New Driveway Worries

Jeepers_Creepers

I don't suppose you took any photos during the process, ones that'll show what was cleared, what hardcore was laid etc?

guitarbloke

Jeepers_Creepers said:

I don't suppose you took any photos during the process, ones that'll show what was cleared, what hardcore was laid etc?

I did manage to get a few - however I must have been working when they put down the base as I seem to have missed that part of the process   

Here are the pics I managed to get - https://imgur.com/a/I1Q81UG

guitarbloke

Jeepers_Creepers said:

I don't suppose you took any photos during the process, ones that'll show what was cleared, what hardcore was laid etc?

Just to add - He was super unhappy that I'm not paying the full amount today (I've decided to pay £3k today and hold the rest back until the work is completely finished).  I pointed out a number of areas where the concrete edging is just terrible and needs to be redone.  I also told him I need the missing patch done as agreed (his reason for not doing it was that he ran out of bricks).

He was really pushy to have for the full amount today and was also upset that I wouldn't be paying in cash (I asked him for his bank details to do a transfer) - he told me that he would now have the 'extra expense' of paying tax!  The paperwork he gave me clearly states payment on full completion and satisfaction.  It also states that the kiln dried sand would be done and then compacted(!).

I actually had to stop him for doing the sand today - I looked out of the window whilst he was going over the bricks with the compactor and and he proceeded to start spreading the sand on the soaking wet drive.  I rushed out to tell him not to, and he told me that it "might be alright" and the only way to really tell is to for him to start.  I told him I'd been doing some research and I recited the info you had linked earlier, but he carried on regardless.  5 minutes later and with the sand looking like lumpy glue, he decided to stop because it was too wet...They then spent half an hour brushing the lumpy sand off the drive 

He says he will wait for a dry day and come to do it, however he really pushed hard for me to do the sand myself.  
I'm beginning to regret using these guys now, but hopefully the fact that they want the full amount will mean that they do indeed finish the job.

victor2

Bear in mind that come next Spring, moss and/or weeds will start growing in the cracks - even if the contractor applies sealant to the drive. We've had a block paved drive for several years now, and one of my annual tasks is to jetwash it to remove the weeds, which also removes much of the sand from between the joints. Then I brush in new kiln dried sand (readily available from your local DIY shop in manageable sacks).

You can manually pull up the weeds as they grow, but they soon come back. Yet to find a weedkiller that actually stops them from coming through! Can confirm that the "No Weed" sand is completely useless and a waste of money.

Jeepers_Creepers

Well done Guitarbloke - Iknow it's not easy in these sorts of situations.

It also goes to show that reviews need to be taken with the requisite amount of reasoned cynicism; the comments I've read about him on Google are all about how the guy couldn't be more helpful/ fully understood my requirements/ excellent quality of work, etc.

I just don't understand how tradesfolk can behave like yours has done. How on earth can he not see how he's coming across?!

Incredible.

Jeepers_Creepers

Yes, these driveways will require upkeep at intervals as described by Victor, but that's a completely separate issue to what is part of the actual installation.

guitarbloke

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Well done Guitarbloke - Iknow it's not easy in these sorts of situations.

It also goes to show that reviews need to be taken with the requisite amount of reasoned cynicism; the comments I've read about him on Google are all about how the guy couldn't be more helpful/ fully understood my requirements/ excellent quality of work, etc.

I just don't understand how tradesfolk can behave like yours has done. How on earth can he not see how he's coming across?!

Incredible.

It really has made me wonder about how genuine those reviews are.  I don't know the other neighbours very well but I've a good mind to pop over and ask them what their experience has been like.  Going out there today to inspect it again, my 'snagging' list is growing by the day, I keep spotting things that simply haven't been done to a good standard - poor/messy/uneven cementing, a couple of broken bricks laid into the drive etc. 

He was due to send me his bank details last night.  I received a text from an unknown number with no message whatsoever, just a sort code and account number for a personal bank account.  The mobile number isn't the one on his paperwork.  It made me feel a bit uneasy, so I haven't transferred any money yet. 

I've asked him to send me a follow-up message specifically stating that the payment is for SP Developments in relation to the driveway at my address, before I send any money.

Alter_ego

See the third post!!   The correct way to do business

TELLIT01

Looking at the photo's he would appear to have dug out and prepared properly, and have done a decent job with the block paving.  I like the contrast detail at the end.  You have done the right thing in holding back part payment until you are totally satisfied with the work.

guitarbloke

He has just called me swearing and shouting about the part payment.  I'm absolutely livid right now