The short version
You’ll know what’s causing the problem, what it takes to fix it, and what it costs, with the leak or no-cool issue contained so it doesn’t keep spreading while you decide.
Most calls come down to stopping water damage early, or getting cooling back before the heat makes it miserable. I’ll pin down the cause, isolate anything that’s actively leaking or unsafe, and give you a written estimate before any repair work starts. Here’s what I’d do first.
I start with a focused check of the system that’s failing, then confirm the likely cause with a quick test, not a guess. If there’s an active leak or a shutdown risk, I’ll isolate it right away. Once I know what’s actually wrong, I write up repair options and pricing you can approve before I start work.
How the work runs
I keep the visit tight and tidy, then I close out with what I did, what changed, and what to watch for next.
1. Arrive and assess Day 1 Confirm the symptoms with you, check the affected area or equipment, and run the basic tests that show where the failure starts. I protect floors and nearby surfaces before I open panels or access points. 2. Diagnose and isolate Day 1 Trace the source of the leak, backup, or no-cool condition and confirm it with a measurement or a visible check. If something is actively leaking or unsafe, I shut it down, valve it off, or cap it to prevent further damage. 3. Write the estimate Day 1 Lay out what I found and what I recommend next, then price the repair in writing. If there are two sensible paths, I’ll price both and note what each one changes. No repair work starts until you approve the estimate. 4. Schedule the repair 1 to 3 days If the fix can be done right away and parts are on hand, I’ll complete it the same visit. If I need parts or a longer window, I’ll book a return visit, confirm the time window, and show up with what the job needs.
On-site diagnosis notes
A plain-English summary of what I checked, what I found, and the test or observation that confirmed the cause.
WRITTEN REPAIR ESTIMATE
A written estimate you can approve before repair work starts, with the recommended repair and the price for that scope.
IMMEDIATE ISOLATION WORK
If there’s active leaking or an unsafe condition, I isolate it during the visit using shutoffs, caps, or a safe equipment shutdown to stop it getting worse.
Photo documentation
Before and after photos of the affected area or equipment where it helps you see the issue and what changed after isolation or repair.
CLOSE-OUT CHECKLIST
A short close-out note of what was done on the visit, what is still pending if a return trip is needed, and what to watch for in the next 24 to 48 hours.
REPAIR BOOKING WINDOW
A confirmed repair window for any follow-up visit, including what access I’ll need and whether water or cooling will be off during the work.
Pricing
This covers a single on-site visit: I come out, find the fault, do any immediate isolation work, and write up your repair estimate.
Priced items
Add-ons
If you want, I can add these during the same visit when time allows.
Priced items
Getting started
If you want me to get this checked and priced, the next step is to lock in a service call and diagnosis time window.
1. Sign this estimate to book the service call and diagnosis. 2. Pay the 30% deposit to hold the appointment time. 3. Send any photos you already have, then I’ll see you on site and start the diagnosis.
Signature
Fee summary
Booking and payment
To book the work, I take 30% up front when you sign. The remaining 70% is due when the job is finished. Each invoice is payable within 14 days of its date.
What this visit includes. This estimate is for service call and diagnosis only. I will assess, diagnose, document, and write a repair estimate. If you approve repairs, I will schedule a separate repair visit.
If the scope changes. If I find something that changes the repair plan, I will stop and explain the options and the price before I proceed. Any added work gets added to the written estimate in plain line items.
Access. You provide safe access to the areas you want checked, including attic, crawlspace, shutoffs, and equipment. If a space is blocked or unsafe, I will note it and price the next step.
Hidden conditions
Older systems can hide problems until a fixture is pulled or a line is opened. If the cause is inside a wall, under a floor, or behind equipment, I will quote the access step separately.
Repairs after opening. If access requires opening a wall, ceiling, floor, or brick, I can coordinate the opening with you, but patching and finish work is not included unless it is listed in writing.
Scheduling window. After diagnosis, I will give you the next available repair booking window, usually 1 to 3 days. Parts availability and inspection findings can move that window, and I will tell you as soon as I know.
Ownership of notes and photos. Once the invoice is paid, you own the diagnosis notes, photos, and checklist for your property records. I may keep a copy for warranty tracking and future service history.
