Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
KooK & Son Here at Kook and Son., we're pleased to be celebrating over one hundred years of service for our clients in the Northern New Jersey area. We are a 3rd-generation, family owned mechanical contracting company, committed to maintaining the highest levels to our valued clients. We are fully insured, state licensed Master Plumbers and Home Improvement Contractors.
Services
Kook & Son, Inc. can install the APCO Whole-House Air Purifier for our Hudson County NJ area customers, to reduce odors and contaminants such as mold, bacteria, viruses and allergens in indoor air. APCO is a whole-house air purifier that uses an award winning design utilizing a combination of activated carbon and germ-killing UV-C light to remove odors, chemicals, and biological contaminants for the lifetime of your air conditioning system.
Reviews (23)
Write a Review
Gerry M.
Jun 28, 2022
They replaced a hot water heater and a hose spigot. The plumbers came when they were scheduled and were professional. We've used Kook and Son before and have been pleased each time.
Eric Speck
Apr 06, 2022
Unprofessional. Don't waste your time. I called several times over the course of a few weeks to no avail. Finally, I got through to the owner who made up various excuses for not getting back to me. He then came on location and assessed the job - HVAC installation. He was rather arrogant but nonetheless promised to give me a quote for the job and, of course, he never did. I followed up three times and was ghosted. Total waste of time and energy. Why work with people like that?
Kathy O'Reilly
Oct 06, 2021
Highly recommend! In June 2021, I needed to replace my combi tankless water heater in a somewhat 'tough to reach' location in my home. Kook and Son provided a quote and had the most knowledge and care in assessing the situation for me, so they felt trustworthy from the start. They weren't my least expensive quote but quality/trust that it would get done right the first time was most important.

I had found out about this company through a friend who is a real estate agent in Hoboken - so again, this recommendation helped build trust early on. Howard was also very helpful and accommodating as I got the town permits for the project. The communication throughout the project was top notch. The team who replaced my unit were friendly and professional. Overall, very happy with my experience and would refer them without hesitation to a friend.
Hans Lao
Apr 08, 2021
Other reviews here have noted that they charge a little bit more compared to other plumbers/HVAC companies. The thing is, it's totally worth it. These guys know what they're doing and they won't cut corners. You get what you pay for. *Update after having our AC units worked on again. Our system had a leak in it, and the work to fix things just wasn't as good as when I originally have these guys a 5 star review. Things were misdiagnosed. The work this time around just wasn't worth the premium they were charging. Downgrade to 3 stars.
Vipul C.
Mar 05, 2021
Not recommended. They charged me $800 to resolve one heating issues. After a one week, we had to call back they said another $800 will be charged. It doesn't sound right another $800. Avoid them.
Mike Seminara
Feb 23, 2021
Howard and his team really offered us a white-glove experience in a challenging time. While they were not the cheapest quote we received to repair our water heater, they seemed the most experienced, knowledgeable and professional of the bunch. The team was on time, clean and professional while my wife and I had to work from home during the replacement.
David Agosto
Dec 01, 2020
Had to get inch and a half blk pipe removed (about 4ft in length). Old pipe had to be cut in half and 2 new pieces with a union had to be installed.i supplied those pieces. A tee and an elbow had to be replaced. Job took under 1 hr and was charged $895. I paid it but WILL NEVER use look and son again
Marcus Wunderlich
Jun 02, 2020
When it was about time to replace a pair of water booster pumps in our 12-unit condominium building I selected Kook & Son among three different vendors I had invited to provide a quote for the contemplated work because I thought that Kook's offer was not necessarily the cheapest but the best value for what we expected. The installation turned out to exceed my expectations both in terms of quality of labor and improvement to our building. Howard, the owner, was involved along the way and I appreciated that he took time to address my initial questions and concerns on the phone and also via email throughout the process.

I picked Kook & Son then also for the installation of a natural gas line to feed our barbecue grills on our roof deck. That work was completed equally well. I would pick Kook & Son again for all other plumbing or gas work in our building.
D. Hwin
May 21, 2020
Howard and his team did a great job installing a full split ductless AC system in my 5th floor condo building in downtown Jersey City. Three air handlers and one exterior wall mount units, Mitsubishi hyper heat and AC system. They are a diamond dealer as well. I am quite particular about analyzing cost and doing my due diligence. Spent a lot of time asking questions and Howard was able to be patient and addressed them all.

It was a complicated install, but Howard and his team took their time to plan out precisely where the units would go. Regardless of the challenges encountered; they were able to work through all of them. This was an expensive job, but totally worth it. Props to Howard and his team getting the install done properly.
Troy Leinster
Dec 07, 2019
Kook and Sons charge WAY too much for basic plumbing. I previously bought into their service agreement which tbh is just not worth it. They send out two guys in two trucks to do the job one guy can simply do, and they charge you double. I also had both guys leave while on the job to purchase basic supplies all plumbers should have on their truck, time in which I had to pay for. I have to acknowledge the workers themselves were very nice people, but I cannot accept businesses that price gouge.
Sally M.
Jun 22, 2018
I called to get a diagnostic on my HVAC system and they stated my system needs an air handler part and gave me a ridiculous price quote for labor and part installation. They also stated that I should consider getting a new unit because it runs on r22. Furthermore, they charged me $250 for coming to my house and give me the diagnostic that took the technician less than 20 min to assess. These folks prices are ridiculous. just because u live in JC does not justify being ripped off.
Michael F.
Dec 05, 2017
Howard and his team did a great job for me. There was an issue that developed after the fact and Howard came back and fixed it without charge a year later! Would recommend.
Jenna B.
Jun 14, 2017
My old air conditioning unit broke and Kook & Son was one of 4 contractors I received a quote from. The tech that came out was very thorough and explained to me the challenges or replacing my unit (I live in a 750square foot apartment and the utility closet is tiny!). Their quotes (yes they gave me options!) were fair, and they offered to do the most service and testing.

The new unit was installed in April, they let me know it would need to be adjusted once the temps hit the 80s. They came out and did the tune up and it was great service as always.
Bloss C.
Sep 01, 2016
My central air conditioning stopped working. I called Kook & Son. I spent just under $600.00 over 2 visits for 2 new filters, power washing my condenser, and labor. My air-conditioning still did not work. On the second visit they correctly diagnosed a leak in the system, but I was afraid to go broke trying to locate the leak with this company, so I went with another vendor. They also charged me travel time. I live.6 mile of a mile from their location.
Rich D.
Jul 31, 2016
Waste of time, almost a waste of money too. They csme over to see whats wrong eith my kitchen sink and instead diagnosed my wallet. These people actually have the nerve to try to charge you just for coming out to your house. Complete malarkey. I'm just glad I can try to let other ppl know about this "company" and their practices before they get ripped off.
Sarah H.
Jul 30, 2016
1 star seems generous for these criminals over at Crook and Son.we asked them to come take a look at our garbage disposal and leaking toilet. The guy proceeded to look in the sink for 1 or 2 minutes, he reset the disposal and ran it with no water running which creating a burning smell. He then told me the whole thing was shot and needed to be replaced and it would cost 575.

As for the toilet, he said they would have to pick up and place the toilet in a different area, costing 400. Seems legit, right? He told me if I didn't fix it would ruin the apartment ceiling below us.then he gave me some sob story about a fire in his apartment, like that would make him seem more human. I told him I needed to talk to my spouse, he said if we refuse services we would still be charged.for the hard work of coming to my house for 15 minutes and lying to me. It's tough work. Later, on our own, we were able to get the disposal to run again using a simple kitchen knife by scraping inside around the disposal. I was told by a friend to fix the leak in the toilet by tightening the bolts or replacing the washers, which we will be trying.
Wanaree P.
Sep 02, 2015
I called because I had an emergency leak. The hose in the yard wouldn't turn off, and was leaking pretty badly. Pros: very friendly, polite, efficient guys. They said it wouldn't take long at all, and it didn't. They were very clean, and again, fast. Cons: $328 for about 15 minutes of work. This is after he just told me he only charges $40 an hour labor, compared to a normal plumber rate of $165 an hour. He was even surprised at the rate when he hung up with the main office. So, if you're in a pinch, these guys know what they're doing. A bargain, they are not.
Tom L.
Jul 14, 2014
I CANNOT endorse this firm because of their billing practices and must warn anyone looking to use them about my experience. I booked an appointment with Kook & Son in Jersey City to come to my JC home to re-install 2 bathroom facets in my master bath and install a new facet (plus a new set of flex hoses coming off the shut off valves) in my 2nd bath.

They said their rate was $135 an hour which was reasonable to me. 2 service men arrived at my house at 8:45 am on the scheduled day (I was surprised that there were 2 guys for such a small job). During the visit worker No 2 was absent at least 1/3 of the time, and additionally for 10-15 minutes, both workers were also off site as they said they needed to get a part.

When they were done just before 10 am I was given a bill for over $500.00! I spoke to the Howard (owner or foreman) and said "why was the bill so high", He replied that 2 men for almost 2 hours (oh yes, they charged for 15 minutes travel time each for these 2 men (that's more than $67 just to come to my house). When I complained he knocked it down to 1.5 hrs but the job still cost over $400.00.

I don/t mind paying a fair price for work but this was taking advantage of your customer in my view. Beware if you use them that you will be paying for dead time or more manpower than is actually needed in my estimation.
O. O.
Oct 04, 2012
Kook & Son did work in my house a couple of years ago. After they dug up the pipe line in the floor to the street, we found that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the line. The repair work was shoddy and the "finish" work to the floor was even worse. When the basement flooded a year later I found that they installed the connection incorrectly to the sewer line to the street. And for all this they charged me $8,000.
David K.
Sep 26, 2012
I advise against using Kook & Sons. They run a travel time scam where they attempt to charge "travel time" even for jobs done within Jersey City, where they are based. Charging for travel time makes sense if the customer is asking the contractor to travel an unusual distance to the job. But it makes no sense when the service call is local. No other contractor I have used over the years has attempted to charge for travel time.

They claim that this practice is acceptable because they disclose it in advance, but I beg to differ. Kook charged me $35 to travel 1.2 miles (the distance between my house and their offices according to Google Maps). And they did this after I had agreed to change my appointment time so that they could service another client.
Pinrat S.
Apr 20, 2012
My husband and I called them to have a repairman come out and see what was wrong with our tenant's a/c unit. They told me they could take preventative measures on it and basically put a band aid on it. It would cost us $135. We had no problem with that. When they saw the unit they told us taking preventative measures on it wouldn't do much good because we'd need to replace the whole thing.

They gave us a quote for $5,450 for a new unit but a low end one. We told Howard that we'd be getting a 2nd quote and he lowered the price to $4,995. We told him we were still going to get a 2nd quote. Later that afternoon we got a call that they fixed the unit and it was going to cost us $950. We didn't tell him to go ahead and fix it nor at any point did he call and confirm with us if they could go ahead and fix it. So now I'm out $950 and it's our word against his. Bottom line I will not be using Kook and Son ever again and will not recommend them to anyone.
Nicolas V.
Jan 09, 2011
Needed a water boiler to be replaced in my apartment in Union City, NJ. Mine was 12 years old which meant it needed to go. I called three different plumbing companies, and Kook and Son seemed the most reliable (Mind you I based my assessment on a single phone conversation but well. ). I asked for a price range for my 40L Gaz water boiler to be replaced.

Note that there is a premium for weekend service and for non-elevator building. I talked to Howard, the great child of the founder of the company (it's over 100 years old) I took half a day off and met the guys (2 of them) at the apartment - They waited for about 15 minutes downstairs in their running truck before coming up (Not sure what that says but I figure I'd mention it.).

They looked at the old boiler, emptied it, brought the new one up, adequately protected my wood floor, were nice and explaining what they were doing. They were pretty knowledgeable and handy. They came in at around 8:30am and left at 10:30. The final bill came to $1004. You know that feeling that you are going to get ripped off no matter who you hire? Give Kook&Son a try, they'll make you feel good
Rubes R.
Nov 08, 2009
It was like the people from 'This Old House were working on mine! I have a 100 year old house with a water radiator heating system the same age. After 2 plumbers from different companies came in and scratched their heads as to how to fix my heating system, Howard Kook came over and immediately knew about and could explain every little quirk of the system.

I was blown away with his knowledge. Though he did not do the actual work on my system, his 2 workers were extremely knowledgeable and professional. They knew how to fix every issue. Now rooms where I thought the radiators were lost causes, are warm and toasty! Kook and Son are not cheap, but hands down absolutely worth the money vs someone cheaper who 'thinks' he can fix it. I'm happy to have found a company that knows how to work on an old house. Would hire again with no hesitation. Plus, they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.