Hatch Electric

Joan N.

I went through this company through the Home Depot pro-referral program. That was the first I've actually used this service. I bought the indoor ceiling light fixtures and outdoor ceiling fans at Home Depot and before it got delivered, I received an email about the pro-referral service.

It's pretty neat that Home Depot pairs you up with 3 possible contractors that can do the job based on what you need. Shortly after I filled up the online form. I was paired up with 3 companies. This one was the first to respond. I looked them up and saw good reviews on their site.

I responded to the contractor through that particular site. I figured, being new to this, that I would like a ""paper trail"" so when issues arise, I have something in writing to refer to. Also, it's been very hectic at home juggling homeschooling my boys and taking care of a recovering husband (after surgery) so I couldn't answer calls as they come. Written messages suited me well for communicating because I can get on it when I have some free time. I did call them too and tried to talk in person but nobody picked up so I left a message.

The quote given to me was $89/hr with 15-min increment. The job was to replace 2 outdoor ceiling fans ; replace an existing dining room chandelier, a kitchen pendant light, and the formal dining light.

Knowing that they charge hourly, and to save time, I took the boxes of new items in their respective places where they will be installed. I also cut open the tapes of the boxes hoping that would save some more time in the installation process.

On the day of installation, 2 men walked in and I showed them the areas and the boxes. They were nice and respectful. However, I observed that they've taken quite a bit of break time. One of them has been taking smoke breaks. So, 2 people, one for each fan replacement, took 2 hrs.

They then proceeded indoors to work on the chandelier replacement in our dining area. This is now way past lunchtime and I had something baking in the oven for my family. After they had mentioned how good it smelled, they both then proceeded to walk outside to their truck (after they removed the old chandelier). They were out there a while that I thought they're probably taking a lunch break.

Then, my husband came out of our home office and and asked if the guys are done and I said no. Hubby needed me to take him to his surgeon for an emergency follow up procedure. He got upset that it took 2 hours for each person to replace one fan. He went outside and told them if they can finish installing in the next 15 mins. Of course, they couldn't so they packed up and left. I told them I'll contact the owner for a reschedule.

I messaged online again and asked if the hourly charges included lunch breaks, or any breaks. She then replied that her electricians don't take breaks nor do they bring lunch with them. She said that she will speak to them that evening.

Well, the next day I received a series of messages from her telling me what those guys have told her. First off, they accused me of opening the boxes AND taking things out so it took time for them to ""find"" the parts. That's a LIE. I had pre-cut the boxes open for easier access and even placed them on a table so they don't have to bend to the floor.

Secondly, she said that they were in their truck to prep materials for installing the indoor lights. Uh, all the parts are in the boxes inside the house. They also already have their tools with them. So, to say that they're getting something ready in their truck to work on a light installation and they're both out there several minutes, is another LIE.

Thirdly, the owner also said that they were not aware that the project will be cut short. I apologized that getting my husband to his surgeon was an inconvenience for them, that's why I had asked how long it takes for a typical fan replacement.

I get that this owner will defend her crew. But to actually turn this around as something against me is just nasty.

As much as I would like to rate them with a 1 star, I also recognize that the fans were properly installed, the owner was prompt at returning my messages, and the invoice sent was a fairly reasonable price (though, it may have gotten a lot more expensive if they took more breaks during the installation of 3 more light fixtures).