Interlock and culvert support - valuable experience
The numerous positive reviews have convinced me to hire this contractor last year to build the driveway borders, interlock walkway, patio and install the armour stone culvert support, overall a fairly large project.
In a couple of days, seeing how the work proceeds, I started developing an uncertain feeling about the quality of work. We’ve noticed that this team of students were cutting the corners in many occasions but unfortunately it was too late to retreat. As an example, when the interlock edging was missed at the patio and I was told that the dirt would hold the stone I have finally realized that it had been a gross mistake hiring this contractor. Plus, at some locations, they left the unfilled gaps between pavers, so I had to fill them himself.
As anticipated, the first winter has brought unpleasant results. Because of the improperly built base water has lifted and displaced the half of the walkway pavers. The armour stone, which was installed to support the culvert, started moving aside affecting the newly paved asphalt and the whole structure looked rather ugly (although it wasn’t pretty in the first place). As to the written warranty, we didn’t have a chance to experience it but, with their attitude and lack of skills and resourcefulness, I wouldn’t trust this contractor to fix things anyway.
However one thing, which this contractor is doing effectively, is selling.
One full star is given in this review, as the patio and borders still hold.
To compare, four years ago, we completed the similar project at the previous house and the quality of work was exemplary while the price was lower.
Update: after one year, the grass starts growing between interlock pavers of the driveway borders one more time telling about the "quality" of work.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $15,000.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Company Response
When I did the site visit in the spring Henry I recommended installing a weeping tile which would take the trapped water away from the walkway and house.
I explained that a small section of your walkway that heaved was caused by water pooling in between the walkway, the house and the raised garden that you built. Subsequently the trapped water freezing and thawing has heaved the area.
Unless the weeper is installed you will have this problem every year. If we were notified of this excessive water when we built your walkway, we would have installed a weeper.
There is nothing wrong with the base. If there was the entire walkway would have shifted - not four pavers. It was a simple fix and not a costly one but you declined.