Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  05/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  PK Landscaping put in a brick entranceway, granite mailbox post and granite step for us. We communicated with him about an asphalt driveway because we wanted to widen it and wanted to move the entranceway over to accommodate the larger driveway. He reached out to the asphalt company and got us a price, as it was still cold and most were still on vacation/away. He gave us a price for the asphalt, and I had also reached out to the asphalt company myself. He gave us no scope of work for the driveway, which we thought was going to be completed by the asphalt company for the price of $9900. later he attempted to add more cost to the driveway project. I have attached the email he sent us with the price of $9900 for the driveway and his later invoice, adding additional charges that we never agreed to. He is attempting to collect on work that we never agreed to and we just want him to stop contacting us, as well as a BBB record for his unsavory handling of this situation. We are also unhappy with the granite step he put in, it has a visible vein that will probably crack over the years. We attempted to get him to replace this and he refused. We are willing to let this go just to be rid of him.

  Business response

  05/21/2024

  ?5/?19/?2024
  To whom it may concern,
  I've received the Better business Bureau  correspondence & viewed the client complaint.
  ********************* dba(PK Landscaping)did install custom brick & granite walkway for client ******. (Estimate ***  with terms & conditions  "E"-signed & dated 3/1 by client (screenshot to verify sender.)
  Client requested a Change in the  of scope of work to widen side of driveway 2' to reconfigure walkway entrance & in preparation for planned widened asphalt driveway. (email attach)
  Prior to me undertaking the driveway pre-paving landscape ground preparation ( additional walkway "add-on" work). As the client stated, she  was unable to establish contact with any asphalt paving contractors, and asked me to coordinate the paving estimate and the installation  aspects of her driveway replacement & expansion as part of a larger landscaping renovation (add info & documentation available on larger scale proposal estimate #***).
  The additional  driveway work billed  on 3/16  "Time & Materials"  "on Account" per terms in walkway contract# ***. Client was notified of presence of shallow ledge in expanded driveway width ,and I recommended a follow up site visit with a paving contractor, as needed to assess next steps and if any ledge removal costs needed. (adl.info & documentation available)
  

  Walkway & granite step hardscape installation# *** completed, client fully satisfied; work totaling $3,553.92 paid in full.
  

  Upon completion of hardscape installation# *** ****** was  ecstatic with craftsmanship , quality of walkway, step and widening of drive.  ****** issued a  generous gratuity of cash, beer & alcoholic "Nips" of  to my crew laborers.
  

  After completion of walkway with step, and additional widening work, ****** then requested another additional project.

  This newly added project consisting of large split granite mailbox post, fabricated ,delivered ,installed & new mailbox mounted. Client requested itemization for mailbox post labor & materials (to be separate from walkway & driveway work. ) under estimate #***,   this additional work order on 3/13  is billed at time & materials basis totaling $1,275.44  (Invoice#***** & picture attached) Client was fully satisfied, payment in full was received.
   As Client ****** stated ,I provided a written estimate (email) for the asphalt installation portion of the driveway project of $9,900. Client ****** gave verbal & written confirmation (email attach)  to proceed with  driveway work and that her deposit would be forthcoming (see email).
    After receiving ******** authorization to proceed. The  driveway excavation  phase had revealed additional rock ledge, several large (movable) rocks & a massive cedar tree *****. The client was notified immediately as homeowners were at home present & espoused in this process ,as well  all portions of the hardscape rehab process. 
  Upon the discovery/unearthing of unforeseen dilemmas of ledge, stumps & rocks, client raised that they had budget concerns.

  At this time I scheduled a site visit from the local paving contractor to determine any ledge removal labor and/or additional costs.

  After meeting With ******** significant other and paving contractor, I formulated a formal proposal (included in this estimate was  the already completed pre-paving prep labor & materials , minor additional ledge demolition as well as post driveway paving finish landscaping. (est.570 attached & email)
  

  The client then paused the work & lines of communication for undisclosed reasons. During this period the client was soliciting paving quotes from multiple asphalt contractors (including my paving sub-contractor who notified me; as he  had already quoted the job & inspected the unearthed ledge).I  believe this was an attempt by client ****** to circumvent the already completed prep work costs incurred & secure a cheaper asphalt paving vendor. 

     After weeks of no contact or responses from client. While passing by the ****** residence I observed an "Out of Town" economy *********** ******* paving the driveway. I believe the client "Price shopped" after I had already completed the  requested necessary preparation, with no intention of reimbursing me for landscape site work completed.
  

  The pre-driveway paving preparation & widening installation was completed in less the a day totaling $1,402.60 (invoice #***** attached). 
    
  Client then states that a natural cosmetic blemish in the granite stone walkway tread( millions of years old)   could potentially become an issue. I  believe the homeowner is looking for anything and everything as a "Sticking point" to avoid payment for services rendered on the requested and completed driveway preparation work. During a phone conversation and again in a follow up email I did offer twice to exchange / replace said step, however client declined.
  

  I have confirmation of the authorized amount of $9,900 to proceed with driveway work attached.

  Where as the homeowners opted not to respond to and proceed with the updated "Estimate"( not an invoice as worded in client statement) ,they are only responsible for the widening ,ground prep, ***** removal, trucking etc. detailed in outstanding  invoice #*****   for the sum of $1,402.60 as agreed to out of the  $9,900 rough estimate on the driveway improvements.
  

  In almost three decades in business **************** has the distinction of being my first and only complaint...ever!

  I dispute ******** claim she has been invoiced for any services or materials she didn't receive.

  I question & request clarification on the amount she states she is being charged.

  I have had no contact or communication between client ,other then the forwarding of invoice# ***** via U.S.Mail & email for delivery , which have gone ignored, until this complaint.

  I find the clients subjective statement of "Un savory" handling of this business matter  perplexing , and would ask for further detail on this borderline ad hominem remark.
  Additional facts, figures, photos, documents and witnesses available to affirm fore mentioned narrative of ****** project

  I value The BBBs consumer services and small business owner advocacy. I am willing to work with mediation. I'm also open to settlement on outstanding monies owed and would be willing to forgo additional civil collection action.

  sincerely, *********************
  

  
  

  Customer response

  05/21/2024

  Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

  I standby my original statement at no time did I agree that **** would be general contracting an asphalt paver. my issue is that he quoted me 9900 and then tried to change the price to over $12,000. I just want him to leave us alone.  Yes, I agreed to have the driveway done so that he would put the sidewalk in the correct place not so that he could do it landscapers dont general contract asphalt companies
  
  Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.
  
  FAQ
  
  Regards,

  Tomra

   

   

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