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When is it up selling or code compliance - where to turn when there are home repairs?

By Juli Vosmik

Real Estate Agent with Dominion Fine Properties SA582226000

December 20, 2011 02:03 PM

Up selling or code compliance? How is the typical homeowner to know?

Yesterday, my wonderful landscape crew noticed a leak coming from inside the house - it was the water heater. He opened the door and the water was spewing everywhere. Oh GREAT - another expense right before Christmas!!!!!

So, I checked with a couple of other agents, the BBB and a couple of friends - one company kept coming up as the "best in town." I got the number, called, scheduled an appointment - great - all set for today!!!

Here's where I always get crazy - is it up selling or truly bringing something up to code? After inspecting the area, the plumber told me I needed a $150 part to bring the water heater hook-up up to code. I asked him how long this was a code and he replied since 1998, but "they're" really starting to look for this violation now. Hmmmmmmmmm, my house was built in late 2001/early 2002 and we bought it in 2005 with a full property inspection. This "code" part was never brought up during our home inspection and the original builder is well respected in this area. Plus, the City of Scottsdale has the reputation of having some of the toughest inspectors in all of Maricopa County.

So, where would the "normal" homeowner check to find out if this $150 part to bring the water heater hook-ups up to code is required? For me, I checked on line first - nothing there. Then, I called two of my FAVORITE building inspectors here in Scottsdale. They both confirmed that this "required" part is NOT required, just a recommendation and that for $35, the part could be installed, not $150. I can't blame the plumber for trying to up sell, but I would have had much more respect if he had said it is "recommended" we add this part for better safety or efficiency or whatever the reason this "required" part serves.

The dilemma - where would a "normal" homeowner find out this information without the contacts that we, in real estate are lucky enough to have?

And, why do these "professionals" have to up sell? I'm assuming they're on some type of commission, but it's SO TACKY!!!

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Phil Holm

Edina Realty - Edina, MN

Ah a sad indictment of our society in general. This charlatan is what give plumbers the stereotype that they cry foul to all the time. I agree with Tim. Write a letter to his boss and tell them about all the referrals they just lost.

Dec 21, 2011 01:38 AM

Lori Churchill Cofer

Beasley Realty - Pullman, WA

Realtor - 509-330-0086 - Pullman, WA

Juli,

Congrats on the well deserved feature! It is true, the average homeowner wouldn't have the great contacts that we as real estate professionals have!

Dec 21, 2011 02:24 AM

Richie Alan Naggar

people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA

agent & author

In the business world, one must be shrewd as the serpent and mild as the dove...You can find things wrong with anything...but why would you? Unless it threatens the well-being, it remains a questionable expense

Dec 21, 2011 02:33 AM

Dan Weis

Comey & Shepherd Realtors - Cincinnati, OH

Cincy Real Estate Advisor

So, Juli, did you have this plumber install a new water heater? Did you pay for the "required" part? Or did you tell the guy to take a hike?

Dec 21, 2011 03:31 AM

Rob Ernst

Certified Structure Inspector - Reno, NV

Reno, NV-775-410-4286 Inspector & Energy Auditor

I also want to know what the part is. A home inspector should never mention "code" as they are not code inspectors. They inspect based on regional and national standards. Every County or even City can have it's own codes that it goes by. Recommending a safety or property protection upgrade is always welcomed in my opinion. Codes should be concidered a minimum requirement and not the exact or only way something should be done. The only one who can really enforce the code is the local building officials. They are the ones that a home owner can ask about codes. Not all codes require updating to in an older home.

Dec 21, 2011 04:04 AM

Bill Gillhespy

16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL

Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Juli, Interesting post and comment thread. The same thing happens all the time in the auto repair business. Too many folks operate in the gray areas of business. Have a terrific Holiday Season !

Dec 21, 2011 04:06 AM

Bruce Kunz

C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ

REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Hi Juli. Good thinking to contact local home inspectors! I agree with the others who have said this guy has lost a lot more than $150 once you tell others of his scam - let alone the potential referrals you'd likely have given for an honest tradesman.
Bruce

Dec 21, 2011 05:09 AM

Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV

Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA

Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Sorry to hear that, Juli. Being a contractor and a broker, I have plenty of opportunities to "up sell", but I never do. Actually, we go the other way. If something really isn't needed, we don't recommend it. I probably talk clients out of a couple dozen projects a year because they really don't need to do something that has been recommended by someone else. If they need something, we look for the fastest and most economical way of doing it. Everyone needs a financial break today, and we try to comply.

Dec 21, 2011 05:15 AM

Brian Rugg

Rugg Realty LLC Sun City Texas 512-818-6700 - Georgetown, TX

Sun City TX Real Estate - Georgetown, TX Real Est

Hello Juli:

Having access to top notch inspectors is a great resource. However, since inspectors are not allowed to quote prices for repairs the only way to really know the cost of the suggested part installed is to receive quotes from other plumbing companies.

Dec 21, 2011 05:21 AM

Luis Iniguez

Option One Real Estate - Fontana, CA

Search Inland Empire Homes For Sale - Short Sale Agent

I would report this person. I am so tired of people trying to rip of the innocent. I also had a plumber trying to upsell me an installation for a broken main valve ($1800). He said it always the only fix. I said I was going to get a second opinion. Sure enough, a friend came over and said the job normally runs about $300 for parts and labor. Unbelievable..

Dec 21, 2011 05:45 AM

Valarie Swanson

CENTURY 21 Award - San Diego, CA

San Diego Real Estate

I agree with the others here. This was not an "upsell", this was a ripoff and exactly why these professions have the poor reputation that they do.

Dec 21, 2011 06:14 AM

Susan Jackson

America's Network Realty Group, Inc - Sandy Springs, GA

This is just a "rip-off". Making a little Christmas bonus for himself. However, does he realize not only did he lose this job, but any future business.

Dec 21, 2011 06:26 AM

Liz Wallace

Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY

Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

You are calling it up sell and I am calling it lying. I would never use this guy and we would put him on the wall of shame in the office.

Dec 21, 2011 08:02 AM

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT

Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Juli, the fear factor. That plumber deserves a carefully writen blog promoting his business and his methods of business

Dec 21, 2011 08:32 AM

Evelyn Kennedy

Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA

Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Judi:

It is a good thing you checked on the repair needed for code compliance. I agree that most homeowners would not know what you found out and would pay the price. I agree with Karen Crowson that it might be a good idea to suggest to my client that they have a home inspection every 5 or 10 years to be sure everything is OK with their house. It is certainly work the expense.

Dec 21, 2011 10:44 AM

Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula

Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA

Realty Works Temecula

Juli: I would have been suspicious also, and I think many homeowners would be also! I think many homeowners would do just as you did, get a second opinion or call a hardware store or even Home Depot! Congratulations on the feature also, I know I learned about this "recommended", part and so will many others.

Dec 21, 2011 03:09 PM

Juli Vosmik

Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Thank you ALL for stopping by. The reason I was so diligent on this one was that this summer, when it was 110 F outside, one of our A/C units went out. Called someone we had used before with great results. This time, the repairman went CRAZY with things we NEEDED to bring the unit up to date.

Now, to add a little more ickiness into this mix - in both cases, the guys were dealing with me, a woman. In both cases, I simply picked up the phone and called my husband with the findings. I handed the phone over to my husband. Once both of these repairmen talked to my extremely deep voiced husband - they just moved on and did as I had originally contracted them for. So, is this a case of gender bias, as well? Just a thought.

Dec 21, 2011 03:48 PM

Bill Cullen

REMAX Absolute Realty Inc. - Ottawa, ON

Juli,

I think your gender bias observation is accurate. It crossed my mind when I read the original post. It's sad that this type of nonsense is still happening in this day and age.

Dec 22, 2011 01:10 AM

Irene Durocher

Coldwell Banker BUYERS AGENT - Boca Raton, FL

homesweethome4u@att.net

Hi JULIE, it really irks me when they try to take advantage of you. Do they think we just fell off

the turnip truck?? About 4 years ago I had a slight leak in my water heater so I called a company

that was recommended to me, and the first thing he said to me when he looked at the water heater

' LADY YOU NEED A NEW WATER HEATER" and handed me a bill for $ 750.00.

I thanked him and called some one else that replace a part for $35.00 and it has been working fine since.

Dec 22, 2011 10:20 AM

Juli Vosmik

Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Ah, Bill - another blog in the making, LOL.

Irene, even I could tell this water heater was a goner. Russel called me this AM and asked me to send him a picture as he thought it might just be a t something or other. RUSSEL - what part was that again? There I go, calling on Russel Ray, yet again. I'm shameless, LOL.

Dec 22, 2011 04:04 PM