Response in REDContractor
([redacted]) failed to deliver concrete product meeting industry standards.
Has it been
established that the client has the credentials, experience, knowledge and
expertise to say whether or not we have failed to meet “industry standards”?...
Concrete
pads have low spots which hold water and create slip and fall hazards. These
have been verified as hazards by [redacted] and they have provided
said verification on letterhead.
One section
out of 1500 Sq Ft has a couple of very shallow spots that hold water. Although
this is not desired, it is not uncommon; especially when building a concrete
pad that is basically flat so that a roofed structure can be built on top of it
such as this one. The [redacted] (agent’s) letter is all speculation and
opinion from a non-industry individual, and could easily be passed as a letter
from a friend trying to paint the picture [redacted] is trying to convince the Revdex.com
of. If the client feels this will truly be an issue, there are solutions out
there I would be more than happy to offer.
Concrete
pads have permanent footprints from the construction crew walking over the
partially cured concrete.
Homeowner
pointed the day after the first of two pours went down that there was a set of
foot prints that went several paces. It looked like muddy shoes had walked on
the [redacted]io. Impressions were minimal to none; hard to tell exactly with mud on
it. Regardless, I am absolutely certain that none of my guys would walk on wet
concrete while trying to finish it or anytime thereafter while cleaning up. I
do not know whether or not someone (non-crew member) walked on it that evening
after we left. This is a highly disputable accusation.
Concrete
project has a buckled step.
I did not
witness a buckled step out of the three risers upon inspection the day after we
finished the first pour.
Concrete
pads have uncontrolled cracking as control joints were not placed within the 24
hour industry standard. Control joints were not cut until day five after the
pour.
There is one
hairline crack 6 to 7 feet long in the second section poured. Concrete “pads”
would be plural, insinuating there are more than one.
The second
pour was completed on a cold damp Thursday afternoon. The concrete was very
“green” and not ready to cut control joints in on Friday. My goal was to come
back Saturday morning to complete the cuts. It rained all of Saturday morning
and did not clear up till early afternoon. By time the weather system moved out,
I had family obligations going into the Easter Holiday. The crack was present
when we arrived Monday morning to complete the project. This crack will not
affect the structural integrity of the [redacted]io, and will not lead to progressive
deterioration whether is has a roof over it in the future or not.
There are
viable solutions available I could provide given the opportunity if there is
grave concern that water intrusion into the crack will cause long term issues.
Contractor
failed to protect concrete project from forecasted rain with plastic which
damaged concrete finish, despite being asked to wait to pour the concrete until
the next day after the rain. Contractor gave written assurance that rain would
not be an issue immediately prior to pouring that day. Contractor then claimed
the forecasted rain is an act of God and he is not responsible for damage.
Client
pushed us hard to get the project poured before Easter weekend because
evidently the back of the house was the only way he could get his wheelchair
bound father inside. We were absolutely not asked to wait on any pouring.
I diligently
watch the weather/weather Doppler daily. Late morning of our first scheduled
pour via text informed client that the rain should not be an issue as it
appeared if anything was to hit us; it would not happen till late night which would
be enough time for concrete to gain surface strength. The storm gained speed
and size as it closed in on us, and “blew up” a couple hours after we finished
and were miles away from the job.
This was a
business decision I made factoring information I had in front of us and urgency
that we were pressed with. It indeed rained sooner than I had hoped for and
cause a minimal amount of superficial erosion on the surface that could be
esthetically fixed if desired. Homeowner was not initially interested in this
solution, but said he was undecided and needed a few days to think about it.
In
conclusion; unpredictable weather such as what we deal with in the Midwest (ask
any weatherman) does bring extra challenges to exterior contractor work, and is
an act of God. Does this the small amount of non-structural damage warrant a
tear out and replace? I think not.
Contractor
pulled guttering 3 inches away from home to install into an improperly placed
concreted drain.
Improper
installed, no. Not perfectly aligned, yes. A very easy fix stopping at a
hardware store and getting a slightly angled piece of drain pipe.
Contractor
failed to glue pvc sump pump lines prior to embedding in concrete. These now
leak on the surface of the concrete creating yet another slip and fall
potential as it stays continuously wet.
We did not
glue together sump pump connecting line per homeowners request in case he
needed to adjust or maintain it. The area that leaches water is accessible and
would be another very easy fix with some pvc glue. I would be more than happy
to do that for him.
Contractor
placed a 5 gallon bucket on partially cured concrete and left a permanent
imprint of the bucket in the concrete.
Unfortunately,
we do not have control over all of the elements in our working environment. We
inherited a leaky rain gutter that was full of water from an early morning rain
while trying to finish a section of concrete underneath. My guys had to keep
the bucket in place to catch ongoing dripping while only being able to remove
it long enough to work the concrete to a finished state. It is a common
industry practice to leave a bucket to catch dripping water on freshly placed
concrete. This light ring will eventually cure out. I am not sure how he
concludes it will be permanent as he wrote this letter a mere week or so after
the concrete was poured.
Contractor
been given opportunity to remove and replace damaged areas. Contractor refused.
Contractor
refuses to provide insurance information.
This is an
absolute false statement to the highest degree. As mentioned before, client
wanted to think about the rain spots on the first pour and would get back to me
in few days after he gave it some consideration. Client informed me on Friday (day
after we placed second pour) that he met with his contractor friend [redacted], and was going to research the solutions they discussed and follow
up with me the first of the week. The Monday morning after Easter, I met with him
briefly. Nothing was established or plan put in place to move forward, and
meeting adjourned with [redacted] scurrying off and me requesting he get back to me
ASAP to further discuss. I was committed to getting to the bottom of this, so I
followed up with him the next day and then Thursday after I still hadn’t heard
back.
Friday April
1st, he finally gets back to me requesting our insurance policy
information. I took that opportunity and asked again to have the conversation
“in waiting” to discuss his concerns which
he responded that there was nothing really to talk about? I then called my
agent in which he informed me that I did not need to give it to him my
insurance info since the project was already installed. I then passed that
along to [redacted] which turned into a weekend long back and forth. I checked back
with my insurance agent on Monday morning in which he realized that he had
advised me incorrectly, and to pass on his office number to the client so they
could discuss in person. Which I immediately did. [redacted] opened up a claim that
very day without hesitation, and is seeking compensation through that process.
Contractor
has sent threatening, derogatory and abusive communication by text.
Please
forward any such texts from ###-###-#### so that we can all review.
In
conclusion:
Client would
not level with us or even give us the opportunity to work any concerns out. These
complaints are fairly easy to address if given the opportunity.
Furthermore,
we find it unbelievably unreasonable to take the approach that Mr. [redacted] has taken
proceeding the placement of concrete in his back yard. And that is not just our
opinion. [redacted], the before mentioned friend of [redacted] brought us onto
the job to place the concrete below the structures he was to complete. [redacted]
tried to reason with [redacted] evidently to no avail. You will find his letter
bellow that supports our position regarding this matter.
Thank you
for your time and consideration.
To whom it
may concern,
I am the
president and owner of MD.Construction located here in lee’s Summit. I am
licensed and in insured and knowledgeable of many aspects of construction,
commercial and residential.
There are times that I subcontract different aspects pf the
business due to cost efficiency and expertise. One of those would be concrete
work. Although having the rough knowledge and precise knowledge through the IRC
of the process of concrete work, it serves my company as stated to sub this
portion out. I have subcontracted this portion out to [redacted]
Concrete.
He has done many jobs for me in the past and over time I or we
have developed a trusting relationship not only in ability of great work but
cost as well. [redacted] has always taken the initiative to educate and direct the
project to its best outcome for the customer, something we share as business
owners.
Recently I had a client [redacted] who also is a friend, asked
and has planned for concrete work to be done. I introduced him to [redacted].
After the verbal introductions [redacted] and [redacted] worked out a plan to do his
concrete pads. During this process there have been changes and weather
issues. [redacted] and myself have dealt with these issues common in our industry. However,
the rain left a few small areas of dimpling. I was asked to come and review and
to see if it warranted a complete removal. The findings were minimal and
certainly didn’t warrant such an action. At this point [redacted] trusted my
judgement and I thought was all well. As the days went by it was being pointed
out that there were superficial foot prints that could be seen on the pad along
with a bucket mark used to catch the rain off of his house soffit. [redacted] was not pleased with it and desired a
tear out. I told him it still doesn’t warrant a tear out yet if he was unhappy
he should work it out with [redacted]. I have been in contact with [redacted] as well, trying
to be a mediator. Offering [redacted] an option of some type of monetary sum to be
worked out with [redacted] or a trade of sealer. Something to compensate and please
him and help ease his mind.
This had gone on for about a week. Throughout that week [redacted]
has decided that the entire project is not to industry standards. Since then
[redacted] has pointed out a low spot were water seems to collect. [redacted] has
called this a safety issue. I gave him the solution to this issue by
scoring a weep line in the direction in which the water could escape. This was
a good idea to him and I know this is a typical resolution to such an issue,
however let me state it is not uncommon to have a low spot and although not
desired there is a resolution and again is not uncommon.
I appreciate both parties, [redacted] is a person of detail much
like [redacted] and myself. However, I know the industry of contracting and what is
acceptable and what is not. Now it is unfortunate for the rain that crept up on
the site after hrs. I appreciate [redacted] for trying to make it right for his
customer despite the rain. I have known [redacted] to do excellent work with many
variables that he cannot control. It is my wish and hope that the relationship
can be repaired. It is my understanding to date that [redacted] has no interest in
having talks with [redacted]. I have spoken with [redacted] almost on daily basis concerning
this job, His desire has been to talk with [redacted] to resolve this issue,
however it is my belief that [redacted] is set on that the job must be totally
redone. That his decision is based on a letter from an insurance adjuster that
admits his lack of expertise and a few other friends who may or may not do
concrete work.
This is my experience and all information that I am aware of
thus far concerning the parties wants desires and wishes to include my own whom
I introduced. Let me state a final thought, [redacted] has also asked me to redo
his bathroom, however in my industry I tend to get a feel for the customer as
most all of us contractors do. It concerns me that any job done by anyone would
not meet his approval. I am not saying that he is looking to get something done
for free, I know [redacted] better than that. He is a man of integrity much like
all parties involved in the said issue. I am having to reconsider my
thoughts of future work for him. The IRC was built for a specific purpose.
Esthetics is not at the top of the list due to subjectivity. That being stated
it has always been [redacted]s goal to meet both, IRC and esthetics with every job he
has done for MD. Construction. If the liability of esthetic subjectivity rested
on the contractor, then what safe guards would we have if a bird walked on the
wet concrete or God pushed a storm through. Just a thought.
My desire is to retain the friendship of [redacted] for our life’s
have been intertwined throughout the years. However, it’s important that I must
hold also true to the work and industry I have known all my life.
I don’t type this with an easy heart, for I know this could end
a great relationship with a friend but I know the line of my work. Yet I cannot
deny the realities of the work [redacted] and I share.
M.D.Construction
Of Lees
Summit LLC.
MichlaeD[redacted]
Wk:###-###-####
Fx :###-###-####
[redacted]
USMC Capt. “[redacted]”
Response in REDContractor
([redacted]) failed to deliver concrete product meeting industry standards.
Has it been
established that the client has the credentials, experience, knowledge and
expertise to say whether or not we have failed to meet “industry standards”?...
Concrete
pads have low spots which hold water and create slip and fall hazards. These
have been verified as hazards by [redacted] and they have provided
said verification on letterhead.
One section
out of 1500 Sq Ft has a couple of very shallow spots that hold water. Although
this is not desired, it is not uncommon; especially when building a concrete
pad that is basically flat so that a roofed structure can be built on top of it
such as this one. The [redacted] (agent’s) letter is all speculation and
opinion from a non-industry individual, and could easily be passed as a letter
from a friend trying to paint the picture [redacted] is trying to convince the Revdex.com
of. If the client feels this will truly be an issue, there are solutions out
there I would be more than happy to offer.
Concrete
pads have permanent footprints from the construction crew walking over the
partially cured concrete.
Homeowner
pointed the day after the first of two pours went down that there was a set of
foot prints that went several paces. It looked like muddy shoes had walked on
the [redacted]io. Impressions were minimal to none; hard to tell exactly with mud on
it. Regardless, I am absolutely certain that none of my guys would walk on wet
concrete while trying to finish it or anytime thereafter while cleaning up. I
do not know whether or not someone (non-crew member) walked on it that evening
after we left. This is a highly disputable accusation.
Concrete
project has a buckled step.
I did not
witness a buckled step out of the three risers upon inspection the day after we
finished the first pour.
Concrete
pads have uncontrolled cracking as control joints were not placed within the 24
hour industry standard. Control joints were not cut until day five after the
pour.
There is one
hairline crack 6 to 7 feet long in the second section poured. Concrete “pads”
would be plural, insinuating there are more than one.
The second
pour was completed on a cold damp Thursday afternoon. The concrete was very
“green” and not ready to cut control joints in on Friday. My goal was to come
back Saturday morning to complete the cuts. It rained all of Saturday morning
and did not clear up till early afternoon. By time the weather system moved out,
I had family obligations going into the Easter Holiday. The crack was present
when we arrived Monday morning to complete the project. This crack will not
affect the structural integrity of the [redacted]io, and will not lead to progressive
deterioration whether is has a roof over it in the future or not.
There are
viable solutions available I could provide given the opportunity if there is
grave concern that water intrusion into the crack will cause long term issues.
Contractor
failed to protect concrete project from forecasted rain with plastic which
damaged concrete finish, despite being asked to wait to pour the concrete until
the next day after the rain. Contractor gave written assurance that rain would
not be an issue immediately prior to pouring that day. Contractor then claimed
the forecasted rain is an act of God and he is not responsible for damage.
Client
pushed us hard to get the project poured before Easter weekend because
evidently the back of the house was the only way he could get his wheelchair
bound father inside. We were absolutely not asked to wait on any pouring.
I diligently
watch the weather/weather Doppler daily. Late morning of our first scheduled
pour via text informed client that the rain should not be an issue as it
appeared if anything was to hit us; it would not happen till late night which would
be enough time for concrete to gain surface strength. The storm gained speed
and size as it closed in on us, and “blew up” a couple hours after we finished
and were miles away from the job.
This was a
business decision I made factoring information I had in front of us and urgency
that we were pressed with. It indeed rained sooner than I had hoped for and
cause a minimal amount of superficial erosion on the surface that could be
esthetically fixed if desired. Homeowner was not initially interested in this
solution, but said he was undecided and needed a few days to think about it.
In
conclusion; unpredictable weather such as what we deal with in the Midwest (ask
any weatherman) does bring extra challenges to exterior contractor work, and is
an act of God. Does this the small amount of non-structural damage warrant a
tear out and replace? I think not.
Contractor
pulled guttering 3 inches away from home to install into an improperly placed
concreted drain.
Improper
installed, no. Not perfectly aligned, yes. A very easy fix stopping at a
hardware store and getting a slightly angled piece of drain pipe.
Contractor
failed to glue pvc sump pump lines prior to embedding in concrete. These now
leak on the surface of the concrete creating yet another slip and fall
potential as it stays continuously wet.
We did not
glue together sump pump connecting line per homeowners request in case he
needed to adjust or maintain it. The area that leaches water is accessible and
would be another very easy fix with some pvc glue. I would be more than happy
to do that for him.
Contractor
placed a 5 gallon bucket on partially cured concrete and left a permanent
imprint of the bucket in the concrete.
Unfortunately,
we do not have control over all of the elements in our working environment. We
inherited a leaky rain gutter that was full of water from an early morning rain
while trying to finish a section of concrete underneath. My guys had to keep
the bucket in place to catch ongoing dripping while only being able to remove
it long enough to work the concrete to a finished state. It is a common
industry practice to leave a bucket to catch dripping water on freshly placed
concrete. This light ring will eventually cure out. I am not sure how he
concludes it will be permanent as he wrote this letter a mere week or so after
the concrete was poured.
Contractor
been given opportunity to remove and replace damaged areas. Contractor refused.
Contractor
refuses to provide insurance information.
This is an
absolute false statement to the highest degree. As mentioned before, client
wanted to think about the rain spots on the first pour and would get back to me
in few days after he gave it some consideration. Client informed me on Friday (day
after we placed second pour) that he met with his contractor friend [redacted], and was going to research the solutions they discussed and follow
up with me the first of the week. The Monday morning after Easter, I met with him
briefly. Nothing was established or plan put in place to move forward, and
meeting adjourned with [redacted] scurrying off and me requesting he get back to me
ASAP to further discuss. I was committed to getting to the bottom of this, so I
followed up with him the next day and then Thursday after I still hadn’t heard
back.
Friday April
1st, he finally gets back to me requesting our insurance policy
information. I took that opportunity and asked again to have the conversation
“in waiting” to discuss his concerns which
he responded that there was nothing really to talk about? I then called my
agent in which he informed me that I did not need to give it to him my
insurance info since the project was already installed. I then passed that
along to [redacted] which turned into a weekend long back and forth. I checked back
with my insurance agent on Monday morning in which he realized that he had
advised me incorrectly, and to pass on his office number to the client so they
could discuss in person. Which I immediately did. [redacted] opened up a claim that
very day without hesitation, and is seeking compensation through that process.
Contractor
has sent threatening, derogatory and abusive communication by text.
Please
forward any such texts from ###-###-#### so that we can all review.
In
conclusion:
Client would
not level with us or even give us the opportunity to work any concerns out. These
complaints are fairly easy to address if given the opportunity.
Furthermore,
we find it unbelievably unreasonable to take the approach that Mr. [redacted] has taken
proceeding the placement of concrete in his back yard. And that is not just our
opinion. [redacted], the before mentioned friend of [redacted] brought us onto
the job to place the concrete below the structures he was to complete. [redacted]
tried to reason with [redacted] evidently to no avail. You will find his letter
bellow that supports our position regarding this matter.
Thank you
for your time and consideration.
To whom it
may concern,
I am the
president and owner of MD.Construction located here in lee’s Summit. I am
licensed and in insured and knowledgeable of many aspects of construction,
commercial and residential.
There are times that I subcontract different aspects pf the
business due to cost efficiency and expertise. One of those would be concrete
work. Although having the rough knowledge and precise knowledge through the IRC
of the process of concrete work, it serves my company as stated to sub this
portion out. I have subcontracted this portion out to [redacted]
Concrete.
He has done many jobs for me in the past and over time I or we
have developed a trusting relationship not only in ability of great work but
cost as well. [redacted] has always taken the initiative to educate and direct the
project to its best outcome for the customer, something we share as business
owners.
Recently I had a client [redacted] who also is a friend, asked
and has planned for concrete work to be done. I introduced him to [redacted].
After the verbal introductions [redacted] and [redacted] worked out a plan to do his
concrete pads. During this process there have been changes and weather
issues. [redacted] and myself have dealt with these issues common in our industry. However,
the rain left a few small areas of dimpling. I was asked to come and review and
to see if it warranted a complete removal. The findings were minimal and
certainly didn’t warrant such an action. At this point [redacted] trusted my
judgement and I thought was all well. As the days went by it was being pointed
out that there were superficial foot prints that could be seen on the pad along
with a bucket mark used to catch the rain off of his house soffit. [redacted] was not pleased with it and desired a
tear out. I told him it still doesn’t warrant a tear out yet if he was unhappy
he should work it out with [redacted]. I have been in contact with [redacted] as well, trying
to be a mediator. Offering [redacted] an option of some type of monetary sum to be
worked out with [redacted] or a trade of sealer. Something to compensate and please
him and help ease his mind.
This had gone on for about a week. Throughout that week [redacted]
has decided that the entire project is not to industry standards. Since then
[redacted] has pointed out a low spot were water seems to collect. [redacted] has
called this a safety issue. I gave him the solution to this issue by
scoring a weep line in the direction in which the water could escape. This was
a good idea to him and I know this is a typical resolution to such an issue,
however let me state it is not uncommon to have a low spot and although not
desired there is a resolution and again is not uncommon.
I appreciate both parties, [redacted] is a person of detail much
like [redacted] and myself. However, I know the industry of contracting and what is
acceptable and what is not. Now it is unfortunate for the rain that crept up on
the site after hrs. I appreciate [redacted] for trying to make it right for his
customer despite the rain. I have known [redacted] to do excellent work with many
variables that he cannot control. It is my wish and hope that the relationship
can be repaired. It is my understanding to date that [redacted] has no interest in
having talks with [redacted]. I have spoken with [redacted] almost on daily basis concerning
this job, His desire has been to talk with [redacted] to resolve this issue,
however it is my belief that [redacted] is set on that the job must be totally
redone. That his decision is based on a letter from an insurance adjuster that
admits his lack of expertise and a few other friends who may or may not do
concrete work.
This is my experience and all information that I am aware of
thus far concerning the parties wants desires and wishes to include my own whom
I introduced. Let me state a final thought, [redacted] has also asked me to redo
his bathroom, however in my industry I tend to get a feel for the customer as
most all of us contractors do. It concerns me that any job done by anyone would
not meet his approval. I am not saying that he is looking to get something done
for free, I know [redacted] better than that. He is a man of integrity much like
all parties involved in the said issue. I am having to reconsider my
thoughts of future work for him. The IRC was built for a specific purpose.
Esthetics is not at the top of the list due to subjectivity. That being stated
it has always been [redacted]s goal to meet both, IRC and esthetics with every job he
has done for MD. Construction. If the liability of esthetic subjectivity rested
on the contractor, then what safe guards would we have if a bird walked on the
wet concrete or God pushed a storm through. Just a thought.
My desire is to retain the friendship of [redacted] for our life’s
have been intertwined throughout the years. However, it’s important that I must
hold also true to the work and industry I have known all my life.
I don’t type this with an easy heart, for I know this could end
a great relationship with a friend but I know the line of my work. Yet I cannot
deny the realities of the work [redacted] and I share.
M.D.Construction
Of Lees
Summit LLC.
MichlaeD[redacted]
Wk:###-###-####
Fx :###-###-####
[redacted]
USMC Capt. “[redacted]”