I was put onto these guys directly by another Ballarat local who spoke very highly of them. They were the most honest and straight up plumbers I've dealt with. Free on-site quotation for a new instant gas hot water service, including spending a few minutes trying to light the pilot on the old unit to make sure it did in fact need replacing. They're also happy to say what they can and can't do. Professional, prompt, friendly, honest - Can't ask for more than that.

Could not get an old Aquamax gas storage hot water unit to light in a recently purchased home in Ballarat. Had no particular recommendations to work on so assumed one of the "Jim's" franchises (Metropolitan) might be a good starting point - BAD... no the WORST possible decision. Non-refundable call out fee $140. Booked an appointment for 11pm that night (OK - that should have raised alarm bells!) as they could not get there sooner. I suggested it could wait until the next day but they said they had no availability then. Guy was polite enough but did not get there until after midnight! Apparently, he had been working in Melbourne that day and I asked why they didn't use a local plumber in Ballarat. Apparently he lived locally!? Outside in the dark, with a torch, he then made less of an effort to get the piezo to ignite the pilot light than I had during daylight hours. "You're hot water's stuffed - would you like a quote on replacement?" The now infamous "Jim's Tablet" appeared and he started inputting data for a quote - new gas-line back to the meter, dedicated electrical wiring and new switchboard ("old one's too small for an additional 15 amp line")... ? Next day got 3 quotes ranging from >$5,200 (135L Dux replacement gas storage unit) to >$15,400 (Electric 250L Rheem storage unit). The unit costs themsleves in the quotes were nearly 3 times the cost I could have bought them for at Bunnings not on special. I ended up getting a really great local plumber (plenty of repeat business for him!) to install a Bosch gas instant hot water service, including line upgrade to the meter, 2 people on the job, certicificate of compliance etc for about $1,750. I'm just lucky I only wasted $140. Feel sorry for vulnerable elderly who just have to work on trust.

3 x Split-system heat pumps installed (3.5, 5.0 & 9.0 kW Mitsubishi Electric AS series) to replace old expensive gas central heating in a 1920s double brick home. From first contact to finishing the job, these guys were great - Professional, polite and happy to give additional and detailed information when requested. You know those tradies that need to leave rubbish around to "show" they've been there - Well not these guys. All the brick dust was vacuumed up, NO ELECTRICAL CABLE WASTE left in ceiling (b/c client won't look there!). I was go going to get 3 quotes but couldn't find any competition that clearly and up-front offered an on-site "measure and quote" option - ie, send someone out to see what units would best suit and where they might best be placed and how much the WHOLE process would cost. Plenty of others who will quote on the price of units but the cost to install varies enormously depending on individual installation situations. After receving a quote on two alternative manufacturer based solutions for installing 3 separate units , I calculated the approximate unit costs and subtracted from total quote for installation - Seemed reasonable based on other experiences for installations elsewhere but as mentioned - no actual alternative quotes due to lack of interest from other service providers! Will certainly be recommending to friends. Special thanks to Dan, Chris & Lachie; also Chris L, Adrian and Jack (yes they sent out FIVE installers so that the whole job could be done in a single day).

Approximate cost: $9549