Classic Baths Repair Service

C R.

I was impressed with Rob - I had an issue with my jacuzzi tub and he knew more about it than anyone else I spoke with, without even seeing it in person. He gave me suggestions that would result in my saving money even if I didn't end up hiring him, which is something you don't always see. His communication was good as well and I was impressed with his attitude and professionalism.

Andrea F.

Very happy with the service provided. Asked us questions before coming out to repair our steam bath to insure parts would be available. Showed up on time, completed work, fair price, thank you Rob.

D S.

I would steer clear of this place. I'd report him to the BBB, but - surprise, surprise! They're not listed... Thankfully this place never did any actual work for me (dodged a bullet there!). But I did reach out to Rob via email, the owner and proprietor of Classic Baths, about repairing a steam unit in my house (entire transcript below for reference). He wanted $240 just to come to my house and look at my the unit, which seemed a bit steep. Fearing that it might be a difficult repair due to location, costing me even more money, I sent him pictures of the unit to help him out. After he looked at the photos, he told me that the original installer of my unit ""should be shot,"" and then said, ""No wonder you wanted a free estimate...you deserve your contractor.""

He then accused me of trying to pull one over on him. His words:

""You knew this was going to be a problem and didn't mention it when you wanted a free estimate. You knew there was very high likelihood that this was going to be a problem but chose not to say anything until you knew you were getting charged. You deserve your contractor.

""BTW, telling you your contractor should be shot was for free.""

This is the kind of condescending treatment that my wife and I have grown to expect here in Westchester. We're a middle class family with a one and five year old in daycare, and sizable bills: we can't afford to throw money around. 30 years or 30 days in the business, you just shouldn't treat people with kind of disrespect.

Very sad.

---------- email transcript -----------
Hello Rob,

My name is a David Schwittek and I live in ______ _______. I was referred to you in regards to steam unit repairs. I own an Mr. Steam MS 90 that stopped working. It pumps water, but never steams it.

Might you be available to stop by and provide me with a repair estimate?

Thank you In advance.

Dave Schwittek
----------

Hello David,

A one hour service call is $240 plus parts and tax.

Regards,

Rob @ Classic Baths
-----------

What if it can't be fixed? I'd like to have a good idea of what I'll be paying before someone shows up and charges me $240 +. I hope you can understand.

Thank you.

-Dave
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Anything can be fixed, it's a matter of how far you want to go. If the cost is too much and you decide not to repair you may elect to replace it, I still get paid for my travel and time.

I hope you understand that I can't know what's involved until I troubleshoot it and I charge for my time.


thanks,

Rob
------------

Just to clarify, we would pay you a minimum of $240 for the first hour, but you could then provide us with an estimate without going any further than that first hour correct?

-Dave
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In one hour I should be able to fix anything other than a major problem. If it needs a major part such as a new heating element I would have to order that but I'd get your approval first. Anytime left from the one hour is counted towards the return trip to repair.

If it is something major and you elect not to repair then the charge would be the $240.

All of the above assuming the initial install was correct and there is proper access to the unit.

Rob
-------------

Understood. This would then be a good time to show you where the actual unit is. Please see attached photos and let me know what you think.

-Dave
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I think your installer should be shot. There's no way to work on that, it's installed with the access panel facing inside the hole, no way to work on anything. That is the back of the cabinet you see. Also, no unions on the copper lines to facilitate removal. Sorry but that's the truth.

Regards,

Rob @ Classic Baths
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That's what I thought. Our contractor moved it there. So that's that?

-Dave
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Can you open up the wall on the other side of that door? Then the front would be accessible.

Rob
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No sir. This is the only access point. Can it be removed/replaced?

-d
--------------

That's going to cost a lot more than $240. And then you'll have the same issue the next time it needs service.

No wonder you wanted a free estimate...

Regards,
Rob @ Classic Baths
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I wanted a free estimate because I have a one year old, a five year old, a mortgage, two cars, and credit card debt. I can't afford $240 just to be told my 'installer should be shot.'
Good day.

-Dave
----------------

I can't afford to allot 2 hours of my day to go see a job where it would be impossible to do anything and not get paid. You knew this was going to be a problem and didn't mention it when you wanted a free estimate. You knew there was very high likelihood that this was going to be a problem but chose not to say anything until you knew you were getting charged. You deserve your contractor.