Clara in Toronto

Second time using AC Electrical. Technician Steven. Prior to the first visit their office indicated each of the jobs we discussed over the phone would be included in the diagnostic fee of $250 (plug install, 4 pot lights out, replace basic switch with timer switch). During the visit, the pot lights were diagnosed as either requiring new mr16 plugs or new transformer. The electrician advised us we could supply the plugs by purchasing for under $2 and they would supply the transformers for a separate charge of $99each. After this visit we were charged $250, as was expected, and were happy. Second visit – again called their office and went through each job: repair 4 pot lights per last diagnosis (we bought the mr16 plugs), replace 3 plugs with a GFCI 3 baths, replace a basic fan switch with a timer switch, add an interior switch to control an outside plug and install a plastic waterproof exterior plug cover that we supplied. I was told the diagnostic fee covered those jobs and that we would be charged separately for any parts they supplied. Fair enough, so we scheduled the job. We asked for the same technician because he had assessed previously. Electrician quickly found that the 3 GFCI plugs were not necessary as this house had a main GFCI protecting all bath and exterior plugs. (10 minutes). He then stated that since the exterior plug I wanted controlled by a new indoor switch was looped with a main GFCI plug, he could not add an indoor switch (5 minutes). He added the plastic plug cover (5 mins). He changed 2 transformers. The other transformer was a pot light requiring a long ladder to reach a high ceiling. I offered my ladder and he agreed. After installing the first 2 transformers, he then said he only had 2 transformers. So we were left with1 pot light not working. (20-25 mins). He replaced a bath fan switch with a timer switch (<10 mins). He then proceeded to present a bill of $750 separately charging for each job. This is despite not having to replace the 3 GFCI plugs, install a new indoor switch or fix one pot light! My husband was unaware I had discussed each job with their office to confirm they were included in the $250 charge, but he did recall from the previous visit they covered the jobs in one fee. After arguing the bill was unreasonable the electrician then removed 2 separate charges bringing the bill down to $583. The electrician stated to my husband that their company no longer covers jobs under the diagnostic charge. This was different from what the office said and what we agreed to. Unfortunately, my husband was unaware of the conversation I had with the office just a few days earlier. I would not have agreed to pay for more than the diagnostic and supplied parts unless they clarified their would be any extra charges. Worse yet, we found 1 hall pot light flickering that evening and called the next day. They have never returned the call. They claim to warranty their installs and parts supplied. Apparently not. There won’t be a 3rd time with this company and we no longer recommend them. Update: September 11, 2018 We're happy to report that our issue was resolved. Before we had even read the response from Hellen, we saw a refund via email transfer. It's impressive to see a company do the right thing and so deserved that we update our review accordingly.