Frugalapolis Tampa

The staff at this store are so helpful and knowledgable. When you describe a situation they can offer solutions and they are trustworthy. Our pool pump gauge was over 40 psi and it normally is supposed to be about 12-15 psi. It is very old and they suggested just start out by replacing the gauge if everything else seems to be in order. We got a new one and it works as designed. They also demonstrated and explained how our sand filter works and how to change out the filter material and choose dolomite or sand.

Ramos Granite is the contracted company through Lowes that did our kitchen counter top. We have a small kitchen 10x8 so the cost was not that much, but granite sure is expensive. We went to the Ramos warehouse and selected our counter piece from among 3 pieces. Then they had Vince Ramos come out and do the measure after our cabinets were installed. The first time he couldn't complete the measure because we hadn't complied with the checklist since we were never given one by Lowes. Anyway, he came back two days later and measured. It was quick and efficient. The completed counter top was ready about 4 days later and the crew came and installed it quickly and were done in a 1/2 day.

We have had them do plumbing jobs over the past 10 years but just recently had them repipe the 50 yr old house. They gave us a very high verbal quote ($3000) and put us off for 10 days. We were desperate since we were in the midst of a bath kitchen remodel and decided to do the repipe since the walls were open and pipes exposed. The job only took 2 days (11 hrs of labor) before everything was tied in to the new lines. Ninety percent of the job was complete the first day, and I suspect they goofed off the second day to stretch the project into 3 days they quoted. We knew it wouldn't take that long and were disappointed when they felt they needed to come back a 3rd day - to do what? Before they started, new cpvc pipes were already laid all the way to the house, and all the access walls were down to the studs - they just piped the inside and connected to hot water. We were impressed with the quality and speed and by our calculations the cost should be about 1/2 what we were quoted since we did so much of the work ourselves, and we purchased all the shower and tub valves. When they were done with the tie in and wanted to come back another whole day to tie in the bath valves, we called off the job. We figured we could do the rest with our handyman and keep the unexpected repipe cost down. Well, the final bill was close to the quote and we asked for detailed breakdown. They wanted $85/hr for 15 hours, plus over $850 for pvc, elbows and water heater connections. We questioned it and the owner Randy got all mad, hostile and started bullying and yelling. We had to pay them their rate to go shopping, give me a break! We finally settled on a price in the middle, but it was a very negative experience I wouldn't want anyone else to go through. It's stressful enough to have plumbing issues, but you don't want to feel like you're getting ripped off by the plumber. We also didn't receive anything in writing (our first mistake) or get competitive bids, but we figured this guy has been our plumber for 10 years and our neighbors too. Its unfortunate to end this way, but I don't trust them. In my opinion, Randy is a shyster. The son Angelo is really nice and does good work. Hopefully, some day soon Randy will retire, and the son can earn back some former customers' business.