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Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 9:19 am
by Rod
Hi,
We have just had a new plock paving driveway and integrated path layed at the front of our house. The house is on a slope and the driveway runs back towards the house, everytime it rains we get a large pool of water right outside the front door because the contractor hasn't got the levels right. There is a drain just round the corner at a lower level which we hoped the water would run to but it doesn't.
We are thinking about putting in a small descrete drain to take the water away, but don't know what would be the best thing to use, or how to do it. My wife won't have the guy who layed it back, she never wants to see him again!!
Any suggestions on the best thing to do would be very welcome.
Many thanks,
Rod
Posted: Thu Jun 02, 2005 10:31 pm
by Tony McC
I can understand your wife's frustration, but if clients allow tradesmen to get away with shoddy work like this, they will continue to do so. It's only by forcing them to rectify their work that we can develop a degree of professionalism in this industry. Far too many so-called tradesmen know they can get away with sub-standard work because there are no effective checks and the clients often feel sick and weary of it all, if not totally intimidated.
Firstly: if this contractor as (or claimed to be) a member of any trade association, such as Interlay, Marshalls' Register, TopPavers, etc., then you must report your dissatisfacttion to that associsation. Secondly, you really ought to write to the contractor outlining the problem and asking for a proposal for remedial work and a timescale. Send this registered post/recorded delivery.
If you receive no reply or an unacceptable offer, then inform Trading Standards. Many TS offices up and down the country are now making a concentrated effort to make life "uncomfortable" for dodgy tradesmen in all of the so-called Home Improvement trades, but unless the cowboys are reported, the sheriffs can do nothing. Some TS offices are forming a posse involving Customs & Excise, the Inland Revenue, the Benefits Agency, the HSE, the Vehicle Inspectorate, along with themselves, and paying surprise visits to these cowboys with the intention of turning their underwear to a distinct shade of brown. Cheshire/Chester/Warrington TS have had some notable successes in scaring-off some of the less reputable characters that blight our industry and they deserve our support.
I understand that you'd rather resolve the issue via DIY, but, as I often say, without seeing the site, I can't give specific advice on how to rectify the problem. From what you've said, it sounds as though it would be better to correct the paving levels than to install additional drainage. There's loads of info on drains, gullies, linear channels, connections and how they all fit together on the main website. A 'Yard Gully' is probably the most discreet option, but, on many projects, a linear channel offers easier installation.
If you can get a photo of the problem area, I might be able to offer more specific advice, but for now, I can only urge you to pursue the original contractor and to read the drainage information pages on the main website.
HTH
Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:43 am
by Rod
Many thanks for your swift reply.
I know you are right about getting him back, what I would like to do is have the driveway accessed by an expert and then present him with a list of requirements for making good. Do you think the people on the Marshalls resister (for example) in my area, Bolton, would be willing to do that kind of accessment, or how would you recommend I get this done.
Thanks again.
Rod
Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:58 pm
by Tony McC
Is the contractor a member of the Marshalls' Register? If so, I can put you in touch with the organiser at Marshalls' HQ, but if the contractor is not on their list, they simply wouldn't get involved. They would point out that, had you used one of their pet contractors, they would be able to help, but, as you didn't.....
PM me if you want to take this off-forum
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 6:32 pm
by cdfenerty
Hi,
we have a similar problem. I've used a company called "Southport Paving Company" (on Marshall's register) to pave my front garden. They have been very difficult to deal with. The job was completed about 3 weeks ago & since completion I've noticed we get a pool of water at the front door. It does not drain away to the drainpipe ever, I have to brush it away. I have recently become disabled (hopefully temporary!) & am concerned about this icing over & becoming a danger.
I just wondered what can I expect them to do to rectify the problem & should I be expected to pay more money? I've paid them £750 to lay 20m2 of random riven paving & a subbase of about 2" hardcore & 2" sand & cement. I provided the materials.
The other minor issue I have with the company is that they've laid the boundary in the wrong place & my neighbour now has to look after a 6" strip of grass that should have been paved (their garden is all grass). Can I expect them to do anything about this or is it too late now I've paid them? I know I should have complained at the time, but this job has run on for 2 months & as well as wishing to get rid of them, I felt intimidated by them.
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2005 10:44 pm
by Tony McC
Any ponding, wherever it occurs, is unacceptable, but outside a main entrance, it is even more of an eyesore and a potential hazard if it ices over in winter. They should put this right without argument and I'm surpised to hear they haven't as they have a fairly good rep in the Southport/Formby area.
750 quid labour only sounds a bit pricey, but I don't know all the details so I can't say whether it's 'fair' or not.
As for the grass strip, without seeing it, I can't comment, but if they've not paved to the boundary line, and they were instructed to do so, then thos is another fault that they should rectify at no cost to yourself.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 10:21 am
by cdfenerty
Thanks Tony,
Would they have to dig the paving up & put it back on a slope (like "draining towards a building" page on your site that explains creating a channel in the paving) or would it be better to put some kind of drain in?
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 12:58 am
by Tony McC
It would definitely involve lifting the paving where the ponding happens, but as for direction of fall, I can't say without seeing the site. Can you get me a photie?