Re+New Restoration

I called McBride’s Plumbing in SLO on a Friday afternoon due to a leaking water heater in my garage. They
told me I had water damage and recommended I call Re + New Restoration. The water heater had been leaking for less than 12 hours. Re+New Restoration drilled
holes in the platform the hot water heater and furnace were sitting on plus all along the walls. They set up 3
high powered fans and a dehumidifier. They then told me they would be back Monday morning to demo
the platform and remove my furnace! All the while my tenant goes without hot water for 3 days. On Monday
I call another plumber. He determines there is no water damage and installs a new water heater. I cancel my
contract with Re+New Restoration and ask them to come pick up their fans. Their bill to me is $ 1067! My bill
from McBride’s is $ 367. (they removed my old water heater). And then $ 1100 for my new water heater.
But this is the kicker… McBride’s gets a $ 700 referral fee for recommending Re+New Restoration! Re+New
Restoration only used their meters to determine if there was water, never felt anything with their hands, and never even removed the front of the furnace to see the actual condition of the drywall. This is a steel framed home
with no insulation in the stand the hot water heater stands on or the outside wall. Anyway, an expensive lesson.
In this community referrals and networking are a way of life. No one I know proceeds with a job before
asking everyone in the office, neighborhood etc. I even informed my insurance company. I do believe this
is a scam which breaks my heart because of the trust we put into professionals when we, the homeowner does
not have any knowledge in their field of expertise.