Simcoe Muskoka Home Comfort

I called and asked for a quote to fix the fireplace. I was told I could take a picture of the fireplace so they could identify the part and send them the picture. Alternatively, I could book a service call and they would send a technician who would provide 30 minutes of labour as well. I inquired about pricing and was told some estimated costs that seemed reasonable. I booked an appointment and the guy came the following week.

He stayed for 9 minutes. He did not diagnose any problem or even attempt to turn it on. He simply took my word for what I thought might be wrong (I am not experienced at all). He mentioned how the fireplace needed some logs adjusted and maybe some cleaning, but did none of these things.

He took a picture and left.

I later received a bill for almost $200 and was charged an extra fee for additional time. The quote did not include the parts and had an added $100 "truck" fee. What I thought might cost $400–500 ended up being close to $1000, without anyone ever even properly diagnosing the issue.

I called and complained and was sent a new invoice for $100.

What exactly am I paying $100 for? They came for 9 minutes and took a picture. I could have done that for free. I am a person with disabilities on a low income and I feel completely exploited by this experience. Adding hidden expenses to a quote that I would have turned down if I had been told honestly about is completely ridiculous. I missed work for a 9-minute photograph and a totally unreasonable quote.

To summarize:
I did not get the labour I was charged for.
I got charged for additional labour I did not get.
Extra charges were added to the quote that I was not told about when I asked about costs.
The technician did nothing to diagnose the problem.
Even though they eventually adjusted the bill, I am still expected to pay $100 for someone to show up and take a picture.
Though I called in late summer, it took until mid winter before I even got an adjusted bill. Way too late.