A MAN says his driveway has begun to crumble just months after it was poured – in what could be a widespread problem across the US.
Bill Keith, a homeowner from Leawood, Kansas, believes his newly laid drive should’ve lasted for up to 30 years.
A homeowner says his driveway has begun to crumble, just months after it was poured[/caption]
The issue, it seems, stems from a new type of concrete that could be the cause of potential nationwide problem[/caption]
Homeowners in Missouri have also revealed they have been dealing with crumbling driveways[/caption]
According to a worrying recent report by FOX4, a number of homeowners in Missouri have been dealing with crumbling driveways.
And that coverage caught the attention of Keith, who reached out to the network to reveal he’s experienced the same problem.
“After I saw your story, I was like that’s us,” said Keith.
“Hopefully together we can get a positive resolution.”
The issue seemingly stems from a new cement mix called Portland 1L, which requires stricter standards for care and pouring.
Worse still, builders have been reportedly unaware of the switch to this new cement mix, which has led to premature driveway deterioration.
Will Ruder, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, said: “What we have learned is that the 1L concrete is less forgiving.
“So there really has to be a tighter set of standards regarding how it is cared for and how ultimately it is poured.”
The result has left homeowners like Keith mightily frustrated, with many experiencing issues within months.
Indeed, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has reported a significant number of complaints related to concrete problems in the Midwest Plains region.
“This should be a driveway that lasted us 25-30 years,” Keith said.
Consumers are being advised to continue filing complaints with the BBB or to seek legal assistance if businesses fail to address the issue.
Josh Planos, who covers the BBB of Midwest Plains (Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and South Dakota), said 6.6% of all their complaints this year across the region have been related to issues around concrete.
He said: “It’s created a lot of headache within the Kansas City metro.
“Certainly it does fall on the business to make the consumer happy.
“I think most businesses would stand behind their products [and] what they do to source their materials. They don’t want an unhappy consumer any more than any reputable business does.”
But Keith believes concrete companies should take responsibility.
“I’m a dentist. I’m a small business owner, too,” he said.
“If a company that I buy supplies from would’ve changed things without telling me, I would expect that they would fix it for me because I’m a regular customer of theirs.”
Planos, meanwhile, suggests homeowners should ask for more protection before signing a warranty.
He said: “There’s a lot of conversation that can be had on the front end that many of us choose to bypass because we don’t feel like it’s necessary.”
How to avoid a contractor scam
Tips to avoid being scammed into a driveway, sidewalk, or walkway job:
Just because someone shows up at your door wearing a reflective vest, a hard hat, and work boots does not mean they come from a reputable contracting company.
A scammer may tell you they could do a driveway, walkway, or sidewalk repaving for much cheaper than the previous contractor told you, appealing to homeowners looking to save thousands on home repairs.
Before writing a check or paying cash for what seems like an offer that’s too good to be true, here are some tips to ensure it’s not a scam.
- Get three quotes from three different companies to see the variation in pricing.
- Never pay in advance. A reputable company will not take money upfront, as prices vary by the job, and complications can raise the price.
- Ask for a contractor license. In many states, if you ask to see their license, contractors are legally obligated to present it.
- Avoid door-to-door salesmen who say they’re in the area doing work. Many times, they’ll take a deposit and never show.
- Avoid paying by cashier’s check, cash, or via wire transfer. Paying with a credit card is the easiest way to dispute it if it is a scam.
- Keep communication in writing, such as email or text, to help protect you if things need to be handled legally and a police report is needed.
- Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Sometimes scammers will create a sense of urgency, but it’s important to take a step back and do some research.
Read more here.
