We called to change out some bath/shower fixtures. We had already purchased new fixtures so this was for installation alone. The technician was very polite but that was about the only good thing about this experience.

He gave me a $1000.00 estimate if we were to include the drain assembly. I decided on the handle/trim kit plate and shower arm/head. We had a $50.00 'home advisor' online coupon for anything over 200.00 but he had to negotiate that because the service call alone was 200.00. I wish I had known THAT going in. They agreed on 225.00.

Of course, the trim kit did not quite fit and "that would be a lot more." Okay, we will do that ourselves, too. He replaced the shower arm and head and then put the old handle back on the trim and I wrote a check for approximately 235.00. I suppose the extra 10.00 was for taxes?

I was disgusted but I guess it was worth the lesson because I bought an $ 8.00 drain removal tool and with the help of a short YouTube video, I replaced the drain assembly on my own. LESSON LEARNED. I nearly paid an extra $750.00 for something I did for 8 dollars!

The tech also asked if I had someone to check the furnace each season. I told him we are not using our previous company because they always try to sell me on new things every time they come to my house. He proceeded to try and sell me a membership so I could get discounts on service. No Thanks!

Ask about service call fees up front when you call anyone for help and if possible, get some comparison estimates before having work done. Finally, don't forget to check YouTube and your local hardware store to see if you can do it yourself.