If you’re thinking about ordering a steel building from Great Western Building Systems, don’t just rely on marketing claims. A lot of buyers have posted their experiences online — and many of those aren’t positive. From delayed deliveries to missing parts, the complaints are easy to find. In this article, we’ll break them down clearly. No fluff. Just real issues customers have run into.
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Delayed Deliveries: A Common Problem
One of the loudest complaints is about delivery timelines. Customers said they were told their buildings would arrive within a few months, but some ended up waiting over a year. That’s not just inconvenient — it causes serious disruption for people who planned around those dates.
For example, one person reported ordering their building in January 2022 and still didn’t have it by August 2023. That’s 19 months. They claimed they couldn’t get consistent answers from the company about what was going on. These delays left customers with empty foundations, stalled business plans, and contractors sitting idle.
Poor Communication and Customer Service
Communication is another weak spot. Multiple people said they couldn’t get a straight answer out of anyone once they paid their deposit. Phone calls went unanswered. Emails got no reply. In a few cases, customers said the only way they got updates was by threatening legal action or calling repeatedly.
This lack of communication creates a major trust issue. If you can’t get in touch with the company handling your large construction purchase, how are you supposed to move forward confidently?
Missing Parts and Quality Concerns
Some buildings did eventually arrive — but not always in one piece. Several reviews mention missing hardware, wrong-sized beams, or even pieces that were never delivered at all.
In one case, a customer said their kit was short several roof panels and screws, and that they were left scrambling to source replacements locally at their own cost. Another said the structure they received didn’t match the blueprints and had to be modified during construction.
This kind of mistake can wreck a budget. It also increases your risk for inspection failures, delays, and unexpected contractor fees.
Refunds Are Hard to Get
People who canceled their orders or asked for refunds reported major headaches. In some complaints posted to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), customers said Great Western agreed to send back their deposit — and then didn’t. Weeks passed. Sometimes months. People followed up again and again with no money returned.
One man said he canceled within 48 hours and was told he’d get a refund. A year later, he still hadn’t seen the money.
Even when refunds were eventually issued, they often took far longer than expected and only happened after legal threats or BBB complaints.
Sales Tactics That Raise Eyebrows
Some complaints focus on how the company pitches its products. A few buyers felt they were given vague or misleading information during the sales process. For instance, people claimed they weren’t clearly told that Great Western isn’t always the manufacturer — they often act as a broker, sourcing buildings from other suppliers.
This can lead to misunderstandings about who’s actually responsible when problems happen — especially when something’s late or missing.
Legal Disputes and Court Cases
There are even legal cases on record. One lawsuit alleges breach of contract and deceptive business practices. The customer involved said they paid over $100,000 and got almost nothing in return — just a concrete slab and some broken promises.
Another suit involved a subcontractor who claimed they weren’t paid for their work. These aren’t just one-off complaints. They’re patterns that suggest a deeper issue with how the business operates.
Positive Reviews Exist, But They’re Outnumbered
To be fair, some people have had good experiences. A handful of customers praised the company for helpful reps and well-made products. Some said their buildings went up on schedule and met expectations.
But those reviews are much harder to find than the negative ones. On forums like Garage Journal and platforms like the BBB, the dominant stories are about delays, missing pieces, and ignored refund requests.
Should You Still Buy from Great Western?
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re considering Great Western Building Systems, go in with your eyes wide open. Ask hard questions up front. Get everything in writing — especially timelines and refund terms.
If you’re on a tight schedule or budget, think twice. Delays and extra costs can stack up fast. And based on customer reports, the company doesn’t always act quickly to fix problems.
FAQs
Q: Is Great Western a manufacturer or a broker?
A: Often a broker. They don’t always produce the buildings themselves.
Q: How long will it take to get my building?
A: Officially, they might promise a few months. Some customers say it took over a year.
Q: What if I want a refund?
A: Some people waited months or never got one. If you cancel, follow up often and keep records.
Q: What are the most common complaints?
A: Delivery delays, poor communication, missing parts, and refund issues.
Q: Are there any positive reviews?
A: Yes, but they’re less common. Most visible reviews focus on problems.
Conclusion
Great Western Building Systems has been around for years and sells a lot of buildings. But based on what customers are saying, there are consistent issues with timing, service, and follow-through. If you’re thinking about buying from them, don’t rely on a nice website or one good review. Look at the complaints. Ask tough questions. Make sure your contract protects you — because once they have your deposit, it might be hard to get straight answers or money back.
Written by James Flick
