My experience as of March 2021: They lied about coming price increase to pressure me into making a down payment. The took nonrefundable payment for very basic set of plans (not adequate for accurate construction quotes) and charged over $2500 for what are equivalent of $200 plans that are downloadable from various internet sites. Builders were only able to give "ballpark estimates" because the plans were lacking details. Bids were all contingent upon more complete plans (understandable). However, every ballpark estimate came in more than 150% over the Sand Creek sales person's estimated cost to build (they use that tactic to lure you) and every builders said the quote could be higher if the engineering plans require changes. In other words, they have no clue what costs are in my area (only one state over from NE so it's not like it's VT). I've since been in contact with other kit manufactures and every single one had low pressure sales tactics and were very upfront about possible longer than normal turn around times. They all gave me an estimated cost to construct number and were all very close to the costs I was seeing from the bids I had already gotten for the same barn kit that Sand Creek was selling. Since we didn't yet know that they had lied about the coming price increase, we decided to take our chances and move forward and put down another $7,500 to get a full set of proper plans so we could get more concrete quotes. They said "Thanks for the money, you'll be contacted by a project manager within 5 days." Their paperwork says it takes two weeks after down payment to get the first rev of "full plans." Two weeks passed and nothing but crickets from Sand Creek. I finally had to contact them. They said "Oh, we're so sorry, but we're so busy"...blah blah blah..., but we have everything we need so engineering will get started right away. Should take about two weeks." Two more weeks passed. Crickets. So, again, I had to contact them. Same "We're so busy, we haven't gotten to you yet....blah, blah, blah." Me: Not a problem, just refund all of my money because you estimated that it would cost $X to build, but it turns out it's going to cost at least 150% more than that. You said you would contact me in 5 days, but I had to contacted you or I may never have gotten a call. You said the plans would take 2 weeks and over a month later not only are there no plans, there's not even a phone call or email explaining the delay. Sand Creek: Wait, you want your money back? Oh, we'll have to review that. District Sales Exec reaches out...oh we've met all of our obligations and, sorry, but we'll be keeping the $2500 we charged you for the "quoting plans" because you signed a piece of paper and you have to live up to that. Never mind that we didn't live up to our end - that shouldn't cost us anything. So, I have no idea if their kits are any good, my guess is they are fine. I just know they used high pressure tactics to get my down payment, they lie about their commitment to timing and customer service, and they disappeared until I called them. I ask for a full refund, they sent mean excerpt showing where I signed an agreement. Never mind that they don't live up to their side of the agreement, I'm expected to live up to mine. To be fair, their district sale guy was professional and tried to salvage the sale, but I was so irritated with them, I just couldn't do it. I'll be using another company as there are several very similar barn kit providers. Again, this was my experience. You're mileage may vary read less
Dan S.
