Michael & Son Services

We have received emails and phone calls asking to do a review on here and other sites, so here you go!
I don’t even know where to start. Our experience with Michael and Son has been horrible. We are extremely disappointed. I only gave them 1 star because there’s no option for 0 stars.
First, the gentleman (sales guy) that came to diagnose the issue gave us the wrong diagnosis. He was 200% sure that our issue was a broken pipe. He checked out the pipe with a camera and said without a doubt it was broken. He didn’t even try to snake it to confirm that it wasn’t just a blockage, that’s how sure he was. We fell for the friendly, sales guy personality. We should have known better to demand he try to snake it to be sure. The amount was over $ 4000 to fix the «broken» pipe. We had to go with them as we were already on 24 hours of having no running water. We couldn’t wait to have another company come diagnose and come back another day to do the work. No running water means no showers, flushing the toilet, etc. Fun stuff! So we had to wait another day until the work could be done. The next day a crew came to fix the «broken» pipe. They had to dig a very large hole in our concrete laundry room floor — part of our foundation. Once they got in there they figured out that the pipe was not broken and was just clogged. If the sales guy the day before would have just snaked the pipe chances are we would not have had to go through all of this! And the filled in hole looks like crap! It’s very rough. The insurance guy that came to inspect for the claim even commented on what a bad job they did. It’s so rough that now we are probably going to have to pay out of our pocket to put down flooring or have it smoothed out.
So now we are stuck with an over $ 4000 bill that insurance might not even cover due to the wrong diagnosis. We have been trying to get an itemized breakdown from our sales guy of the cost to provide to our insurance company and cannot get a response. Our insurance company can’t move forward in deciding whether or not they are going to cover the work without the itemized list. Our sales guy also promised they would come back and do a flush of the pipe to make sure the entire blockage is cleaned out — it’s even noted and signed off on in the paperwork from the day the rest of the work was done. We have been unable to get this completed. We were finally told they would be here Monday or Tuesday of this week and that the workers would call when they were on their way. Not surprising, we never received a call. But you better believe that we already received a credit card in the mail for the over $ 4000 balance due. A big mistake we made was doing the $ 0 down 0% interest for a year deal. So now they have their money and are happy and we’re stuck with a credit card bill when the work hasn’t even been completed. A dispute claim has already been filed with the credit card company. We’re not paying for work that hasn’t even been completed fully.
After the initial work was completed I also called to talk to someone in the office (maybe the head of the plumbing department??) and he was extremely rude! I tried to be cordial and explain the issue and our disappointment with the wrong diagnosis and the inconvenience and mess it caused. Also expressed our dissatisfaction with being charged for something that could have been avoided if the diagnosis was correct. It was clear pretty quick that this guy could care less, he knew they already got their money. So the phone call didn’t end nearly as cordial as it started, on both of our ends! Ha!
I work in customer service, I would not want to face my boss if I treated our customers the way we have been treated by Michael and Son so far! I will say that the girls taking the initial phone calls to get someone out to make a diagnosis were wonderful! The one star I had to give definitely goes to them alone.
Moral of the story — DO NOT use this company! They are just looking for money, they’re not here to help you!

I have used Michael & Sons for over 7 years to do jobs ranging from water heater replacement, electrical work, HVAC replacement and most recently replacement of the main water shut off for my home. In each case they have done the job well, were professional, courteous and left the work area clean and spotless. I would recommend them to anyone who needs work done that is beyond the average homeowner or you just don’t have time to do yourself. Great Job Roger, I appreciate your great work.

Over-​priced yes, but prompt and comprehensive service, willing to fix mistakes. Sadly a single bad contractor can quickly wipe out any potential savings without any recourse to recover money. I’m happy to be working with a reputable company. I do hope they become transparent and upfront about their pricing.

Absolutely horrible scam artist. The call center quoted me $ 29.99 on the phone to have a technician come out. Tech comes and the price now goes up to $ 300.00. If we use them the $ 300.00 will apply to the cost of snaking a stupid pipe. I called to discuss and the call center said, «we don’t know the prices», well they should be able to tell a caller that the $ 29.99 is for the tech to just show up and the $ 300 is a the real price for the diagnostic. I was then told that the $ 789.00 I paid for the repair was only guaranteed for TWO WEEKS and after that I was on my own. Good business ethic.
No one ever returned my messages to have a manager or someone higher up then the poor girl answering the phones. Probably standard practice to not face up to a complaint.
I am a landlord in a condo complex with several other landlords. I have made sure to tell anyone who would listen to call anyone but Michael and Sons… ANYONE. I also posted on the condo website, facebook and told the management company.
Horrible, horrible, horrible

The people were very experience and professional. The completed the job in a timely manner and cleaned up after themselves very well

I’ve used Michael & Son quite a bit through the years. They are prompt and very knowledgeable. I’ve never had an issue and will continue to use them moving forward!

ATTEMPTED GRAND THEFT… DO NOT USE this company, they are dishonest price gougers.
Had no heat, first tech, from Grenada, did not know the cause, and promised a «senior technician» the next day to determine why my hot water baseboard system was gurgling and no longer maintaining heat, even though boiler temp showed 180 degrees.
Next day, Senior tech told me he had TWENTY YEARS EXPERIENCE and parts needed were no longer made — that a $ 7,800 boiler replacement was needed. (If parts HAD been available, they would cost $ 2,400, but no warranty). Tech tried hard sell, that boiler could be replaced the next day. I declined and made calls after tech left.
Counterman from Columbia Boiler verified gas vault and igniting parts (as diagnosed by the «Senior Tech») were not available, but a similar, standing pilot system would be available for $ 180. A new 220,000 BTU boiler costs $ 2500.
Had a second plumber come that same afternoon, and was told that the problem was AIR LOCK. Plumber drained and refilled boiler, NO PARTS USED, AND HEAT RETURNED.
MY service call fee was not credited until two days after my call of complaint, so there was no sense of urgency by Michael & Son to make this attempted theft right. It was confirmed that the tech makes commission on work sold.
What a disreputable company. Based on review of other postings, their dishonesty is a regular thing. The advertised BBB rating should be discontinued.

Can’t believe I tried them again after my last horrible experience with them. That time, we had a shady plumber who quoted us astronomical numbers and then offered to come back another day and do the job himself for less money! This time, their call center said the first slot for a plumber they could offer me was in four days! (Job was a leaky dishwasher – maybe they didn’t see it as a big job? Hard to think that with the size of their company, they don’t have a plumber available for four days!). I Went on Unilocal and found Fred and Son instead. Fred, the owner, was here within an hour and did a terrific job. Affordable and professional.

I have been using Michael and Sons services for over 2 years now and I can say they have never let me down! I have used the plumbing, HVAC, and electric services. Other companies have left after doing work for me and I have never called them back. I have used Michael and Sons without concern and have never been let down.
I would highly recommend them to anyone whether it be for a faucet replacement or a new HVAC system, they will not be let down!

Michael and Sons is not trustworthy. We had them come out for a non-​emergency problem which turned out to be a broken thermostat — and they ended up trying to sell us a new unit, «diagnosing» other problems, etc. Eyes roll left, eyes roll right!
The tech came 2 hours late – oh ya he said he got lost LOL! SURE DUDE!
The entire scenario was this: tech was trying his hardest to sell us a new unit and not answer my questions! They were expensive.
PROS
Pleasant appointment setter
CONS
EVERYTHING!

They showed up, took a look, and quoted me $ 775 to replace a $ 145 — $ 160 part on my furnace. The PDF quote was not itemized at all either, so it appears as though they are coming out of left field with that quote. They also wanted payment up front because they had to order the part and it would take them 3 business days to get the part. I could tell the technician was giving me a load of crap, especially since he was holding an expensive tablet/​PC to take credit card payments, but they need money up front because they don’t have the capital to purchase the part and take payment when the job is complete (sarcasm), so I turned down their raping of my wallet.
I called another local HVAC company who took 2 days to fix the issue, after ordering the part, and it cost me $ 297, with a part that is covered under warranty, which I paid when the job was complete. I knew I had a good deal from the other HVAC company because I was shocked when they said $ 297, which includes a part under warranty (always make sure your parts come with a warranty). I was expecting somewhere between $ 400 and $ 500.
Michael & Sons customer service then called me later and I let them know what they are charging is more than double of what the other company is charging me. Michael & Sons then said they would send me a $ 50 store credit (as if I would ever use it). The funny thing is that when I received the store credit, it was only for $ 25. In my opinion, Michael & Sons has ZERO integrity and they are only out to take your money, so avoid using Michael & Sons or it will cost you far more than it should.

It’s hard to even try to convey everything I truly want to say about the experiences my mom and I have had with this company.
The positives are that for the electrical and plumbing services we had performed by them, their technicians were very enjoyable and courteous people to work with. In fact, it was the very positive experience and impression we had with the very kind and wonderful electrician who showed up for our initial service appointment with this company that led us to continue working with this company.
A primary negative is that they are completely overpriced.
The biggest negative for us, though, is the HVAC replacement work they performed a few months ago. Again, the workers who showed up were enjoyable people to be around. They were respectful of our property and attentive to our questions. However, because my mom and I were not knowledgeable at that time about HVAC prices and services, we sadly ended up paying $ 50,000 to have our aged two-​zone HVAC system replaced with a new Daikin system. We also were convinced to add on two ERV systems, two Daikin ductless systems for a couple of back rooms, two new Air Knight systems, a new dehumidifier, and Aeroseal duct sealing services.
Within days after the install was completed, we found out that:
— They left the product tags on the Air Knight devices when they installed them. We had the tags removed and the devices reinstalled.
— The ductless systems stopped working. We found out from the HVAC field supervisor they sent out to inspect the systems, that they were installed incorrectly and the freon lines were frozen closed. To their credit, they fixed it at no charge.
— The ERV flex lines came loose from the ductwork in two places creating significant noise and air loss. I noticed that in both cases a screw was missing or was not installed correctly. The same field supervisor returned to fix it at no charge.
— We found out from Prince William County that this company was supposed to pull a permit for this extensive work. They never did.
— We found out that this work was supposed to be inspected before completion. It never was.
I could go on, but you get the point.
The owners of two home improvement companies came to our house in the past month to give us estimates on finishing our basement, and they both looked at the HVAC worked performed and were both angered and concerned. They were concerned not only because of code violations they noticed, but also because of the poor workmanship and the very overpriced costs charged to us. They told us that at most, this work should have cost a max of a little over $ 30K. They were angered, because they felt that work like this gives a bad reputation to all HVAC contractors.
I could post photos, and could go on much more, but what’s the point? I’m not here to bash this company. I know that they have techs who do their best to complete their work as well as they can. The prices are not determined by the techs, but rather by the company-​determined prices loaded on the computer tablets they carry. My mom and I had some good experiences with this company, and some bad ones. Any time we have called this company, there is always someone available to speak with, and there is certainly a noticeable level of sincerity in wanting to make sure we are happy with the work performed.
Still, though, my mom and I are disappointed that we overpaid so profoundly for this extensive HVAC work, and that the work overall was subpar. We appreciate that Michael & Son sent out the field supervisor on two occasions to fix some significant post-​installations problems at no cost to us. That field supervisor and his colleague were fantastic. They were very thorough in their problem assessment and resolution.
In close, my mom and I are grateful for the many kind, caring, and thoughtful employees that came to our house from this company over the past three years. This company has some truly great technicians working for them. And that is likely their saving grace.

If overpriced service to pay for all their TV ads makes your day, this business will do 4 u. Don’t believe me? Just look at the other 1 star reviews. Guess what? Same sentiment. My experience: $ 600 for a simple garbage disposal. And that was 2010.
To add insult to injury, the Michaels installer tossed the wrench that frees the blades when they get stuck. To discover this took 3 more service calls for an additional $ 350. Grand total: $ 950 for a lousy garbage disposal.
Michaels just made the daily double: poor service and ridiculous price, a truly unique accomplishment. Anyone up for a trifecta? You just might get it using this company.
Don’t just walk, but run from this place. Just watch where you end up. Might be just as bad or, if possible, even worse. «Out of the frying pan (Michaels) and into the fire (the alternative).

Absolutely horrible customer service. It’s one thing for a contracting firm to genuinely get behind on completing projects, but its another thing all together to be downright negligent in thoughtful communication. Michael & Son was scheduled to provide a paid estimate for a lighting and HVAC project at my home today between noon-​4pm. I went through the trouble of having a family member stay in my house from noon today. until 5pm. A complete waste of my family’s time waiting for 4 hours and then getting a call from the technician at 5:15pm saying they were just going to begin traveling to my house. It takes a lot of audacity for a company to ask anyone to wait on them for 6+ hours!!! Not only were they completely negligent in communication, I had to pull out of meetings at work to call them and try to get them to at least be proactive about communicating. Needless to say, a company that can’t communicate and deliver on providing an estimate deserves none of my business.
M&SS — Please get your act together and be a reliable service provider.

We’ve had Michael & Son service our house twice so far and I wouldn’t hesitate to call them for any future work that needs to be done! The first time they came out was because someone in my house accidentally dropped a pair of scissors into the toilet and then tried to flush them causing quite the issue. The plumber came out quickly and was so professional and, most importantly, he had the issue fixed within an hour or so! We payed an extremely fair price and haven’t had any issues since.
The second time they came out was the true test — our AC wasn’t working due to a neighbor accidentally cutting a wire to our system which then messed up our Nest thermostat. This was a more complicated job as I wasn’t sure if M&S was familiar with the Nest. I shouldn’t have doubted them as they quickly addressed and fixed the issue. While they were out at the house, we also had them see what routine maintenance we needed to do with the AC unit. They cleaned the unit, ensuring that it will continue to run efficiently for (hopefully) years to come. They also discovered that we needed a custom made air filter (due to an odd size) and had it made for us within a few days. You definitely get what you pay for with home repair. I want a company that will consistently get it right on the first shot and M&S has proven that they handle the problems that I call them about. Again, the AC has run perfectly since then!
I would highly recommend M&S. I love that they are a «one stop shop» for so many of the services that homeowners need and that the employees are already screened. Every employee that I’ve met is friendly, very efficient and knowledgeable. They’ve always been able to send someone out to me within 24 hours (you don’t know how important that is when your AC goes out in the middle of summer!). Also, I know some people won’t care about this but I have a huge soft spot for companies who are active in their local communities and also try to give back. M&S does a lot to help the less fortunate through their «Helping Hands» program as well as supporting breast cancer awareness, kids in foster care, etc (what other HVAC company does that?!). While I hope that I don’t have a need to call M&S anytime soon, I know that if I do have an issue I’ll know just who to call!

A 1 star rating is actually too high for this company, but that is the lowest rating Unilocal allows.
I have hired Michael and Sons (in Alexandria) to do some plumbing work for me, but I strongly believe I have been overcharged for the services that have been provided.
The initial charge of $ 700 was fair. They charged me $ 200 to unclog my toilet and about $ 500 for the camera work. Therefore the $ 700 is a reasonable price to me.
Upon finishing the initial service, they informed me that something was definitely wrong with the plumbing at my property. For some reason, they decided to charge me $ 3,800 for an ‘excavation’ fee. I complained that this was a ridiculously high price, and they agreed to include the $ 700 charge, and only charged me $ 3,100.
Upon payment, I found out that 2 employees came to my property from 11 am — 4pm.
These two employees did the following:
1. They broke into a small portion of the concrete floor
2. They broke a small portion of the house wall
3. They found out where all the drain pipes connected
This is not difficult work at all. Plumbers with little or no experience can perform this kind of work within a few hours at most. Since these 2 employees worked for 5 hours, they really charged me $ 620 per hour. Does this sound reasonable?
It most certainly does not to me. I have had several investment properties all over the Maryland/​Virginia/​Washington D.C. area for over a decade now, and this is the first time that I have been charged with the most ridiculously overpriced rates. But since I am not an expert in plumbing, I asked another very experienced plumber, who has over 25 years of experience to evaluate the employees’ work. After examining what the employees did, he concluded that I should have paid no more than $ 500 for their work. That is less than the $ 620 per hour rate.
While my plumber thinks the employees’ work is valued at most $ 500, I was willing to compromise and value it at no more than $ 1,000. Therefore I am requested back a $ 2,100 refund, as I have already paid $ 3,100.
I have sent all this information to the representative I was working with, Carl Bryant, on July 30^th. He did not respond, so I sent another email on August 6^th. Absolutely no response.
This is the worst experience I have ever had with a plumber.

I recently posted a negative review for this company due to an experience with a technician who was severely lacking in customer service skills and to be honest, integrity. I was required to pre-​pay for work on a misleading estimate and had to purchase services (approx. $ 300) that were not provided at completion of the project. When asked whether or not I would receive a refund for services not provided, the tech said «no, you already signed the contract». The tech also left behind a 1’x2’ section of missing dry wall, which would require hiring another contractor to come out and patch.
I was livid about the incident and posted my Unilocal review that evening. The following day, I received a message from the owner, Mr. Mansour. He wanted an opportunity to resolve the issue. Mr. Vance Shepard, called me the following day (today) from PR and did not hesitate to offer refund for the services I did not receive. He even went above and beyond to set an appointment with the company’s restoration team to fix my dry wall free of charge. He also gave me his contact so I may reach him directly with any future issues with M&S. Mr. Shepard treated me like a valued customer and I felt as though my business really did matter to him. As a result, I will be calling M&S for future home repairs (but please don’t send out the same technician). Thank you Mr. Shepard for the wonderful service and treatment today.

My A/​C unit was not cooling my home and I had been dealing with several contractors that my home warranty company, 2 – 10 (awful company), had arranged and sent out. Each one was unable to identify the actual cause and had cost me a substantial sum of money up to this point. I decided to reach out to Michael & Son Services to provide an out of network opinion and they provide weekend service (with a guaranteed call ahead!) which was very convenient. My technician, Alieu, was not only courteous, but immensely thorough and competent. He narrowed down the exact cause to one relay that had gone bad and due to that failure my heating unit was also running causing the home not to cool.
Dealing with contractors is never fun and never as cheap as you want it, but my experience with Michael and Son Services was about as good as it can get in these type of situations. If I have another HVAC problem I’ll be calling these guys again and requesting Alieu!

Gosh, I am SO surprised to read all the negative reviews! I have to say that if I read this before my call to M&S, I would have chosen differently, BUT… I had a really good experience.
We discovered a garbage disposal leak and damaged wood and I emailed M&S Saturday evening asking for an appt any time Sunday. The customer service dept called me at 8:20am Sunday morning and scheduled an appt promptly. I got a courtesy call that the tech might be a little late and then a call from the tech when he was on his way.
Maurice arrived, quickly noted the problem, check all other water issues under the sink and then gave me a price for a new garbage disposal — I think the price was on the high side, but what can you do with an active leak. Maurice was there for maybe 1.25 hours and done.
This was one of the least painful service experiences I’ve had in a while and I would recommend M&S for plumbing services.

First time to call, and it was distinctly not a Washington experience.
I bought a bunch of new Nest Protect wired smoke detectors/​Co2 sensors to replace the failing smoke detectors in my house. Okay, they’re 15 years old and should be replaced every 7 – 10 years. I didn’t know this.
Nest sends referrals for certified installers, and these guys popped up first. I filled out the web contact form on a Friday. They called within an hour — and we’re here within two. What? Not an emergency. Just replace a bunch of smoke detectors. Nothing new.
The electrician, Joey, is as likable a guy as you can hope for. No fuss, easy going and polite. He asked whether I was okay with the Nest app and doing the setup. It’s a little hard to mess this up so long as you haven’t goofed up your home network. (Hint: don’t have two routers advertising the same SSID. It won’t work)
I set the Nests where I wanted them, Joey knocked them out like the pro that he is.
Okay these guys are not cheap. It’s about what I paid for the Nests. But they came over quickly, did a great job and demonstrated competence and professionalism. Am I in DC or back in Wisconsin?
Pay the man the money!