RANT

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KenB259

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Dec 24, 2017
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3,537
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Michigan
I have to rant a bit. As luck would have it, our dryer died yesterday. It was frustrating, but to be expected, both washer and dryer were 11 years old and had been repaired a time or two in the past. Instead of putting more money into old appliances, we just bought new ones at Lowe's. Now here is where my rant starts. I had new Oatey valves installed a year ago along with new braided stainless steel water lines. When we bought the washer, for them to remove the old ones and install the new ones, they required us to buy new water lines and a new pigtail for the dryer. That right there was enough to tick me off, but to keep matrimonial harmony in the house, I just let it go. Also they made us buy a new dryer vent hose, even though I assured them I had a brand new one in my garage, still in its shrink wrap. So when they hooked the water lines, they turned one of the Oatey valves
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which would have popped out under pressure, had I not noticed it. The water lines were so stiff the washer had to be way out of the laundry nook. They never bothered to level the washer. The dryer vent on the wall and dryer are perfectly located to each other but the used an entire length of dryer vent hose and had it looping all over the place. So after they left I unhooked it all and reconnected it with my stainless steel water lines leveled them shortened the dryer vent so it's a straight shot out. Should have known that if I wanted it done to my satisfaction that I just do it myself. I'm attaching pictures of the dryer vent like they hooked it up and after I fixed it. I should complain to Lowe's but in the interest of my mental I'm just going to let it go and never let Lowe's install anything for me.


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MPVic

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Dec 23, 2011
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612
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Hamilton, ON, Canada
I share your pain, Ken - your 'rant' is more than justified. For many years I have done just about all the handyman jobs around our house. It annoys me to no end, now that I'm getting on in years & not as able to do these things, to watch someone else do work far below my expectations.
Take care my friend!
 

mark james

IAP Collection, Curator
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Sep 6, 2012
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Medina, Ohio
I have exhausted all the local contractors to service my fuel oil boiler for baseboard heat... There simply is not any local company that I have any confidence in.

Yes, I also understand your experience.
 

magpens

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Feb 2, 2011
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Canada
You don't mean to say that they left your drier as you show in the first pic ? . The job is not even done !!

I share your frustration, Ken !!
 

jttheclockman

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Feb 22, 2005
Messages
19,082
Location
NJ, USA.
Ken the problem is you bought at lowes and they like Home Depot use any Tom Dick or Harry to do installs. Talk to Lowes and voice your displeasure to them and hold back on credit card till fixed to your standards. You do have leverage.
 

Larryreitz

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Feb 8, 2015
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Location
Salem, CT USA
I agree with JT. A few years ago I bought a washing machine at Lowes and the delivery guys, also the installers, didn't do much more than plug it in. I complained loudly and the installation fee was credited.
 

monophoto

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Mar 13, 2010
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Saratoga Springs, NY
I share your pain, Ken - your 'rant' is more than justified. For many years I have done just about all the handyman jobs around our house. It annoys me to no end, now that I'm getting on in years & not as able to do these things, to watch someone else do work far below my expectations.
I'm in the same situation - one of the many lessons that my Dad taught me was the value in simply doing it yourself, and for years, that's what I did. But as I get older, I'm finding that I am looking to 'professionals' for help more often. Certainly in the case of plumbing - I hate plumbing and I no longer have the patience to fight leaks.

And last year, the guy who does the annual maintenance on our HVAC system found that a mouse had attacked the cable feeding the outdoor compressor (the mouse cadaver was still there, with its jaws biting into the cable), and I opted to hire an electrician rather than replace that wire myself.

But my experience is that if you can find an older professional, you can get a good job done. We've had good luck with plumbers, and the electrician I hired to replace the HVAC compressor cable was very good - he even found the error that the electrician who originally wired the house made. But the key is to find someone who has experience, and who is willing to take on a small project. It can be a real challenge to find a competent generalist handyman who is willing to do a project that takes only an hour or so.
 
Joined
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webberville, mi
I feel your pain but you're not doing anybody a favor by staying silent and stewing. Except the Dr who will diagnose your ulcer. One phone call or (better) a quick visit to the Lowes' store ("I'd like to see the Manager, please") with pictures in hand should do it. And don't forget to post a nice review on the website or YELP or someplace like that. They do read those things and they will often respond.
I've gone both ways and I think it's better to point out issues.
 

KenB259

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Dec 24, 2017
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Location
Michigan
I feel your pain but you're not doing anybody a favor by staying silent and stewing. Except the Dr who will diagnose your ulcer. One phone call or (better) a quick visit to the Lowes' store ("I'd like to see the Manager, please") with pictures in hand should do it. And don't forget to post a nice review on the website or YELP or someplace like that. They do read those things and they will often respond.
I've gone both ways and I think it's better to point out issues.

That is a very good point.


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jttheclockman

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Feb 22, 2005
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NJ, USA.
It is true that the old time craftsman are being replaced by the quick and dirty young guns. Time is money as they say but the old time saying is it cost more to do it twice than to do it right the first time. I always prided myself in any work I did both on jobsites and home. I am a perfectionist as you are from what I have seen from your pens and jigs. I agree with Louie in that I always try to do things myself but getting up in age just can not do it any more and thus my remake of my home both inside and out. at one time I wanted to make my kitchen cabinets and do the bathrooms myself well that is not happening. Next year the same company that did my outside will do work inside and these two rooms. I will handle the bedrooms and closet moves and things like that. I may even have someone sand the floors and finish them for me instead of me renting sander and going through that again. The body just does not want to cooperate any more. :)
 

WriteON

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Joined
Aug 21, 2013
Messages
3,266
Location
S. Florida
I'm jealous you have a straight dryer vent. I can 1 up you. We bought new house. If we did not buy the flooring/rugs from builder it voided the slab warranty. Just another case of ...Thanks for your business
 
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