Quote:
Originally Posted by npwalters
I needed to replace my water heater due to a small leak. I found the one I wanted at Home Depot. 40 gallon electric with a 6 year warranty at a cost of $439 plus tax.
I checked with Home Depots installation contractor and told the lady which unit I wanted. She gave me a quote of $1,400 to install it (in the same location in my garage) and remove the existing one. I questioned the approximate $800 dollars JUST for installation and she became very condescending and told me that was a standard quote, I didn't understand the costs involved, and if I called Lowes it would be the same since she also did those quotes.
I said no thanks. The next day I went to Home Depot, bought the water heater and the items I needed to install it. I drained and removed the old one and installed the new in less than 3 hours. Full disclosure - since it is in the garage and the water connections are easily visible and accessible I used Shark Bite connectors. I put the old one on the street and called for pickup which cost me $10.
Bottom line is the entire cost was under $500 by doing it myself. Yes, I am a little handy and comfortable with the electrical and basic plumbing.
There are contractors on this site that are much more reasonable than my experience with the HD sub. I post this to inform anyone that cares that there ARE contractors out there that will take advantage of you, especially in TV. A few phone calls could save you a few bucks.
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Good for you. Mike Scott did ours 2 years ago and they charged about $800 and heater cost about $500 at that time. 2-3 hours labor. Very satisfied. HD and Lowes used to be much better and fair in the past but not any longer. They probably charge everybody the same installation price. Simple jobs make more money, complex jobs less money