, bring him lots of business. i ask what he means and he explains that he goes to estate and house sales and if he can get in the basement he slaps a few on the heater and the pipes. Off he goes for the replacement. I start calling around looking desperately for a different plumber. An acquaintance recommends another contractor, who can come quickly and who also quotes a price for a replacement pump that's just about half the price Paul's has quoted. I canceled Paul, but he wanted $80 dollars for his house call and installation of the backup pump. I paid the the $80, though it was probably twice what he deserved.

Description of Work: Paul came to my home to give me an estimate on removing and replacing the sump pump in my 300 square foot basement.