So if you had been charged for a plumber + apprentice at $110 an hour your would still complain.
Now maybe the extra help wasn't really needed on this job, but what do you do? Drop the apprentice home for an hour with no pay?
There a plenty of jobs where having a second pair of hands on the job is REALLY handy, hence having an Apprentice or Trade Assistant riding with you. (they don't need to have a ticket as they are working under direct supervision) Things that involve crawling into ceiling spaces and and under floors, and then to have someone to pass tools or be on the other side of the wall is well worth the $$.
Basically you paid $100 an hour for a 2 person team to do the job. Maybe it was overkill for that particular job, but if the wife is on the payroll as a TA, that's what it is.
cagivachick1,
May 6, 8:27pm
still a rip
johotech,
May 6, 8:30pm
Who was driving? Maybe Mr. Plumber lost his drivers license?
The bottom line is that it's not a two person job.
gph1961,
May 6, 8:45pm
how come you went to site and didn't replace part yourself as you already knew what was wrong refer your #1
woody89,
May 6, 9:26pm
How was the wife referenced on the invoice? A few years ago I had a builder doing renovations to a house. He stayed there through the week & most weekends went home. Twice he had a lady friend come to stay a weekend rather than him going home. I drew the line when he gave me an invoice charging her as an assistant. Told him that was not our arrangement & fairly sure her "help" off set her rent. Doesn't help you other than to show "they're out there".
wfl1,
May 6, 9:52pm
I didn't know what was wrong just suspected, The plumber called and said he would be there in 15 minutes ,i was leaving for the hospital about the same time so met him there briefly before I left
wfl1,
May 6, 9:57pm
Mr Plumber was driving so no lost licence
gph1961,
May 6, 10:20pm
guess once you sell real estate listings youll be ok
mkr_ahearn,
May 7, 8:43am
Give the plumber a call and put your queries to him, see what he says.
golfdiver,
May 7, 9:34am
Just because he was driving, doesn't mean he has a license.
wfl1,
May 7, 11:25am
All ready sold some from previous listings don't know what the hell that's got to do with it. The money side of things doesnt both me to much. Its the principle of the matter here. I believe credibility and honesty are lacking . For all I know the plumber could of said to his wife. All the house works done dear kids are at school jump in the van and we will have a great day ripping people off.
mansonprincess,
May 7, 12:16pm
It's a bit weird. Does it say wife on the form rather then worker or extra tradie?
wfl1,
May 7, 12:32pm
I know the people and its definitely his wife, invoice says 1.5 hrs Labour- ****** (her name)
elect70,
May 7, 2:30pm
This comes up often even with trades & apprentices . 1 large new car retailer was getting alterations done , aircond guys had a ' work experience guy with them , but the company refused to pay for his time saying not their place for him to learn. But in OP I agree only 1 person can do the work & unless she is also in the trade then she is just a hanger on
ruby2shoes,
May 7, 4:54pm
Well if its a one person job, its a bit darn cheeky and I'd be querying it. Isn't there like a registered plumbing head office you can check with? Citizens Advice?
pauldw,
May 7, 6:11pm
What was total bill? There's an Akl plumbing company advertising ajax valve replacements $288 including valve.
wfl1,
May 7, 6:16pm
$454 so a lot more
oddbits,
May 7, 6:25pm
did they charge travel ? its a one man job Id question it for sure
wfl1,
May 7, 7:48pm
No travel, workshop only minutes away I will question it just need to go about it the right way. I just wanted to come on here and get some other opinions.
krames,
May 7, 7:59pm
doesnt matter how far it is ,its a one off charge usually
shakespeare6,
May 7, 8:14pm
So when he said it’s most likely the Ajax valve why didn’t you say “So how much is this going to cost me� THen when he said 100 for the valve and 300 for me and the wife you could have told him to push off instead of complaining about it after the fact.
wfl1,
May 7, 9:54pm
If you took time to read the previous posts properly its was me that suggested it possibly could be ajax valve. As I have said before I meet him briefly as I was on the way to the hospital.
mikee6,
May 8, 7:31am
It's a 1 man job, 30 minutes plus travel expenses that would be a fair amount, pay him that and tell him to get real.
jacky18,
May 8, 9:14am
. Anyone who is "helping" a plumber who is not a registered plumber needs to have an Exemption under Supervision License. you have have been ripped off I feel I am concerned as you are in Franklin as am I would love to know plumbers name
pauldw,
May 8, 11:05am
I think the issue of license probably isn't relevant unless the helper was actually doing any sanitary plumbing. Going out to the van for tools doesn't count.
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