New block paving - a bad job?

EvilMonkey

Hi all,

I've recently had some block paving done and am not althogether happy. I just want a reality check however, am I right or just fussy???

I think it was a fairly simple job, block pave my entire front area (existing gravel drive + garden) one colour in the middle, a line of grey blocks round the edge. including cutting back a small wall seperating the garden from the street. They also installed fence posts at the border (not a fence as they REALLY didn't want to do that job, and priced it to match!).

When they'd finished, the block paving stopped a good bricks width from the fence and the wall had been semi demolished (including my neighbours part of it). I had a word with the paving company (who are on both brett and marshalls accredited list...) and they said they'd see what they could do and call me back.

I came home yesterday to find they've repaired the wall and more blocks along the edge. All good, but here comes the fussy or not part...

BUT

The mortar on the wall's cracking already (IE pulling away from the bricks) the extra blocks seem higher than the others (I'd guess they'd not banged them down as they didn't have access to my electric like they did on the rest of the drive). Several of the grey edging and some of the inner bricks are loose.

So votes please

• Get them back in with a "no more bodges" stipulation or..
• Shut it, your being a whiner...

E.M.

Jnelhams

Well it does not sound a very good job, and it's your money not a charity so get 'em back. Take some photos beforehand just in case you need to take it to court.

I am looking to have a new drive so would be grateful to know how much you paid, the area paved and the company (so I can avoid 'em)

Thanks.

EvilMonkey

Thanks,

Area covered = 20 Sq M used slightly exotic bricks so that pushed the £££ up but £2K including tax. There were cheaper people, but I (did) think you get what you pay for...

No money paid yet, just want to be certain I'm not the one being daft...

I'm in SE London \ Kent. PM me if this is your area and you want my opinions...

Jnelhams

Thanks gives me a rough idea, I'm in NW London.

sharon_currie

Hi I am sorry to here your bad news. If the wall has just been rebuilt they would not be able to wackerplate these blocks down due to the vibrations but personally myself I would have built the wall first then done all mono blocking after the wall was set. If I were you I would get them back with hold all money until they have put things correct if they dont get in touch with marshalls and they will get in touch with them regarding your complaint. Mono blocking is an very straight forward job and I have done many a drive way ect with these blcoks but all building works ect is carried out first so there is no cement dropped on the blocks. You also say that some blocks are slack these have not been filled with jointing sand tell them you want it all sorted before you pay them and also get photos done before they come


Best of luck

Wullie

EvilMonkey

Thanks Wullie,

I'd agree over the sand, they've put a little in, but not enough to fill the gap's (no major headache as they left a bag of sand and I assume it's just "swept" in?) The ones on the edge worry me more. Aren't these suppose to be secured in a bed of cement?

tooconfused_2

EvilMonkey wrote: »

Hi all,

I've recently had some block paving done and am not althogether happy. I just want a reality check however, am I right or just fussy???

I think it was a fairly simple job, block pave my entire front area (existing gravel drive + garden) one colour in the middle, a line of grey blocks round the edge. including cutting back a small wall seperating the garden from the street. They also installed fence posts at the border (not a fence as they REALLY didn't want to do that job, and priced it to match!).

When they'd finished, the block paving stopped a good bricks width from the fence and the wall had been semi demolished (including my neighbours part of it). I had a word with the paving company (who are on both brett and marshalls accredited list...) and they said they'd see what they could do and call me back.

I came home yesterday to find they've repaired the wall and more blocks along the edge. All good, but here comes the fussy or not part...

BUT

The mortar on the wall's cracking already (IE pulling away from the bricks) the extra blocks seem higher than the others (I'd guess they'd not banged them down as they didn't have access to my electric like they did on the rest of the drive). Several of the grey edging and some of the inner bricks are loose.

So votes please

• Get them back in with a "no more bodges" stipulation or..
• Shut it, your being a whiner...

E.M.

Take a look at this site best one going for hard landscaping advice.....


get them back if your not happy from what you have described I would not accept this work.

Blocks being "higher" than rest should have nothing to do with being able to access an electric supply the wacker plate should be engine driven??

http://www.pavingexpert.com/blocks.htm

EvilMonkey

I've been to that site quite a bit in the run up, didn't really want to join their forum for a moan, but might take another look...

Thanks

sharon_currie

Yes all blocks at the dges should be bedded in to avoid them moving when you walk on them if they are not sucure then it will cause lots of problems at a later stage .I do this type of work often and if its not done correct it makes the customer unhappy and gives the company or persons doing the job a bad name It annoys me hearing about people getting ripped off that dosnt know much about the building trade

wullie

EvilMonkey

Just to finish up this tale, I hadn't even had a chance to call yet, but came home yesterday to find the job pretty much well sorted (edges all secured in, new bit bashed down etc.) Not sure if they were called away to another job and had to skip mine for a day? Maybe the boss revisited and wasn't happy with the standard (or maybe he reads these forums).

Any way. All in I'm happy now...