Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Please see attachment for complaint details

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2025

  We have tried working this out last year with this client. Unfortunately the clients son is a former employee and this didnt become an issue until he was terminated for a number of reasons. Now it seems as though he is the one that continues this issue. The former employee was also the one that told his mom to use us for this service and then told us after that his mom would be a pain to deal with. I would like the BBB to take into consideration that this former employee is more concerned with revenge than he was with good service. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/19/2025

  Complaint: 23443699
  
  I have reviewed the business' response and am rejecting it because:

  see attached.  

  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/20/2025

  Denial response
  First of all, my son has nothing to do with this complaint. 
  My husbands name is ******.  My son is ********************* am the one that filed this complaint #******** for the outrageous amount of money Honest **** wants to profit off the customers.  I dont like being taken advantage.
  Since *** wouldnt provide me with the itemized invoices I did my own investigation.
  I called ****** ********* Soil Morphology charge was $400.00
  I called ****** ****** Engineer Report charge was $1800.00
  Honest Abes charged me $4000.00 - they paid $2200.00 to the 3rd parties leaving them with a $1800.00 PROFIT 
  Now I can see why *** didnt want me to have copies of the invoices- $1800.00 is a lot of money to make off your customers
  I called *** on 5/16/2024 and wanted to know the status of the reports. That is the last time I have spoken to him so NO he has not tried to work this out as he stated.   
  I finally received the reports via email on 6/21/2024.  Never received a phone call asking if I wanted to proceed with the septic installation with them.  I will never do business with them again, they dont represent Honest as they should.
  I just want what is owed to me as previously stated in my complaint 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/23/2025

  Denial response 
  First of all, my son has nothing to do with this complaint.  
  My husbands name is ******.  My son is ******************* style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: proxima-nova, Verdana, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">I am the one that filed this complaint #******** for the outrageous amount of money Honest Abes wants to profit off the customers.  I dont like being taken advantage. 
  Since *** wouldnt provide me with the itemized invoices I did my own investigation. 
  I called ****** ********* Soil Morphology charge was $400.00
  I called ****** ****** Engineer Report charge was $1800.00
  Honest Abes charged me $4000.00 - they paid $2200.00 to the 3rd parties leaving them with a $1800.00 PROFIT  
  Now I can see why *** didnt want me to have copies of the invoices- $1800.00 is a lot of money to make off your customers 
  I called *** on 5/16/2024 and wanted to know the status of the reports.  That is the last time I have spoken to him so NO he has not tried to work this out as he stated.   
  I finally received the reports via email on 6/21/2024.  Never received a phone call asking if I wanted to proceed with the septic installation with them.  I will never do business with them again, they dont represent Honest as they should.
  I just want what is owed to me as previously stated in my complaint 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/23/2025

  Denial response 
  First of all, my son has nothing to do with this complaint.  
  My husbands name is ******.  My son is ******************* style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: proxima-nova, Verdana, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">I am the one that filed this complaint #******** for the outrageous amount of money Honest Abes wants to profit off the customers.  I dont like being taken advantage. 
  Since *** wouldnt provide me with the itemized invoices I did my own investigation. 
  I called ****** ********* Soil Morphology charge was $400.00
  I called ****** ****** Engineer Report charge was $1800.00
  Honest Abes charged me $4000.00 - they paid $2200.00 to the 3rd parties leaving them with a $1800.00 PROFIT  
  Now I can see why *** didnt want me to have copies of the invoices- $1800.00 is a lot of money to make off your customers 
  I called *** on 5/16/2024 and wanted to know the status of the reports.  That is the last time I have spoken to him so NO he has not tried to work this out as he stated.   
  I finally received the reports via email on 6/21/2024.  Never received a phone call asking if I wanted to proceed with the septic installation with them.  I will never do business with them again, they dont represent Honest as they should.
  I just want what is owed to me as previously stated in my complaint 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/14/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We called Honest Abes May 8, ****************************** our basement flooding at a rapid pace during a storm (2 feet of backed up sewage). They sent a guy over to pump out the basement which went fine and then said they would install a backflow valve to prevent anything from backing up again in the future. This process involved two members using a snake to ensure the line was clear, which they said it was, but it was not (roots), using a machine to dig a six foot hole to install the backflow. They did this and told me the bill would be $7,000. As a panicked first time homeowner I said they could do it, knowing that plumbing repairs were expensive and it seemed like a lot of work for them to do at the time. Fast forward to November 4, 2024, and the basement is flooding again. I call a different plumber after learning that Honest Abes way overcharged for the last procedure. He comes over and inspects their work to find that the backflow valve was not only installed in the wrong spot (too close to the house) it was also installed off-level, holding water and it never would have worked properly. Along with that, the new plumber found that the new pipe they installed for the backflow was not glued at all, he showed me a video of him pulling it off the pipe with no effort. They also broke a piece off of a connecting pipe and attempted to replace it with some green pipe they had, which did not work properly and we found a chunk of that pipe clogging the existing pipe. The new plumber found that chunk of pipe and humongous roots blocking the pipe when he snaked it out, which honest Abes said they did and it was clear and it was not. So my new plumber fixed all of their mistakes and installed all of the new stuff properly for 1/3 of the price, $2200.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/26/2024

  After a thorough review of the documentation pertaining to the customer's home repairs, we can confirm that all procedures and materials used align with industry standards. The detailed installation photos and technician notes from the service day further support that the work was completed in accordance with proper specifications and best practices.

  Regarding the backflow valve installation, we understand that the city of *****, ********, adheres to the International Plumbing Code (***), which specifies that backflow valves should be placed as close as possible to the point where the sewer line exits the building. Specifically, the *** advises that a backflow sewer valve be installed just inside the foundation wall at the lowest point of the sewer lateral, ideally near the front of the building where the sewer line enters the foundation. Our installation practices comply with these guidelines to ensure optimal functionality and protection. As a licensed plumbing contractor, we are committed to adhering to *** standards in all aspects of our work.

  Upon review of the customers account, we note that dissatisfaction was expressed on the day of installation, specifically regarding landscaping. It is important to highlight that our invoice explicitly states in the "Description of Work" section that Honest ***** is not responsible for landscaping. This clause is standard in our contracts and is intended to clarify the scope of our services.

  Noted as task 3 on the customer's provided invoice, they were provided with a 1-year warranty on this installation, a valuable benefit included in our service package. Had the customer reached out with any concerns during the warranty period, we would have promptly addressed and resolved any issues related to our work at no additional charge. Unfortunately, the customer chose to hire another company for $2,200 instead of utilizing the warranty coverage. While we respect the customers right to select their service provider, this decision prevented us from addressing any issues directly and resolving them under the warranty.

  We always advise customers to review their existing warranties before committing to additional repairs, especially when the work was originally performed by another provider. This practice helps avoid unnecessary costs and ensures that customers receive the full benefit of their warranty coverage.

  At Honest *****, we prioritize clear communication and customer satisfaction. We encourage our customers to contact us with any questions or concerns during the warranty period and beyond. Our goal is to provide high-quality service and ensure that our customers are fully satisfied with our work.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/30/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On 10/17/2023 I called Honest Abe's to come take a look at my furnace as it was blowing air but not hot air. I was assigned an HVAC technician *** *****. Mr ***** was friendly once he greeted me and went to take a look at my furnace. Mr. ***** quickly came to the realization that my furnace and condenser should be replaced because they were 15 years old and just couldn't be fixed. I knew this was a red flag because there was nothing wrong with my condenser. Mr. ***** proceeded to give me 4 different payment options the highest totalling up to $15,877 and the lowest around $12,000. Mr. ***** asked which one I'd like to go with and I told him I'd be getting 2 more bids. His entire demeanor then changed. He used my children against me saying what are you going to do with the cold weather coming and the kids being in the house? He clearly was not happy that I wouldn't agree to an absurd contract right on the spot. Needless to say an hour later I had another HVAC company come and they fixed the issue quickly and for only a $90 service call. Mr ***** is a crook and tried pulling on my strings to sign an atrocious contract to replace something not needing replaced so he could benefit on a bonus in his pocket. HIGHLY AVOID THIS COMPANY AT ALL COST. They practically scammed me out of a $100 service call and attempted to scam me for over $12,000 at the least!

  Business Response

  Date: 10/30/2023

  We have reached out to the customer and refunded his entire service charge and also are paying for the invoice for the other company that he used to get his heating and cooling system running again. We are also taking a proper course with a corrective action for the tech that was on his job.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/16/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had my original HVAC unit go out in 2019 and looked around for best price and value. This company gave me a lower price on a unit so I went with them. HVAC unit was installed in Feb 2019 and all work and equipment was "guaranteed" for 10 years. It promptly failed that year in Sep 2019.
  
  Because "Honest Abe" had, by this time, lost their license to work in Illinois, they pushed back initially on doing any work (I filed a better business bureau complaint at that time, as well) and then Abe finally stepped up to find a subcontractor (as I understand it, a "friend" that was licensed to do the work - **** *********) to check out the unit. Upon inspection, he let me, and Abe, know that this was the "worst install he had ever seen" (his words) and so he went about addressing the issues to get it working.
  
  This year, the unit has failed again - control board on the HVAC is out, and the contractor I have here to look at it tells me it has to be replaced, and actually recommended a full unit replacement because the unit Abe sold me is "junk" (his words) with a long history of maintenance issues and failures. My costs just for board replacement are about $3,000 - replacement will be upwards of another $6,000 to $7,000. Just unacceptable for a unit I just had installed 3-4 years ago.
  
  I have reached out to Abe and his company, now in Osage MO, with no response. This is the same treatment received last time.
  
  The equipment, service, and support paid for is NOT acceptable. I am looking for a full replacement of my HVAC unit with "Honest Abe" paying for this action by a contractor of my choosing, as service and support from Abe and his friends has been sub-par. Full refund of the original price of the unit and install paid to Abe, to include the "Presidential Support" cost for a premier level of service (which is worthless, when they won't even return a call or email).
  
  At this point, "pain and suffering" charges may also be considered, as this sub-par equipment, "worst installation" and lackluster support has impacted me, and the lack of environmental controls and humidity is affecting the wood floors and other structural components in my home.
  
  This business refuses to answer calls, and is not deserving of anything close to an "A" rating in BBB.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2023

   

  Though we do not agree with *****, he received a check from Honest Abes to make this right. He did not allow us to honor the warranty and made plenty of threats to take Honest Abe's to court. We do not prefer customers that don't want to allow us to work with them. So we cut a check he agreed with that was more than fair. Which he accepted. We do have paperwork to prove it. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/27/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Starting April 21st, we had Honest Abe’s do some electrical work for us to the tune of $10,000. This work was done over a 4 or 5 day period which included:
  
  1. Replacing the existing outside electrical meter (which eventually had to be replaced by ****** as the original ‘new meter’ the technician installed was faulty)
  2. Replacing the inside breaker box
  3. Tucking/rerouting all existing outside wiring through our basement store room so the exposed wires could be hidden to give the house better curb appeal
  4. Replace the pole light in the front yard
  
  2 days after the completion of the work, the HVAC unit in our dining room stopped working (we didn’t turn it on right away because it was not warm in the house. At first we thought it was a faulty unit, so our contractor (***** ******) had his Heating & Air guy order a new motherboard. In the meantime we also had Honest Abe’s send out a technician to give a 2nd opinion. The technician agreed with the diagnosis, costing another $49. The new motherboard finally came in and the Worthy Homes heating guy installed it. Still didn’t work. Turns out the outlet that powered the unit was only providing 115 volts and the HVAC needed 230. What happened? The voltage difference fried the unit.
  
  Honest Abe’s comes out to make another sale. Instead of fixing the outlet by diagnosing why the voltage was different, they ran an ugly conduit around the front of my house so that this one outlet would get the proper voltage, even though it was working PRIOR TO the breaker box being replaced! In fact, the Worthy HVAC guy said there was 230v at the breaker, but only 115v at the outlet. Think maybe the ‘tuck job’ screwed something else up? This part cost me $3000! Caveat……….the technician who did the original work no longer works for Honest Abe’s. How convenient!
  
  A letter was sent to Honest Abe's with these invoices asking for payment. Crickets. Thank you for any resolution you can get from these 'people'

  Business Response

  Date: 11/01/2022

  None of the statements made by the consumer is truthful. We did not damage his system. We have explained to the consumer multiple times how electrical works, he is just not wanting to understand that what he claim is impossible.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/05/2022

  ********** ********
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  
  
  They did not explain nor did they check the voltage coming from the outlet prior to cutting it and running the new conduit around the house, but the person who inspected it said it was because 'the wiring was loose'. That's a bogus statement because the unit did work prior to their work being done and if the 'wiring was loose', it would've been because they messed with it. 

  The electrician who worked for my contractor did check the voltage both at the both the breaker box and the outlet. At the box it was 220v but the outlet only provided 110v, which means somewhere in transit (probably under our front porch where the majority of the rewiring was done). Perhaps (Dis)honest Abes should do a ****** search of what happens then a 220v HVAC unit is plugged into a 110v outlet. The common statement I found is 'it will burn up the motor'! This was confirmed by my contractor, **** ******, who is an electrician by trade and actually did the install of the new unit we purchased. 

  I want to increase my claim of expense on this. The $3000 I had to pay for the new conduit is something Abe's should pay.
  
   
  
  **********
  
  *** ********

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/23/2022

  11/23/2022: Mediator sent an email to the consumer regarding mediation. [CR] There has been zero communication from Honest Abe’s on this matter, so it remains unresolved.

  11/28/2022: I will send a report from our contractor stating the workmanship errors that had to be replaced.

  12/16/2022: consumer never sent documentation to support the damage.

  12/19/2022: consumer sent inspection report to support poor workmanship.

   

  Business Response

  Date: 11/28/2022

  11/28/2022: Mediator sent an email to the business regarding mediation.

  12/05/2022: Mediator left a detailed voicemail for the business regarding mediation.

  12/19/2022: Mediator left a voicemail for the business.

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/03/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My daughter and her family were at my lake house (*****************************************************) on Sunday, July 10, 2022, when the toilet overflowed. Instead of calling me, she called Honest Abe's Home services and they came, worked for 5 to 10 minutes, flushed the toilet once, charged $488.66, (I can get a copy of the check if you need it) and left. Shortly later the toilet stopped up again. My daughter then called Honest ***'s back and was told if she wanted the technician to return there would be another $150.00 service charge. She then called me and I called the plumber I always use at the lake. (**** - ************ - *************************** He came and worked for 30 minutes getting the tree roots out of the line from the house to the septic tank and charged $150.00. He then asked who we had before him and when he found out it was Honest ***'s, he said he has followed them around many, many times fixing what they didn't. My wife has called them and left messages but they won't return her calls.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/06/2023

  I have not heard anything from the business. 

  Business Response

  Date: 04/13/2023

  I looked into the complaint.  I sent the consumer a full refund a few days ago. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/22/2023

  full refund has been made by Honest ***'s. case is resolved after almost a year!