Dunning Electrical Services

Here's my experience with Dunning and my opinion based on that experience....

--- Summary:

Dunning Electrical Services
- doesn't follow up with calls or emails
- doesn't manage their customer expectations well
- doesn’t listen to customer concerns
- has the attitude that their work is a favor to the customer
- will bully people to protect their business

I initially chose to work with them because I've had good experiences with Dunning and they had a good reputation in my condo building. We've used Dunning on other occasions and have been happy. We have even recommended them to friends.

This time, however, Dunning’s responsiveness was horrible and completely changed my position about this company. My husband and I won't be back. We wasted over a month trying to get a job done only to start over with a different contractor.

--- Details

I contacted this company at end of June / early July to have work done. I was put in touch with Al. It took a week or two but we got an informal estimate of about $1200 for the work. This came with many apologies for the slow turn around times because “work is crazy.” To help move things along, I sent a more detailed description of the work that I wanted to have done. It was nearly the end of July before we were given a written estimate. The estimate had increased to $2800. During this time, Al typically doesn’t return phone calls, voice messages, or email in the time frame that he promises.

It's now the beginning of August. We scheduled the work time and drove in from out of state to be present when the work is done. Al promises on a Wednesday to call Thursday with an appointment time for Friday. Thursday comes and goes - no communication from Al. Friday morning, I call Al again because that's what I've learned you need to do with Al. Al is still trying for a Friday appointment, but he will call when he is certain. Before I hang-up, I state that I need to receive a phone call one way or another about the appointment. Al promises a phone call. Around noon two guys show up from Dunning – still no call from Al. They take pictures and leave. Evidently, the appointment was not to do the work - but it was to see what was needed to do the job. This had not been explained to me and I have a signed estimate for the work.

I am mad about my wasted time and being misled by Al. I communicate to the workers that I was getting the run around. All they said was "OK” about 5 times. My response is, “No, it’s not OK.” As they left, they said they were going back to Al. I asked if this was for another estimate. They said yes. – A third estimate!

After the workers leave, I call Dunning to complain about the entire situation. An employee named Adam answers the phone. Al out to lunch – again. Adam does not listen but explains that this whole thing is my misunderstanding. Adam promises to forward my concerns to the owner. I explained that I wanted the call back by 3 PM or I am moving to another company. It’s noon.

I get a call back before 3 PM. It's both Al and Adam. The owner is not part of this. Adam said the owner was “busy.” They explain to me that the misunderstanding was my fault because they are doing business like they always have. Additionally, they informed me that their workers felt threatened while in my condo and that Adam himself called my association office to report me. Adam was clear that I had already been reported to the association office because his workers felt threatened and because I had communicated my intention to speak with other residents in the building about my experience with Dunning Electric. Adam took the opportunity to state that Dunning Electric does a lot of business in my building and has an excellent reputation.

Adam then went on to inform me that they would "do me the service" of performing the work. Lucky me. At this point, what is going through my mind is that it’s been six-weeks and I still don’t have an accurate estimate and hung up. Shortly after this I received an email from Dunning respectfully declining to do the work.

I've moved to another company. Scott Elliott Remodeling - good guy, reliable, easy to work with: Scott Elliott .

My final take on this: Dunning Electrical Services