ComplaintsforNJH Hardscapes LLC

• Initial Complaint

  01/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  ******** ** ***** Gave us an estimate of sixty eight thousand dollars for putting in a pond. He requested thirty four hundred dollars up front to start the project. He has been stalling and stalling.

• Initial Complaint

  01/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  BBB unable to locate business

  More info

  The services contracted were for a retaining wall that was to be built in the back yard of my property. In March, when the first deposit was submitted, I was given a timeframe of June – July. In late June, I reached out to see where things were at, and I was given a date of July 12th of a start date. On July 12th, I reached out to NJH around 9am to see when they'd be here. He acted confused and said they weren't coming that day. We argued about the no call - no show and he gave me another date of July 26th. I requested that if they didn't come on that day, that I be refunded all my deposits. He refused. July 26 came, another no call – no show, only for me to receive an email from HJN at 9:35pm stating they are delayed a few days. Two weeks later I hadn't heard anything, so I reached out by text on 8/10. He did not return my text. On 8/11 I called; he didn't answer. On 8/11 I messaged him that we needed to talk, and he would not call. He stated that he told me he'd start in July or August, which isn't true. In reply I pointed out that in the same text conversation he stated June or July, back on 3/9. He did not respond after that. He later informed me to dispute the charges with the credit card company I'd made the deposits with as he'd spent all of the money and said that a refund isn't an option.

• Initial Complaint

  12/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  On August 8, 23, I hired NJH Hardscapes LLC/ ******** ***** to pour concrete under the patio, pour concrete in the garage. He requested 50% deposit of $6,800.00 for both projects and the rest of the money at the completion of both projects. He promised to start the work in October. I sent him $3,400.00 via ******. We contacted him again on Aug 22 for a pergola project. He came on Aug 23, we agreed on $500.00 extra to add to the original estimate. On Sept 20, he emailed me and said he was getting materials ready and paid for but he was $900 short, and his ****** had some fraud on it. He requested I send him $900 via ***** (his personal account). We never heard from him after that, then on Oct 12, my wife tried to contact him several times before he responded and asked for a start date which he never gave one. Oct 18, I emailed him again asked for start and completion date and gave him a choice, if he can't come do the work he can refund our money. Mr. ***** replied he would be able to start on Oct 30, he will give us 4-5 days notice prior to coming. Never heard from him until I emailed him on Nov 7, I gave him options of provide a date and start working by the end of Nov or refund the combined $4,300 and if he has receipts that show materials purchased, I'd gladly accept the materials and the remaining balance. On Nov 8, he replied, he will be at the house at the end of Nov. We also sent him a registered mail with copied of Nov 7 email (The **** tired 3 times to deliver the mail and was unclaimed by him). Nov 9, we asked him for the exact start date since the weather is going to be nice for the first two weeks in November. No response from him. Until Nov 22, he said the weather is below freezing, if we want work done we"ll have to wait till spring of 2024 or we have to dispute with ****** to get the money back and he'll return $900 whenever he has it. We contact ****** and they tried to contact him but without success. Now it's Dec 20, no work, no refund.

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  **** ***** of NJH Hardscapes collected a $13,000 deposit from us during the summer for a patio project. This project was never started due to some changes we sought to make. In the meantime, a curtain drain was to be installed next to our retaining wall utilizing some of the deposit money to pay for that project. This project has never been started, with many, many excuses made for workers not showing up (equipment failures, kids sick, workers unavailable, etc). Little to no communication was provided for each no show until we inquired as to the status of the project. Two weeks ago, I asked for a refund, but **** asked if we would reconsider, as he himself would finish the job the following week. This did not happen. He never showed up and never communicated as to why. At this point, we seek a full refund but the owner, **** *****, is unresponsive thus far.

• Initial Complaint

  11/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  I am writing to bring to your attention an issue regarding uncompleted landscape work. On September 20, 2023, I entered into an agreement with a contractor to install a retaining wall. I paid a downpayment of $1500, which is 50% of the total cost of the job, and was told that the work would be completed within 2 and a half weeks. However, it is now mid-November, and the contractor has continuously postponed the job. Despite my efforts to communicate and follow up, the work remains unfinished. I have text messages and documents that support my claims. I kindly request your assistance in resolving this matter. I believe that the contractor has not fulfilled their obligations, and I would appreciate any help in ensuring that the work is completed or receiving a refund for the downpayment.

  Business response

  11/21/2023

  We apologize for the delays.  We lost all of our employees and have no choice but to close the doors. Will contact the customer about a refund asap.  

  Customer response

  11/22/2023

  
  I finally received a response after informing him of my need for a refund and my intention to pursue legal action. He stated that he is unable to provide a refund and would prefer to complete the work himself and requested to reschedule the date. We both agreed to reschedule the date, and we made it clear that if he doesn't follow through this time, I'll definitely be asking for a refund again. Regrettably, I took a day off from work, anticipating his arrival at my property, but he once again failed to show up. As a result, I have taken further legal action to address this matter.
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  I sent a ******** message to NJH Hardscapes on 12/5/22 inquiring about a deck and stamped concrete patio. The owner, **** ***** came to my house the next day to discuss the details. He agreed to the work and emailed an estimate (see attached). As requested, I paid him the 1st 25% in cash (I rounded up to $3900) on 12/13/22. On 3/29/23 I got a message from **** asking if the project could start sooner (in 2-4 weeks)- was originally told May. I agreed to this and he asked for the 2nd payment of 25%. He came the next day and I paid him $3900 cash. On 5/19 he still had not shown. I messaged him asking if he had any experience stamping concrete and for the 2nd receipt (again). On 5/31 my husband messaged him asking when he would start. He said he was having "staffing issues" but could start 6/6 or 6/7. My husband asked **** to call him to confirm he does stamped concrete. They spoke on the phone on 6/2. **** said his friend would be doing the concrete work and he would be in contact in the next couple of days with a start date. On 6/7 **** said he was finishing up a job and would start on 6/9 or 6/10. On 6/10 **** messaged my husband saying he was "reffing kids soccer game he got roped into" and would come 6/12. My husband replied asking for the money back. He said down payments are non-refundable. He did not show on 6/12. I messaged him saying we would like the job done or our money back. He apologized and said he would be happy to take money off in the end for being late and said, "I promise I'm not shady or scamming you. I'm just behind schedule." **** messaged my husband on 6/19 saying a crew would be at our house on 7/6. He did not show on 7/6. On 7/18 I messaged him asking for a realistic start date. He responded "Aug 1." Our last communication was 7/18 when I asked why our project was being pushed out so far when he told us he would start in April. His excuse was rain. He did not show up on August 1st as promised. At this point, we would just like our money back.

  Business response

  11/21/2023

  We apologize for all the issues here.  We have been forced to close the doors.  Will be in contact with the customer asap to resolve this.

  Customer response

  11/26/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  **** contacted me about wanting to resolve the issue but the only way is to refund our money as he did not perform any work for us and strung us along for months telling us lie after lie. He has no plan for paying us back and we will not be satisfied until we have our money back!

• Initial Complaint

  09/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  In October of 2022, we began searching for a local business to complete two outdoor projects at our home. We were in need of a concrete front porch and walkway poured and new front posts/support beam installed to support the roof structure. The second project we requested was installation of a custom pergola over our patio in our backyard. We located NJH Hardscapes, Nicholas J. Hamby on Facebook. We contacted the owner of NJH Hardscapes and he met us at our home on October 24, 2022 to review the job. On October 25, 2022 he emailed two documents (attached) outlining work to be performed, total cost of projects, and a payment timeline. We agreed on a total of $8200 for both projects. He requested 25% down to schedule and cover cost of materials, 25% due one week prior to starting project and 50% due on completion of project. On November 3, 2022 we agreed to move forward with the project and I paid NJH Hardscapes, Nicholas J. Hamby, $2050.00 via check to be scheduled in 2023 and pay for material ordering. On April 6, 2023 I received an email and text message stating the following from NJH Hardscapes, Nicholas J. Hamby. “We’re just a few weeks from starting your job.  Next payment is now due.” On April 6, 2023 I provided NJH Hardscapes, Nicholas J. Hamby a check for $2050.00. According to the agreement, work should have begun one week from the second payment of 25%. (April 14, 2023). After receiving the second payment, he stated via text he would come by "next week" to review the project. He did not show. Additional meetings were arranged in April, May, June, July and September. NJH did not show. The final "no show" was 9/12/23. Following that attempt I emailed a formal request for a full refund by 9/19/23 for unfilled services/not meeting the agreed upon timeline. As of today, NJH Hardscapes has not responded nor have we received a refund as requested. NJH Hardscapes never provided an install date. Supplies for the project were never delivered to our home.

  Business response

  09/29/2023

  There were never any “no shows”.  I contacted the customer each time I was not able to make it to their house.  I did not hear from them for months at a time about setting up another day, until recently.  I will reach out to the customer to see about getting their money back.

  Customer response

  09/29/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  On April 6, 2023 I received an email and text message stating the following from NJH Hardscapes, Nicholas J. Hamby. “I hope all is well with you guys!  We’re just a few weeks from starting your job.  Next payment is now due”  On April 6, 2023 I provided NJH Hardscapes, Nicholas J. Hamby a check for $2050.00. 
  
  According to his estimate and invoice, work should begin one week from the second payment of 25%. (April 14, 2023). Via text message, he stated he would come by next week to review the project with us. Never came over.
  
  There were never any “no shows”.
  My Response: We can call them multiple cancellations. 
  On April 15, 2023 he stated, “I will text you on Monday” (April 17, 2023). 
  On April 17, 2023 he stated, “I’m not going to be able to be available today. I’m in the ER with my wife having kidney issues. Later this week will be better”
  He never contacted us or followed up.
  On May 17, 2023 we emailed NJH Hardscapes requesting when work will begin.
  On May 22, 2023 NJH Hardscapes replied, “Hey there!  Sorry for the late reply.  Wrapping up a couple projects in Peoria this week then you’ll be shortly after that.  Can we meet later this week to go over things again?” We replied immediately and stated we would be home the entire day on May 26, 2023. He agreed to come over on May 26, 2023 at 9:30am.
  On May 26, 2023 we emailed NJH Hardscapes a reminder at 9:25am, “We are home to discuss front yard entry work. Let me know if you still plan on stopping by this morning.” NJH Hardscapes replied, “What’s your weekend or Monday look like? I completely forgot my kids are out at 9:30 for last day of school today. We asked if he could come over May 29, 2023 at 9:00am. He agreed and stated “Yes I’ll be there!  Thanks for being flexible!!” 
  On May 29, 2023, NJH Hardscapes did not show up to our home, call, email or text. 
  On July 17, 2023 I sent a message to NJH Hardscapes requesting a date when work will begin. 
  On July 18, 2023 NJH Hardscapes replied, Hey there! We still need to meet to go over everything again. Sorry it’s been a while…been backed up with rain a bit.” I let him know that I am home all week and available. NJH Hardscapes replied, “I will be in touch in a day or two.” 
  I did not receive an email, text or phone call from NJH Hardscapes until September 6, 2023.
  On September 5, 2023 I sent the following email to NJH Hardscapes, “I am checking in to find out an install date for our front porch and pergola. We paid $2050.00 on April 6th with the expectation of work starting the beginning of May. Please let me know a start date.”
  NJH Hardscapes replied, “Hey there.  Matt mentioned you guys wanted to go over everything again.  Does next Tuesday work for you guys to meet to go over it all again?”
  I let NJH Hardscapes aware that I will available anytime on September 12, 2023. NJH Hardscapes agreed that we would meet on September 12, 2023 at noon. 
  On September 12, 2023 I sent an email to NJH Hardscapes to remind him of our meeting at noon. “We are home today to go over the project for the porch and backyard. Please let me know when you are on your way.”
  At 10:34am on September 12, 2023 I received the following email from NJH Hardscapes, “I had to get a kid from school.  Sore throat and headache.  Can we do Thursday?”
  On September 12, 11:30am we sent an email to NJH Hardscapes requesting our money to be refunded by September 19, 2023. He replied “I’d really like to knock this out and I can be there this afternoon.”
  Again, we emailed NJH Hardscapes requesting our refund. We did not get a response from NJH Hardscapes and we have not received any money back from Nicholas J. Hamby.
  
  I did not hear from them for months at a time about setting up another day, until recently. 
  My Response: Please see above message traffic. According to the two estimates and invoice, once the second payment of 25% is paid then work will begin in one week. According to the email you sent requesting the second 25% payment of $2050.00, you stated a few weeks. We sent an email on May 17th, 2023 (40 days after I paid $2050.00): Wondering where we’re at on your calendar?  Any update? NJH Hardscapes reply: “Hey there!  Sorry for the late reply.  Wrapping up a couple projects in Peoria this week then you’ll be shortly after that.  Can we meet later this week to go over things again?” 
  I did not hear from them for months at a time about setting up another day, until recently. My Response: Look at the emails above. We made multiple attempts. According to the two estimates and invoice, once the second payment of 25% is paid then work will begin in one week. According to the email you sent requesting the second 25% payment of $2050.00, you stated a few weeks. We sent an email on May 17th, 2023 (40 days after I paid $2050.00): Wondering where we’re at on your calendar? Any update? NJH Hardscapes reply: “Hey there!  Sorry for the late reply.  Wrapping up a couple projects in Peoria this week then you’ll be shortly after that. Can we meet later this week to go over things again?” I paid NJH Hardscapes money to start a job on their terms that they put into the estimate and invoice.  They failed to perform the work that they agreed upon and follow the timeline that they created. We made multiple attempts just to meet 5 minutes with NJH Hardscapes to go over the project and agree on a start date and they never showed up. I am requesting a full refund of $4100.00 for unfulfilled services.
  
  

  Customer response

  10/11/2023

  Update: NJH Hardscapes replied to my original BBB complaint (posted 9/28/23) on 9/29/23 and stated that he would see about getting the customer their money back. He has not emailed, sent a text or phoned since that time. On 10/10/23 I sent an email to NJH Hardscapes requesting a refund of $4100.00 with a date of 10/16/23 (see attachment). NJH Hardscapes immediately replied stating that I can call him on 10/11/23 via phone and discuss payment options because he does not have all of the money to return. I replied to NJH Hardscapes and requested we communicate through email while discussing date/time and conditions of returning our money (see attachment). I informed him that we have never communicated through phone calls and I would not communicate in this way when discussing the return of our money. There has been no reply from NJH Hardscapes via email with a plan to return our money.

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  Spoke with ******* ********* of NJH hardscapes LLC back in Jan. 2023 about a patio to be constructed next to my house. ******* came out and gave me a total of $7100 for my job. I said great lets do it and he stated he needed half,$3550, up front for scheduling, in June, and materials. i gave it to him on Jan 30, 2023, which come to find out he cashed it that same day. June came and didn't hear anything fro him so i contacted him. he said behind with rain. Even though Illinois had the driest summer where it only rained 2 days in 2 months. he said 2 weeks behind, i said OK and waited. Then came July, still didn't hear anything from him so i contacted him and he said weather issues. Just another excuse, so i told him i want my deposit back. ******* said he don't do refunds, when nothing was stated about that or in writing. I have a written statement that says work WILL begin in early June. Well, its the end of Sept. and still nothing has been done and im still out $3550.00 as he stated he wont give it back. i don't want him to do the work and i want my money back. He will say oh it was for materials, well where are you holding the materials as the address is a home address and not a business. So is everything in your back yard. I have all text messages saved and the last response i got was that he doesn't have start date for me and wont until he decides. I want my money back!

  Business response

  10/01/2023

  Shortage in staffing caused us to run very behind.  I’m still offering to do the work at a discount due to being late.  Customer won’t allow me to.  I will contact the customer about a refund this week

  Customer response

  10/04/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  These are just words on paper. If I was actually going to get my refund back, I would of already got it back when I requested it multiple times already. It doesn't take but a quick minute to message me and say, "hey I got your refund when can we meet." This is the end of day 3 of my 5 days to respond to this statement and do you think I've been contacted. NO, I have not. Let me be clear, I want my money back, but I am rejecting this statement and will continue to reject what else is said until I recieve cash in hand or a check clears my bank.

• Initial Complaint

  09/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  Basically, my experience with Mr. ***** was similar to the gentleman who filed a complaint on 8/15. I received Mr. ******* estimate on 9/18/22 and sent him a deposit soon after receiving it. I can't comment on the quality of his work because he never performed any services for me. I have attached a copy of the orginal estimate. Notice that the estimate says the deposit was for scheduling not to purchase materials. He was very attentive until he got the deposit. After that he responded slowly or not at all to calls and texts. He always had an excuse. I read in one of the complaints on your website that at one point Mr. ***** said his child was sick. In my case, his wife was in the hospital. At that point, after he did not contact me for a number of days I found someone else to do the work and requested my deposit back. I have attached a copy of Mr. ******* original estimate and a summary of a very long text message thread. (I usually contacted via text so I would have a copy of our conversations.) I have the original thread on my iphone buy it is not possible to print it from the phone. I can forward the original text messages to another phone if anyone wants to verify anything that I said in the summary. At the end of the day, I paid Mr. ***** a $2000.00 deposit for work that he never performed. Nothing was ever said about the deposit being nonrefundable or that it would be used to purchase materials. The first time anything was said about either of those things was when I asked for my deposit back. Again, I can't comment on the quality of Mr. ******* work but I would not recommend giving him any money until he has completed the job. In my case, if anyone asks, I would say that he is a scammer and a thief. I simply want my $2000.00 deposit back.

  Business response

  09/18/2023

  Mr. ***** hired me to repair a deck and some other various things at his property.  He was also having another company repair his roof.  We agreed that I should wait until the roofing company Was finished before I start.  After waiting several months, it got too cold to perform the work last year, so we agreed to wait until spring.  Spring hits and Mr. ***** cancels his project.  I was ready to perform the work last year, but was held up by other contractors.  I patiently waited for his other contractors, but he didn’t patiently wait for the weather to clear off this past spring.  

  Customer response

  09/19/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  As was included in the email thread that I attached to my complaint:

  9/19/22.  ***** sent invoice.  Price for project $4000.  $2000 due for scheduling.  No mention that deposit would be used to buy wood or that it was not refundable.  Paid by credit card.

  10/31.  Texted ***** that the roofers had completed their work. He responded that it would be "a week or two before I can be there."

  11/30.  No communication from ***** for 30 days.  I texted him and said it was probably too late to do the work and to please return my deposit.  ***** texted back that he had purchase wood with my deposit.  I agreed to let him keep the deposit as long as he would make me one of his first jobs in the spring.  He agreed.

  3/14/23.  Texted him to get work scheduled.

  3/16.  No response.  I texted him again.  He responded "so sorry" my text "fell off" his radar but he was thinking mid April.

  4/12.  No communications.  I texted him that I was in Florida until the 25th.  He responded that he "should be good" when I got back.

  4/28.  No communications.  I texted asking when we could get on the schedule and asking him to call.

  5/1.  No response.  I texted again asking him to call.  He did not call.  He texted back that his wife had been in the hospital for the last couple of days but that he would contact me later that evening or the next day.

  5/5.  Still no response.  I texted him that since he had not responded that I had found someone else to do the work and to please return my deposit.  He texted back "wow.  Ok I'll get it back asap.  Sorry for the inconvenience."

  6/22.  No communications.  Texted him that I was still waiting for my deposit and that I would be glad to come and get it.

  6/23.  He replied "I have been slammed busy and have not had a chance to look into returning your material.  Typically deposits are not refundable.  But I will get back to you as soon as I have time to look into material return."

  No further communications.

  If ***** refutes this response I have the original text thread and estimate and can forward them to anyone who would like to see them.

  To sum it up, ***** received a $2000 deposit on a $4000 job "FOR SCHEDULING."  His words.  No mention of buying materials or that the deposit was not refundable.

  I was never able to actually schedule the work because I could not get a firm date from ***** and he consistently did not respond to my messages in a timely fashion or at all.

  No work was performed and no materials were ever delivered.  ($600 of the $4000 total was to stain the deck and I was supplying the stain.)

  The weather had "cleared" long before 5/5 when I notified him that I had found another contractor to perform the work.

  Again, According to the estimate, the deposit was for scheduling but I never could actually schedule the work.

  No work was performed and no materials were delivered.

  I want my $2000 deposit back.

  If this does not happen, my only recourse is to file a police report and start the legal process.

   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  08/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  During the spring of 2022 my wife and I were looking for someone to do some landscaping for our house. A neighbor recommend ******** ***** the owner of NJH Hardscapes LLC. Everything started out fine when he first came over and gave us the estimate. He was friendly and gave us an estimate of $5800.00 to do our landscaping during the first part of August of 2022. The work to be done was to install approximately 200 feet of brick edging with mortar along a bed of bushes, around a playground area, and around a trampoline area. He was to install a thirty-five feet long retaining wall on the low side of trampoline area and fill the area with fill as needed. He was to top the south bed and trampoline area with river rock and top the playground area with rubber mulch. Any left-over river rock would be used to top a small area by an Ameren pole. We decided to go with him. He said he would need half ($2900.00) the total price for scheduling and material ordering and the rest would be due when he finished. We gave him the check for the $2900.00 on June 21, 2022. He cashed the check two days later on June 23, 2022. After he got our check, **** did not get any work done no matter how many times I texted him or tried to call him. Something always seemed to keep him from doing the work. I have all the dates and messages saved for this peoriod. Finally, May 26, 2023, one month shy of a year since we paid him and he cashed the check, I asked for my deposit back since no work was ever done. He said he would get it back to me as soon as he could. I kept texting him for my refund but he said he was waiting on the refund for the materials he had gotten. This was on June 12th and June 15th. I kept checking with him and he kept giving me the same excuse that he was waiting on the refund for the materials. It has been over two and a half months with no refund. **** helped himself to $2900.00 and never did any work. I can provide a bank statement for the cashed check.

  Business response

  08/21/2023

  I told the customer I would refund the money as soon as I had it.  I purchased material with that money, then he canceled.  I’m stuck with material that I can’t return.  I’ll get the money back to the customer asap

  Customer response

  09/05/2023

  On May 26, 2023 the Contractor said he will pay me back, but it has been over 3 months with no refund. On Monday August 21 he said he would get me some of my money. He said we he could pay me in smaller payments he has yet to return any of the refund. He kept forgetting he was going to refund me or did not have time. I still have not received any refund. 

  Business response

  09/07/2023

  I will provide part of refund by Monday 

  Customer response

  09/12/2023

   I am rejecting this response because: It is passed the time **** the owner stated and still has not returned any refund at all.
  

*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. ↩