Reviews

6/10

First of all I want to say that the job done by Solocrete was very good and the installation of stamped concrete was lovely. However, I have learned a few things over the years as it is now 10 years old. I want to share the lessons learned 1) Stamped concrete is not great in the winter. The anti slip grip is part of the sealing but in reality it does not work. For that alone I would not do it again 2) if you are recommended to build curved steps vs. straight steps - go with straight steps. John had recommended large curving steps which looked great. But over time with the weight they have sank to one side. Now I have uneven steps leaning to one side. How do I fix that without tearing them out? I don't know- maybe the footings were not done properly? I did call Solocrete - no help. 3) Overall- once installation is done there really is no service. The concrete does need repairs as you will get cracks. Solocrete does not do repairs or sealing. Would make sense but they cant be bothered. They recommend a third party who is tough to connect with. I have been trying all summer and finally was told - cant seal this year as too busy. Now I have to find someone else. As I said- the concrete is lovely when brand new but it needs maintenance - which Solocrete does not offer. That is what is disappointing. You spend so much money and then no care afterwards. I had spoken to other companies when I was making the decision but went with Solocrete because I liked John and because of price. The other companies I called now- would come out and do my sealing and fix the concrete only if I had installed with them. I wish Solocrete would do the same. Lesson learned. I am just sharing my experience. Thanks

Approximate cost of services:
$0.00
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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10/10

We decided to replace our builder double doors with a fibreglass single door with sidelights. The end result is beautiful. I met with about 10 companies to obtain quotes and assess the quality. I have to say that Andrew impressed me very much with his knowledge and subsequent customer service. Everything has been great and my wife and I are very pleased with the end result.

Approximate cost of services:
$6,500.00
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5/10

I had work done from Solocrete about 6 years ago as a number of homeowners in our area were doing it. It always looks nice when brand new. Well the initial meeting was rushed but the price was good so I agreed to it. When installation was to occur I received a call on Friday night saying they would be there Saturday morning. And they were but not much notice. Installation took a few days. There wasn't a lot of consultation on design or color but the end product did look nice. It was a quick job but seemed like they did what they wanted to without talking to me. We had agreed on sinking all my downspouts. They decided to leave one in the backyard as is. Never received an explanation. However, I have to say that after 6 years and 3 seals (from person Solocrete recommends) the concrete is not great. Especially on the steps. Lots of cracks and chips. Customer service has not been great with the general reply from Idila that the concrete is supposed to expand and contract. My top step is not even joined to the front porch any longer. The response I received was it will contract in winter. I wish I had never had it done and am tempted at this point to have it ripped out at the front of my house. I don't know how people avoid injury in the winter from the snow and ice. Super slippery. I will add some pictures shortly.

Approximate cost of services:
$25,000.00
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Company Response

First of all, I would like to respond with some facts. Stamp concrete takes one and a half to two weeks to complete. This is weather dependent. It is important to maintain your concrete in order for it to look good for a long time. There are suggestions on our website such as never use salt and only use sand in the winter. When resealing concrete; make sure shark grip is used (an anti-slip agent) in the sealer.
In terms of steps; expansion joints are used to allow movement of the concrete with the hot and cold seasons. The expansion joints are used between the existing concrete porch and newly poured steps. This is the proper way of doing it. Therefore, the new concrete cannot be touching the existing concrete.
As Home stars cannot reveal your real name and address; I encourage you to call the office and ask for me to discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you and all the best-John