Complaint Review: Bret Rideout

Our experience with Bret was very different than that described in the complaint.  Bret's takes a lot of pride in his work, and he is a very skilled craftsman.  His prices were very reasonable, and he completed our project within the promised time-frame.

I am a contract employee of Bret Rideout. I'm not currently working for any of his projects however I have no problem recommending him to anyone needing QUALITY work seen to completion. I worked a few days on this job painting and can attest to being there when many of these concerns were brought up to the Rouse's and their exact words were, "F*** it, we're here. Let's just go ahead with it." They gave their blessing on a situation that they were told would not be ideal. The situation being that they had instructed us to paint over wallpaper that was VERY dark in color and, despite urgings from Bret to use primer, opted for a "paint and primer in one". This resulted in many of the examples given on the websites they have created. All along the way, the Rouse's gave their compliments on the work and how it was turning out.
The other issues (messy trim, blotchy spots, 'low' areas, etc.) were all to be fixed on the day Bret returned to their house. When he returned on that day, Bret expressed concern that one can easily pick things apart forever but that he wanted to take care of the blatant issues first. Scott Rouse then told Bret he couldn't leave until he wrote him a check for the refund.
Bret, not knowing what to do in such a situation and fearing the loss of his tools which were in Scott's house, wrote a check and told Scott there was no money in the account, after which Scott 'allowed' Bret to leave. Note that because of this conversation, Bret was never allowed to touch up ANY of the paint work thus providing the Rouse's with the pictures they have used on the websites.
As a disclaimer, I was not there the day that Bret returned. This is what Bret related to me right after it happened. I have nothing to gain by relating this information. I simply am frustrated by the Rouse's apparent greed in suing Bret over decisions they ultimately made. Furthermore, I am in no way related to Bret Rideout. However, I am NOT signing my name to this because that is what ripoffreport.com says to do.

We have had Brett working as a handyman at our home in Nashville and have had a very positive experience.  He shows up on time, ready to work, stays late and has been honest with what he can and cannot do. 
We bought $3000 worth of beautiful tile and entrusted Brett and his workmanship with all of it.  He has done an expert job at installing the tile.  His attention to detail is amazing.  He installed a heated floor for us, no problems there.  He is fixing a ceiling fan that another electrician could not figure out in his 5 visits to our house.  Being so impressed with Brett and his honesty, we have asked him to build custom shelving for our closets.  I asked him if he'd be interested in building cabinets for our laundry room and he denied the job, saying our trim guy could do a better job.  Brett knows when to pass on a job if he doesn't know how to do it. 
From my understanding, the couple filing the original report did not want Brett to apply primer before applying a very dark color of paint.  Everyone knows to apply primer and two coats of paint for good coverage and Brett obviously knows this and conveyed this to the customer.  But wanting to comply with their wishes, thinking that one less coat of paint would save them money on labor, Brett agreed to do what the customer asked for.  The job of course did not end up looking as it should.  Brett fulfilled the job they asked for, and when asked to do it over, said he would. The couple refused Brett's request to redo the job, make payment for damages and his offer to settle out of court.
It is sad that the couple filing the original report is using their label as a "Christian" to defend their aweful treatment towards Brett.  Love and forgiveness are the cornerstone to the Christian faith and what Jesus preaches to us. 

Say he's a Christian all you want.  I'm one too. It doesn't change the fact he gave me a bad check.  The bank tells me everyday its bad when I call to see.  Go look at it at yourself at BretRideout.com.  He quoted the job and did not deliver what he promised.  I gave him the chance to make things right but he will not return my calls.  Go see the check for yourself if you have any doubts.  There are pictures there of the awful job he did as well. I also put my real name on here.  No one else who rebutted did that.  Hmmm.  I wonder why...  I think we all know why.  Just give me the money you owe me and let's move one with our lives.

My husband and I hired Bret Rideout to do some elaborate handyman services at our home in Nashville. He was referred to us by my mother who has had bad experiences in the past with other handymen and contractors. She HIGHLY recommended Bret and after seeing the wonderful paint job he did at her home we decided to give him a try.

Bret was not only professional, he went out of his way to make sure we were pleased with his work and actually quoted us a price that was LOWER than the job was worth. After being so pleased with his work we asked him to come back to do three other projects which he completed in a timely manner and with exceptional quality. He did everything he told us he would do and was upfront and above board in his dealings with us.

Bret is a Christian family man. He is always approachable and reachable. He doesn't just speak about values he actually lives those values in his dealings with his clients. We are asking Bret to do yet another project for us this week. We have absolute confidence in his ability and are blessed that we now have a reputable handyman other than my husband to do our home repairs.

I have known Bret Rideout for months and he has done several projects for me. He always does an outstanding job. He is very fair with his prices and extremely competent. In addition he ALWAYS finishes projects in a timely manner. He is also a Christian and family man. Because of these redeeming qualities I have referred him to several people and I continue to hire him for ALL of my projects, big or small.