After finding Pimo Paving in a coupon booklet offering no taxes, I decided to give them a call for a quote. Their estimator Lino came out and gave us a good quote for removing and replacing the existing parking area of our driveway. He informed us if we paid cash we would save the taxes. The contract was drawn up and the original price was for $6000 cash. Lino arranged to come and have the existing pavement removed and we were to wait and let the ground settle for four weeks before the new asphalt could be laid. We were then contacted less than a week later that they would be here the next day to remove and install the new asphalt all on the same day. I questioned about the waiting period and was told not to worry that it was later in the year and it would be fine, that they only really wait for ground settlement in the wetter spring months. As the older pavement was being removed the workers discussed the higher than normal ground water in the area and they would need more fill. While one worker was edging the grass at the end of the parking area with his pick axe he punctured our water line (which we repaired ourselves because they were pressed for time). While removing the old pavement they did trench a line so we could run power to our garage. After the base layer was put down they decided that there was too much ground water to use the roller so two of the workers strapped boards to their feet and foot tamped the entire area. Approximately 40'x30'. Lino told us that because they used more material than anticipated and it took longer to complete, he would need another $700 cash. Lino also told us that it would be in our best interest to wait for a year before they put the top coat on to allow the pavement to settle because it was likely going to heave, sink, and crack. We have waited the year and I recently contacted Primo Paving to see when they could come back to finish the job and apply the top coat. I have spoken with Yvette on the phone a couple of times and also have email correspondence from her as well. I have been informed that the contract I signed does not include a top coat like I was lead to believe. She also asked if I would like an estimator to come out and give me a quote for a top coat application. Instead of an estimator coming and looking at the mess in my driveway (the base coat has now turned to an almost sand like texture) I received an email quote from Yvette for an additional $3300 to finish the driveway. I questioned her in one of my phone conversations as to why I would sign an agreement to only half a job...... her answer was that my contract didn't have the proper letters to show a complete finish. All I know is Lino sold me a complete removal and replacement and I received half the job. I suppose I should also mention that Lino no longer works for the company. Convenient for them. I would suggest hiring another company, ANY OTHER company. Who knows where my money went, it certainly did not get me what I paid for.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $6,700.00
- Company Response
Hello Kim,
We are sorry to hear about your negative experience with Primo Paving. Please note that we always strive to be honest and upfront with our customers and provide the best service in which our clients have contracted us to do. That being said, we will address your concerns as follows. We do have a contract on file indicating that your driveway was removed and resurfaced in the fall of 2017, for an amount of $6,000. This contract was fulfilled and paid for in full, upon completion of your driveway. The contract that was drawn up does not include anywhere an additional $700 paid by you. We have been informed that extra material was in fact put down due to the dampness of the ground, however no payment was received or requested by you on our records. As a customer, if an additional amount of money was required by a salesman, due diligence steps should have been taken in ensuring that the amount given was written in the contract. We apologize if you feel cheated, however, we have absolutely no record of receiving an additional $700. The owner of the company, who works on the job site day in day out, was present at the time your driveway was being paved. He has informed us on all the particulars pertaining to this contract. First off, at the time you contacted Primo for a quote on your driveway, Lino gave you his professional opinion, to only do a base coat at that time, as the ground was far too wet and the top coat would not hold up well. You agreed and took his advice and signed a contract for the base coat to be completed in the fall of 2017. At that time, he advised you to wait one year after the base coat was laid to do the top coat, which would entail a brand new contract. The contract in which you signed and we have on file specifically states "Balance due on Completion" and the fine print also states that all funds are due upon completion of the work. Therefore, the $6,000 paid in the fall of 2017 was for the fulfillment and completion of that specific contract. A top coat would require a separate and brand new contract in the summer/fall of 2018, which was communicated to you by Lino, as witnessed by one of our owners on site. The line that was trenched so you could run power to your garage was done as a favour and at no additional cost to you. Yes, Lino is no longer with Primo Paving, which is very common in todays work force for people to come and go, like in every industry. Our office manager, Yvette, has been very polite and has given you accurate information, which you were already advised of at the time of signing your contract as well as on the day of completion of your job; A new contract would be required the following year (2018 or whenever you decided to do a top coat) for the top and final coat of your driveway. We are a professional company with highly qualified and designated professional accountants in our office. Thus, we would never take money for a job for which the full obligation of the contract was not fulfilled, nor would we deviate from our contract fine print.
Thank you kindly.
Regards,
Primo Paving