Dear Sir,
I recently had a very disturbing experience with B & B Electric PO Box 1165 Metairie La 70004. I already sent this letter, and copies of invoices to the Better Business Bureau of New Orleans. They called me and apologized that they could do nothing, not even post a negative report about this company on their website. I would like to warn other homeowners about this company. I can supply the invoice and estimate if needed. (I don't see anywhere to "attach" them to this letter.)
I made the initial contact by phone, telling Barry Bode, that I wanted to upgrade the old electric wires, in the attic and at the same time, since the fans had to be removed to do this, I would supply new fans and add a few outlets in bathrooms etc. I had done the same work on the bottom of the house after Katrina, and I wanted to make sure that the house was fire-safe.
He came over, we walked through the house, discussed the danger of “old wiring” which he explained was potentially dangerous, and that an insurance company might not insure the house if it wasn’t replaced. I had never heard this before. He emailed me an estimate, which unfortunately I didn’t read over very well.
By the time the work was to be done, I had purchased new fans, a couple of new fixtures. I work in California now and my property manager lives at the house. The work began, and did not go smoothly. A light fixture was put out with the garbage, and my manager noticed they were not doing any work in the attic. I spoke to Barry a few times on the phone, and was assured that things were going alright. I removed a few things from the job, extra switches and security lights.
Then the bill came. It was $700 higher than the estimate, and surprise, surprise! It was stated clearly that the old wiring had not been replaced and that he was not responsible for it. After talking to him on the phone he adamantly repeated that I had never told him I wanted the old wiring replaced. At first I thought perhaps this was a misunderstanding, and then I realized I had been scammed. (I looked at the original estimate and the replacement of wires was not included, so legally, I felt like I have no basis for a lawsuit.) I am an educated woman, quite clear in my instructions, (I’m a teacher). I know that I told him on several occasions that the most important purpose of the job was to remove old wiring so that the house would be safe. The additional work of replacing fixtures and adding outlets was for practicality and aesthetics.
I complained about the bill, asked for an itemized bill. He didn’t supply the itemized bill, but he immediately reduced the bill by almost $1000.00. He reiterated that the old wiring was dangerous and should be replaced and that for additional money he might do it. The thought of having this company in my house again did not seem like a good idea. I paid the bill quickly so that I could put the matter behind me.
I am left not knowing how dangerous my house is to live in, knowing I have been lied to and that my house has been worked on by someone who is dishonest. It makes me sick to think about it. I will eventually hire another electrician to check things out and do the work that I wanted done.
The people of New Orleans should be warned about this company. While talking to Barry Bode, he said outright that several other customers had also thought they were having their electrical wires replaced and upgraded, and had been surprised when they were not. It appears to me that he has learned how to lie to people. This is his "business technique".
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