We recently purchased a chain-link fence from Lowes. The process has been a nightmare. It has taken 3 deliveries to complete our material list. The Sales Person, Jerry Bowden, was not responsive when the first delivery came with missing items. Nor was he helpful when the second delivery came (which came unapproved while we were not home). The 3rd we found was needed during the install,as there were still items missing. The contractor then placed the order for these items, and installed them 11 days later. Of the items left over from the install, some were estimated more than 20% higher than what was needed (the contract states 10% overage allowed)
Our contract was signed on 04/18/18 with an estimated completion date of 05/30/18. Our initial installation date was 6/15/18. With missing parts and errors from the installer, our installation is still not complete on today 06/24/18.
Onto the installer- Rico Repair & Installation Co 410-726-4600... First, they used a gas powered auger and dug right over-top a spray paint line marking our Comcast service. Our line was completely cut and we waited more than 24 hours for service to be repaired. Second, our installer has not followed the sketches and is more than 3 feet off of the property line in one location (plans call for 12 inches). The property lines are clearly marked and were shown to the installer and Lowes sales person. Third, they have not leveled the top bar of the fence. Visually is looks terrible. Measurements from ground to the top of the line post varies 3 inches from post to post. We are not sure they used a level or tape measure. (we have diagrams to show measurements). It seems the contractor was more worried about rushing to finish in 1 day than having to come back a second day.
After the first day of installation, the contractor claims to have brought 20 bags of concrete of his own. Then his helper chimed in and claimed "only 12". When questioned about the concrete and not telling anyone upfront he brought his own, the contractor then became offended. He then proceeded to verbally attack and yell at my girlfriend. To prevent further altercation we let him take 12 extra bags of concrete. There were also extra bolts and other hardware we believe the contractor has taken without permision. The contractor also suggested that we should go to Lowes ourselves and pick up the missing items for him to complete the job, because it "is not his responsibility". Then stated he had galvanized parts to use and to "just let him spray paint them to finish the job."
After the mishaps with deliveries, we were really hoping to have a smooth process with the installation. It has been even worse... The lack of communication has been alarming. Between Lowes management and our Installation rep Michael McDonald no one has given a definitive answer as to when our fence will be fixed according to the drawings. After raising concerns of the installation to Michael we have not heard from him for over 7 days. Dale Curtis, Local Salisbury MD Lowes Assistant Manager has also been less than cooperative. After Dale gave an inspection of our installation, 06/21/18, there was no definitive answer or date for the contractor to come and fix the issues at hand. Since then there has been one conversation with Dale where he claims to be waiting for management.
I'm posting this to raise awareness of the carelessness Lowes Installation Services shows it's customers. I would also like to bring attention to the contractors they hire. If you are looking for a fence or fence installation make sure to do your diligence and read the reviews. Wish I had... read more