Not happy with Jim Baumgartner

[mkm276]

Sorry folks he is not everything all on here has said. In fact he just left my house saying we are done doing business i cant help you anymore. This is after i had him out the first time to adjust heads and repair a leak. Charged $95 to adjust and replace two heads. Still had a leak which he blamed something else. And the second head now does not hit the grass a foot away as he put in a 10 inch head and said it was better. My complaint is i dont want brown spots for the sprinklers not hitting them, he assured me all areas are being watered. So i totally understand we need rain but when he told me to after he came back out since i still had a leak to go to 3 days a week of course i did, still several brown spots showing up so i said i paid him to come back out another $50 dollars to fix the same leak in which he did then called him back today to tell him im not getting all the coverage. So he said i was impossible to deal with and walked away!!! Would not recommend someone who doesnt back up what they do. He comes across too busy to make it right. So now im out $150 dollars and still need someone to adjust my irrigation, so the moral of the story dont always believe what you read. Someone who is supposed to be awesome according to TOV didnt want to deal with me any more. Oh well bad news will travel much faster than good news. I suggested just give me my money back and he just walked away got in his truck and left. Not very professional at all.

[RickeyD]

Sorry folks he is not everything all on here has said. In fact he just left my house saying we are done doing business i cant help you anymore. This is after i had him out the first time to adjust heads and repair a leak. Charged $95 to adjust and replace two heads. Still had a leak which he blamed something else. And the second head now does not hit the grass a foot away as he put in a 10 inch head and said it was better. My complaint is i dont want brown spots for the sprinklers not hitting them, he assured me all areas are being watered. So i totally understand we need rain but when he told me to after he came back out since i still had a leak to go to 3 days a week of course i did, still several brown spots showing up so i said i paid him to come back out another $50 dollars to fix the same leak in which he did then called him back today to tell him im not getting all the coverage. So he said i was impossible to deal with and walked away!!! Would not recommend someone who doesnt back up what they do. He comes across too busy to make it right. So now im out $150 dollars and still need someone to adjust my irrigation, so the moral of the story dont always believe what you read. Someone who is supposed to be awesome according to TOV didnt want to deal with me any more. Oh well bad news will travel much faster than good news. I suggested just give me my money back and he just walked away got in his truck and left. Not very professional at all.

***EXACTLY*** I read all the time about this guy or that guy or this or that company is the greatest thing since sliced toast. NOBODY is as good as what many on here profess, especially when it comes to anything residential. If any of these guys were any good they'd be working commercial/industrial, not making chump change doing residential work.

[CWGUY]

Sorry folks he is not everything all on here has said. In fact he just left my house saying we are done doing business i cant help you anymore. This is after i had him out the first time to adjust heads and repair a leak. Charged $95 to adjust and replace two heads. Still had a leak which he blamed something else. And the second head now does not hit the grass a foot away as he put in a 10 inch head and said it was better. My complaint is i dont want brown spots for the sprinklers not hitting them, he assured me all areas are being watered. So i totally understand we need rain but when he told me to after he came back out since i still had a leak to go to 3 days a week of course i did, still several brown spots showing up so i said i paid him to come back out another $50 dollars to fix the same leak in which he did then called him back today to tell him im not getting all the coverage. So he said i was impossible to deal with and walked away!!! Would not recommend someone who doesnt back up what they do. He comes across too busy to make it right. So now im out $150 dollars and still need someone to adjust my irrigation, so the moral of the story dont always believe what you read. Someone who is supposed to be awesome according to TOV didnt want to deal with me any more. Oh well bad news will travel much faster than good news. I suggested just give me my money back and he just walked away got in his truck and left. Not very professional at all.

:thumbup: So, not only a "MECHANIC" but a smart one!

[CWGUY]

So many residents on here either lie or don't know what they are talking about and residential work in The Villages = chump change. Got it!

;) My guess would be mostly " don't know what they are talking about."

The "chump change" part must just be (IMHO) a new way of thanking all the people that do work for us.

[rustyp]

Sorry but you better take a closer look. Jim has years of experience in this field with 99.9% accolades. Something more needs to be explored here.

[Hancle704]

"So i totally understand we need rain but when he told me to after he came back out since i still had a leak to go to 3 days a week of course i did,"

Watering 3 days a week because you have brown spots?

So much for possible drought conditions that could require most of us to cut back to 1 time each week.

[wisbad1]

glad you weren't talking about Tom, he does great work. you go climb in a hot attic for chump change,no picnic.

[VIN574]

You can't please everyone.

Had Jim out to my place twice to do work. I'm a satisfied customer and will still recommend him any day of the week. (And Tom too [emoji106])

YMMV

[Phanatic Luvr]

I had the same experience with Jim. Had a huge brown spot in my rear lawn for 2 years. He adjusted my heads a few times but it never helped. Said I didn't need to add additional heads. Contacted Joe Tucker and he added an additional head and problem was solved, just like that. I also ran a home watch business in TV's and in the beginning, used Jim for several of my accounts when needed. I switched to Joe and NEVER got an attitude and he was always on time. Pricing was just about the same for good work with a smile. Try calling Joe Tucker (352) 430-5615, you won't be sorry. Oh yeah ... and Tom too.

[HoosierPa]

glad you weren't talking about Tom, he does great work. you go climb in a hot attic for chump change,no picnic.

Agreed re: Village AV - I have only the highest regard for Tom

[tedquick]

Sorry Jim didn't work out for you. I've used him more than once and referred him to others. "We" have all been happy. Hope you get your situation satisfactorily resolved.

[CFrance]

The thing that bothered us about Jim was that he talked too much. We had to listen to 45 minutes of personal anecdotes, witticisms, and pop quizzes before being told to add a third day's watering. I'm sure a lot of people like that kind of thing, but it just isn't to our liking.

The lawn didn't get any better, but the water bill sure got bigger. We cut back to two days.

[N44125]

We've used Jim for years...no problems, quite the contrary, his service has always been on time, efficient and reasonable. Once we did have a head that we called him back to readjust...Jim came right over, changed the head to a larger one...no charge. In our book...he's the best.

[GaryW]

I got a estimate from Jim and his younger partner. It was 1800.00 to 2500.00 to redo my back yard zone and reconnect my front yard and 1 side yard since we had a pool put in. He recommend like 14 heads alone in the back yard.
I got a guy I think his name is Scott, works with Mannsfield Landscaping to come out and do the job. 1000.00 fully hooked up and running great.

I call Jim because of the recommendations on the board. There are a lot of contractors in this area that will jack the price on you because they do work in The Villages. I do not care how many homes there are and are selling. Reasonable is Reasonable. Just because there are a lot of houses, does not mean it cost more to get something done here. JMHO :loco:

[rjn5656]

Used Jim many times since I moved here. Always a good experience. Referred him to many friends. Never a negative report.

[Topspinmo]

Sprinkle system heads and lines are simple to fix and adjust if you have any common mechanical ability. Problem is some people are hard to deal and have no idea how the system works. the sprinklers system not pressure tight system. IMO the shape of some lawns it hard to get 100% coverage. Fact most spray the street more than they do the lawn brown spot could be infected.

Never had the guy out so don't know if he's better or worse than others.

[Bay Kid]

Jim is honest and a good man.

[karostay]

Zoysia Lawn

After spending 6 years of my time a lot of money a lot of lawn companies trying to manage my lawn I've come to realize
It is what it is..

[thelegges]

I had the same experience with Jim. Had a huge brown spot in my rear lawn for 2 years. He adjusted my heads a few times but it never helped. Said I didn't need to add additional heads. Contacted Joe Tucker and he added an additional head and problem was solved, just like that. I also ran a home watch business in TV's and in the beginning, used Jim for several of my accounts when needed. I switched to Joe and NEVER got an attitude and he was always on time. Pricing was just about the same for good work with a smile. Try calling Joe Tucker (352) 430-5615, you won't be sorry. Oh yeah ... and Tom too.

We switched to Joe Tucker due to the fact Jim would not deal with any home watch no matter who they were. Joe came out with no one there fixed the broken sprinkler head, adjusted the rest. Emailed me to sent a check at my earliest convenience.

[daveczo]

I have used Jim for 3 years, always friendly, efficient and pricing is great.

[2BNTV]

I guess in every business there will be an unhappy customer. Sorry for the OP's problem.

Jim has always been honest and reasonable with me and I will continue to recommend him in the future.

[MrGolf]

I agree with 2BNTV. I used Jim and have found him nothing short of being a very positive experience. While I feel bad for the OP, I will continue to recommend Jim when asked. He was here 2 two weeks ago and I found the entire experience and his expertise very positive.

[jojo]

I would like Joe Tucker's phone. Could someone post it please? I have used Jim B. for several years but have had similar experiences to the unhappy posters recently, including increasing prices and "attitude."

[RickeyD]

i would like joe tucker's phone. Could someone post it please? I have used jim b. For several years but have had similar experiences to the unhappy posters recently, including increasing prices and "attitude."



352.430.5615

[villagetinker]

I have to agree with above, I have used Jim a few times, with very positive results, and he has worked for 2 neighbors on my recommendation also with positive results. I will also continue to recommend him.

[rubicon]

What's that old saying " there are two sides to every story" .

Jim has done by irrigation work for 11 years and he will be my first choice in the future.

I do not give recommendations but I do publicly compliment people who do good by me

[jojo]

352.430.5615

Thank you.

[Nucky]

So many have suffered before me on irrigation, lawn, lawn, garage door problems. Not every job that people who are highly recommended do come out fully tho the customers expectations. What's the old saying, underpromise and overdeliver? It is true that some people can not be satisfied and that each conflict has two side to the story. Who shall we side with? Doesn't matter. It's sad the OP had a problem and it's even sadder this man who was held in high regard is getting hammered and he may not know it. Possible one of the posters who knows Jim should let lim know what going on so he can defend himself.

[GaryW]

So many have suffered before me on irrigation, lawn, lawn, garage door problems. Not every job that people who are highly recommended do come out fully tho the customers expectations. What's the old saying, underpromise and overdeliver? It is true that some people can not be satisfied and that each conflict has two side to the story. Who shall we side with? Doesn't matter. It's sad the OP had a problem and it's even sadder this man who was held in high regard is getting hammered and he may not know it. Possible one of the posters who knows Jim should let lim know what going on so he can defend himself.

I do no see that he is getting hammered.. :shocked:
The poster and a few and myself mentioned that we felt different. I hope that is not against the law to do anymore. Jim arrived at my house before me, my wife showed him the controls for the irrigation, he turned it on before I got home running water thru a cut line under my pool deck.. Then when I get there he had it all mapped out with a whole lot of new irrigation heads. It all looked good until I got the price. I shopped around, got a much better deal and got a great job well done.
I thought Jim B was just some might say arrogant. But it was fine with me. He knew what he wanted to do to my yard, but I did not want the same thing. So he kinda did not want to hear my wish list. For that reason and the price I contracted another cat to do it.

Maybe he should read these boards as most that do work in The Villages also do. If you get a bad rap on these boards it spreads fast.
I for one am not giving him a bad rap. He was knowledgeable and seemed to know the irrigation set rather well. Thats it and that is my honest opinion. :thumbup:

[Here2Stay]

Sorry, clearly not everyone can be made happy, Jim is great and professional, always has been. There are some people that can't be made happy no matter how hard one tries. For Jim to say that maybe it was the way you were speaking or making demands. Call another, bet you will have the same issue. Sorry, Jim does great work!

[MrGolf]

Sorry to say I have joined the ranks of those not wanting to reach out to Jim for any future services. I was a fan and had recommended him to a number of folks following his services here three weeks ago. A call back with a problem was another matter. Jim talked down to us like we were school children, and talked over us rather than say he was busy and would call back at a later time. Sent Jim photos of the problem heads and never heard back. Bottom line I researched the problems, removed the garden heads he installed myself and replaced them with a $7.00 package from Ace. I guess he is just to busy to engage n good old fashioned customer service. Glad for those that are pleased with him. Unfortunately we are no longer one of them. Just as a quick update Jim did reach back out yesterday. Said for some reason the pictures sent did not reach him until 2 days later. He was apologetic and offered to come out and fix problem. U fortunately I had taken care of it myself two days previous. He was polite and wanting to help.. Just wanted to provide update of what happened in my instance.

[optv13sp]

Sorry to say I have joined the ranks of those not wanting to reach out to Jim for any future services. I was a fan and had recommended him to a number of folks following his services here three weeks ago. A call back with a problem was another matter. Jim talked down to us like we were school children, and talked over us rather than say he was busy and would call back at a later time. Sent Jim photos of the problem heads and never heard back. Bottom line I researched the problems, removed the garden heads he installed myself and replaced them with a $7.00 package from Ace. I guess he is just to busy to engage n good old fashioned customer service. Glad for those that are pleased with him. Unfortunately we are no longer one of them

We had a negative experience with Jim also. We called him due to the positive experience of others on Talk of The Villages. We weren't experiencing any problems but we wanted someone to check out everything and set the zones as they should be set. He was very abrupt and spoke quickly regarding the settings. We asked if it would be possible to write down the zones and times. He ripped a flap off of a cardboard box in our garage and wrote down zones and times. We later observed that a couple of the zones/times didn't match what he had written down. We called to ask if he could stop by at his convenience and double check the zones/times. We weren't upset or rude, just a simple request. He was very irritated and said he would walk us through it over the phone. We were new to The Villages at the time and weren't familiar with the system, which is why we sought his expertise. He stopped by and corrected the zones/times to match what he had written but he made us feel that we were demanding and too stupid to do it ourselves. He acted as if he was doing us a favor by even doing this for us. Perhaps he was having a bad day but we wouldn't think of engaging him again. I find it interesting that some portray those of us who had a problem with Jim as being people who could never be satisfied. I am glad that others had a positive experience and respect their opinion. I hope those of us who had a different experience will be respected also.

[karostay]

I'm not an expert but have some irrigation experience...
What a lot of people don't understand there is a setting on your irrigation control
called seasonal adjustment..which should be set at 100%..before setting any length of watering
Once you turn your control to run it may depending on rain sensor adjust to as much as 50% of the original setting
In Jim's defense his writing down times of each zone were most likely correct at time of setting.When you viewed the settings
with lack of understanding of the system lead you judge that he was wrong

[graciegirl]

I'm not an expert but have some irrigation experience...
What a lot of people don't understand there is a setting on your irrigation control
called seasonal adjustment..which should be set at 100%..before setting any length of watering
Once you turn your control to run it may depending on rain sensor adjust to as much as 50% of the original setting
In Jim's defense his writing down times of each zone were most likely correct at time of setting.When you viewed the settings
with lack of understanding of the system lead you judge that he was wrong

bump. Great post.

[optv13sp]

I'm not an expert but have some irrigation experience...
What a lot of people don't understand there is a setting on your irrigation control
called seasonal adjustment..which should be set at 100%..before setting any length of watering
Once you turn your control to run it may depending on rain sensor adjust to as much as 50% of the original setting
In Jim's defense his writing down times of each zone were most likely correct at time of setting.When you viewed the settings
with lack of understanding of the system lead you judge that he was wrong
That's interesting that you mention the seasonal adjustment. In fact, he suggested that this wire/feature should be disconnected...which he did. Thanks for that thought but that doesn't explain what happened; he simply made a mistake. The fact is, he was rushed, abrupt, and rude. That was our experience with him. His many positive customers ensures his continued success and I respect their opinions. The opinion of those of us who had an unsatisfactory experience should also be respected.

[RickeyD]

That's interesting that you mention the seasonal adjustment. In fact, he suggested that this wire/feature should be disconnected...which he did. Thanks for that thought but that doesn't explain what happened; he simply made a mistake. The fact is, he was rushed, abrupt, and rude. That was our experience with him. His many positive customers ensures his continued success and I respect their opinions. The opinion of those of us who had an unsatisfactory experience should also be respected.

Disconnecting that blue wire disables the Solar Sync function. Be prepared for a very heavy water bill while it's disabled. :read:

[cwo4mat]

Jim just did my system-job well done-will have him again if needed!!!

[ColdNoMore]

That's interesting that you mention the seasonal adjustment. In fact, he suggested that this wire/feature should be disconnected...which he did. Thanks for that thought but that doesn't explain what happened; he simply made a mistake. The fact is, he was rushed, abrupt, and rude. That was our experience with him.

His many positive customers ensures his continued success and I respect their opinions. The opinion of those of us who had an unsatisfactory experience should also be respected.

Very well stated! :thumbup:

Probably the best benefit of this site, is the feedback of its members on businesses, services and experiences...whether it be good OR bad.

We are all free to make our own judgments as to the veracity of the person posting their opinion/experience (whether positive or negative), but those who automatically label a posters experience/opinion (especially when they have not had any actual dealings with that particular business or person) from EITHER perspective...are the ones who are suspect as to their agenda and should just stay quiet IMHO. :shrug:

[MrGolf]

Just as a quick update Jim did reach back out yesterday. Said for some reason the pictures sent did not reach him until 2 days later. He was apologetic and offered to come out and fix problem. Unfortunately I had taken care of it myself two days previous. He was polite and wanting to help.. Just wanted to provide update of what happened in my instance.

[GaryW]

Very well stated! :thumbup:

Probably the best benefit of this site, is the feedback of its members on businesses, services and experiences...whether it be good OR bad.

We are all free to make our own judgments as to the veracity of the person posting their opinion/experience (whether positive or negative), but those who automatically label a posters experience/opinion (especially when they have not had any actual dealings with that particular business or person) from EITHER perspective...are the ones who are suspect as to their agenda and should just stay quiet IMHO. :shrug:

:shrug::shrug::shrug:

[autumnspring]

This is the end of July.
We've not run our sprinkler once in two months, it is manually shut off, and our lawn is great.

It is a balancing act. Too much fertilizer. Using the water soluble stuff that lasts for two weeks or so, will require more water. That sudden growth will cause fungus and insect damage.

[Villager Joyce]

This is the end of July.
We've not run our sprinkler once in two months, it is manually shut off, and our lawn is great.

It is a balancing act. Too much fertilizer. Using the water soluble stuff that lasts for two weeks or so, will require more water. That sudden growth will cause fungus and insect damage.

What type of grass do you have?

[rivaridger1]

I do not like " knocking " anyone figuring most people are entitled to a bad day. Nevertheless I asked Jim to come to my villa to fix a broken head in the back and inspect the rest of the heads to see if they were working properly. We have a lot of heads since there is one on each plant. The replacement went fine but two days latter my wife noticed a head not working in the front where it would be obvious it was not and we found two more the same day in the same condition. She fixed them. For that reason we would not do business with Jim again.

[N44125]

We've been doing business with Jim for years...he's always been very courteous and knowledgeable. We'll continue to use him.

[xcaligirl]

I've hired about 3 or 4 different people/companies and had one come out for an estimate, all recommended on TOV and I would never recommend them or hire them again. When I spoke to the owner of the business, he didn't care. More of a 'too bad for you and he's our best painter'. The guy that was so nice to come out for an estimate, never called back..... Amazing!

[photo1902]

Where is RickeyD? He gave very useful posts.

Disconnecting the blue wire does not disable Solar Sync. It disables the Seasonal Adjustment Setting.

[eremite06]

I use Joe Tucker.....great kid!

[Wiotte]

Disconnecting the blue wire does not disable Solar Sync. It disables the Seasonal Adjustment Setting.



A distinction with no difference. Solar Sync is still operable but controlling nothing.


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[batman911]

My experience with Jim and another guy named Chip from Action Irrigation is the same. Neither one wanted to do any labor intensive work. They want to "adjust" sprinkler heads and other easy task that take minimum time and then charge you for doing something I could have easily done my self. I asked Chip to move two sprinkler heads about three feet after I installed a flower bed and he said he does not move sprinkler heads in the summer. What a crock. Also his "adjustments" to my sprinkler heads were unnecessary and I had to go back and redo most of them after he was done. Had water spraying on the house, sidewalks and street. My impression is that neither of these guys have had any professional training and get buy by fast talking people who know nothing about sprinkler systems. I asked them both about throw distances and volume on the different types of heads and never received a straight answer. Save you money and research YouTube to learn how to do it yourself.

[natalierp]

Chip Action Irrigation is the best in The Villages

[Wiotte]

My experience with Jim and another guy named Chip from Action Irrigation is the same. Neither one wanted to do any labor intensive work. They want to "adjust" sprinkler heads and other easy task that take minimum time and then charge you for doing something I could have easily done my self. I asked Chip to move two sprinkler heads about three feet after I installed a flower bed and he said he does not move sprinkler heads in the summer. What a crock. Also his "adjustments" to my sprinkler heads were unnecessary and I had to go back and redo most of them after he was done. Had water spraying on the house, sidewalks and street. My impression is that neither of these guys have had any professional training and get buy by fast talking people who know nothing about sprinkler systems. I asked them both about throw distances and volume on the different types of heads and never received a straight answer. Save you money and research YouTube to learn how to do it yourself.



You are a smart man. Want to go into the sprinkler repair business with me ??? [emoji51]


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[justjim]

Zoysia Lawn

After spending 6 years of my time a lot of money a lot of lawn companies trying to manage my lawn I've come to realize
It is what it is..

I get it! I told a neighbor just a few months ago "relax neighbor it's just grass"!

[MrGolf]

Just made the switch to Joe Tucker and I am so happy I did. Very knowledgeable and by the way, he listens to you. Replaced a rain sensor, a faulty head and adjusted my system VERY reasonable.

[theruizs]

It's not how often you water that's most important, it's total run time. If you run 10mn three times a week or 30mn once, it's the same amount of water. But I would suggest the 3 times at shorter periods is better. The ground here is sandy and drains quickly. Watering more often but for less time seems better, IMHO.

[Wiotte]

It's not how often you water that's most important, it's total run time. If you run 10mn three times a week or 30mn once, it's the same amount of water. But I would suggest the 3 times at shorter periods is better. The ground here is sandy and drains quickly. Watering more often but for less time seems better, IMHO.



The soil is different throughout the Villages and can differ from
one block to another, one side of your yard to the other. There is no one watering schedule that fits every yard.


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[Rapscallion St Croix]

It's not how often you water that's most important, it's total run time. If you run 10mn three times a week or 30mn once, it's the same amount of water. But I would suggest the 3 times at shorter periods is better. The ground here is sandy and drains quickly. Watering more often but for less time seems better, IMHO.

So basically, I only need to water once every couple of years as long as I do so with massive amounts of water?

[dbussone]

So basically, I only need to water once every couple of years as long as I do so with massive amounts of water?



Just save some money before you do that though. Or you could mortgage your home.


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[rexxfan]

The soil is different throughout the Villages and can differ from
one block to another, one side of your yard to the other. There is no one watering schedule that fits every yard.


The implication is that you've got total freedom with respect to the watering schedule for your property. But, aren't watering schedules mandated by TV? Or does everyone just ignore that?
--
Bob C

[dbussone]

The implication is that you've got total freedom with respect to the watering schedule for your property. But, aren't watering schedules mandated by TV? Or does everyone just ignore that?

--

Bob C



TV suggests watering schedules, but the Southwest Florida Water Management District is the controlling agency. They are the agency that recently mandated a reduction to 1 day of watering a week.


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[Wiotte]

The implication is that you've got total freedom with respect to the watering schedule for your property. But, aren't watering schedules mandated by TV? Or does everyone just ignore that?
--
Bob C

I didn't imply anything. I have no idea what "everyone" else does. Depending upon your soil the following may apply. Multiple watering days at minimum times or a single watering day at the maximum times.