jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Never, ever let a big box store install something a bit complicated until you check out the installer’s background; they hire whoever is a warm body and can lie on application forms.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you HOHIMER... Your post is the only one which actually focuses on a solution to Richard's daughters unfortunate inappropriate water line installation to a refrigerator ice maker. And yes there has been a paradigm shift in K through 12 public school curriculum. Albeit not only have "Shop" classes been downplayed also Physical Education has likewise suffered. And people wonder why there is an obesity epidemic in this nation's youth.

However what I find the saddest is that the overwhelming responses are negative "bitching" rants offering no hint of a solution. This is classic UHH were the peanut gallery brings nothing of merit to the table. Folks you are pathetic... Sorry UHH seriously needs a "Reboot"

Ok, I worked for a major plumbing contractor (designed their web portal) and actually rode on the trucks to get "Hands On" experience with their mindset and work ethic. As others have pointed out the Big Box Stores are like a blight that has infected the very heart and soul of the domestic plumbing, HVAC and electrical industry. Bottom Line drives the equation. And each and everyone of you who support those Big Box stores are part of the problem.

My solution? I spoke at length with a Home Depot sales rep and he acknowledged that "subcontracting" installations now dominate the industry. So my fallback is what I've learned to use with any service provider. I make it worthwhile for them to be focused and to a good job. For my last Home Depot washing machine installation I greeted the installers and gave each a "Jackson Unit" and ask if they would please take a little "Extra" effort to "get it right". Funny how effective a new $20 bill is in eliciting a favorable response.

For god's sake.... TIP the installers before they even begin... and tailor the amount of the tips to the difficulty of the install. I also moved all items away from the installation area and set up clip on bright work lights to aid the installers.

As to the rest of the peanut gallery on this post? Did it ever occur to you that
"IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!"

And how many of you are actually proactive in the public education process in your local jurisdiction?
Remember "All politics are local" Show up at the PTA meetings and become involved...

Once again many thanks HOHIMER for bring nuanced guidance and wisdom to the mix.
We need more thoughtful proactive minds like yours on UHH

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Wow--just wow!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very good! Except for replacing our entire roof - not just the shingles - and the countertops, I do everything myself. It's cheap and satisfying.

Woodworm65 Loc: Lombard, IL

STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.

John Matthews Loc: Wasilla, Alaska

That would be “common sense training”

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I assume the replacement dishwasher was free.

Dannj

You paid Lowe’s for the installation but the installers are most likely not Lowe’s employees, they are contracted even though you “bought” the service through Lowe’s. Bottom line, it shouldn’t matter. Lowe’s is responsible unless you signed something that says otherwise.

wireloose

My grandsons took shop in middle school in Illinois, so it’s not completely gone.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

As the famous Moe Howard of the Three Stooges would often say, "Idiots...! I'm surrounded by Idiots!".

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

How about some free silicone caulking?

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

Thanks….Spellcheck got me again……lol

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

We bought a washer-dryer set from Lowes when we moved into our current home in 2014. The first ones they brought, they dented while taking them off the truck! (I watched).

The second pair they brought, the Washer made a horrible grinding noise the first time we used it. It went back the next day. The dryer cord was wired loosely, and when the dryer heated up for about the tenth use, one leg of the 220V line popped loose, arced to ground, and fried the timer.

The third set finally worked! I insisted they NOT send the yahoos who installed the first two sets. I double-checked everything before they left.

I doubt they made any money on us.

Good installers are really hard to find. No one of quality wants to do it for what they pay.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Lowes cheated me out of $200 a couple of years ago. I purchased a new John Deere riding mower that came with an e-mailed $200 gift certificate. A few months later I tried to use the gift certificate and was told that it had already been used. It was used within two weeks of my purchase. Their headquarters customer service knew who, when and what it was used for but would not tell me. Then, I was told that they considered the certificates as non-refundable cash and that I should contact the local police. I don't know what the Omaha police could do about the matter.

TreborLow

We just got an expensive refrigerator from Lowes with installation. When it was put in place the doors did not line up. The installer was about to leave and I pointed this out. With some grumbling, he fiddled with the leveling screws and it looked better and left. Now when we open the fridge door it swings rapidly around and bounces off the hinges. I called Lowes and, the warranty for the installation is 30 days, so they are sending another service person to fix the installation. It should be this week! We shall see....