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Customer Complaints Summary
- 1 complaint in the last 3 years.
- 0 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
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Initial Complaint
Date:06/30/2023
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
AT ISSUE: Contractor mistakenly applied PAINT to landing area (porch), step, and walkway instead of STAIN. 1st RESOLUTION: Using paint stripper, remove paint from job area, power wash, and STAIN as per contract. Also, smooth out concrete overspray at various spots. If unwilling to complete 1st resolution, then 2nd RESOLUTION: Refund down payment of $1,700.00. THE TASK: Original porch on a 26-year-old home. Even though it has been pressure washed, the texture (smooth) and color (tan) did not match the texture (brushed) and color (light grey) of the new concrete step and walkway completed in 2022. On May 1, discussed job with subcontractor. Verify several times (and he concurred) that he would be using “STAIN”. On June 6, subcontractor started work: 1. Power washed areas. 2. Applied acid and rinsed into soil. 3. Applied a bonding agent. 4. Applied an application of concrete over the three areas using a cement trowel. 5. Using a long broom created texture on the surface. 6. Once concrete was dry, applied paint (owner claims it was “STAIN”) using a paint roller. I had raised several red flags. The job was rushed. He was becoming irritate when I asked him to smooth out certain areas with the cement trowel, especially the sides. The brush texture application process and creating the contraction joints were poorly done. On June 14, without notice to me, he "painted" the area and left! Once I noticed paint on the area and not STAIN, I notified ****. On June 19, met with **** and ******* (owner). I explained to them that “STAIN” was to be applied to the area and not “paint”. ******* said the can was labeled as “STAIN”. He was to show me the can used for the job, and if the label mentions “stain” he would consider the job closed. He said the subcontractor was not returning to fix the defects. He mentioned that “had he previewed the task beforehand, he would not have taken this job!” “The subcontractor should not have done it this way, there were better options.”
Business Response
Date: 07/25/2023
A Plus Paving & Concrete
P. O Box 446
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
Office - ************
**** # ******
July 18, 2023
Reply to Customer Complaint From Owner ***************************
Complaint Ref Code #********-*****
Complaint # ********
Customer:*********************************
**** ***********
Waldorf MD
Daytime Phone #************
Our Contractor applied ******* Concrete Stain Sealer **, color Sun Buff- ***
I will attach a picture of the actual bucket used. ********************** picked out the color he wanted from the ******* color chart. I will also attach a copy of that.
I met with him for over 2 hours with my estimator **** and I couldn't explain to him that we used what he picked out. Also, before the deposit was taken, he insisted my concrete guy meet him in person before we got the deposit; I didn't understand that, but we did it.
I didn't look at the job prior, most small jobs, I don't feel there is a need to.
The job I did across the street, with 67 yards of Concrete, Rebar, Footers, Grading, I was by job every day. That was a large job; concrete went well and so did asphalt.
I explained to ********************** that the little bit of concrete he had done prior to this job, approx. 3 yards was done poorly, the expansion joints, edges etc were not clean & crisp.
Arty, my concrete sub, went back 4 times trying to please **********************. He even patched and parged old concrete and new to make same texture, then stain was applied next day.
Then ********************* complained about the color and he kept saying you painted my concrete
I explained to him we used stain.
I have pictures from **** of before our job and you can see the existing concrete just wasn't finished well.
He also mentioned about the sides of concrete, well the sides get back filled in. Not sure about that.
His #4 statement wasn't in our contract to do, **** did this to make the old and new concrete look the same when stain was applied.
In my opinion, the original step and landing should have been redone when the sidewalk was done.
********************** said 2 or 3 times that he had 3 other contractors out to look at this and they didn't want to do the job. I explained to ********************** if I had went on the job, I would have explained to him, his new concrete looks horrible, he should have done the step and landing.
At the end of the day, ********************** picked out the material that was used. He met Arty beforehand, and I think it looks the best its going to considering we went over old concrete, new concrete.
He just convinced himself, its paint.
Its Not.
Thank you,
***************************
Owner: A Plus Paving & Concrete
*Reply to his Second Letter will follow soonCustomer Answer
Date: 07/31/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
Complaint: ********
I am rejecting this response because:The subcontractor applied SEALANT on my porch walkway area and not STAIN as requested (see bucket label on the photo the contractor provided - picture #9). There is a huge difference between STAIN and the STAIN/SEALANT which was applied. See website: What Is the Difference between Concrete Sealer and Stain - Seal With Ease at ***********************************************************************************************************************
STAIN/SEALANT is both stain and sealant that manufacturers combine to minimize the application process. SEALANT is mostly used in basements, patios, garage floors, concrete walls, tennis/basketball courts and other decorative areas used to preserve the concrete finish. It gives the area a smooth glossy finish. SEALANT fills the pores of concrete, adding a layer of protection from weathering and area usage.
My porch walkway area requires traction to keep people from falling. Since the subcontractor applied the SEALANT (can also be called paint) the area has a glossy smooth finish which retains puddles of water after rain. The area is very slippery. The area is dangerous. Both the subcontractor and contractor, A-Plus Paving & Concrete, should have known this. I have posted a watch your step sign and notified my insurance company because of this danger.
To be noted, the subcontractor suggested the application of stain for coloring purposes. He suggested adding coloring so that both the old and new areas match. I would have been content in leaving the concrete in its natural color state.
I did not choose the concrete product nor its distributer. I did not have any choice in that matter. My only option was in choosing the color, sun-buff 840. My only request was to use STAIN and not paint. Applying STAIN via a hand held air mist sprayer or backpack was what I was requesting which would have maintained the texture of the broom swept concrete while only adding coloring.
Had the subcontractor notified me he would be arriving via phone call, email, or text message, or even rung the door bell to let me know that he had arrived, I would have suggested a patch test of the product. That would have given me the opportunity of changing out and getting the right product for my walkway porch area. A local ********** has STAIN on its store shelves.
My walkway porch area is a hot mess. Visitors ask the same question, who did your walkway area? They did a poor job. Im surprised this contractor does not honor their warranties. One can see easily the roller marks, over application of both concrete and paint, paint brush strokes, paint splatter and rough edges of concrete. It would probably take less than 5 hours to correct this complete mess.And finally, the newly established walkway area completed by the previous contractor was near perfect. I worked in aircraft quality control for 6 of my 23-year military career. I know quality and I know garbage. Yes, there were minor errors in the walkway, negligible but 100% acceptable. The owner, *******, had never laid eyes on the newly established walkway area (before his subcontractor applied concrete and paint over it). For him to critique the walkway without ever seeing it irks me. If "that" contractor had done this job, it would have been done right. There would not have been an issue.
Regards,
*********************************Customer Answer
Date: 08/08/2023
Contractor: A-Plus Paving & Concrete (Known as A-Plus in this letter), P.O. Box ***, Charlotte Hall, MD *****. Phone ************. **** # ******
ADD-ON Aug 7, 2023:
An incident occurred at my residence this past Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1:30 PM.
The contractor, *************************** arrived at my home unannounced and was very belligerent.
Several days before, he had left a voice mail message wanting to meet somewhere to give me a check for the amount of my deposit. I sent a text message response through his agent, **** to mail me the check via USPS. But then he arrives at my doorstep trying to pick a fight.
Shouting in a loud voice, (loud enough for my neighbors to hear), upset that I had contacted the BBB and ****. A call to the local Sherriff’s department will be made the next time he stops by acting a nut.To be brief he had come over to refund my deposit in the form of a check.
But attached with the check was a letter that he wanted me to sign. A letter that I did not agree with, nor signed. *****, he left “mad” without giving me the check.
Since our contractor/customer relationship is irreparably broken, can you be the intermediary between us to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible? Can you accept the refund deposit check on my behalf? Can you let **************** know to never step foot on my property again?
*********************************
************Business Response
Date: 09/27/2023
August 18, 2023
I ******* ****** owner of A Plus Paving & Concrete was given a message that was sent via text message from *** ********* to my estimator **** sent on August 2, 2023 which Stated
“Tell ******* to send check by mail. I will notify lawyer and agencies once received….”
Initially I had written the check and had it ready to mail in good faith that he would do as he said.
BUT Since there has been an apparent lack of what is true and opinions about what is true; I decided I should have something in writing signed by myself and by **. ********* stating he would do as he said he would in that text.
I did go to his residence with the letter and the check with high expectations that this would be behind us and hopefully end with a Handshake.
It did not go that way as *** ********* didn’t seem to have any intention of doing as he stated and only wanted the check without any guarantee of keeping his word of calling the lawyer/agencies.
Why would I just hand over a check if there was no assurance to me?
Maybe his “I will notify lawyer and Agencies once received” meant something different.
Kind of Like the Stain that we used and is clearly marked Stain, which is what he asked for and what was used/given he feels was something other than Stain.
I saw the last add on comment posted by *** ********* on Aug 7.
At the end he asked for you/BBB to be the intermediary between us and accept the refund deposit check on his behalf.
I have no problem with that IF that is the end of this. I would like to have it in writing.
Attached is the letter that I wrote up which I feel is basically a receipt of the check and a guarantee that this would be the end of it; for both of us to sign
I took the time to make a letter for both of us to sign
This Agreement between A Plus Paving & Concrete (Owner ******* ******)
AND
******* ******** **** **** ** Waldorf MD.
Is for *** ********* to Accept the Refund of his Deposit by Check in the Amount of $1,700.00.
And to Agree that No Further Action Will Be Taken by Him in Regards to the Job That was performed by our Contractor at his Residence.
This is Per the Text Message sent to Tina, Our Estimator on Wednesday August 2, 2023
Which Stated; Tell ******* to send check by mail. I will notify lawyer and agencies once received.
(A Copy of the Text from *** ********* to **** is on file)
In Addition, Both Parties Agree there was Miscommunication in this Matter and By Signing Below;
This Matter is Considered Closed.Customer Answer
Date: 10/04/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
Complaint: ********I am rejecting this response because:
* I had given A-Plus Concrete & Paving $1,700 down payment in good faith that there would provide outstanding service in the repair of my concrete walkway and landing area. They did not provide such service.
* I am still not in receipt of "MY" down payment as I had requested.
* A-Plus Concrete & Paving damaged the NEW concrete walkway and old landing areas: 1. by applying SEALANT whereas none should have been applied especially in high traffic areas. 2. leaving both concrete and sealant overspray that can be easily detected. 3. very poor craftsmanship (quality of work).
* By A-Plus Concrete & Paving applying SEALANT, the walkway and landing areas have become hazardous walking areas when rain or moisture is applied.
* Please note, the walkway and landing area damaged by A-Plus Concrete & Paving from their substandard work had an estimate of $3,200 to repair the damage "they" caused. Also, my legal fees are up to $1,600.
* I have no problem give A-Plus Concrete & Paving a "receipt" once I have received my down payment via mail (registered or certified mail if need be) and it has been cleared by the bank.
* Once cleared, I will notify all the agencies I've contacted on this matter that I have received the down payment ... as **************** requested.
* I've had several experts in the field from a few agencies, stop by to examine and take photos of the area. They were all in agreement that this job is a total mess.
* I've been seeking a resolution since June 20, 2023, to this issue, over 3 and a half months. I am giving A-Plus Concrete & Paving until October 20th to return my $1,700 down payment. After that date I will commence legal action against A-Plus Concrete & Paving for the return of my down payment and any other fees awarded by the court.
* For BBB: as of today's date, October 4, 2023, this case is still open.
Regards,
*********************************Business Response
Date: 10/13/2023
October 12,2023
ID #********
Response for Resolution: ********************** wants Check Mailed by Certified Letter:
Complainer:
*********************************
**** ***********
Waldorf MD
************
************************
I *************************** Owner of
A Plus Paving &Concrete
Will Mail the Deposit Refund Check of $1700.00 back to ********************************* via Certified Mail;
Upon Receiving Check, ********************** Agrees to Notify the ************************************,Better Business Bureau, and any agencies, That we are in agreement and this Issue has been settled.
********************************* relieves me/A Plus Paving & Concrete of all further action and he waves any Attorney/Legal Fees.Customer Answer
Date: 10/21/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
Complaint: ********
I am rejecting this response because:Today is October 21, 2023.
I have NOT received my down payment as of this date from A-Plus Concrete & Paving.
I will now put forth legal action and several other means of recourse to recover those funds.
This nightmare has been going on since June 20, 2023. No one, ... and I mean no one should be placed under such stress.
To Better Business Bureau: The matter in NOT closed.
Regards,
*********************************
Business Response
Date: 10/23/2023
We replied October 12, stating we would mail the deposit check back to ********************** as soon as we heard that would be acceptable.
We didn't receive a response until today saying He never got a response, and he is proceeding with legal action.
Please advise.
Business Response
Date: 10/23/2023
October 12, 2023 This was sent to the BBB.
I *************************** Owner of
A Plus Paving &Concrete
Will Mail the Deposit Refund Check of $1700.00 back to ********************************* via Certified Mail;
Upon Receiving Check, ********************** Agrees to Notify the ************************************,Better Business Bureau, and any agencies, That we are in agreement and this Issue has been settled.
********************************* relieves me/A Plus Paving & Concrete of all further action and he waves any Attorney/Legal Fees.We didn't get a response saying this would be acceptable and the end of this. We did not mail a check as we were waiting to hear back.
We mail Honor our part and mail the check certified mail to resolve this issue; once we receive acknowledgment that this will end it.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/06/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
Complaint: ********
I am rejecting this response because:* As of this date, November 6, 2023, the return of my deposit for the poor workmanship done on my concrete walkway and landing area has not been returned to me.
* I do not believe **************** (Owner) has any intention of returning my deposit, as he had stated to me on Monday, June 19, 2023.
* There is no good faith with ***************** But on a very slim chance that there is, then once the return of my deposit has been cleared by my bank, I will close this BBB complaint. And not until.
* An alternative: Repair/replace the damage done to my concrete walkway and landing area.
* BBB - This complaint will remain open until such.
Regards,
*********************************Business Response
Date: 11/08/2023
A Plus Paving & Concrete
P. O Box ***
Charlotte Hall, MD *****
Office - ************
**** # ******
November 6,2023
Complaint # ********
Response for Refusal from
*********************************
**** ***********
Waldorf MD
************
************************
As of this date Nov. 6 2023; I had been waiting on a reply from ********************** through the BBB.
To me, it is very simple.
********************** agrees to Pull his complaint against Us with the Better Business Bureau; the ************************************ and his Lawyer.
If/when he does this, the very next day I will get a certified bank check for $1,700.00 and have it delivered to his house by Courier.
Since ********************* has stated in his last response that “There is no good faith with *** ******”
I would like to say, after he told my estimator **** that he wanted his refund check back and he would notify the agencies once received; on Saturday Aug. 5, I went to his house in street clothes and my personal vehicle, with the bucket of Clearly Labeled STAIN that was left over, a check for $1,700.00 and a letter/notice for him to sign.
He figured out who I was and got belligerent with me and said he wouldn't sign nothing.
This should have ended that day; But it did not.
The work which was done, was done with the STAIN in the color he chose.
He had *****,my Concrete guy, come out there 6 times to try and please him.
It appears there is no pleasing him.
At our meeting with him, he told **** and I, that he had 3 other companies out and no one wanted to do the job. I see why.
In Closing, in Good Faith, I will give his deposit back with him agreeing that he will do as he said and close/end this with ALL agencies for him to receive the check.
Thank you,
***************************,Owner A Plus Paving & Concrete
Attached is a copy of the check I took to Him that he Refused Aug. 5, 2023
Because he wouldn't sign to agree to drop this complaint.Business Response
Date: 11/08/2023
Date Sent: 11/8/2023 12:12:30 PM
A Plus Paving & Concrete
P. O Box ***
Charlotte Hall, MD *****
Office - ************
**** # ******
November 6, 2023
Complaint # ********
Response for Refusal from
*********************************
2749 ***********
Waldorf MD
************
************************
As of this date Nov. 6 2023; I had been waiting on a reply from ********************** through the BBB.
To me, it is very simple.
********************** agrees to Pull his complaint against Us with the Better Business Bureau; the ************************************ and his Lawyer.
If/when he does this, the very next day I will get a certified bank check for $1,700.00 and have it delivered to his house by Courier.
Since ********************** has stated in his last response that “There is no good faith with *** ******”
I would like to say, after he told my estimator **** that he wanted his refund check back and he would notify the agencies once received; on Saturday Aug. 5, I went to his house in street clothes and my personal vehicle, with the bucket of Clearly Labeled STAIN that was left over, a check for $1,700.00 and a letter/notice for him to sign.
He figured out who I was and got belligerent with me and said he wouldn't sign nothing.
This should have ended that day; But it did not.
The work which was done, was done with the STAIN in the color he chose.
He had *****, my Concrete guy, come out there 6 times to try and please him.
It appears there is no pleasing him.
At our meeting with him, he told **** and I, that he had 3 other companies out and no one wanted to do the job. I see why.
In Closing, in Good Faith, I will give his deposit back with him agreeing that he will do as he said and close/end this with ALL agencies for him to receive the check.
Thank you,
***************************, Owner A Plus Paving & ConcreteCustomer Answer
Date: 11/14/2023
[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
Complaint: ********
I am rejecting this response because:A-Plus Concrete and Pavement has not, as of this date, November 14, 2023:
* Repaired the damage they have caused to my walkway, step and landing area.
* Returned the down payment I paid for work that A-Plus Paving and Concrete did not provide.
Once either of the two items are completed above, I will close this claim.
Regards,
*********************************
Business Response
Date: 11/27/2023
From: A Plus Paving <********************************>
Date: Wed, Nov 22, 2023 at 1:37 PM
Subject: A Plus Paving & Concrete ; Complaint ********
To: *********************** <*********@mybbb.org>
Hello ******,
Good afternoon,
Attached is a copy of the Certified Check that we mailed to *******
********* using Certified Mail today.
We Included both the BBB & **** case numbers on it.
He has/had said he would notify both agencies once he received the
check and close this matter. We will see.
Thank you for all of your help!
Have a great day,
****
A Plus Paving & Concrete
************Customer Answer
Date: 12/05/2023
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********. A-Plus finally returned my initial deposit of $1,700. for walkway/landing area work done on June 13, 2023. As thus, I will close this BBB.org case as promised.If A-Plus were to repair or replace the damage done to my concrete walkway area, only then would I be satisfied with the final outcome.
The direct result of the contract between myself and A-Plus ... "a poorly done walkway/landing area that looks very tacky", as stated by a home improvement expert in the field.
Not only do I blame A-Plus for the shoddy workmanship done on my home walk area, but I also blame myself for hiring them!
Better Business Bureau - Thank you for your patience and assistance.
Regards,
*********************************
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