Is this a big red flag for you?
Barn builder doesn’t have any customers that I can talk to or see their previous work. They say they won’t give out any info for ‘privacy reasons’.
They are offering photos, that’s it.
I’ve always been told to go talk to previous customers to see what the quality and construction time is like.
Is this as big of a red flag for you all as it is for me?
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If it is legit for privacy reasons no its not a red flag. We have actual laws about that in Ontario. Do they have a website? Can you post on a local FB group asking for reviews?
It’s true they can’t legally give out client info unless that client has given permission.
See if there’s a FB equestrian group for your local-ish area, and see if anyone has used them or heard any stories
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Yeah, of course they shouldn’t give out previous clients’ info without permission, but I agree it’s kind of odd to have zero references to provide, even after you specifically asked. I have had no problem authorizing people whose work I liked to give my number to a potential customer or two (no one has ever actually called me though!). And I have asked for references and been given them. I guess either they don’t inspire loyalty, or they have enough business that they don’t need any testimonials.
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I would walk away.
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Yes, it’s a huge RED FLAG. Bet this guy didn’t satisfy any previous customers and therefore can’t request any testimonials. If he had previous customers and left on bad terms, what does this tell you?
Every legitimate, quality builder I’ve dealt with provides several past clients and examples of his work.
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I would be seeking these customers out on your own, not asking the company to provide their details. That’s a gross invasion of privacy. If you’re that worried, as on social media about them!
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Yeah, even the local yocal pole barn builders were able to provide me with references (granted some were for structures intended for non horse purposes).
The Morton rep was able to provide references in my county of equestrian barns.
The metal building guy ditto above (not needed though as my folks have multiple buildings through him lol)
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? Are you in the US? Here, even trades folks (plumbers, electricians, fencers) usually have several clients that are willing to provide references… I suppose it’s possible that is regional culture though.
I am in the Southeastern US. Here, a company not being able to provide references would be a major red flag
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Yes, I am based in the US. We just had a metal roof put on our home. We looked for past clients and reviews on our own. We didn’t ask the company to divulge previous clients’ information. Providing references is vastly different, than asking the company to give you private information of past clients.
Can you post in your local horse facebook group asking if anyone used this contractor?
Yeah I know they can’t really just give out peoples contact info but in the past the construction companies I have worked with had testimonials and clients who might receive a slight discount in return for perspective clients calling them.
I’m going to ask about them on the barn building group I’m apart of and see what everyone says. If anyone knows the company, it’s Manning Buildings
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You can look them up with the BBB too. If they have been in business a long time I would think with some digging you can find out through social media how reliable( or not) they may be.
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Here, a reference would include the previous client’s contact information and a summary of the work done… I read the OP as that is what OP is asking for? Perhaps I misread. IME a reference is someone that is willing to have their contact info and summary of work done shared with prospective clients
ETA the word shared
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That’s been my experience as well. As a client. As an office manager in a construction company. As an informed family member of a construction business owner (two businesses belonging to two different family members actually).
I would not use a company that could not provide a reference. In my area, it’s such a common practice that the lack of any references would be a major red flag. YMMV. Regional practices may differ. Etc etc
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No way. HUGE red flag. Not only did our builder SEND us to multiple other barns he’d built, but those people all raved about him. And that was our experience. Raving fans. Then, once our barn was done he had multiple people visit our barn.
I cannot imagine…on such a large, expensive project not having a builder SUGGEST you go visit and see their work elsewhere.
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it would be a no for me for sure. Almost creepy—just find someone who does have references.
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When in doubt, don’t.
There’s enough doubt already built in from your question. Find another builder…
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YES ! Turn back Dorothy !
I would not purchase a dead frog from this company !
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Never heard of this. Any good builder has references from clients they’ve gotten permission from. I just had a call from a potential client who was sent my way from a builder and wanted to look at my arena.
