Comments on: Advantage Home Warranty http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com All we need to know about home warranty Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:25:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: C Stowe Greenville Sc http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-6243 C Stowe Greenville Sc Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:54:51 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-6243 My husband and I bought our house 5 yrs ago with an existing warranty with Advantage which we maintained for the next 4 yrs. When 2010 started and we had not received a renewal I contacted the company and was told we had been dropped as clients. Even though we had never missed a payment or used our warranty more than a few times we were dropped without explanation or even notice. Upon asking for a reason I was told that due to the age of our house and appliances we were "statistically a loss" meaning "your stuff is old and we don't want to pay for new stuff even though you're good customers in a down economy".One month later, in February, our heat pump died and we had to pay for a new one out of pocket. The company we used told me they had terminated their contracts with Advantage due to unprofessional behavior and failure to pay for work that had been pre-approved. We also had a problem when our sump pump died and our basement began filling with water. I called to report it on a Saturday and was told it wasnt an emergency so I would have to wait til Monday, but on Monday no-one called or came out and the water continued to rise. I called every day that week with no results until Friday when I asked to speak with someone in charge. Suddenly a plumber was calling to come fix the problem. Although he did a terrific job and was courteous and thorough we suffered water damage to the wooden structures that hold up the house and have had mildew and mold as well as wall/ceiling cracks due to shifting. We counted on our warranty to protect us against expensive repairs and sudden problems but were let down. They took our money and gave very little in return. I would never recommend this or any company who cares so little for the people who make their jobs possible and who count on them for peace of mind. My husband and I bought our house 5 yrs ago with an existing warranty with Advantage which we maintained for the next 4 yrs. When 2010 started and we had not received a renewal I contacted the company and was told we had been dropped as clients. Even though we had never missed a payment or used our warranty more than a few times we were dropped without explanation or even notice. Upon asking for a reason I was told that due to the age of our house and appliances we were “statistically a loss” meaning “your stuff is old and we don’t want to pay for new stuff even though you’re good customers in a down economy”.One month later, in February, our heat pump died and we had to pay for a new one out of pocket. The company we used told me they had terminated their contracts with Advantage due to unprofessional behavior and failure to pay for work that had been pre-approved. We also had a problem when our sump pump died and our basement began filling with water. I called to report it on a Saturday and was told it wasnt an emergency so I would have to wait til Monday, but on Monday no-one called or came out and the water continued to rise. I called every day that week with no results until Friday when I asked to speak with someone in charge. Suddenly a plumber was calling to come fix the problem. Although he did a terrific job and was courteous and thorough we suffered water damage to the wooden structures that hold up the house and have had mildew and mold as well as wall/ceiling cracks due to shifting. We counted on our warranty to protect us against expensive repairs and sudden problems but were let down. They took our money and gave very little in return. I would never recommend this or any company who cares so little for the people who make their jobs possible and who count on them for peace of mind.

]]> By: Rick, Cornelius, NC http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-6164 Rick, Cornelius, NC Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:44:24 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-6164 • I will start by clarifying, I do not work for another warranty company, nor do I have any affliation with them. Customer service, no matter whether something is covered or not, should be a company’s easiest issue to work with. The advantage home warranty rep. “William” has been rude and short both when myself or my wife has contacted them. The first issue arose when water and rust was observed around the bottom of my water heater in the attic. AHW apparently uses ‘Service Live’ to conduct their business contacts through. ‘Service Live’ sent out a gentleman, (keep in mind – knowing it was a gas water heater), who was extremely polite to our house. However, the gentleman observed the issue and agreed the water heater must have an internal issue and needed to be replaced. When he stated “This shouldn’t be a problem, I have one of these in my house” I asked him if he was a licensed plumbing contractor w/the state of NC. He said “no, I mostly do siding work” I paid the service fee of $40 and contacted AHW about the discrepancy in personnel performing the work. “William” was rude during the contact, I then had to speak with the owner Brent Skidmore. They followed up by sending out a licensed plumbing contractor. The water was gone, however, the rust was still present. The contractor was polite and advised he did not see an issue w/the water heater, therefore, did not recommend replacement. I appreciate AHW’s follow up in this matter. On a second occasion, we noticed a leak coming into our garage opposite the Master Bedroom area. I had my wife call advantage, unfortunately, she mis(explained) the problem and they ordered a plumbing contractor to come out. She advised to me that “William” was short and rude with her. I followed up with a couple of calls leaving voice messages. “William” returned the call the next business day (in an appropriately timely manner) and began speaking on the matter, I interrupted briefly, but politely, and the return was “HOLD ON LET ME FINISH!” I allowed him to finish and then followed back up with the fact that I am confident it is the shower pan and not a plumbing issue and that I did not want a plumber to come out on this one to only have to pay a service fee. “William” informed me the shower pan is not covered in the warranty, which I verified after the conversation. This is a learning issue for us all. “William” definitely needs to take some initial or remedial courses in handling customers as also observed in above listed remarks. Remember, homes are all some people have these days and it is understood that it can be a touchy issue with folks. Secondly, whether a customer interrupts or not, it is probably best business practice to allow momentum to continue unless of course it is detrimental to a party or both parties. All in all, AHW’s warranty is sound. I do not work for the firm or other firms in the business. But customer service goes a long way. Sincerely, Rick • I will start by clarifying, I do not work for another warranty company, nor do I have any affliation with them. Customer service, no matter whether something is covered or not, should be a company’s easiest issue to work with. The advantage home warranty rep. “William” has been rude and short both when myself or my wife has contacted them.
The first issue arose when water and rust was observed around the bottom of my water heater in the attic. AHW apparently uses ‘Service Live’ to conduct their business contacts through. ‘Service Live’ sent out a gentleman, (keep in mind – knowing it was a gas water heater), who was extremely polite to our house. However, the gentleman observed the issue and agreed the water heater must have an internal issue and needed to be replaced. When he stated “This shouldn’t be a problem, I have one of these in my house” I asked him if he was a licensed plumbing contractor w/the state of NC. He said “no, I mostly do siding work” I paid the service fee of $40 and contacted AHW about the discrepancy in personnel performing the work. “William” was rude during the contact, I then had to speak with the owner Brent Skidmore. They followed up by sending out a licensed plumbing contractor. The water was gone, however, the rust was still present. The contractor was polite and advised he did not see an issue w/the water heater, therefore, did not recommend replacement. I appreciate AHW’s follow up in this matter.
On a second occasion, we noticed a leak coming into our garage opposite the Master Bedroom area. I had my wife call advantage, unfortunately, she mis(explained) the problem and they ordered a plumbing contractor to come out. She advised to me that “William” was short and rude with her. I followed up with a couple of calls leaving voice messages. “William” returned the call the next business day (in an appropriately timely manner) and began speaking on the matter, I interrupted briefly, but politely, and the return was “HOLD ON LET ME FINISH!” I allowed him to finish and then followed back up with the fact that I am confident it is the shower pan and not a plumbing issue and that I did not want a plumber to come out on this one to only have to pay a service fee. “William” informed me the shower pan is not covered in the warranty, which I verified after the conversation.
This is a learning issue for us all. “William” definitely needs to take some initial or remedial courses in handling customers as also observed in above listed remarks. Remember, homes are all some people have these days and it is understood that it can be a touchy issue with folks. Secondly, whether a customer interrupts or not, it is probably best business practice to allow momentum to continue unless of course it is detrimental to a party or both parties.
All in all, AHW’s warranty is sound. I do not work for the firm or other firms in the business. But customer service goes a long way.
Sincerely,
Rick

]]> By: Leah Laughter, Charlotte NC http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-3793 Leah Laughter, Charlotte NC Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:30:11 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-3793 Well it is Friday and conveniently the only two workers at Advantage Home Warranty Company can never come to the phone or they're always in meetings. I finally spoke to William today who was nasty to me once again. He told me to ask my husband what was going on, then he hung up on me. He needs some serious training in customer service skills. A second contractor came out to our house yesterday (Thursday)and basically said he has had instruction from the owner, Brent to "fix" our problem and not replace our broken unit. Both companies told them it would be in our (the home owners) best interest to replace the 15-year-old unit, because a compressor will only prolong the problem until our 1 year warranty is expired and it breaks on us! Advantage Home Warranty disagrees, they could care less what is in our best interest! No work will be done over the weekend, no work is ever done after 4:59 pm on week days even though their web site says they answer calls from 9a.m.- 9p.m. And the Charlie Shipman contact that has been posted above is a joke, he is no "saving grace". I left him a very detailed message on Tuesday, asking him to return my call- NO word yet! That is Brent's father-in-law and they seem to have the same business tactics. We are now looking to get air condition at our house by "maybe Tuesday or Wednesday" - at least temporarily until the unit breaks again because they were told by 2 different contractors to replace the whole unit not just the compressor on a 15-year-old AC unit! IS IT THE NORM FOR CUSTOMERS OF HOME WARRANTY'S TO BE WITHOUT AIR CONDITION FOR 10 TO 11 DAYS IN JULY???? PS- They are not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, of course! Thanks, A real unhappy customer Well it is Friday and conveniently the only two workers at Advantage Home Warranty Company can never come to the phone or they’re always in meetings. I finally spoke to William today who was nasty to me once again. He told me to ask my husband what was going on, then he hung up on me. He needs some serious training in customer service skills.
A second contractor came out to our house yesterday (Thursday)and basically said he has had instruction from the owner, Brent to “fix” our problem and not replace our broken unit. Both companies told them it would be in our (the home owners) best interest to replace the 15-year-old unit, because a compressor will only prolong the problem until our 1 year warranty is expired and it breaks on us! Advantage Home Warranty disagrees, they could care less what is in our best interest!
No work will be done over the weekend, no work is ever done after 4:59 pm on week days even though their web site says they answer calls from 9a.m.- 9p.m.
And the Charlie Shipman contact that has been posted above is a joke, he is no “saving grace”. I left him a very detailed message on Tuesday, asking him to return my call- NO word yet! That is Brent’s father-in-law and they seem to have the same business tactics.
We are now looking to get air condition at our house by “maybe Tuesday or Wednesday” – at least temporarily until the unit breaks again because they were told by 2 different contractors to replace the whole unit not just the compressor on a 15-year-old AC unit!
IS IT THE NORM FOR CUSTOMERS OF HOME WARRANTY’S TO BE WITHOUT AIR CONDITION FOR 10 TO 11 DAYS IN JULY????
PS- They are not accredited with the Better Business Bureau, of course!

Thanks,
A real unhappy customer

]]> By: Leah Laughter, Charlotte , NC http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-3774 Leah Laughter, Charlotte , NC Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:54:39 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-3774 Our AC unit broke Sunday night (7/5/09) and I called the Home Warranty Company Monday morning. Tuesday they sent out a contractor they work with often and have a history with; the verdict was we needed a new AC unit. Our 15-year-old unit was supposed to be replaced. We could not get in contact or return calls from our home warranty company or the contactor they used. After a dispute between the two companies they decided not to use that company's quote, which leaves us without AC for a longer period of time. I have called repeatedly and been brushed off and been told rude things like, " You can't expect a new AC unit in one day" and "everyone wants to come first when their air is broke". Well duh! I appreciate the concern and if their own AC was broken in the heart of July I believe they would not drag their feet getting a new one. To top it off we have an elderly family member living with us who cannot take the heat and we have had to make arrangements to stay elsewhere until the home warranty company gets a price they like. I just hope they are not risking QUALITY to get the cheapest price! When my situation is settled I will respond with a complete review for this company. Thanks, A real customer Our AC unit broke Sunday night (7/5/09) and I called the Home Warranty Company Monday morning. Tuesday they sent out a contractor they work with often and have a history with; the verdict was we needed a new AC unit. Our 15-year-old unit was supposed to be replaced. We could not get in contact or return calls from our home warranty company or the contactor they used. After a dispute between the two companies they decided not to use that company’s quote, which leaves us without AC for a longer period of time. I have called repeatedly and been brushed off and been told rude things like, ” You can’t expect a new AC unit in one day” and “everyone wants to come first when their air is broke”. Well duh! I appreciate the concern and if their own AC was broken in the heart of July I believe they would not drag their feet getting a new one. To top it off we have an elderly family member living with us who cannot take the heat and we have had to make arrangements to stay elsewhere until the home warranty company gets a price they like. I just hope they are not risking QUALITY to get the cheapest price! When my situation is settled I will respond with a complete review for this company.
Thanks,
A real customer

]]> By: KK in Sumter,SC http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-3767 KK in Sumter,SC Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:46:41 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-3767 I was looking for a new home warrenty when I looked over the comments from both sides. I understand wanting to let people know that some of these comments are not true but there is no perfect co. and you can not please everybody but maybe you do not realize that it comes across as being not so nice. Some of the wording comes acrossed as being nasty. People will say and think as they will but if your co. is a Top Rate then you don't have to worry about some of these things because God knows and see if and who is lieing. For me this sorta turned me off. Blessings I was looking for a new home warrenty when I looked over the comments from both sides. I understand wanting to let people know that some of these comments are not true but there is no perfect co. and you can not please everybody but maybe you do not realize that it comes across as being not so nice. Some of the wording comes acrossed as being nasty. People will say and think as they will but if your co. is a Top Rate then you don’t have to worry about some of these things because God knows and see if and who is lieing. For me this sorta turned me off. Blessings

]]> By: brikeyes Chantilly, va http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-3344 brikeyes Chantilly, va Tue, 26 May 2009 17:51:13 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-3344 Aaron and Spitzer have you tried to talk to Charlie Shipman Advantage Home Warranty Box 3917 Greenville SC 29607 (864) 241-2000 I called him and he seems like a resonable guy but this company does not do bussiness in my Area yet ( Virginia ) what are your compalints ? be specific I think he can help Aaron and Spitzer

have you tried to talk to

Charlie Shipman
Advantage Home Warranty
Box 3917
Greenville SC 29607
(864) 241-2000

I called him and he seems like a resonable guy but this company does not do bussiness in my Area yet ( Virginia )

what are your compalints ? be specific I think he can help

]]> By: Aaron Austin Texas http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-3313 Aaron Austin Texas Thu, 21 May 2009 20:55:39 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-3313 It definitely sound like there are no credible reports here. Just different companies playing kids games. Perhaps the website should take some initiative and follow up on posts or require a policy number or something. Without that, we just get worthless BS and fake posts. It definitely sound like there are no credible reports here. Just different companies playing kids games. Perhaps the website should take some initiative and follow up on posts or require a policy number or something. Without that, we just get worthless BS and fake posts.

]]> By: Mr. Spitzer http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-3307 Mr. Spitzer Thu, 21 May 2009 15:04:42 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-3307 Not very pleased with this company. Poor Customer Service, did not fix my problem. Not very pleased with this company. Poor Customer Service, did not fix my problem.

]]> By: brikeyes Chantilly, va http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-3295 brikeyes Chantilly, va Wed, 20 May 2009 18:27:52 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-3295 Well I have not used these guys yet ,but I am going to give them a try , they seem to have the most logical bussiness model . a warreny after the inspection just seems like it is being fair to everyone , the company can know what they are dealing with and the customer has a soild foundation on what is working and not working to base their claim , a whole lot of unknown is removed with this plan . I will post here to follow up. I could not help to notice that all of the detractors to this company backed off when asked for there contact number ect. this is the only company that defends it self on this board Well I have not used these guys yet ,but I am going to give them a try , they seem to have the most logical bussiness model . a warreny after the inspection just seems like it is being fair to everyone , the company can know what they are dealing with and the customer has a soild foundation on what is working and not working to base their claim , a whole lot of unknown is removed with this plan . I will post here to follow up. I could not help to notice that all of the detractors to this company backed off when asked for there contact number ect. this is the only company that defends it self on this board

]]> By: K McClurg, Alexandria, VA http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/reviews/advantage-home-warranty/comment-page-1#comment-2954 K McClurg, Alexandria, VA Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:16:00 +0000 http://www.homewarrantyreviews.com/advantage-home-warranty#comment-2954 We need to list our preference for a home warranty company prior to closing on our home purchase - After reading these reviews, we are inclined to choose Advantage Home Warranty. Can you please reply briefly as to why we should choose you? We need to list our preference for a home warranty company prior to closing on our home purchase – After reading these reviews, we are inclined to choose Advantage Home Warranty. Can you please reply briefly as to why we should choose you?

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