Oh, well, then, I am totally confused because they appear to have plenty of customers whom they are thanking by name on Facebook (if it’s the same Manning Builders). Facebook being so private, and all.
I think they sound lazy and like they don’t want the customer to be the involved type.
Which leads one to the obvious question: who would you buy a dead frog from? Are you in the market for dead frogs? I feel like I need to know more…
OP: Yes, it’s a red flag!
It’s not a gross invasion of anyone’s privacy if the contractor asks Client A if they are comfortable being a reference. Client A can say yes, no, and/or apply whatever restrictions they want (terms, means, etc.)
We chose our homebuilder 20 years ago partly b/c we could walk through a home he had under construction. He called the owners and asked if we could walk through it. They said yes, anytime, come on down, we don’t need to be there, etc So … We did. The end. This isn’t a bizarre ask.
Heck, we used an Amish builder for a barn, and not only saw their signs on construction sites all over our area, but we could identify the properties we saw on their website. Plus they offered references as well.
where are you located?
Northern Virginia
What turns up when you Google them? Usually if people are unhappy with the work, they find somewhere to leave a negative review…
There’s one negative review but truthfully I’m not sure it’s actually for their business or for the company they get the buildings from. They are a local supplier for a national chain.
I’m getting other quotes and probably will go with another company. I liked the way the product looked but the lack of reviews or references is concerning.
Are there positive reviews or just the single negative one and a lack of references???
I found that one negative review, and asked about them on Facebook and got one reply saying ‘we used them and they were great’ but the account was weird? Like no photos of people, or even horses. Makes me suspicious
My husband did business for 40 yrs and never advertised, it was all done word of mouth. It cut down the tire kickers 100%. And he didn’t have to spend time trotting lookers thru other jobs or preselling his work. It was usually already sold on that 1st contact.
I would want to see examples of their work that are comparable to what I am expecting them to build for me.
E.g. If I want a horse barn, I want to see other horse barns. If I want a tool shed, I want to see other tool sheds. I want to be able to talk to those owners directly and see if they are satisfied.
If he can’t get you a reference, then I would not entertain his business.
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