Yelp ratings are quite challenging. The company is a factor but so is the customer. Sometimes the company is difficult. Sometimes the customer is difficult. Yelp reviews won't allow companies to review customers, so there is an inherent bias on the customer side. This said, I have found Yelp reviews quite helpful, as long as I avoid being mislead by someone with an ax to grind.
I love Mike Counsil and have used them for twelve years. They are a tremendous company with some weaknesses, like any company. This said, I would not entrust my plumbing work to anyone else.
Here are some things you should know..
---they can be more expensive initially because of an 89 dollar service charge. You pay this just for them to come to your home.
---they always get to the bottom of the problem. Because they are paid the service charge, they are in no hurry to leave. I have had guys spend a significant time searching inside, outside, and under the house until they knew exactly what was going on. There is something very encouraging knowing I am not paying any more than the service charge during this time.
---I have received major and minor work form them. Every guys is super friendly. Mike Counsil has a family feel because of this. The employees work around your schedule, are sensitive to kids, and treat your home with the attitude of wanting to leave it in great condition.
---When they aren't sure about something, they don't hesitate to call the owners, who have an encyclopedic knowledge...including having designed their own plumbing components based on the Bay Area's unique needs
---I don't plan on reading any of the negative reviews, but feel free to do so. If they complain about price, understand this...one time someone in my home called another company...they had to visit multiple times, because the work they did broke down. I have never had Mike Counsil return...never (knock on wood Counsil Family).
---I don't plan on reading any of the negative reviews, but if someone complains about them not being receptive....there has never been an occasion when Mike Counsil hasn't been willing to come out, follow up, visit again, talk on the phone.
I heard from Aaron one of the employees they were getting low ratings on Yelp, so I took to the airwaves to write this. I don't like paying anyone money for anything, but if I have to do it, then Mike Counsil is where my dollars are going.
Thanks if you read this far...
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