Fixing problems caused by a rouge trader - Cleaning, relaying + grouting slabs

Patio flagstones (slabs), concrete flags, stone flags including yorkstone and imported flagstones.
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Simon-Connal
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:54 am
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Post: # 14511Post Simon-Connal

Hi Guys

I wonder if anyone can offer me some advice?

I have recently had a path and patio laid by a complete rouge trader javascript:emoticon(':angry:')
smilie. I currently have a range of problems from

Broken slabs

High slabs - Trip hazards

Mobile Slabs

Really badly cracked mortar - They used Kiln dried sand in between the joints and brushed raw concorete over the top.

I would welcome some advice on securing the broken slabs, Lowering the raised slabs and stoping the rock in my mobile slabs and Regrouting the entire path and patio.

I was going to use a wet grout and plasticiser delieverd via a Mortar gun to re-do the job - Any "Heads up on this or Tips for using wet mortar?

My final question is this - I originally went for nice buff coloured slabs which resemble York stone with a riven surface. I am currently in possession of grey and white slabs (Unless it rains) following my rouge traders carless brushing of raw cement over the kiln dried sand used between the joints. Is there anyway that I can remove the whitish grey appearance from the slabs?

I am at my wits end with this project and would be very thankful for any advice.

Regards

Simon
Simon Childs

bobhughes
Posts: 276
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 11:09 am
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire

Post: # 14512Post bobhughes

Brick acid will clean up the slabs (read the instructions and wear protection)

From your description I would suggest that you lift the lot, level the base and lay the flags again on a wet motar. Hopefully the cowboy put some kind of base under there.
You're entitled to the work, not the reward.
Bob

hzatph
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:37 am
Location: Cheshire

Post: # 14516Post hzatph

It sounds like it needs laying again. Have you approached him about it. If he has refused to do anything then get quotes from another professional and take him to the small claims court. It is a simple and inexpensive process. Given how bad it is then you shoudl win. Alternatively try trading standards.

Dave_L
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Joined: Fri Jul 28, 2006 8:47 pm
Location: Somerset
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Post: # 14517Post Dave_L

hzatph wrote:It sounds like it needs laying again. Have you approached him about it. If he has refused to do anything then get quotes from another professional and take him to the small claims court. It is a simple and inexpensive process. Given how bad it is then you shoudl win. Alternatively try trading standards.
Totally agree ^^ don't touch it until you know where things are going.
RW Gale Ltd - Civils & Surfacing Contractors based in Somerset

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Stuarty
Posts: 637
Joined: Sat Mar 18, 2006 7:35 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Post: # 14538Post Stuarty

Just adding my voice to the 2 previous posts, try and get the contractor to redo it properly, or have him pay another contractor to do the job.

mouldmaker
Posts: 221
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:17 pm
Location: south east UK
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Post: # 14570Post mouldmaker

I'll have to leave the sensible posts to others until I stop giggling over the image that 'rouge' traders paints in my mind.

mouldmaker
Posts: 221
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:17 pm
Location: south east UK
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Post: # 14571Post mouldmaker

Take photographs.

WRITE to the contractor pointing out all areas of concern and asking for a solution and timescale. Send letter by recorded delivery.

Send copy of letter and pictures to trading standards office. Phone them first, they can probably give more detailed advice.

I assume you paid the lone ranger?

Suggers
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Joined: Tue Nov 01, 2005 10:57 pm
Location: Buckinghamshire
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Post: # 14603Post Suggers

mouldmaker wrote:I'll have to leave the sensible posts to others until I stop giggling over the image that 'rouge' traders paints in my mind.

Then they must be Indians rather than Cowboys......boom boom ....sorry, couldn't resist.
"Meet the new boss - same as the old boss - We all get fooled again"

mouldmaker
Posts: 221
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:17 pm
Location: south east UK
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Post: # 14607Post mouldmaker

Maybe he should sioux them?



Edited By mouldmaker on 1159450479

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