Kevin Slesser Plumbing and Heating Ltd

Based at the Montrose Business Centre, Kevin Slesser Plumbing and Heating Ltd is a long-established firm that has been serving customers across Angus and Aberdeenshire for over two decades. The company offers a wide array of services, including general plumbing, central heating solutions, and full bathroom installations. As Worcester Bosch accredited installers and a Gas Safe registered business, they meet the necessary qualifications for complex heating and gas work, which should provide a baseline of confidence for potential clients. However, a closer look at customer feedback reveals a deeply divided picture of the company's performance, suggesting that experiences can vary dramatically depending on the nature of the job.

Praise for Boiler Installations and Servicing

On one side of the spectrum, the company receives high praise, particularly for its work as a heating engineer. Several customers have reported positive experiences with boiler installations and servicing. One client, needing a new boiler, described the work carried out by Kevin Slesser's team as a "neat tidy installation" and offered a strong recommendation. Another customer, who required a boiler service, expressed gratitude for the company's follow-up communication, especially after the business had experienced technical issues with its phone and internet lines. This client noted that the engineer arrived at the scheduled time and delivered a "first class service". These accounts paint a picture of a technically competent team capable of delivering high-quality, professional work in their area of specialisation. The company's accreditation with Worcester Bosch, a leading manufacturer, further supports the idea that their expertise in boiler systems is a significant strength.

Significant Concerns Raised by Customers

Despite the positive feedback on heating services, a number of highly detailed negative reviews raise serious questions about other aspects of the business. These concerns fall into three main categories: workmanship on larger projects, administrative practices, and customer service when problems arise.

Workmanship on Bathroom Installations

One of the most critical areas of feedback relates to bathroom fitting. A customer who hired the company for a full bathroom installation reported a list of significant issues. The review mentions that two showers were installed when only one was required, leading to the engineer drilling through newly fitted tiles unnecessarily. Further problems included a bidet pipe being pierced by a screw, which caused a leak, and both the toilet and sink being improperly secured to the floor and wall, respectively. This experience suggests a potential lack of attention to detail and quality control from the bathroom fitters on the team, which is a considerable risk for anyone investing in a major renovation project.

Administrative and Invoicing Issues

Perhaps the most alarming feedback concerns the company's billing and administrative processes. One former client reported receiving an invoice an astonishing 18 months after the work was completed. By this time, the customer had moved to another country. The invoice was sent to their old address, and the company then allegedly pursued a friend of the former client to pass on the very late bill. Such a significant delay points to severe internal disorganisation and is far from standard professional practice.

Another detailed account from a different customer highlights further issues with transparency and conduct. They describe a situation where a plumber was called to assess an elderly family member's boiler. The engineer reportedly struggled with a basic task and required assistance from the elderly client. When asked for the cost of the call-out on the spot, the tradesperson was allegedly unable to provide a price, stating he needed to return to the office to calculate it, even for what turned out to be a standard fee. The subsequent invoice was then pursued aggressively via emails and letters while the elderly family member was in hospital, culminating in a threat to use a debt collection agency. The customer also claimed that the invoice listed procedures that were not actually carried out. This type of report raises serious questions about the company's transparency, billing accuracy, and compassion in its customer dealings.

Customer Service and Communication

Effective communication is crucial for any service-based business, and this appears to be another area of weakness according to some customer accounts. The same review detailing the billing dispute also mentions that when the invoice was queried, the business owner became challenging on the phone and ultimately hung up. Subsequent attempts to call back were reportedly unanswered. This suggests a potential unwillingness to engage constructively when a client raises a legitimate concern, which can turn a difficult situation into an extremely negative experience. For a business that has operated for over 20 years, such unprofessional communication is a significant red flag for potential customers who value responsive and respectful service.

Operational Information for Potential Clients

For those considering using Kevin Slesser Plumbing and Heating Ltd, it is important to be aware of their operational hours. The company is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Fridays only until 12:00 PM. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. This schedule means they are not an option for weekend work or for those seeking an emergency plumber outside of these limited hours. Any potential plumbing crisis on a Friday afternoon or over the weekend would require finding an alternative provider.

Conclusion

In summary, Kevin Slesser Plumbing and Heating Ltd presents a complex case for potential customers. There is evidence that the company employs skilled engineers capable of executing high-quality boiler installation and repair work, earning them strong recommendations from satisfied clients in this domain. However, this is starkly contrasted by severe and detailed criticisms regarding other services, particularly bathroom installations. Furthermore, multiple reports of highly unprofessional administrative practices, including extreme delays in invoicing, aggressive payment collection, and poor communication during disputes, cannot be ignored. Customers considering this firm should weigh these factors carefully. It may be prudent to seek their services for specialised heating work where their reputation is strongest, but for larger, multi-faceted projects like bathroom renovations or for those who prioritise clear, upfront pricing and responsive customer service, caution is advised. Obtaining a detailed, written quote before any work commences would be a sensible step for any potential client.