Why you shouldn’t hire them

  1. Defrauding Customers – Ryan has a history starting projects, taking full payment, but then going silent and never delivering the project as agreed upon. People are left with an unfinished project and their money stolen.
  2. Bad Communication – Before the contract is signed and payment is sent, Ryan will communicate extremely proactively. After he receives the first payment, you need to call and text several times to get an any answer, even though the only answer is usually “I’ll have get back to you” (which he won’t do).
  3. Delays for No Reason – The agreed upon dates you discussed will not be met. Ryan will not tell you beforehand about delays, nor will he give you a reason why. He will also lie about ordering materials when he never did.
  4. Low Quality – When some portion of the work is done, it’s not done well. For example, Ryan will work on electrical wiring without knowing basic electrical knowledge required to do it, and won’t work with you to find a resolution.
  5. Unlicensed – According to their own Angi page, Ryan and his company are not legally able to work in Davidson or Rutherford counties (this includes Nashville) for any projects over $3,000. You won’t find them on the TN license lookup tool using the company name or Ryan’s name. It is illegal for them to perform any contract work in the counties listed on the TN license page.
  6. Expensive – Ryan charges a premium price compared to other contractors for the same work. Don’t let a few positive and unverified online Facebook reviews and a higher price make you think that it’s a safe bet. Ryan has a history of failing to complete even simple jobs.

Read some specific reviews of Muddy River Design Company (including photos).

Background on the company

Muddy River Design Company is a business name used by Ryan Beltz to perform contracting work. He claims on his business site that he specializes in custom woodworking, decorative hardscapes, concrete countertops, concrete furniture, patios, pool decks, steps, driveways.

They’re based in either Gallatin, TN or Hendersonville, TN, and work in Davidson and Rutherford counties.

Had a bad experience with them?

  1. Submit a review (with photos) to Angi’s List website indicating your bad experience. This can help inform others and if the company’s rating falls below 3 stars, they will no longer be able to use their service to advertise. Also, email Angi’s List directly with the contract and photo evidence of unfinished work to inform them that someone is misusing their service (see the next point).
  2. If your project was over $3,000 and you live in Bradley, Davidson, Haywood, Hamilton, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford, or Shelby county, Muddy River Design Company is in violation of the TN Home Improvement law. Filing a complaint is very easy and can be done online using this TN state web site.
  3. If you used Venmo to pay, send a payment dispute to [email protected]. Include the contract and photo evidence of incomplete work. Venmo can use this to flag the account as using their service for fraudulent activity.
  4. If you haven’t paid yet, demand a payment method through a service that will allow you to use your credit card to pay, or even pay with CC through Venmo, so you can dispute the charges for services not rendered.

Finding a different contractor

A number of local realtors in the middle Tennessee area have worked with their clients to collect a list of recommended vendors around Davidson County. This site is not affiliated with any vendors listed there.

Recent Reviews

Takes Money, Leaves an Unfinished Wall

Ryan and the Muddy River Design Company failed to finish a simple project despite charging a premium price. Andrew N. writes a review about their experience and includes photos of Muddy River Design Co’s work: I contracted Muddy River Design Company to build a simple interior wall to close off a bonus space into a bedroom. Ryan quoted a premium price, but after receiving the down payment he went silent. Only after weeks of me reaching out did he come and do the framing/drywall, but said doors were on backorder and that he will come back install the door and trim.
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Concrete Work Ruined Pool Deck

Despite claiming to specialize in concrete work, Muddy River Design Co failed to deliver on a simple project for a customer. Melli N. writes a review about their experience and includes photos of Muddy River Design Co’s “specialty” work: Muddy River was hired to repair loose pool deck. To say we are disappointed would be an understatement. We feel like we were stolen from. After being charged a premium price for the job, we were shocked to see the results.
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Damaged Deck, Fence, and Yard

Despite claiming to specialize in concrete work, Muddy River Design Company subcontracted the project, provided no communication, and failed to deliver on a project. Melissa P. writes a review about their experience with Muddy River Design Company’s work: Damaged my deck, my fence, and my yard. This company subcontracted to Crawford Concrete who tore up my neighbors yard and my yard and overpowered concrete around my deck, fence, and landscaping. I can’t shut my fence door.
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