The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Sat May 10, 2014 11:37 pm**

Hi all,

I'm in need of some advice please.

I recently had my driveway done by someone local and off a recommendation. I haven't been thrilled with the amount of work I have witnessed and after tarmac withheld some of the payment. The chap doing the work has called this evening and was annoyed with me.

What I need to know is if the quality of the work in the photos looks normal. I was expecting a smooth finish but in places it looks course. He has told me he used a 6mm surface.

I was told to leave the drive for 48 hours and I did. I then used the driveway and left tyre marks where I reversed. The guy promptly came out and said I burred the surface and it would fade as with most of the imperfections. He also went on to say this is the best tarmac he has ever put down!?

If it is normal I will pay him but looking at other drives today (by other people) they do look a better finish?

I really appreciate it if anyone can offer advice.

[IMG]http://i707.photobucket.com/albums....MG]

[IMG]http://i707.photobucket.com/albums....MG]

Thanks,
Jay

Posted: **Sun May 11, 2014 7:15 am**

I am no tarmaccer but I wouldnt be happy with that
dave L bobbi O and kuts will tell you better later

did he use a roller or wacker?
LLL

Posted: **Sun May 11, 2014 8:12 am**

Oh dear, no that isn't good. Looks like material has been badly scat back over an already rolled area where they had noticed a low spot (puddle) and haven't been able to knit it back in.
I wouldn't leave a job like that and nor should you accept it.

Nobody is perfect, if you make a balls up, admit to it and put it right. It's a shame some people think thye can get away with it, gives the industry a bad name.

Posted: **Sun May 11, 2014 10:07 am**

Thank you both for the replies.

He used a roller.

I received a text late last night from him and basically said "I suppose you are right". He has blamed a frosty morning and that corner being the coldest part of the drive. Yet when he did the tarmac work they had there shirts off as it was warm and sunny. He also spent a month on the complete driveway only doing a few hours here and there. Ended with wishing me all the best for the future!!!

A few daytime pics:

[IMG]http://i707.photobucket.com/albums....MG]

[IMG]http://i707.photobucket.com/albums....MG]

I should add that he also dropped the kerb and the tarmac patch work in the pavement area is much better than that of my driveway.

Posted: **Sun May 11, 2014 12:42 pm**

cut it out and relay I am afraid
LLL

Posted: **Sun May 11, 2014 1:48 pm**

One half doesn't look too bad, like Dave says hes tried to put more in.

You could try get a quote to overlay.

How much do you owe him?

Posted: **Sun May 11, 2014 1:58 pm**

Thanks again guys.

Yes one half is pretty good and I wasn't sure if I was just being picky. It was the other driveways I looked at that made me question his work.

He's only owed Â£500 now after having the majority of the payment against the walls, block paving, etc.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2014 10:51 am**

Dave_L wrote:Nobody is perfect, if you make a balls up, admit to it and put it right. It's a shame some people think thye can get away with it, gives the industry a bad name.

Always the mark of a good tradesman! Admit your mistake and put it right - it will *always* impress the customer more than endless prevarication and bullshit or the vague promise to 'put a sealant on it'.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2014 6:15 pm**

Suggest withold the outstanding money and pay upon satisfactory completion.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2014 8:22 pm**

Dave_L wrote:Suggest withold the outstanding money and pay upon satisfactory completion.

I've never done one domestic job where I've asked for any payment before the jobs finished.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2014 8:54 pm**

Kuts wrote:
Dave_L wrote:Suggest withold the outstanding money and pay upon satisfactory completion.

I've never done one domestic job where I've asked for any payment before the jobs finished.

Agree, same here.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2014 11:22 pm**

Oh I had the vague promise of a sealant. He originally tried to tell me there was no upkeep of block paving.

I foolishly agreed to his 3 installments but always felt pressurised. Even had me visiting B&Q to pick up / pay for gutter connectors so he could relocate it.

Now threatening legal action. He acknowledged my email with already making preparations in due course. Unsure if that is remedial work or for the court. Recorded letter to be posted tomorrow.

Posted: **Tue May 13, 2014 11:28 pm**

Just to add if he put his hand up and admitted to a mistake I would have been fine. That is as long as it was corrected. Instead he tried to convince me the finish was normal and still good. Even claiming his work was superior to the other driveways I looked at. I've also let him freely go about his other jobs without moaning about lack of work on mine. Just wanted a nice finish.

I don't like being an arse but feel that I should at least make him accountable.

Posted: **Tue May 20, 2014 11:51 am**

Just to update that I have received a response from the person I am dealing with and that he has asked for an experts opinion / report on his work and faults. Consumer advice have suggested I get this done.

My guess is that I'll have a hard time in finding a company prepared to get involved or put in writing a report.

My neighbour has also told me the drive has been holding puddles and has started to sink where the wheels of a VW golf was parked for a few hours last night.

Posted: **Tue May 20, 2014 9:16 pm**

well you know just the man

tony mcC is the man or will be able to point you in the right direction if hes too busy etc

Edited By GB_Groundworks on 1400616997

The Brew Cabin

Tarmac - advice needed on recent work - Driveway advice on quality of work