LOWE'S

Shocked and appalled. About 2 years ago, we decided to get our backyard fenced in so that our toddler could be safe (the lot next door was being dug up for a new home construction). We contacted several local vendors and were going to finalize the deal with a local business. I happened to go to Lowe's for an unrelated errand. They had a booth at the door for their new installation services which included fence installation. Spoke with the gentleman there who then came over and gave us a competitive quote. We felt that going with Lowe's would be safer because they are a reputable, national chain. Boy, were we wrong!! The fence installation went fine (completed in the fall of 2013). However, the very first winter, problems started. First, the fence post caps began to come apart and fly off (in our yard, the neighbor's yard). We put it down to the unusually cold winter. However, it got worse from there. The 8' gate just fell down one day!! I was amazed that a gate that had been set up less than a year prior could fall apart like that! This was brought to the attention of Lowe's. The contractor came out and said that the wind had knocked the gate over. This was surprising to me because I had explicitly discussed this possibility with the Lowe's team and the contractor at the time of installation. I was re- assured by both parties that a little wind would not hurt the fence or the gate. Once again, we gave them the benefit of the doubt because it was a severe winter. They had to wait till the following summer for the gate to be fixed as the ground was frozen solid. They fixed the gate and the installation was identical to the original fix. No additional support or bracing was installed. The fence post caps were re- installed. We were happy and relieved. These feelings were short lived. Subsequently, this past summer, the fence post caps continue to come off. The gate fell apart again. This time, only one of the two doors came down. Once again, blame the wind. Got in touch with Lowe's again. After several weeks and multiple phone calls, the contractor came out to look at the door. They just left it there and walked away. I was away at the time and felt that they were going to get materials. Days went by and they did not show. We were unable to get in touch with Lowe's installed sales (the gentleman who had sold me the fence never had the decency to contact me despite the repeated failures). Winter is now upon us. I had a sense of deja vu. Finally, Lowe's called us back to check and see how our service experience was. I pointed out that I couldn't really say because the gate was still lying there unfixed. The gentleman assured me that he would find out what was going on and get back in touch with me. I was already beginning to feel like I had been taken advantage of. Then came the most galling part. I get a call back from Lowe's Installed Sales. Apparently, after conferring with his colleagues, the gentleman stated that Lowe's would not pay for the parts or labor on the repair!! I asked why and he said that the damage was an "act of God"!! I am not a fence expert but I think that one of the inherent functions of a fence is that it should be able to stand up to the elements! Faced with my rather unrealistic expectation, he stated the fence was already out of warranty! I countered that the same spot had been repaired and there should be a warranty on the repair. I was curtly informed that there was no warranty on the repair!! Basically, I was stuck with this lemon. In the end, I am left with a fence that falls apart with the slightest breeze (Although I was assured that it would be rock solid!) and a vendor that refuses to stand behind his work. Lesson learnt. I will never patronize this business again. Should've shopped local where the contractor would take pride in a job well done.

I purchased a ceiling fan for my office. After installing it I went back to Lowes to buy a light kit. I was informed that none of the light kits would work with my fan, so they refunded all my money and let me buy a fan that did accept a light kit. The also explained some tips for installation.