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:01/11/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  Meet with Ben at Reliable Fence and Rail on 11-8-2023 and took a look at the job to repair and fix my gate, he quoted me $500 to repair it. I told him lets do it and he wrote up a contract and told me he would be out the next week to start and he required $250 deposit to pay for materials. I paid him the $250 and he never showed up again and gave excuse after excuse why he did not come. I asked for my money back through text message because he would never pickup his phone. He told me on 12/11/2023 he would contact me when he is done working to drop the deposit off. Ben never called and texted him again on 12/13/2023 and 12/28/2023 with no response.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/21/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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 5-31-23, I paid $1,800, as a down payment to Ben at Reliable Fence & Rail, to start construction of a small pool deck. Ben was scheduled to begin on Aug 10th, but it came and went. After this there were lots of excuses and postponements. On Aug 24th, I said let's cancel this project and return my down payment. On September 24th, I restated that I wanted the project cancelled and my down payment returned. Between 8/24 and 9/24, he called me once and he said that the bad storm in the area had put him back. An e-mail from Oct 9th stated "he would be out the second week of next month". On Nov 16th, I had not heard from Ben, so I sent an e-mail cancelling the project and asking him to refund my down payment. I asked again on Nov 26th and Nov 27th. On Dec 1st he replied stating he was out of town and would return next week. I said that the week of Dec 11th is OK. I called on Dec 12, but nothing. On Dec 14 AM, he e-mails and says he is still out of town. On Dec 14 PM, I checked your BBB Website and found a number of complaints and copied them into an e-mail and sent them to Ben. He has not replied or answered my phone calls since.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/05/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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 contracted with Reliable Fence & Rail in June, 2023 for the installation of a fence. I signed a contract and company owner Ben H****** required a 50% deposit to be added to his work calendar. I paid the deposit via a square up link he provided to me. The job was supposed to begin in August and then delayed until September. When the job did not begin, I began contacting Mr. H****** regularly asking for updates. Initially, he came up with a variety of excuses. Then he just completely ghosted me. While looking on my Neighborhood Nextdoor app, I discovered that this is a repeated pattern of behavior with many people in my community. He takes a 50% deposit, delays the job, makes up excuses and then ultimately ghosts you. This is fraud, plain and simple. Ben H****** is a crook. He has the mother of his children, ******* *****, create favorable online reviews for him so she may be involved in this scam as well.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/28/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  Signed a contract with Reliable Fence to remove our old fence and replace with new wooden fence. We paid them half the total estimate amount ($4,341.50) in July 2023. We were told that the posts we wanted were on back order, and the job wouldn’t be completed until September/October. We last heard from the company on October 9, 2023. We were told that the supplies needed were being picked up soon. Since that time we have not heard back from the company. When we call, the voicemail says that their inbox is full, so we can’t leave a message. They also do not respond to text messages. We also posted a message on their website, but got no response.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/22/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  Entered by BBB staff LO Consumer contracted with Benjamin H****** of the Reliable Fence and Rail Company on 7/27/23 for removal some old fencing and to add some new sections of 6 ft board on board wood fencing. Consumer was given a quote of $4700 for the total job and paid $2350 as a deposit. Consumer was told he would start the second week of October. Business reached out at the beginning of October and advised the consumer he was behind due to weather and labor issues and he could not find experienced reliable people. He told the consumer that he was finishing up a job and he was next on the list. After that time, he gave the consumer numerous dates when he would start work. He did not start and would not respond for a day or two to consumers texts. Ben told the consumer he had called the Building Department for the City of University Heights to apply to become a registered contractor and obtain the permit and was waiting for them to call him back. Consumer found the forms he needed on the city website and sent them to him to assist him in the process. He told the consumer he had applied. Consumer called the city and they had no record of the contractor. Ben continued to tell the consumer he was getting the paperwork in order and would give him start dates. Consumer asked for their deposit back around 2 to 3 weeks ago. Consumer was told that would not be a problem and that he would get a certified bank check. He told consumer he would bring him the check several times but has not come. Consumer has asked numerous times and he has not delivered the check.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/20/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  July 21, 2023 I contracted Reliable Fence and Rail Co. to fix a chain fence and gate on the back of my property. I paid by check up front because he was coming out the following day . As of this date he hasn't shown up to do the job despite repeatedly telling me he would and that he was sick. I have been patient on all his rescheduling attempts, and ultimately asked for a refund at the beginning of October and have not gotten the refund A week went by and I contacted him agai and he assured me he intended to pay but forgot and he will mail it. That was on which was October 8th and still no check. Since then I have tried to contact but am getting to call backs or text. Aside from the money this has been very stressful.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/04/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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 am requesting $290 deposit for services not rendered. On 7/7/23 Benjamin H****** came and gave me estimate to paint and repair back railing of home. We agreed on price and he requested 1/2 down for deposit. Gave him check #**** which was cashed immediately via his phone. He informed me that his schedule was backed up d/t spring rain and ability to find help and would check schedule and get back. Gave me date of 9/4/23 (2 months later). In September I began calling/texting Benjamin consistently for update. 1st week of sept claimed he had covid. I asked for full refund of deposit and he said I would have it by end of week (9/8/23). Have texted multiple times, but still don't have my money. Still claiming he has Covid. Poor communication. Bottom line no work has been done and requested refund

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/04/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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 8/21/2023 $643.50 was paid to Reliable Fence & Rail Company for repairs to consist of replacing three fence posts and securing two panel sections of fence. The check was cashed on 8/22/2023. Work was scheduled to begin on 9/27/2023. I confirmed the appointment on 9/26/23 and was told the company would start repair in the afternoon on 9/27/23 after they completed another job. In the evening on 9/27 the company had not arrived. I texted to find out what time I could expect them to arrive and the owner stated that "the day got away from him", but he would arrive the next day (9/28) around noon. On 9/28 around 3pm I called because the company had not arrived. I received a text stating "due to weather they could not make it. We will definitely be there tomorrow." On 9/29 I received a text in the morning stating " currently having vehicle issues. But all materials are in my van ready to go for your job. I should have this taken care of and be over there soon". The company did not arrive on Friday 9/29. On Monday, 10/2 I texted and left a voicemail to ask the owner to speak with me regarding when they would start fence repair. I did not receive a response. On 10/3 I called twice, and got an automated message stating the voicemail box was full. I texted to follow up and stated that I needed to hear back by 7pm regarding an appointment to complete the fence repair. I did not receive a response.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/18/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  March 29, 2023 I contracted Reliable Fence and Rail Co. to replace and install wood fence and gate on one side of my property. I was satisfied with the work. But a couple of months later some of the hardware on the gate started to loosen. I contacted Ben Hammond about this but he just kept saying that he would come. He never came and one side of the gate finally fell off. I notified him of that and he blamed the weather which I can understand but now he keeps saying he coming but never does. There is a four year warranty for this work and I just want the gate fixed. Any help that you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Last week he said he would get it done 100% and I have not heard from him.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/25/2023

  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.

  Contractor has started digging holes for a new vinyl fence, which was started over 2 weeks ago, and hasn't shown up to finish the job despite repeatedly telling me he would. I paid a deposit of 3250.00 promptly and have acted in good faith, but the contractor keeps making excuses to postpone the remaining work after repeatedly assuring me he would be here to finish the job. This is making me very nervous.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/18/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

  Contractor has resumed work and satisfactory progress has been made for now.

  
  

  
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****