Business ProfileforBig Ben’s Landscapes and Hardscapes

10/3/23 signed contract with Ben P**** of Big Ben’s Landscaping and Hardscapes for design and installation of a deck and screened pavilion on the rear of our house. Ben was to obtain deck plans from an architect, order materials and begin construction. We paid Ben $18,700 via bank transfer on 10/3/23 which also included a transaction for which he purchased a Jeep from us for a $100 discount on the job, $500 of which was accounted for in the first payment, the rest to be discounted from the final payment upon job completion- to be $12,300. 10/17/23 materials delivered (no notice, some were missing, Ben didn’t come to check for 2 weeks) 11/14/23 after many unanswered texts, promises unfulfilled and unanswered calls, Ben came to dig holes for footers, after telling us he lied to the township zoning office about just replacing an existing deck. He dug the holes without measuring or having utilities marked. We stopped him from continuing work to make it clear that we needed him to have the plans, permits and necessary inspections before he was to continue. 3/3/24 after many unanswered calls and texts, spoke to Ben by phone - get plans to me by 3/15/24. He agreed. 3/18/24 Ben stated he'd have the plans that evening 3/20/24 I requested he contact me to arrange a refund, he said no refunds after materials are purchased and job begun. We do not believe he has the resources to obtain building plans and permits and are not pleased with the lack of communication and poor quality of the work he has done (having materials delivered without notice, not checking on their condition, lying to the village office about zoning; digging holes without measuring, permits, or checking on utility placement). There was no mention of conditions of a refund in the contract. We would like to obtain a refund of our downpayment and for the remaining $500 for the purchase of the Jeep. Material costs can be taken out if accounted for by a receipt.