Schuler Service Inc

My mother hired Schuler Service to remodel one full and one half bathroom back in late 2015. The work began in November and she signed a contract with them that stated she would submit final payment upon her 100% satisfaction with the work. The man who spoke with her promised a top quality job, and she paid a premium price for the work (another contractor told her at the time that he could redo all three of her upstairs bathrooms for a few thousand less, but she trusted Schuler's reputation and went with them). The following is a list of what she was asking to have done: 1. Close off the wall between the two bathrooms (there was an open doorway between them, the door had been removed years before). 2. Remove the old 1970s wallpaper and paint the walls. 3. Remove the polyurethane from the wainscoting along the lower walls, the chair rail, window frames and door frames, and add new wainscoting and chair rail to the filled-in door frame. The new wood was to be painted instead of stained. 4. Replace the 1970s linoleum. 5. Replace both toilets. 6. Replace the vanities in both bathrooms, keeping the original white corian but removing the old cabinets and all the old fixtures. 7. Replace the tub/shower combo with a new stall shower. 8. Replace the light fixtures and air vents. (My mother provided the new light fixtures and door handles, so these were not included in the cost of the materials.) All of these items were completed, but we are having a lot of issues with the quality of the work. The bathrooms do not look like they were professionally done. In particular, the paint and the new drywall were not finished properly. These are the issues we have been dealing with since November 2015: 1. When my mom hired Schuler Service for the job, she was told they were going to "gut" the bathroom before they started working on it. This didn't happen. The wainscoting, chair rail, door and window frames all stayed on the walls. Instead of sanding off the original polyurethane from these wood pieces, they were covered with primer and painted. This caused a number of problems: - The primer was not sanded correctly, so the paint that was applied did not look smooth. They attempted to remedy this by applying more coats of paint, resulting in a sloppy paint job that shows many drips and imperfections. - The cracks between the boards were not filled in with paint, so between the (blue) paint lines of (brown) polyurethane remained visible. The contractor tried to fix this by caulking between the boards and painting it, but now the caulk keeps cracking. It has been fixed once and has since cracked again. One of the contractors told us that this will continue to happen. - Because the door frames were not removed, a small section of wall behind one door frame had chipped tile (left over from the 1970s) still stuck to it. This caused the wall in that spot to look rough and unfinished. Someone was sent to fix this in March 2016, and originally they tried to fit another piece of wood into the crack to cover it up rather than remove the door frame, but could not make it fit. Eventually he removed the door frame and was easily able to fix the wall in that spot, which was what we had asked for repeatedly. - The frame of the other door was damaged during the renovation. Rather than removing the cracked piece of trim to replace or repair it, the contractor tried to simply push it back together and fill it in with paint. The crack is very visible and the door frame is not aligned properly in this spot (the wood is no longer flush at the corner). - During renovations, the frame of the small window above the shower was chipped and the corner of the wood came off. Instead of replacing the frame, they decided to just paint the wall in the same color in an attempt to hide the problem after we pointed it out. - The paint along the chair rail and window/door frames bleeds onto the wall in some places because this wood was painted in place rather than being removed, painted, and returned to the walls. It looks like the walls were not prepared correctly in order to get clean lines. 2. The new wainscoting added to the filled in wall was not primed or sanded correctly, and several imperfections show through the paint. 3. The new drywall added to fill in the open doorway between the rooms was not placed correctly. Instead of removing the frame completely from the doorway, they only removed the trim around the edges and left the wood frame where you would actually walk through the door. As a result, the drywall bulges outward and really needed to be sanded down to level it with the rest of the wall. Additionally, when you look at the wall, you can see lines that indicate the drywall was replaced (it basically looks like you can still see there was once a door there). 4. The drywall above the shower has started to crack. There is a several inch long crack running from the corner of the wall towards the middle of the wall, and it is still growing. 5. In several places, the walls look rough from the old wallpaper paste and should have been smoothed before paint was applied. 6. The new metal fixtures are splattered with paint drips in both bathrooms. We have asked multiple times for them to clean this up, but nothing has been done. 7. One of the toilets was installed so far from the wall that it had to be removed and replaced correctly. In addition to the above, Schuler Service did not meet their promised standard when it came to protecting my mom's home. Until the very last worker came out in March, none of them wore booties (it's in writing on the paperwork that they would), they scratched her hardwood floor in the hallway and in her bedroom, and the painter even washed out his cans and brushes in her kitchen sink (she has a septic system and this never should have happened). Schuler Service claims that they finished the job on 12/8/2015. They have been calling my mom regularly for the final payment (she has already paid them 2/3rds of the contract price but per their written contract has been waiting to pay the final 1/3rd until they address the issues above to her satisfaction). Since December, they have sent workmen to the house on multiple occasions, with the last being in March 2016. Despite this, they are still sending her letters claiming that the job was finished in December. I spoke with the job coordinator by phone and he agreed that the job has not been done since December, but then continued to claim that the final payment was 90 days past due in April (now 120 days past due per his latest correspondence). My mother is very ill and has been in and out of the hospital, and they have accused her of lying about being ill to avoid them (during one conversation, they said it was "convenient" that we could no longer speak at that time due to her being very sick). At one point, the job coordinator and the owner came to the house, glanced at both rooms and declared that the job was perfect. The owner told my sister that he could not see the issues she showed him, claiming she must have better eyesight than he did. He then berated my mother and tried to get her to say that her disappointment was just buyer's remorse (he seemed to think that she regretted choosing paint for the wood over stain, which is not at all the case). He also repeatedly asserted to us that no contractor would find fault with this job. We consulted two other contractors who immediately saw all of the problems detailed above and were shocked at what we paid for this work. We actually received an estimate to repair the work and when we told Schuler this, they seemed to think we were lying. They spoke with the other contractor, who is licensed and has done beautiful work on other parts of my mom's home, and they were extremely rude to him and have several times implied that he is either lying or that he isn't actually licensed and may be a fraud (he isn't; his license is readily available online). It is now May 2016, and Schuler Service has now spoken with everyone in my family about this job. They have been rude, impatient (demanding less than 24 hour turn around on documents, calling 4 or 5 times within a 10-minute window, etc.), and have actually tried to get my mother to just give them her credit card number when she was so sick that she was barely coherent. We are beyond disgusted with the ethics of this company and would strongly discourage anyone from hiring them.

Searching on Angie's list, I found this business. I forwarded a message to this company, they were quick as far as answering the messages via Angie's list. Morning of the 16 of December, 2015. I spoke to the representative of the business. I mentioned them as in the e-mails, I had purchased a vanity and sink from a box store. What would it cost to install the product. The gentleman quoted me a price of $825.00, he did not bother to come out to my house and view the job. Incidentally, I found someone who did a great job for $125.00. IT APPEARS This company should CHANGE THEIR NAME TO PRICE GOUGERS!

Details above. Do not use this plumber They are a rip off.

Called to have cause of leaky faucet diagnosed and resolved. Reception staff very cordial and professional. Was provided an appointment the following day. Technician did not arrive during the appointment window, and no call was made to let me know there would be a delay. When I called to inquire as to my status, I was told that appointments were running approximately 2 hours behind. No problem. I waited 2 hours, and the technician soon called to let me know he was en route. Once he arrived, he was extremely professional, courteous, and decisive. He informed me that my faucet most likely needed a new valve cartridge. Unfortunately, it was a brand that is apparently not common - Belle Foret - and, therefore, the parts needed for the repair would be difficult to obtain. He suggested that I personally contact the manufacturer and request the warrantied part. He was extremely helpful during this process, sitting with me at my computer and helping me find the pertinent information as to the faucet model and the part name/number. He also spoke to the operator at the Belle Foret distributor, and attempted to explain exactly what we required in order to fix the faucet. After paying the trip fee, I inquired as to the charge for the return trip to install the forthcoming valve cartridge replacement. He made a call and then informed me that his superior would have to decide what the cost would be, and would let me know when I called to make the appointment for the repair. I thought this odd, as it seemed that a valve replacement would be a relatively routine service, and would thus have a pre-determined charge. I needed the faucet fixed, though, so I agreed to wait for the price quote. After 2 weeks of frustrating negotiations with the Belle Foret distributor, I finally received the recommended part and called Schuler for the return appointment. To my surprise, they seemed to have little information on file regarding our previous interaction. I had to explain everything that had occurred during my previous appointment with them. Since their technician had recommended that I obtain a part for him to install, and had even helped me communicate as much to the faucet distributor, I was surprised that there was no expectation that I might call for the work to be finished. I was provided with an appointment, and was informed that the original technician would not be available. 'Still no word on the price of the work, but I was committed at this point, and just needed the shower fixed. The technician arrived on time. He didn't know what he was supposed to be doing for us. After he was supplied with the new part, and the original installation handbook (which I had kept after the original faucet was installed years ago), it only took him a matter of minutes to complete the job, thus resolving the leak. I was given a discount for having personally obtained the part, and we also had a coupon for the return business. On a previous occasion, we had plumbing installed and rerouted by a different company, which cost less than the quick install of this faucet part. The total cost seemed expensive, considering the short duration of the job and the fact that I obtained the part. However, we were grateful for the ease of scheduling a fairly quick appointment, and for the ultimate resolution of the leak. Thank you.

The pump turned out to have a stone trapped in it. To avoid having to completely dismantle the pump the technician grafted a straw to a Shop-Vac nozzle and managed to vacuum the stone out. The replacement of the hose bib turned out to take longer than expected. Two replacements leaked at the factory solder joints. Luckily he had a different model also on his truck and that worked. This was a time when the flat rate price paid off. The resourcefulness and persistence of the technician were exemplary. He would not give up until the problem was solved completely. He sealed up the outside much better than the original builders installation and put all of the insulation back in place in the basement.

Obviously, I'm looking for free estimates, because if I paid every contractor and/or plumber to come out to give me an estimate before I chose one, I'd be broke before the job would get started! I look over the reviews, services, and the "Free estimates" tab on Angie's List when choosing which service providers to contact. Sure enough, Schuler listed that they offer free estimates. As I explained my issue, it became an $89 diagnostic fee followed by a free estimate. If you can't offer a free estimate without first charging a diagnostic fee, I don't consider that to be a "free estimate" and they should adjust their response to the prompt on Angie's List to "ask for details".

Plumber was punctual and courteous. He assesed my leaky tub faucet and sat me down to explain the work that would need to be performed and the cost. The cost of the faucet repair was $250 which was much less expensive than I had anticipated. When he turned my main water line back on for my home, my basement bathroom sink began to leak (flood) all over the floor. Again, he assessed the situation, explained what work needed to be performed and reviewed cost. This one cost $419 (new faucet unit and s pipe). Since this was my second job for that day, I received a discount on the second job which dropped the cost to about $380. I thought the price of the faucet was a little steep, but I approved the work to be completed. He was able to complete both jobs under 2 hours and cleaned up the flooded water in the basement as well. I would definitely recommend Shuler for all plumbing work.

Everything about their service and professionalism is excellent.

The repair was completed properly, and no problems have reoccurred.

The job was done very well.They sent a man named Steve out .He was very friendly and very Knowledgeable about his job.He first quoted us a price.We agreed too readily.The price was better then the last quote of $315.They never returned our call.So we looked and found Schuler Services with great ratings.They deserve the great ratings!!Steve had our problem fixed fast.He drained all the water from our home and put in a bigger expansion tank.He even took the time to explain a lot of the piping to my husband.The problem started with a leaky water heater.He changed the valve on that too..The problem is 100% resolved.He was very honest and did not try to find other things wrong.He only charged us $174.I am so happy with the service we got from this company.I will always use them for all my needs in plumbing from now on.They were fast efficient and very knowledgeable.So nice to find such a great Plumber!!!! .

The pipe under vanity had rusted through & was leaking. We called Schuler & within a few hrs. Steve K. was here to fix the leak. He was very professional, courteous, & listened to all our concerns. He not only replaced the trap, but also repaired the faucet in the vanity. Great Job !!!! Schuler sends a Technician when you need them.

Not a good experience. First technician was unknowledgeable and spent most of his time on the phone with the office asking what to do. The technician who replaced the well pump (with a lot of my assistance) spent a lot of extra time walking back and forth to his truck getting one part at a time. Both technicians were very friendly but seemed to be wasting a lot of billable time. Parts delivery people were charged at the same rate as plumbers ($110/hour). I received a 20% discount on parts, but the price was raised about 50% above retail before the discount was given ($890 for a pump that's less than $600 on the internet). The final product works great but it was way more expensive than it should have been.

I call Schuler Service for all my plumbing needs; i don't even attempt to "do it myself" because Schuler is so good. This experience was no exception. The plumber called before he came, arrived, found the problem with the faucet rather quickly, repaired it just as fast, and the price was pretty good. About two weeks later, my Mother had called them about her tub and had a similar experience. Schuler fixed a plumbing problem for her that two other plumbers did not properly fix! Use Schuler - you won't be disappointed.

The plumber that was going to do the job called me before leaving the shop to confirm that he was on his way, and give me time to let the boiler cool down so he could do the work. I liked that I did not have to guess as to when he would arrive. He was prompt, professional, and really did a good and thorough job. He showed me everything that he did and what he found to need repair. Overall, I am very satisfied with Shuler. My boiler is clean and safe and ready for another years service. This is not the first time I used Shuler and it certainly will not be the last.

Contacted company and established mutually acceptable appointment. Pre-secured all necessary parts so no second trip necessary. Technician called in advance and arrived at appointed time. Plumber was efficient, neat, respected our home and quite pleasant, keeping us appraised of his work progress and offered a less expensive solution to the new washer cut-off valves that required no drywall cutting and cheaper parts. We would have given Schuler the highest grade on price; however, we could not get an 'up front cost estimate' for the desired work [thought it would be around $1000 which it was and trusted prior Angie's List comments], and the price for the Kohler toilet was about $70 higher than the desired model we found at Loew's on-line and specifically requested. Also, nowhere in their literature or on Angie's List was it advertised that senior citizens get a 10% discount. The technician had to make us aware of this benefit when preparing the bill - he/they get(s) a big plus for honesty here! Finally, unlike most plumbing contractors, we were unaware they charge by the hour from the time they leave their establishment, while in transit, on the job, and an estimate of the return trip time. In the end, we believe this proved to be a cost savings as most plumbers seem to charge by the job from some internal book price rather than actual work performed, and several of the jobs performed were a relative snap for someone with the tools and knowledge. Bottom line - probably an A but not sure so gave them a B. They did provide a detailed invoice which was appreciated. Finally, the technician did a cursory review of the home's plumbing systems and pointed out a questionable expansion tank and valve on our furnace. We have a full service contract for this item through another vendor, so rather than have Schuler repair it (which I suppose they would have liked), we will call our HVAC company ASAP and have them repair it before we have a problem. All in all, a very positive experience.

I found a big leak in my kitchen late on Friday after normal hours. I knew it would be expensive but it was Abigail leak I called Schuler and they quoted me a fair price for after hours. They said the man was already on another job and I would be next. The plumber came about an hour later. He was friendly and professional. He immediately diagnosed the problem even though he had to fashion one part. He was quick and efficient

They are reliable. Well, as far as reliability for them to come and do the job, I'd say B. As far as the job being done properly, I'd say C. I had to call them back again for the second time to do the same job.

They’ve been good. They were very responsive and do good work. They come out promptly and they are very courteous. I think they are very efficient in the repairs. They are good guys. They were on time. They get things done when you need to. They have reasonable pricing.

OK-tough-job-,Needed-to-return-to-shop-for-another-set-0f0caucets.

I had Schuyler do a bathroom job for me 20 years ago and we had problems afterwards (maybe 6 months). I called them and asked them to come back and take a look at it and they said they'd get back to me. they never did. I called one other time and again, no response. I vowed then I'd never use them again and I haven't.

Although my heater was working it was overdue for service. The plumber that came out (John) was on time, friendly and knowledgeable. As he pulled the boiler apart for cleaning he found a few issues that needed to be addressed which were hidden (not easily noticeable). Because of these hidden issues (which he showed me throughout the process) the service took a little longer and cost a bit more than expected. I did have an issue with the way in which the billing was done. After discussing my concerns with Greg Joyce (Owner) we cleared up the billing issue and I am very happy with Schuler. When I compare the overall service and price, Schuler has been great. The previous service performed on my heater was done by an inexperienced low level tech who was not able to answer any of my questions. With Schuler, John and his supporting cast where both knowledgeable and friendly. I may have paid a little more than expected and I feel it was worth it for the overall positive experience. Thanks to the Schuler team!

After a pipe burst in the basement, I called Schuler to help with the repair. I was told someone would be out that afternoon, and would call before they arrived. A few hours later, the repairman called and was on his way. The service was very timely--I only had to have the water shut off a few hours. He inspected the area, found the burst pipe and quickly went to repairing it. He also cleaned up afterward as well. During the repair he was making recommendations about preventing it and the future and things to watch out for with the cold weather and plumbing. He was great. The cost was not unreasonable either for emergency service.

Next day service, on time, very professional. Have used Schuler before, will certainly use them again.

I called early in the morning. I did realize it was an emergency call and would have to wait for a plumber to be available. I was told around noon I'd get a call. I had to call back after noon, and it was at that point I asked about the price of a new heater. The man said someone should be in soon, and he'd have the water heater on the truck. The plumber arrived just before 3 PM. There were problems because of the snow. There's an entrance in the back of the house, but no way to get there thru the snow. So the heater had to be taken thru the house down the steps. I helped to get it down the stairs. The service was fairly quick, though I notice that I paid close to $100 travel time included in the labor. So far the job seems to have been well done. I found this service in the Angie's List booklet. There was a $50 coupon that was used.

It went really well, they did a nice job. They charged me a lot, they charged me mileage, rags, gloves, and the time he was here. I felt it took longer than it should have. The only reason I wouldn't use them again is because of price.