ComplaintsforCraftsman Fence Corp.

• Initial Complaint

  05/31/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Craftsman Fence Corp. was contracted by me to tear out my asphalt driveway and install a new asphalt driveway. The work was completed on Friday, May 20, 2022. However, after a rain shower two days later, it was obvious that the new driveway was not pitched correctly resulting in significant standing water in the center of the driveway that does not flow into the street. As of Monday, May 23, 2022 I have tried to get in touch with this company to see what can be done to resolve this problem and have followed up with other such calls, but no one from Craftsman responds to my calls. They are obviously trying to avoid me. I have stopped the check of the final payment but am willing to complete payment once the problem is resolved. All I am seeking is that this company honors its commitment to properly resolve this problem. I am anticipating that such standing water will eventually get into my basement and may very well freeze ** in cold weather creating a real hazard.

  Business response

  07/01/2022

  We have spoken to the homeowner on a couple occasions. We also spoke with the homeowner on 6.3.22 when he stopped the check for final payment and told him we would discuss his concerns with the owner. **** the owner, then told the homeowner he would go out and take a look again at the driveway and he did so this week. We planned on touching base with him after the holiday weekend with a plan to move forward. The homeowner has an existing walkway up against the house; therefore, the driveway has to follow the existing walkway. The driveway can't be any higher or lower than it was prior as there is existing cobblestone along the sides of the driveway. The street itself is higher than the yard so you're always going to have water pooling in the driveway, this was explained and discussed with the homeowner. We cannot displace the water and it was the same prior, a new driveway is not going to change the structure of the ground on his property. We planned to call him after the holiday to see if he would like us to install a drain as that is our only option.  

  Customer response

  07/11/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  I am rejecting the conclusions of the Craftsman Fence Corp. in relation to their paving of my driveway on May 20,2022 for the following reasons:
  Nothing regarding the problem of drainage was discussed with me prior to the paving.I certainly would not have proceeded with the project if I knew it would result in standing water in the center after every rainfall.The old driveway was cracked and worn but did not have a standing water problem.
  The Craftsman workers were obviously inexperienced in that they did not prepare the paving site properly, not leveling the area with an adequate pitch to avoid the flooding that has resulted.
  **** the owner was not present at anytime during the days when the site was being prepared, when his expertise was needed. Somebody with knowledge to prevent the resulting standing water problem should have been present from day one.
  A drain, as suggested, will not solve the problem since there are several large puddles of standing water throughout the length of the driveway.
  I understand there will be puddling at the street end of the driveway because of the height of the street. I just want the water to get there and not stand in the center of the driveway.
  If this company cannot rectify the problem then I believe they should return my initial deposit ($2,495.00) so I can find another company that will get the job done properly.
  (PS) This past Wednesday(7/6/22) **** called me with some suggestions to handle this driveway problem.  I was willing to give it a try.  He was supposed to call me back on Friday(7/8/22) to set up an appointment.  I received no call but waited until Monday(7/11/22) before sending this response.  I heard nothing.  At this point I dont believe I can trust anything Im told by this company.

   

   

   

   

  
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business response

  01/05/2023

     We have been to ********************** jobsite twice now. The job was originally done, and he was unsatisfied with the outcome. Craftsman Fence agreed to go back, and we did. When we went back the second time we ripped up and repaved the entire driveway that we originally put down for him. We then raised the drain area as much as possible, but we did discuss with the customer that those puddles were originally there prior to us doing any work on his home due to the lower elevation of his property. We recommended placing a drain in his driveway, but he did not want to do that. We stated we could do the best we can, but we cannot change the elevation or shape of his driveway or the amount of rain that collects without placing a drain there. As far as Craftsman Fence is concerned the driveway is complete and in our professional opinion it is done to contract, and we did the best we could as far as the drainage is concerned. 
  
  Thank you!
     Craftsman Fence Corp. 
  
  
  
  
  Craftsman Fence Corp
   *** ******************* ************** ** ***** ** ************ ** ************
  Ask ** about interest free financing! 
  *************************
  Licenses & Forms can be found on our website
  A credit card fee of 2.8% will be applied to all card transactions
  WE WILL NEVER ASK YOU FOR A WIRE AS PAYMENT! 
  
  
  

  Customer response

  01/06/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

   The only true statement made by Craftsmen Fence Corp. in their message is that they returned to my home and repaved my driveway in November of 2022.  That was after 6 months of pressure from me, the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs.  The rest of their statement is false.  There was no discussion of prior puddles before their initial paving in May of 2022 because there were no such puddles.  The original driveway was cracked after 35 years of wear and tear but there was no flooding problem.  Craftsman never discussed placing any drains with me.  As for the elevation question, I acknowledged with Craftsman that the street level was higher than my driveway and that after a rainfall there would be puddling where the street and driveway meet.  That is not the issue here.  Even after the second paving there is a significant puddle 7 feet in from the street which measures 5 feet in diameter.  This puddle froze over when the temperature dipped a few weeks ago causing troubling danger.  I am insulted by Craftmans false statements and at this point, after two incompetent attempts to pave my driveway, I will not allow these people on my property.  The only action on the part of Craftsman Fence Corp. that would be fair would be to return my initial deposit payment of $2495.00 so I can seek out a reliable company to pave my driveway.
  Regards,
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  Sincerely,
  
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