Arnold Construction

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 11, 2016/03/16) */
To whom it may concern:
In regards to the above mentioned complaint, I met with Mr. [redacted] in August 2015. We talked about the job to do and he was given a quote. He agreed to do the job. Mr. [redacted] had concerns about the concrete mix...

and who would supply the concrete materials. Against my better judgement , he had me use his supplier. Now the area that is cracking is the area that his supplier delivered. Mr. [redacted] called and we agreed that I would look at it this spring at which time I would address the issues. However, before we could meet, Mr. [redacted] decided to submit his complaint o your office - today is March 14th. I believe the first day of Spring is March 20.
The driveway did take the correct amount of concrete material at 4" thickness. Some sand does get kicked up next to the 2x4 forms but the driveway is the proper thickness.
What Mr. describes as a "struggle" is actually what my crew and I do everyday during the pouring process. Our work is a very physical, labor intensive procedure. It is hard work. And hard work in the heat of August may appear to be a "struggle".
This is a floating slab which is supposed to move up and down over the freeze and thaw cycle of our Central Illinois winters. Expansion joints were put in place to help plan where the cracks happen but this cannot be guaranteed against cracks in others spots.
I would like to follow through with what Mr. [redacted] and I agreed to do and set up a meeting now that springtime is approaching so that we may address his issues. If he doesn't want to meet, I can have my supplier or a technician arrange a meeting.
Mr. [redacted] did not give me a chance to even meet and look at the cracks this year. maybe he doesn't realize nothing can be done during the winter months as the temperature is too cold and the frost is still in the ground I believe Mr. [redacted] seems to be acting unreasonable regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 13, 2016/03/20) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
March 20, 2016
Dear Sirs:
In response to Mr. [redacted]'s letter concerning my choice of concrete suppliers - I chose Roanoke Concrete Products Company which has a A+ rating on the Revdex.com website. The apron approach to the drive was poured by LaHood Construction Inc. which also has an A+ rating on the Revdex.com website. Mr. [redacted] chose to have LaHood provide the concrete for the apron approach to finish the job.
Three out of the main 8 sections of the drive have major cracks in them. One section has 2 major cracks. The apron approach also has developed a crack in it.
The problem is not the concrete, its the workmanship. The side of the drive was measured and the range of the measurements are from 11/2in to 3 in range. I am certain that 4 inches was never measured and I am willing to have the ground dug up along the drive and have re-measured and photographed to make the point.
Mr. [redacted] in the January 27th conversation said that "concrete cracks". One expects cracks to develop over time but not in a short period such as within 4 months. What is most disturbing is the fact we know that this was an extremely mild winter and this much cracking has occurred so far. How much worse would it have been if it was a typical winter ? How many more cracks will next winter bring ?
I also bore the cost of having a landscaper come out to shave the yard down to the level of the drive which was about 6 to 8 inches lower than the surface of the yard. The original drive was flush to the yard. Why did the drive sit that much lower than the original ?
When I first discussed with Mr. [redacted] the possibility of having him do the drive, I asked him what he would guarantee - he indicated to me that he would "guarantee the work, he would tear it out and replace it". That was a gentleman's understanding and unfortunately it is one man's word against another. What speaks most clearly is the substandard condition of the drive itself. It was clear to me in my January conversation that "tearing out and replacing" was not on the table for Mr. [redacted] whether it be January, spring-time or any other time. When asked what he did guarantee in that conversation, Mr. [redacted] said "the surface". The surface is beginning to flake away along the cracks that have developed. I am not interested in Mr. [redacted] guaranteeing any aspect of his work because I have no confidence in it. That erosion of confidence began the first evening as I said he struggled to finish the surface when he asked if we had a paint roller he could use to smooth and texture the drive's surface. He declined my son's offer to go to Lowe's and purchase what ever was needed. One would think that you would be prepared to finish the top surface
Again, I request a refund in order to replace the entire drive. I am certain that it will have to be replaced in the near future as it will continue to deteriorate.
Respectfully,
Mr. M. C
Final Business Response /* (4000, 19, 2016/03/28) */
To whom it may concern:
My name is [redacted] and I was the contractor that poured Mike [redacted]'s driveway. He called me in Jan. and told me he had cracks in is driveway. I informed him I was in Florida recuperating from cancer and I would came and look at the problem when got back into town in March. Next thing I know I received a letter from you good people that he wanted his money back.
My concrete supplier went and looked at the driveway and informed me there were two main cracks in the first pour nearest the garage. This portion of the driveway faces north, the coldest side. This section was also poured with another concrete supplier that Mr. [redacted] was adamant on using. On the remainder of the drive, I talked Mr. [redacted] into using my suppliers concrete which I feel is better quality.
Mr. [redacted] also feels the driveway was not poured thick enough. I obtained copies of the tickets and the proper quantity was ordered in both pours.
If Mr. [redacted] wants his money back, that's fine, for the driveway only. The curb and approach slab - sidewalk were inspected by the city of East Peoria and were ok. I will pay the new contractor when the work is completed.
I would have worked something out with Mr. [redacted] had he approached me this March. He felt he needed this approach and that saddens me.
Let me know what he would like to do.
Sincerely,
[redacted]