What Are Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees?

When you need heating, cooling or plumbing services from Strand Brothers Service Experts, you will pay a trip charge and a diagnostic fee separately. Some companies you’ve hired in the past may have combined the trip charge and diagnostic fee, but we believe we can offer you better value by separating them.

What Is a Trip Charge?

A trip charge includes the cost for a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to stop by your home. Sometimes called a service call fee, this charge is the initial rate for delivering our technicians, equipment and expertise to your doorstep. If you want to avoid trip charges in the future, you can consider signing up for one of our membership plans.

What Is a Diagnostic Fee?

The diagnostic fee covers the services necessary to find the root of a problem. With plumbing, this could include scoping. For HVAC repairs, it may involve examining the inside of the cabinet. If you prefer to use Strand Brothers Service Experts for any repairs, the diagnostic fee is rolled into the repair bill. That said, you're charged for the diagnostic services alone if you do not.

What Are the Differences Between a Trip Fee and a Diagnostic Fee

In most cases, a trip fee includes sending the plumber or HVAC technician to your property, while the diagnostic fee covers all the work involved in assessing the problem and coming up with a plan for repairs. If you are paying for repairs, you won’t even notice the diagnostic fee because it will be absorbed into the cost of the repairs.

Why Are Diagnostic Fees and Trip Charges Separated?

Some other plumbers and HVAC companies will charge a single fee for both the trip and the diagnostics. As opposed to charging you for two services at once, we prefer two distinct fees. This allows us to price our services in the fairest achievable manner.