Cornerstone Landscape & Construction, Inc.

I am rejecting this response due to the the falsified facts that Mr *** is stating in his correspondenceI contacted him in numerous phone calls and letters starting in November of after the work was completed on my home. This is frustrating to me in the fact that he has ignored several attempts of me contacting him regarding issues that we had with in days of him finishing the jobObviously I am a patient woman as this is been going on for over a year nowAs previously stated, he had done damage to my garage and he promised to fix it yet he never fixed it properlyHe had put a hole in the corner of my garage and instead of him correctly fixing the damage, he opted to cover it with a piece of wood not correctly fixing itThe only thing I am seeking is to either A-Fix it correctly himself or hire someone to come fix it correctly. I find it funny that he blames rain, and the "worst weather" in the months afterwards when I was trying to contact him with in daysThis is the last step that I have taken in attempt to get in contact with him as he never had any contact with me and continued to ignore all my requests of contacting him after he originally finished the roof but not fixing my garageI am not asking for the amount returned nor seeking court processesAll I want is for my garage to be fixed as he himself personally caused the issues

Company states: We did a decent amount of work for themThere are only two issues that I seeA five inch on the bottom of the block and the sodI ordered my sod out of Stockon CAI am in ReddingThey deliver on Tuesday and SaturdayWe have to order these in bulkI would have to pay dollars
to have dollars worth deliveredIt was my intent to get sod on my next orderBy coincidence, I have no sod orders since this date of mid SeptemberI have been doing hardscape and I am also a general contractorI did a roof and have no done sod since*** said I will come by when I have sod*** why are you calling me so many times? This time of year sod projects slow way downSince our warranty does not apply to existing sprinkling systemsI do not warranty sod that is watered by an existing watering system but I am willing to give them replacement sod to help them outThere are many reasons that the sod went bad that are out of my controlIf a sprinkler system fails and my sod fails then I can't be responsible for thatIt is in our contract and it has been signedIt has been revised to try to find these kind of thingsThings I can't be responsible forWhen I get sod I will get it outBack to these retaining wall blocksthey are lbsa piece and have a one inch lipIt goes up and goes backIf you make the bottom circle perfect it will be too bigIt is standard practice to leave a gap at the bottom away from viewI aimed it at the corner and the only guy that can see it is the guy mowing the lawnThe top course will come out perfect and that is the one you see from all parts of the yardIt is also good for drainageIf you make the block solid they tend to fill up with water and bark will float and continue to drainYou don't bury drip tubingDrip tubing is meant to go on top of the ground or weed fabric whatever the customer choose to put downThat is wonderful thing about drip you are able to see it and move around it if you wantIt is very expandableIt doesn't hold more than lbof structure
The sod is not under warranty because of external factors that can ruin it and it is written in our contractI am willing to drop off the rolls of sod whenever I receive itThe retainer wall has to have a gap in it so the planter will drain and so the top course is gap free and is aesthetically pleasing

I am rejecting this response because:
How can a responsible professional address a problem he has never seen?  Why does the customer have to wait for an order to be made in bulk, in order to fix a problem.  If Cornerstone Landscaping doesn't get another sod job for 7+ months (which wouldn't surprise me), that's how long I have to wait for the problem to be resolved?  If it works out in a timely fashion so everyone benefits I would understand.  However, a waiting "game" for sod is unacceptable and unprofessional; again especially considering he has never seen himself what I am talking about.  Furthermore, I don't trust that he may not have already had a sod job because he has already lied to me once.
As far as the drip tubing and retaining wall go, more excuses for shoddy work; not to mention I asked that the drip tubing be buried.  Comically, I even had to ask him if he tested the drip tubing to make sure he hooked it up correctly.  Not only had he not tested it, it wasn't even connected properly and wasn't working!  And a 6 inch gap for drainage for the retaining wall?  The natural gaps between the blocks is more than enough for drainage.  
I challenge you to show me the "industry standard" for installing a circular retaining wall with the blocks we used is to leave a 6 inch gap!  Let's ask an independent, licensed, insured landscape professional(s) or similar type professional organization what the proper installation/industry standard is for drip tubing and retaining walls.  I am confident you will find that Cornerstone Landscaping falls short, to say the least, and lacks the most basic tenets of professionalism.

Dear Sir  I read the complaint a few weeks ago while away and will not waste any more time reading it again,just a response for your info. I am retired and left Calif in Feb 2017 and wont be doing contracting anymore . The complainant has shown me her true colors by the lies in the complaint....

There was a state permit for this work and they know this because there was a delay in doing the work when they wanted it done . They were also given the signed off permit original and as I mentioned in my first email you could easily get a copy or verbal from that agency using the property address. Several issues they raise also make me suspicious. We installed the new roof in Oct 2016 and it was subject to the worst rainy winter in history and yet it started "leaking" 6 month later? They would not tell me were the leak was when they emailed me in March,just that it was leaking. Many leaks can occur in a home,especially the cheaply made mobile homes, that have nothing to do with a roof. Windows and siding can easily start leaking especially with wind driven rain. Its also interesting that they want all the money back for a leak,honest people would have it repaired and request the repair amount,but shady ,greedy people think they are entitled to thinks free. Ive seen this type of attitude more the last few years and Im 100% certain you have too even though you cant confirm it. FYI if I ever had to give back or not be paid 8K I would have to do 25,600 in work for free to recuperate that lose since I pay for materials,labor and incidentals before being paid,yet no one seems to understand or care about that. It also seems to be the new trend to "go after" a contractor in 4 ways,court,contractors board,bond co and your group and its equally as interesting when you lose in court,win with the CSLB,win with the bond co and lose with you or any similar 50/50 combination. This lady did not follow several of my requests including not replacing the roof flashings which could easily be the problem if her roof is even leaking. She also stacked me via my wife's [redacted] , friend ed  a few of our friends and talked "[redacted]" about me to them. Do what you want with this info and I would not want to be in your "business" with the new,crazy,entitlement mind set thats our society ,or maybe I would because it means lots of job security.I wont be responding to any further email's on this subject  Thanks

Review: Additionally, 5-501, 5-505, 5-506. No written estimate or invoice. Used Bobcat to deliver concrete across lawn & drive. Got concrete on house.

Shoddy workmanship! Poured a concrete porch for me (23' from the street) claimed that the ready mix truck didn't have enough chute extentions to reach, so without asking me he delivered the ready mix to the forms with his Bobcat, across my driveway and lawn. Left significant marks on the driveway and tore up the lawn. Then splashed ready mix on my front screen door and the siding on the house. To top it off, he didn't order enough ready mix to do the job to specs, so I have a noticibaly slanted porch. He said he'd be back in a couple of days to clean it up and spread some seed. Didn't happen! Called him at ten days and the last thing he said to me before he hung up was "You got a $1500 porch for $900 (actually paid him a grand) and I'm not doing anything else for you". This has to be the most inconsiderate, incompetent contractor I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. His estimate was verbal, $900. Upon completion he demanded $1,047.50. I paid $1000. I received one of his business cards with the charges listed on the back. This was the only thing I received from him in writing. Desired Settlement: A $500 partial refund to cover damages to my property and the partial cost to repair them. I'll learn to live with the slanted porch!

Business

Response:

Business' Initial Response

Company states:

Thank you for the chance to respond to this complaint. We have been in business for 30 years this August and I, the owner/licensee work with the crew on site on all projects. Your records show very few complaints (1-2?) from our several thousand customers over the years. This customer is retired and has time to complain to every organization around. Below is our response...

Consumer found us pouring his neighbor a new driveway and said "I've been watching your crew and they are doing a great job, I'd like a estimate to pour a porch". I briefly "broke away" and gave him a quote of $900 on a business card. I verbally said adding color would be extra depending on color chosen and I would add cost only of color to bill. He called a week later and said he wanted us to pour his porch. I said we would like to form on Saturday and pour on Monday. He approved and said he would not be home on Saturday but to go ahead. We formed on Saturday and left our contract for him to sign and return on Monday. Monday we showed up minutes before the truck and went right to work. All concrete trucks have no more than 16' of chutes from the rear, 12' to the sides. A concrete truck weighs 40,000 lbs and 3,000 lbs per yard (47,500) our skid steer tractor 6,000. Our contract clearly states:

1) #17

2) #5

We ordered the correct amount of concrete/code requires a minimum of 2% slope away from structures for drainage. The concrete was poured in 1/2 hour, the consumer watched the work, saw the small skid & tire marks and never said to stop. The 3 man crew left and the concrete finisher stayed to finish the concrete. The consumer gave the finisher a $20 tip because of his great work. We returned on Tuesday to pick up forms and payment. I again used a business card for an invoice due to the small and quick nature of this project. The consumer paid us and complimented the work. The wife complained about the small "skid" marks on the old lawn and a dozen "green pea" sized red colored concrete splashes. I said the concrete is too fresh to walk on and I said I could return in a week with some seed and clean the splashes (15 minutes of work & $2.00 of seed). The consumer clearly said that's okay, I'll take care of it. A week later he called and instead of saying "can I take you up on your offer of seek and cleaning?" he starts yelling, demanding and threatening (complaints). We've learned in 30 years of doing business that consumers that respond with threats are not satisfied no matter how much you do for them. I referenced our contractual policy on tire marks and use of our equipment to save them money ie $1500 job for $900. The consumer claim for $500 (50%) is ridiculous and without merit.

(Please see attached docs via the link on the cover page.)

Consumer's Final Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

I'm in receipt of Mr. [redacted]/Cornerstone Landscape's response to my complaint. Mr. [redacted] was less than truthful in dealing with me, and his response to you regarding my complaint continues in that vein. I'm sure you're aware that not every complaint results in the consumer taking the time to file a complaint with the Revdex.com. My neighbor is a perfect example. He was less than satisfied with Mr. [redacted]' work, but simply didn't bother. But then, he's not retired, so perhaps he didn't have the time.

Mr. [redacted] response to me during my last telephone conversation prompted the filing of this complaint as well as one with the California Contractor's License Board. I have gleaned further information during my search for information on their site.

Mr. [redacted] has, in fact, been licensed with the CCLB since August, 1983 as a Class B General Contractor which allows him to contract for service under that class in "framing and carpentry". He also holds a Class C27 Landscape Contractor license. However, any Concrete contracting he has done in those 30 years has been illegal. He does not hold a Class C8, Concrete Contractor's license.

In our initial contact, I had watched them pour my neighbor's driveway and particularly watched his finisher and was impressed. The finisher makes the job! As we were walking up my driveway, I pointed out my stamped red sidewalk and step going to my wooden porch. The first think I said to him was I wanted a red porch, to roughly match the sidewalk and step, an "exact match" wasn't necessary. Color was discussed prior to his taking the measurements.

He gave me a business card and a "verbal quote" of $900 FIRM, no additional mention of color. There was nothing in writing, the back of that business card is blank. As an aside, had he passed on the charge for color, that amount according to the ready mix invoice, which I have, showed $25 not $100. To restate, his final quote was "$900 FIRM" period.

When I called to give him the job, he said he would see me on the following Monday, there was no mention of forming on Saturday. When my wife and I returned home at approximately 3:30 pm we were both surprised to see the forms in place. I have no problem with this, other than the fact that he states he cleared this with me prior to doing it. He did not! He and his crew were expected Monday morning, per our telephone conversation, Saturday was a pleasant surprise.

As for the contract, supposedly left for my signature, BUNK!! I'm still searching for this phantom contract. It was not left for signature, please note that there is no mention of him picking it up on Monday, reason being, it simply does not exist. I, therefore, have no idea what "1) #17" or "2) #5" refers to.

The forms that were installed were properly done and to my specs, specifically "15 inches from ground level". This provided the minimal slope from the house. Actually, this is a covered porch so runoff is not an issue. He first installed approximately 6-7 inches of base material, separately formed within the porch. They were leveling the concrete to the top of the form, as is common, working from west to east. When the last drop of ready mix was unloaded from the truck, it was evident that they were short on material. Mr. [redacted] and his helper managed to get two half trash cans of additional base, dug a hole at the east end of the forms and dumped the additional base in. Still short! Solution?? Starting at the southwest corner, he dropped the level to approximately 1" below the form, dragging it to the "hole". He did the same thing on the east end, pulling it from north to south, trying to fill the hole.

To summarize, I ended up with a severely slanted porch. The step from the sidewalk to the porch is at the southeast end, and is 36" wide. From the house side to the street side of that 36" step it drops 1-3/4" looking like it was done by someone that had no idea what he was doing. From the existing step to the porch level should have been 5-1/2" and level with the step. When you step onto my porch from the sidewalk and step, it's like being on a ship with a severe list to port, likewise when you step out the front door a similar list exists. Simply a "short pour" and shoddy workmanship.

My neighbor is less than satisfied with the workmanship on his driveway and front step. He had saved pieces of broken concrete from his old driveway and laid them from the curb to his front porch and intended to finish it off as a walkway. Again, a "short pour" and Mr. [redacted] removed three of those pieces from the walkway, without asking, to use as fill in the front step.

I did watch the work, but by the time he put the Bobcat on the lawn for the first time, it seemed a moot point to complain or insist that he stop, the damage had already been done, and with what he had, it was the only way the job was going to be done. My wife, however, did tell him she was not happy when she saw him tearing up her lawn. After she went back inside he asked "Can ya make it right with the missus?", I didn't reply.

There was a total 3 man crew on this job, not 4. Mr. [redacted], a helper, and [redacted] the finisher who also did most of the leveling of the ready mix. The helper showed more concern with the damage to my lawn than Mr. [redacted], and was constantly trying to push the soil and sod back into place. The conditions at the time was an on and off light rain with cool temps in the 60's. It took a long time for the concrete to set up where the finisher could properly work with it. He didn't leave our house that night until 8:00 pm. I did tip him $20 and complimented him on his work. My compliments to Mr. [redacted] also referenced only the finisher.

I paid him as described in the original complaint. He said he would return "in a couple of days", not a week, to spread some seed and clean the concrete off the house. I DID NOT decline his offer. It was nearly two weeks later when I called him to express my displeasure. There were no "demands" or "threats". His attitude provoked me sufficiently to file this complaint and follow up with a complaint to the Contractor's License Board.

I have to agree with Mr. [redacted] that my claim for $500 is ridiculous, and now wish to modify that claim to a full refund of $1,000. I believe, based on the shoddy workmanship and the fact that he does not possess the license, C8 or apparently the knowledge required of a Concrete Contractor, that a full refund is warranted. Failing that, I may proceed with obtaining estimates from qualified Concrete Contractors for the removal of the old porch and installation of a proper one. I will then proceed with litigation to recover my losses.

Had I been informed up front that I could have a substandard, shoddy job for $900 or one properly done, without extraneous damage to my property, for $1500, I would have definitely chosen the latter. I expected my property to be in the same condition after the job as prior to the job, except for a properly poured porch!

Too much to ask of Cornerstone Landscape.

Review: Hired Cornerstone Landscape to lay sod, build retaining walls, bury drip tubing, weed, and prune. Payment was requested and provided in full before he left; and unfortunately before work could be inspected. Retaining wall around tree has 5 inch gap in between two blocks on the bottom. Drip tubing is not buried, barely covered with bark. Portion of sod, which was installed separately and on a different date than the rest died. I called and [redacted] said the sod was guaranteed and that he would come out to look at it. He never showed or called. I called again and he said he would replace that section the coming Saturday. He never showed or called again. I have sent him emails and voicemails since, ALL unanswered. Finally, [redacted] responded with the following unprofessional and deragotary email:"Keith Ive got all your messages,I said I would come by when I have sod.Why do you need to call all these times,when I have sod I will come by. Im surprised a guy with your people skills (kids,adults and parents) would be this way.Maybe your different when you are paying for something. Im not a kid at your school but thats how I feel Ive been treated. This time of the year sod projects slow way down and I may not have sod till spring but we will see. Actually our warranty does not apply to existing irrigation systems so I have an out if I chose. I will not read any response so save you typing"I would love to share my response, or I would encourage you to have Cornerstone show you my response. It will not fit in the allocated space. Thank you.Desired Settlement: After receiving his inflammatory and antagonistic email, giving him yet another opportunity (see my email response), and experiencing his unprofessionalism, I prefer not to do any more business with Cornerstone. I would like his work to be fixed by an independent licensed landscape contractor; which Cornerstone will pay directly. Or, I can get 3 quotes to fix the work and Cornerstone can reimburse me the cost for repairs; and I will hire and pay the contractor to fix the work. Thank you.

Business

Response:

Company states: We did a decent amount of work for them. There are only two issues that I see. A five inch on the bottom of the block and the sod. I ordered my sod out of Stockon CA. I am in Redding. They deliver on Tuesday and Saturday. We have to order these in bulk. I would have to pay 75 dollars to have 35 dollars worth delivered. It was my intent to get sod on my next order. By coincidence, I have no sod orders since this date of mid September. I have been doing hardscape and I am also a general contractor. I did a roof and have no done sod since. [redacted] said I will come by when I have sod. [redacted] why are you calling me so many times? This time of year sod projects slow way down. Since our warranty does not apply to existing sprinkling systems. I do not warranty sod that is watered by an existing watering system but I am willing to give them replacement sod to help them out. There are many reasons that the sod went bad that are out of my control. If a sprinkler system fails and my sod fails then I can't be responsible for that. It is in our contract and it has been signed. It has been revised to try to find these kind of things. Things I can't be responsible for. When I get sod I will get it out. Back to these retaining wall blocks. they are 50 lbs. a piece and have a one inch lip. It goes up and goes back. If you make the bottom circle perfect it will be too big. It is standard practice to leave a gap at the bottom away from normal view. I aimed it at the corner and the only guy that can see it is the guy mowing the lawn. The top course will come out perfect and that is the one you see from all parts of the yard. It is also good for drainage. If you make the block solid they tend to fill up with water and bark will float and continue to drain. You don't bury drip tubing. Drip tubing is meant to go on top of the ground or weed fabric whatever the customer choose to put down. That is wonderful thing about drip you are able to see it and move around it if you want. It is very expandable. It doesn't hold more than 30 lb. of structure.

The sod is not under warranty because of external factors that can ruin it and it is written in our contract. I am willing to drop off the 11 rolls of sod whenever I receive it. The retainer wall has to have a gap in it so the planter will drain and so the top course is gap free and is aesthetically pleasing.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because:

How can a responsible professional address a problem he has never seen? Why does the customer have to wait for an order to be made in bulk, in order to fix a problem. If Cornerstone Landscaping doesn't get another sod job for 7+ months (which wouldn't surprise me), that's how long I have to wait for the problem to be resolved? If it works out in a timely fashion so everyone benefits I would understand. However, a waiting "game" for sod is unacceptable and unprofessional; again especially considering he has never seen himself what I am talking about. Furthermore, I don't trust that he may not have already had a sod job because he has already lied to me once.

As far as the drip tubing and retaining wall go, more excuses for shoddy work; not to mention I asked that the drip tubing be buried. Comically, I even had to ask him if he tested the drip tubing to make sure he hooked it up correctly. Not only had he not tested it, it wasn't even connected properly and wasn't working! And a 6 inch gap for drainage for the retaining wall? The natural gaps between the blocks is more than enough for drainage.

I challenge you to show me the "industry standard" for installing a circular retaining wall with the blocks we used is to leave a 6 inch gap! Let's ask an independent, licensed, insured landscape professional(s) or similar type professional organization what the proper installation/industry standard is for drip tubing and retaining walls. I am confident you will find that Cornerstone Landscaping falls short, to say the least, and lacks the most basic tenets of professionalism.