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azatz@funtravels.com
08-03-2007, 03:53 PM
In October, I had new steps installed and a new concrete walkway installed in front of my house. The mason took 3 weeks to do the job, but it turned out very nice. However, about 4 months ago I noticed stains on 3 of the steps and also a rust spot forming on the concrete walkway. I called and explained the problem on his answering machine, asking that he come to look at it. He has not returned any of my calls -- and the original rust spot has now turned into one in the shape of a brush or tool!! I then called the company that delivered the concrete and the rep said he's never seen anything like this & would get back to us. He came back with a brush that he put into the outline of rust and it is exactly the same size!! He doesn't know how it would be possible for the mason to have left his brush beneath the surface and for the rust to form and push out on top of the surface -- and left us with a paper of rust removing products. However, he said if we use any one of them, it might remove the rust, but that that area would look different, and perhaps ugly.

The mason was paid in full a couple of days after the job was completed. I want him to come to look at the step stains and the weird rust stain in the shape of a brush. We never laid a thing on the concrete to cause this. Also, we now notice two small holes forming in the concrete and fear that with the winter freeze and thaw it will get larger and larger.

What do I have to do to get this guy here? Do I have a case if it's a mystery as to how the rust outline has formed?

Thanks in advance for your help. I do know that I certainly will not recommend this mason to any of the neighbors although the work he did was good.

Arline

KC405
08-04-2007, 12:25 AM
Do you know if the Mason is still around and in business? Did he give you any type of a receipt or warranty?

azatz@funtravels.com
08-04-2007, 11:10 AM
Yes, he is still around. Works in my neighborhood. I have his original estimate and contract but was silly not to have him write in a warranty. I'll keep calling him and hope that I see him working somewhere in the neighborhood so I can speak to him in person and try to force the issue of him coming here to look at the rust and stains. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I will also take photographs of the rust and stains today just in case I have to take him to Small Claims Court.

KC405
08-07-2007, 12:55 AM
Home improvement contractors must be licensed in NJ. A contractor must let you know about this before he begins the job. To file a cpmplaint against the contractor with the State click on this link: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform.htm

KC405
08-07-2007, 01:00 AM
Here is another link that can help you: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/brief/improve.pdf

azatz@funtravels.com
08-09-2007, 02:33 PM
Home improvement contractors must be licensed in NJ. A contractor must let you know about this before he begins the job. To file a cpmplaint against the contractor with the State click on this link: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/ocpform.htm

Thank you so much for your good advice. I shall follow up on this . . .

Best, AZ