Guy came to my house to give an estimate. Spent a few minutes and didn't write anything down. Said he would get back to me with a quote in a few days. Never heard from him again. Worse yet his office called me to ask about setting up an appointment with no idea that he had already had been to my place.
8 years ago (06-09-2017)
The old bait and switch..
I called to confirm their labor rate. They tell me it's $120/hr. I schedule them install a light fixture. It takes 45 minutes. The installers provide absolutely nothing to sign indicating the work was done, so there's no record of the time spent or even the charge for the service (I ask - they tell me it comes from the office). I'm expecting a bill for $90 as per the labor rate.
I get a bill for $182.00.
I send an e-mail asking how they got to that. No response. They send another invoice about 2 months later. I send another e-mail (same thread) asking if they received my message and again to please explain the charges.
Only THEN do they tell me there's a $50 "service fee" (no explanation whatsoever), the labor rate is actually $132 per hour, and there's a 1-hour minimum.
Since none of this was disclosed over the phone, or in writing before the time of the service, and the bill is over twice what I expected, I'm naturally disappointed. Any company that can't manage your expectations to within 95% shouldn't be in business. This company couldn't manage my expectations to within 50% -- that's pretty horrible by any measure, hence the negative review.
I tried calling to see if they would again tell me lies over the phone, but no one even answered. I was going to follow-up with another e-mail, but the tone and tenor of the person replying is that of a typical uneducated, entitled, and dishonest person on the other end. So I just paid the balance and wrote this review - since they care more about money than doing honest work, you should know that.
I would recommend pretty much anyone else to do your work. In any case, get a scope of work and price in writing before doing anything. The quality that Van Buren offered was "just okay" and the installers give you droopy eyes and hold their hands out for a cash tip after they are done. It's an awkward experience to say the least..
11 years ago (18-03-2015)
Van Buren Electric re-wired our entire 1920s home. They worked with us over various bumps along the way, were very honest, timely, and professional. They also helped guide us and teach us some things along the way as new home owners. We would absolutely recommend their services.
10 years ago (29-04-2015)
We hired them to do electrical work to one of our extended office in Plymouth MI. They were fast, reliable and efficient. They did they work and the final product was exactly want I request. I will hire them again.