ᐅ Driveway / Patio Poorly Executed

Created on: 11 Nov 2017 10:52
P
pulse
P
pulse
11 Nov 2017 10:52
Hello,

I am having serious issues with a construction company and need your advice/help.

This company paved our driveway and installed patio slabs, including all related work, during spring/summer.

Unfortunately, the work was done very poorly, and the result is absolutely unacceptable! The company already made some repairs, but they simply cannot do it better—that’s a fact!

A field representative from the stone supplier for the driveway also inspected the work and confirmed that it is definitely not acceptable!

I handed this written list of defects to the company in May 2017.

Here are a few examples:

Patio:
-loose patio slabs
-partial height differences between slabs
-incorrectly cut/laid slanted patio slabs
-entire slanted laying of slabs due to incorrect positioning of the drainage channel
-various slabs cut incorrectly due to improper installation
(the slabs were paid for by me)

Driveway paving stones:
-many uneven areas
-height differences of the laid stones up to 10 mm (0.4 inches)
-some joints are far too wide (DIN standard 3–5 mm (0.12–0.2 inches))
-multiple cuts not compliant with DIN standards on the paved area
-various stones cut incorrectly due to improper installation
(the stones were paid for by me)

The company owner is completely unreasonable!

I then told him to send me an invoice with common sense and a clear, objective assessment of his work performance.

Five (!) months later, I finally received the invoice—and he charged for absolutely everything possible! Now I am supposed to pay it within 14 days!

What options do I have now?

Here are some facts:
-I received a written offer from the company beforehand and confirmed it by email.
-I purchased the stones myself.
-The defects are clear!
-I do not have legal expenses insurance.

I have now written a letter pointing out the defects again and stating that I will only pay an amount that I consider reasonable due to these defects.

Is this a good idea, or what would you advise?

He will probably send me reminders for the remaining amount, which will eventually include late fees...

What options do I have?

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Best regards,
Paul
N
Nordlys
11 Nov 2017 11:18
Without a lawyer, this won’t work. He is betting that you will give in. He doesn’t care about his reputation. He has enough to do anyway. Get legal advice. Yes, it costs money, but paying for poor workmanship costs too. It’s quite possible that he will behave very differently when receiving a letter on a lawyer’s letterhead. This happens often. Don’t pay anything now. Just inform him that you maintain your right to defect-free work. You will seek legal support. Do not acknowledge the invoice. Make a copy of it and send the original back to him. Do all of this not by email, but by registered mail with a return receipt. And then go to the lawyer as well. Karsten
B
Bau-Schmidt
11 Nov 2017 12:46
Is the dispute worthwhile? What does the calculation look like? However, I would also recommend consulting a lawyer.
P
pulse
11 Nov 2017 12:51
It's about nearly 4000 euros just for installation costs!!!!!
I think that's already worth it...
77.willo11 Nov 2017 13:42
Where is it worthwhile to start a legal dispute over a possible savings of 1000 euros and then have to live with the defects permanently?
N
Nordlys
11 Nov 2017 13:59
What is the alternative?