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Local homeowners have complained to Better Business Bureau® Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB®) about a Wickliffe fencing contractor. Reliable Fence and Rail has failed to respond to several complaints concerning delays in providing agreed-upon services, honoring warranties, providing promised refunds, and failing to begin projects after taking deposits.
Recently, a man from University Heights told BBB about his experience. The consumer contacted Benjamin Hammond of Reliable Fence and Rail in July. The consumer requested the addition of new sections to his existing fence and the removal of old materials. The consumer was provided a quote of $4,700 for the job and paid half down ($2,350). Work was supposed to have begun in October, but Hammond advised the consumer that he was behind schedule due to weather and staffing issues. After several weeks of canceled start dates, Hammond told the consumer that he was awaiting a permit from University Heights. The consumer called the city and had no record of the contractor or an application. After this, the consumer requested a refund of his deposit and contacted BBB. The consumer still has not received their money, and Reliable Fence has not responded to this and other recent BBB complaints.
Reliable Fence and Rail has an “F” rating with BBB due in part to a failure to respond to complaints and the number of complaints. According to Ohio Secretary of State records, Benjamin Hammond established Reliable Fence and Rail on January 30, 2023. On November 27, 2023, BBB submitted a written request to the company, encouraging them to address the pattern of complaints. The business has not responded to that and other BBB communications. BBB advises consumers to contact the Ohio Attorney General and file a complaint.
According to the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts, Benjamin Hammond is facing felony Theft and Aggravated Theft charges.
To avoid losing deposits on contracted home improvements, BBB recommends the following tips:
- Research companies before deciding - Ask for references from past customers and check out the company’s business profile at BBB.org. Request a physical company address, contact information, and names of managerial staff.
- Pay by credit when possible - Cash payment is the preferred option used by unscrupulous contractors. Use a payment method such as a credit card, which provides recourse if a project goes sideways.
- Get contracts and receipts - Keep a written record of quotes and payments in case these are disputed in the future, or the company tries to renegotiate prices after work has started.
- Check licensing and local laws - Many cities require a solicitor’s permit if a contractor solicits work door-to-door. Check with your local police department to see if the company is registered. Other municipalities may require contractors working in the city to register with a zoning department first. Check local laws, licensing, and permit requirements.
Consumers can file a complaint at BBB.org/Complaint. If individuals have spotted a scam (whether or not they’ve lost money), they can report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.