Better Business Bureau of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, Inc. warns Texas consumers of the business practices of CountryWide Barns and Buildings, owned and operated by Chris White – 800-615-9720, www.countrywidebarns.com.
Consumers allege the company took thousands of dollars in upfront deposits and never returned to complete the contracted work. According to the company’s website they claim to be “a top general contractor that travels the country building quality, custom, all wood frame projects” that services the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Located at 2010 Highway E, Pleasant View, TN 37146 complaints for CountryWide Barns and Buildings are handled by BBB Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky (www.bbb.org/nashville, 615-242-4222).
BBB has received numerous consumer complaints valuing over $175,000 regarding contracts to build barns for which the company indicated would begin in 6-8weeks. Complaints indicate the company started the building process; however, the company has yet to return to finish the job leaving customers waiting months without any building action. Customers further allege difficulty reaching business management to resolve concerns. Consumers who hired CountryWide Barns and Buildings said the company asked customers to pay large upfront deposits ranging anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000, but after receiving payment, the company failed to complete the job.
One complaint stated, “We had an agreement for CountryWide to build a barn. My first down payment was in April to get started, $13,000, and then when material was delivered which was June 9, I wrote a check for $39,000. They were supposed to start after that, it is now November 16, they have not started.”
BBB has attempted to reach the company for immediate resolutions to the complaints; however, BBB’s mail was returned stamped by the U.S. Post Office as “temporarily away.” Complaints to BBB have primarily come from consumers residing in the state of Texas, while other complaints were filed from consumers living in Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee.
BBB’s investigation into CountryWide Barns indicates neither the business nor its owner are licensed by the Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors. BBB files further indicate Mr. White is also associated with Tennessee Barn Builders (TennesseeBarnBuilder.com – 615-771-5117/800-496-9161) and Majestic Builders (theMajesticBuilders.com – 616-746-4000).
CountryWide Barns is not a BBB Accredited Business and currently has an “F” rating. The business also has an alert on their business review in regards to their business practices.
The BBB offers the following general advice when choosing a builder:
- Check to see if the contractor is properly licensed, bonded and has met insurance requirements in compliance with State regulations
- Do not pay for the entire job in advance or pay cash to a salesperson/contractor
- Check with BBB before doing business with a company to ensure they have a good rating and that any complaints filed have been taken care of.
- Do not let anybody rush you into a project.
- Do not allow any contractor, utility company or “inspector” in your home without confirming their identity.
Homeowners, especially senior citizens, should rely on family, friends or neighbors for assistance in hiring a contractor. Make sure you have a written contract explaining guarantees, warranties, the price of labor/materials and the contractor’s registration number and contact information. If you have had an unsatisfactory experience with CountryWide Barns and Buildings, BBB would like to speak with you.
Please contact at 615-242-4222 or file a complaint at www.gobbb.org.
About BBB of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, Inc. The Better Business Bureau of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, Inc. is a not-for-profit agency serving Tarrant, Johnson, Hood, Wise, Erath, Palo Pinto, Somervell, and Parker counties.
Fort Worth BBB provides education and information on business and business standards; and serves consumers by helping resolve consumer complaints regarding businesses. For more information, call (800) 621-8566 or visit www.fwbbb.org.
