1 Star – Poor Communication, Costly Delays, and Ma...
1 Star – Poor Communication, Costly Delays, and Major Installation Issues
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You get what you pay for.” I tried to save some money and went with NTX Steel out of Texas, working through American Building Network for the building installation. Unfortunately, that decision ended up costing me far more in time, stress, and money than I expected.
To be fair, the product itself appears acceptable. The problem is everything surrounding it — communication, scheduling, and installation quality.
The Process Started Fine
Conner with NTX Steel helped design the building, and that part went smoothly. I paid my deposit and handled the required dirt work and slab per the manufacturer’s specs (American Building Network). That process took several weeks, but everything was done correctly and according to their requirements.
From there, most communication was with American Building Network regarding scheduling the install.
Because my building has a 5/12 pitch, they required a telescoping lift. They specified an 8,000 lb machine, which was difficult to source. I found a 7,000 lb lift that would work and saved about $2,000 by renting it myself instead of through them. However, they could not give me a firm installation date until about two weeks prior — which made coordinating equipment rental stressful.
First Scheduled Install – No Show
I was given a Monday install date and was clearly told the lift must be onsite or they would either leave the building in pieces or charge a restocking fee.
I made sure the lift was delivered by 7:00 a.m. The crew was supposed to arrive at 8:00 a.m.
No one showed up.
Around 9:30–10:00 a.m., I received a call saying the subcontractors would not be coming and the install would be pushed to the following week.
I was left holding a $600 rental bill for a lift that wasn’t used.
After several days, management agreed to reimburse that day’s rental. But when I asked what would happen if I couldn’t secure another lift the following week, I was told I would be pushed to the end of the rotation — approximately 8 weeks out.
Second Install Attempt – More Issues
I secured the lift again for the next Monday.
The Friday before installation, they asked if they could begin on Sunday. I explained the lift would not be there until Monday. I was then told there would be a service charge for starting without the lift.
To be clear: they wanted to start early and expected me to pay an extra fee for it.
I declined.
They arrived late Monday, citing tire trouble. Things happen — I understand that. They worked about 2½ days and completed the build. My wife was asked to sign off, and I was immediately contacted for final payment.
Advice to anyone using this company: do not release final payment until you personally complete a thorough inspection.
At the time, I was relieved the building was finally up and paid the balance.
Major Structural Issue Discovered
A few weeks later, when I began preparing the building for its next phase, I did a detailed walkthrough.
Here’s what I found:
Crooked anchor bolts in the slab
Nuts improperly seated
Poor trim finishing
Most concerning: a 40-foot wall that is nearly 4 inches out of level from slab to the top of the 12-foot wall
That is not a cosmetic issue. That is a structural problem.
No Accountability
I have been attempting to resolve this with American Building Network for over a month. I’ve sent photos and videos documenting the issue.
For the past three weeks, I have been transferred to voicemail repeatedly with no return calls.
Once final payment was made, communication effectively stopped.
Ironically, their hold messaging emphasizes “quality workmanship” and “building relationships.” That has not been my experience.
Final Thoughts
The building material itself seems fine. But customer service, scheduling reliability, and installation quality have been unacceptable.
If you’re considering this company, I strongly recommend choosing another provider — especially one that stands behind their work after they’ve been paid.
