BAUXITE, Ark. — Naomi Bullard, a longtime resident of Bauxite, found herself out thousands of dollars after a local landscaping firm failed to complete a backyard fence she hired to protect her family. Bullard, who cares for her 89‑year‑old mother and grandchildren, paid $2,900 up front to Flowers and Son Landscaping, only to see the wood buckle, sections become uneven, and portions disappear within three months.

Contractor demands more money

When Bullard asked the contractor to finish the job, she was told an additional $700 was required – later raised to $1,400. She agreed to the lower amount, handed over the cash, and the contractor vanished.

7 On Your Side steps in

Frustrated, Bullard called the consumer‑advocacy segment 7 On Your Side. The team reached out to contractor owner Anthony Flowers, who blamed the summer heat for the wood’s buckling and promised to return to fix the issues. A week later, Bullard sent a cell‑phone video showing the fence still incomplete.

Better Business Bureau advice

The Arkansas Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends homeowners take several precautions before hiring a contractor:

• Research the contractor: Check online reviews, complaint history, and verify licensing and insurance.
• Get everything in writing: A detailed contract should list the scope of work, materials, total cost, payment schedule, dates, and how changes will be handled.
• Keep a paper trail: Avoid cash payments when possible. If a dispute arises, try direct resolution first; if that fails, consider filing a complaint with the BBB or contacting the appropriate state regulatory agency.

Resolution and next steps

Following the segment’s involvement, Flowers sent photos and a video on a Monday night showing a completed fence. While the visual evidence suggests the work is now finished, Bullard remains vigilant, noting that the final inspection will determine whether the fence truly meets her family’s safety needs.

Community impact

This case underscores the importance of consumer awareness in small‑town Arkansas. Home improvement projects often involve significant sums, and residents like Bullard rely on local media and consumer‑protection resources to hold contractors accountable. The BBB’s guidelines serve as a practical checklist for anyone considering similar projects, reinforcing the community’s commitment to honest business practices and family safety.

For Arkansas homeowners facing contractor disputes, the 7 On Your Side team encourages reaching out early, documenting all communications, and following the BBB’s recommended steps to protect both their wallets and their peace of mind.

Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.