ComplaintsforDave’s Sealcoating & Special Services Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  08/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We had our driveway ripped out on June 3, 2023. The contract states 6 of gravel base & 3 asphalt replaced. Price was $2500.00. June 8,2023 they came to lay the asphalt in pouring rain. Noticed problems right away. Terrible unevenness and divots along the the top of driveway, ripple like effects going down the driveway, asphalt breaking away, cracking & splitting along sides of driveway and uneven on side from driveway to apron. I asked owner to adjust the final payment of $1250.00 (50% of the balance) owner stated it would smooth out and he said he could do nothing on the final bill. I sent this business a 2 page letter stating all the issues along with 8 pictures of the issues. He then put a mechanics Lein in place. I am now receiving an unitemized bill will extra fees that have not been disclosed. As of yesterday 7/30/24, I paid them the $1250.00 but now there is an additional amount of $579.38 which I have not paid. This company when I looked it up has another owner and its not the person who claimed to be the owner coming to my house.

  Business response

  08/02/2024

  Tell us why here...Dear ***,
  
  
  We began the replacement process In July last year. Throughout this period, we encountered several delays due to inclement weather, which prevented us from proceeding with the paving. As you know, weather conditions are beyond our control, and there is a mandatory waiting period before paving can commence. Our office ensured consistent communication regarding any changes to the schedule. The base was completely dry and ready for paving; otherwise, we would have rescheduled. There were no issues on our end.
  
  
  The cracks you are noticing along the edges are likely due to the following reasons:
  
  
  1. The edges are hand-stamped to achieve the 45-degree angle that we specify to our clients during the quoting process.
  2. Your driveway has experienced significant traffic, including a 3-ton vehicle, which can be a factor, especially in extreme heat.
  3. Upon completion, we advised that the weight should be distributed evenly across the driveway.
  
  
  In response to your concerns about the driveway's durability through winter, we allowed the invoice to remain open to address any potential issues. After agreeing that the driveway was in good condition, we provided a complimentary sealcoating service this season. ***** evaluated the driveway, confirming that everything was great shape. Additionally, the necessary permit was obtained and approved by the city and the final inspection was approved by the city. 
  
  
  Best regards,
  
  
  Daves Sealcoating & Special Services Inc. 
  **************

  Customer response

  08/06/2024

   
  Complaint: 22072012
  
  I am rejecting this response because: 

  The statements from this company are false.  There was a complete lack of communication from the get go.  I took off work on several days when they said the were coming but then never showed up called or texted.  The attached letter I sent this company by certified mail & also emailed clearly states the lack of communication and also the concerns I had with the driveway upon completion. I have texts between ********************* & *********************** (registered Owner) to show how their lack of communication during the install of the driveway & after.  The day they came to lay the asphalt it was pouring rain and had been raining the previous days.  I was told this was not a problem and "it helps" with the asphalt.   I was also told the driveway would "smooth" out after time.  That is why they came back to seal coat in the spring.  The issues have been there since the beginning.  The areas of cracking & splitting are along the "new extension" of the driveway apron and areas along the sides of the driveway (extended out areas). Once again these areas were a problem long before there was any 'traffic' on the driveway, which I have documentation backing that up.
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  08/08/2024

  Tell us why here...Hello, 
  
  As we previously mentioned, your project was initially scheduled but had to be rescheduled due to weather delayssomething beyond our control. We understand the inconvenience this caused, particularly with you needing to take time off work.
  
  Our office is responsible for all communications related to project scheduling and payments. We made calls to inform you of the rescheduling and reached out to both contact numbers we have on file. Additionally, we had to coordinate with the city to reschedule the final inspection multiple times. The city completed their inspection, and the job was approved.
  
  Please be assured that rain during the asphalt installation does not negatively impact the driveway. In fact, it can help the curing process. The base was dry, firm, and ready for installation when we began work.
  
  Its normal for asphalt to have a rough texture initially, which smooths out over time as it is used. This is a standard aspect of the material's characteristics.
  
  We applied the sealant to the driveway based on your communication with our office, where you indicated that sealing was a condition for final payment. However, we feel that withholding payment under these circumstances takes advantage of our small business.
  
  ***** conducted the inspection with you, and at that time, no concerns about cracks were raised. In fact, ***** recalls that there were no issues with the driveway, and you requested a reduction or cancellation of the invoice.
  
  Sincerely, 
  
  Daves Sealcoating & Special Services Inc.

  Customer response

  08/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22072012
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Had I received what you stated , I would have been a satisfied customer.   Unfortunately this is not the service we got!
  All the issues were noticed immediately and brought up immediately.  No concern for customer satisfaction or that something went wrong on their end.  At first they noticed all the issues because they wanted to heat the driveway and fix some of the areas, which was unacceptable considering we paid for a brand new driveways.  I shouldnt have had to accept a brand new driveway, already needing repaired.   *********** does not come out to inspect gravel base on asphalt, only concrete.  They simply come out to make sure the job was completed per the ******************** *****  Not what I was told by this company.  
  And yes, pouring rain does affect the end result of asphalt being laid.  
  Clearly something happened on their end during the install process on our driveway,  had they rectified that immediately and not continue to give us the runaround it would have been a very different result. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

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