Graham & Son Plumbing

We are very frustrated with our experience with Graham & Son Plumbing of Rossville GA. After being told the shower stall would have to be pulled, and being in a hurry to get a leak fixed, we made the mistake of not getting a firm contract and price to fix the leak, along with estimates for getting the old shower stall replaced. The plumbing work was finished before we could get estimates on the cost of a “tile shower” and a “shower insert”. We, also, were not told that the plumbing work they did would not work with a shower insert. Had we known it made a difference, we certainly would have waited for the estimate for both tile and shower-insert before starting the plumbing. After “Mr. Graham” walked off the job we are probably in worse shape than before we started. We possibly could have had a new trap installed to fix a leaky trap and fix a hole in the ceiling below the tub (which is there now anyway and will need to be fixed) at much less expense than the new insert would cost plus the money already paid Graham & Son Plumbing. Add to this, the time it will take to find someone who we can trust to be honest and fair about the getting our bathroom useable again.
Our Experience: We contacted Graham & Son Plumbing to fix a leak in an upstairs shower that was leaking through the ceiling below. “I’m Mr. Graham”, as he introduced himself to us, saying it would be a $70 service-call fee to evaluate the leak-problem. After looking at it he told us they might be able to go through the ceiling to fix the leak, but might have to pull the shower stall and install a new one. He sent his sons out to see what would have to be done. They told us they would have to pull the shower to get to the trap which was leaking and asked for $170.00 for the service call (service-call and one hour labor for two people). They recommended a tile man for us to contact for an estimate.
We were pleased with their quick return to tear out the old shower and put in new valves and drains. The bill for the work was $520.00. When we got an estimate of $4800.00 from the tile man for the shower (and this with our buying our own tile and fixtures), we decided to go with a Home Depot 4-piece shower stall which cost $700.00.
We contacted “Mr. Graham” about the decision to use the 4-piece shower stall, he informed us that it would not work, and we would have to change the drain, and valves for the shower head and handle they had installed. He said it would cost about $180.00 to change it out. I complained about the amount of money we had already given him ($170.00 on Jan 30th and the $520 Feb. 6th) and did not feel we should pay anymore for removal of an old shower stall, installation of a new drain (which fixed the leak) and a valve for a simple shower-head and handle.. He told me I could get someone else to finish the job. He told me that I had not given the $170 to him, and I said I had given it to his son. He acted like he and his son were two separate contractors, and if I paid them, he didn’t have anything to do with it. I told him I made the check out to Graham & Son Plumbing and he had endorsed it so it was him that I paid. With an attitude, he said he didn’t know anything about that and he would have to see the check. I showed it to him and he said he would have to check on it and left. He returned later and handed me $170.00 without explanation or apology, and told me to sign documentation for receipt of the money. Does anyone know an honest plumber who does good work at a fair price?