One of the worse feelings an honest and trusting homeowner can have, is knowing that they have been taken advantage of, or ripped off by a home improvement contractor.
I have unfortunately just experienced this uncomfortable event at the hands of Fabian Pardo, owner of Westput Electric. I rarely write a negative online review, but strongly believe that the public should be forewarned and protected against unsavory business practices wherever and whenever they are experienced.
Following a home inspection as part of the sale of my house, I was asked to accomplish three small electrical tasks that were not indicated by code when the house was built. I had to replace a standard wall socket with a GFE socket (Home Depot $15.00) , change the insertion of wires on two double tapped circuit breakers, and install one new dual circuit breaker (Home Depot $14.00).
I contacted Fabian Pardo owner of Westput Electric, and purposely sent him a copy of the inspectors report, so he would know exactly what materials were needed for the small job. I should have been wary when I asked for an estimate for the job that should take approx. 30 minutes to complete, with parts costing $30-$40 at most. Being a trusting but typical home consumer with limited electrical knowledge, I agreed, even though I was given an estimate that appeared excessive, with a a 50% differential thrown in ($300-$450). Recently forced to retire due to Covid, I requested that the fee be as close to $300 as possible. Pardo acknowledged my situation and hardship, and “appeared” to agree.
Pardo then scheduled the appointment for the following day. I waited at home from 10 AM until 3:30 PM when his tech finally arrived. The first thing I was told was that he did not have the breaker that was needed to be replaced, and he would need to come back for a second visit. The other two items were taken care of within 15 minutes. I called Pardo who’s response was “now there is no way I can charge you $300 for the job”.
This was maddening as I realized his fee was already excessive as his tech was in and out of my house in less than 20 minutes. It was totally Pardos fault for not supplying his tech with what was needed for the job before scheduling it. I could have easily sent him photos of my breaker box, so he would know exactly what was needed.
I then spoke to him on the phone, and instead of apologizing for the day I wasted waiting for his tech, and the fact that he sent him without the needed replacement part, Pardo’s curt and inappropriate response was “so now I can’t charge you the $300.” As I knew he would use this to charge me for a second house call visit which was totally his fault.
I was appalled at this response. I then waited a full week for his tech to return, taking exactly 7 minutes to snap in the new breaker and leave.
I just received his bill for $375 ! 27 minutes of labor and less than $40 worth of parts. This was a ripoff of the first degree. Pardo was unwilling to adjust it when I contacted him and reminded him of the whole situation.
In reading other reviews of Westput Electric, I see that my awareness of these types of business practices is not alone. I believe that we should all be striving for a more honest and reliable world, not seeking ways to take advantage and rip each other off.
You, as a prospective customer, should be wary before contracting with Fabian Pardo of Westput Electric, and might be more honestly served seeking electrical services elsewhere. Please be forewarned.
