ComplaintsforSam The Concrete Man of Columbia

• Initial Complaint

  04/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This project consisted of two patios. One was raised with a brick border and the other was lower and has stamped concrete. Both concrete slabs were to be colored a beige or light tan. This contractor called it a sand color. The project started in November of 2021. I observed many issues with this contractor starting with site preparation. The raised patio was started first, without a permit, as I requested a county permit be obtained. We needed a permit as we planned to have a screen room built on top of this patio and Lexington County wants proof of a proper footer. I had to work with our builder to get the proper permit and proof of adequate support for the room. The brick on the patio ended up stained with mortar and sealer and was not cleaned as promised. The lower patio was constructed with-out the proper amount of crushed stone for the base. A base is required for concrete patios especially when poured over clay. The clay should have been leveled correctly and 6 inches of tamped stone should have been applied. The site mason said that he ran out of gravel and poured the concrete anyway. The stamped concrete was sealed before it could even start to cure, which should have been a couple of weeks. Improper or faulty color was applied. The patio was now a shiny aluminum. Color should have been added to the concrete as it was mixing. They attempted to add sealer with color tint added and now our upper patio is gray and the lower patio is now a gray/blue in three different shades. The lower patio concrete has also blistered. They left the house splattered with concrete that I have been cleaning up. They also broke three screen frames and one window frame. I want the broken items fixed or replaced. I also want the stamped concrete pad redone. Redone following standard practice when applying over clay soil. The job is not complete and Sam the Concrete Man wants to be paid in full. Also, the owner ************* ****** does not have a Contractors License. Per SC

  Business response

  05/04/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2022/04/11) */ In completing upwards of 200 projects per year unfortunately it happens, rarely, that issues, many subjective, are brought up that a customer can't or will not be satisfied with. Much time and expense has gone into trying to make this customer 100% happy but it has become clear that this is not possible. This complaint raises multiple issues from post-work internet research by the customer that is not complete or accurate and does not reflect local standard procedures. The structure is very sound, and is warrantied, including footings extending above and beyond code. The stamp quality is very precise, and we have worked with the customer to try to achieve a color, that they chose, and would be happy with. The raised patio requires a permit per plans and specifications for the structure going on top, plans and specifications which did not exist and was not determined at the time of commencing work. Patios in themselves, raised or ground level, do not require a permit. When constructing work for structures, permits are pulled for the building project, including footings, according to the requirements of the plans and specifications. Again, the documents did not exist that are necessary to obtain a building permit at the time of this work. This was explained to the customer. The footings and foundations have since been approved. The customer researched to find that the company does not have a contractor's license but he did not continue his research to discover that a contractor's license is not required. Our company is compliant with and has all licenses and permits required for the scope of work we do, in order to operate in the state of South Carolina and the counties and municipalities we serve. A hose used to pump the concrete from the street burst during construction resulting in damage to 3 window screens. Two sets of replacement screens, from the only supplier we were able to locate in Columbia, were supplied to the customer at a cost of $100 each. These were rejected by the customer for details not matching the original screens. The company understands this and credited the customer $200 each, $600 total with which the customer could locate screens to meet his satisfaction. Other items, such as the brick not being cleaned, is simply incorrect. The customer was not satisfied with the final color. It was explained that this was, out of a color brochure presented, the color that the customer chose, and that any variations beyond the contractor's control, due the use of natural materials in natural environmental conditions, is clearly discussed in the contract documents and was also discussed with the customer before he chose to demand the patio be torn out and replaced. The situation has unfortunately led to the filing of a lien for non-payment, again for which the customer was given plenty of notice, and after making clear that removal and replacement of this work at the contractor's expense is not warranted or reasonable. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2022/04/14) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) My wife and I decided to hire Sam the Concrete Man because they are a franchise and we believed at the time certain standards would be followed. We would be perfectly happy with this contractor if he followed recommended construction practices and actually listened to us, the customer. The job started back in November of 2021 and to date has not been completed as promised. If the project was completed properly we would gladly pay what we actually owe, not to include an option that was not done. As noted before I had to clean up the mess in the yard, the cement stains on the house, the stained bricks, and I had to get the permit the that Mr. ****** should have gotten. The stamped concrete pad was done very well, but the color that we requested was never done. As noted on the contract the color was the customers choice. We wanted a beige color for both patios. The upper is a gray and the sealer used is now on the brick border. The lower patio after six coats of tinted sealer is a blue gray, in three different shades. Mr. ****** applied the last coat of sealer on the lower patio on a rainy day. We now have a multi colored and blistered finish that looks horrible. A preferred method of adding color to the concrete should have been followed. That method would have required the contractor to add the color to the cement as it was mixing. Through out this ordeal we asked Mr ****** to please get the color that we wanted. We never asked for anything other than the beige color and certainly not the blistered look. Also, while washing down this blistered patio I noticed that the sealer and tint was washing away. I was only using a garden hose and this "stuff" was coming off. I still say that sealing the concrete an hour after pouring was a major mistake. My window screen frames were never replaced. Mr. ****** tried to give me ill fitting screen frames which I did not want. I asked Mr. ****** to please replace what they broke. Still not done. Also, one of the window frames was damaged as well. We asked for the windows to be replaced if they could not be repaired. Mr. ****** had the opportunity to find a remedy for this problem but instead threatened me with a lien for a job that is not finished. I understand the process and preparation that is required for a patio installation. Especially here in South Carolina where we have a clay-heavy soil. By not adding the proper amount of stone base the patio can compress under the weight of the concrete, causing the slab to shift and crack. Signs of improper slab contraction can be seen all over this area by just looking at the cracked and un-even driveways. Further, looking for an amount over what we actually owe is absurd. The raised patio is actually smaller that what was quoted, they never back-filled the edges of the new concrete, and the ground level patio is not colored as we had asked. Defects were reported to Mr. ****** from the beginning and were ignored. We in fact owe Mr. ******, $1,320.00 plus the cost of stamping, if it was completed, which it is not. I have carefully documented this project with notes and pictures. We have been extremely patient with this company, as you can see this problem gas been going on for months. All we wanted was a nice patio and now we have a three shaded colored and blistered patio. I don't think Mr. ****** ever worked in the field installing concrete patios as was shown by his BIO. His expertise perhaps is more in manufacturing and management. I would have worked with Mr. ****** if it were possible. I have spoken to others in my area that have had a similar problem with him and it appears that I will have to hire someone else. We will look for someone who is licensed, insured, and hads good reviews. According to the LLR, a license is required to solicit or perform this type of work. Trying to push the blame onto a customer is wrong. Please follow through with this complaint. Business Response /* (4000, 11, 2022/04/21) */ 4/20/2022 Response from 4/14/2022 Rebuttal: We pride ourselves on our customer service and quality concrete products and the high quality standards we maintain. We acknowledged previously that there was accidental damage caused to the customers window screens when a concrete line pump broke during the install. This was a freak accident and not something that we could have foreseen. Nevertheless, we have tried multiple times to right this damage as explained in our previous response. The EXACT screens are not available anywhere. We have purchased 2 sets of similar screens as well as offered $600 for the customer to purchase the exact screens when available and use either of the 2 screen sets we purchased in the interim; this was not acceptable for the customer. There is nothing more we can do to address this issue. Most of the inaccurate and incorrect assertions made have been previously addressed in our 4/11/2022 response and don't warrant further comment from us. The incorrect assertions regarding licenses are addressed in the attached documents from the SC Dept of Revenue and the Secretary of State's office. A general contractor's license is not required for concrete work, regardless of what the customer says. Licenses are also held as required for Lexington County and all the area counties and municipalities we operate in. The $1300 stamping portion of the work listed was an option for the upper patio. That option was not selected by the customer and is not a part of the total or balance owed. The other option for a brick wall was later deleted and has been removed from the total. We are willing to close the file and remove the lien, which has been attached following ample notification, for a payment of $2,255.00. Otherwise the lien filed for non-payment will remain attached. In closing, we are a hardworking, honest, locally owned business and always aim to deliver a great experience, as affirmed in our many positive online reviews. We apologize that our service did not satisfy your expectations and upon final payment we wish you all the best. Thank you, ***** **** Brand Building Consumer Response /* (4200, 13, 2022/04/21) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) As noted in our original complaint, my wife and I hired "Sam the Concrete Man" to install a raised patio and a lower stamped patio. These concrete patios were to be colored with a light beige or tan color. What we ended up with is a raised patio gray in color and a lower stamped patio which is now a sort of blue gray with three different shades of color. This stamped patio blistered shortly after the sealer application. Also, washing this stamped patio down with the garden hose I noticed this sealer has been flaking off. This is not what we wanted. The issues with this project are the responsibility of Mr. ******, owner of this franchise. Mr. ****** contracted with us, made all sorts of promises, and has failed to make things right. We still have three windows with no screens, one window has chips in the frame, and cement splatter is still on our home. I would like to have seen the "high quality standards" applied to this project. This project was never completed and now Mr. ****** refuses to fix what they broke. Further, Mr. ****** was the person that actually applied the incorrect colors and evidently did not follow recommend practices when applying this tinted sealer, which can be seen in the many pictures that we have. This is a horrible looking patio. I have also been removing some of this cement splatter on the house, the sealer that Mr. ****** accidentally rolled on the brick trim, and the messy joints on the brick work. I have a set of pictures to document all of the issues at our home. In closing, my wife and I are senior citizens that are retired and we put our faith and money into this project. I know of others that have had problems with "Sam the Concrete Man" and it seems that their negative reviews get deleted. I have been in contact with one of those unhappy customers and it appears that Mr. ****** did not take responsibility for the mistakes on that project as well. We just wanted a great experience, but instead we are stuck with a project that will have to be redone. Please move forward with this complaint. Thank You, **** & ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  03/31/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Contract was signed on 4/19/21 and the agreed upon price was $12,970.00 Service agreed were as follows: 1. Excavate sod, soil, plants as needed. Grade and level for a new rear patio. 2. Install a new concrete patio (approx. 50x9, 10x18, and 15.5x14) 847 square feet total. 3. Stamp, color and seal using a pattern and colors of the homeowners choosing. (Ashlar Stone, Hayfields, Smoke Beige) 4. Add a stamped and colored side walkway with steps from the new patio to the existing front pavement. 64x4, approx, 256 sq ft. Dispute: Never came back after final payment to correct issues even after I discussed with him the issues of horrible finish (varies from foot to foot and is in no way professional), improper slope (swale for no reason except he didn't want to set the heights of the septic tank cleanouts prior to pouring, inconsistent coloring, double stamping, rough finishes, high spots and stamping that looks like a kid drew it with a finger. This project was a disaster immediately after it started (approx date 5/28/21), Contractor was not there to provide any project management, engineering or supervision which led to the concrete being removed not once, but twice and it was still horrible work. The first pour (unsupervised) had a slope of 3/4' per foot which I had to point out. Walk-way location wrong. The second pour (due to impatience on ******'s part) covered a sprinkler value which resulted in concrete being removed to correct was poured 4" under the proper finished level. I still have a live sprinkler line under the walk-way that was poured. On the final pour the stamping was terrible (not square to the house). The finish is just awful, the sealer is a mess, application inconsistent. The business made an offer to grind down the high spots, correct the color in one corner and reseal the whole patio. This is unacceptable because the quality is so bad from end to end. The patio needs to be torn out and replaced by a competent contractor.

  Business response

  05/04/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/04/11) */ A text message, nearly 9 months after project completion and with no prior communication, demanding a full refund-plus, was shocking and out of the blue. After a site visit, it was communicated that grinding on a missed high spot that was pointed out, re-color of the back right corner that did not match due to shade and dampness, and a re-sealing of the patio was offered, but it was made clear that no tear-outs or full replacements were warranted and will not be forthcoming. Structural issues, major cracks, settlement, etc. are reasons for replacement and those are certainly not an issue on this heavy, sound slab. The site visit showed that the patio and adjoining stairs and walkway remain a striking, solid and fully functional space. Minor imperfections in the stamp pattern are to be expected over an 850 sq ft space - It should be noted that stamped & colored concrete is not a precast or modular units manufactured in plant conditions, it is handwork using natural materials out on the ground and in outdoor environmental conditions. Something like a slight variation in squareness, working against three disparate brick walls at varying angles is also minor and, along with other items now being added to a list, most have only been noticed after a period of time. These and other comments were made, again, many months after the work was done. Sloping to utility line covers, with proper slope and positive drainage is standard in such a large area, without plans, drawings, or other guidance from the owner to the contrary. The concrete foreman present on the site throughout was the supervision. It was never made clear that the sprinkler valve boxes, which were below the project excavation and not visible, were located in that area, which caused tear out and replacement at our expense. Pouring over a hard PVC line, as long as there are no uncapped or un-relocated heads is also standard practice. The subjective language and assumptions of how or why work was done is not accurate. Having said that, the offer to address the items mentioned above still stands and we will be happy to do that at the customer's request. Consumer Response /* (3000, 15, 2022/04/18) */ The contractor said he would return and to "work with him". He never got back to me so after 9 months I finally took the initiative and reached out to him expressing my concerns. He is simply lying. The work is awful as demonstrated in the pictures I provided. Awful finish, poor planning, poor execution and mismanagement. He claimed he lost money on the job, it was his fault that he had to redo the work more than once. All I'm seeing is a lousy contractor claiming that me, the customer that reached out to him for his "expertise" attempt to pass his excuses for poor workmanship to the consumer. Everything he said was simply a lie and while I have a slab of concrete it is nowhere near the professional level of installation that a layman consumer should have expected. Business Response /* (4000, 17, 2022/04/22) */ 4/22/2022 Response from 4/18/2022 Rebuttal: The customer's reaching out 9 months later is quoted as follows: "we have no choice but to ask you for a full refund plus the cost of demolition of the existing patio". In a follow up site visit that position was reiterated and, when it was refused, led to this complaint. The other comments do not warrant further response other than that already given. We strive to install quality work for our customers, and you can see by the pictures this is just that. Please see the attached photos taken on the last day of work. In closing, we pride ourselves on our customer service & quality concrete while always aiming to deliver a great experience for the customer. We apologize that our service did not satisfy your expectations, but we will not offer a refund. Consumer Response /* (4200, 19, 2022/04/25) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) No reasonable resolution was offered and based on the severity of the problems I don't believe the contractor is capable of correcting the issues. You cannot paint to correct a concrete problems, you cannot grind away the significant inconsistencies in the surface and resealing the whole patio will not mask or improve the awful appearance. The photos I provided were photos taken during the construction as a demonstration of the incompetence and also the day the complaint was filed to show the issues with the final product. There was no masking of the issues. The photos I provided show the real extent of the problems which cannot be corrected because the concrete is dry. The issues are real and cannot be argued. Obviously, the contractor feels he did a fine job but it's just not the case. We only want what we paid for and we did not received the well constructed professionally installed stamped concrete patio that any customer would expect.

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