We decided it was time to re-due an existing front interlock patio/walkway and also have our driveway excavated in preparation for new asphalt. We felt that more reputable landscapers would be found through "Landscape Ontario", and after meeting with approx. 10 contractors, we decided to hired Andrew, from Set In Stone Landscaping and Construction.
Andrew seemed to be very knowledgeable and a likeable guy. He said work would start the last week of August and that it should take about a week to complete. However, once the first payment (securing him for the job) was made, everything changed.
Andrew sends an email 2 days before, start date that he's delayed by 2 weeks. New start Sept. 8th. Ok, we get that this happens.
Then another email 2 days before revised start date, "start date more realistic for Sept. 10 due to rain", AND, here's where things start to degrade. In the same email he says he's taking a two week vacation, Sept. 16 -27! What !!
So with a new start date the week of Sept 10th, and the only week before he's on holiday, Andrew only shows up on 2 days!
On his 1st day, we ask "Andrew did you take care of ON1Call?", he says "I don't need to, I know where the gas line is." Ok, he's the Landscape Ontario approved contractor, he must know what he's doing.
2nd day and last day before he goes on vacation, waits until 4pm, to tell us that there is a gas line depth issue and that "we" as the home owner, have to call Enbridge.
Enbridge tells us that the contractor should have had all the locates done for gas, Bell, Hydro, etc. (Andrew is doing the digging) and that he could have been fined $1500, if we hadn't called. Never occurred to him that this could have been done, while he delayed us for the two weeks while finishing his other jobs.
Sept 29th, first week back, it's Monday, you'd think he'd be here early and raring to go. But does not show up until noon!!! We don't see Andrew again until Thursday, October 2nd! Another week shot. Good week with no rain.
Second week back, October 5th. His Bobcat was in our driveway the entire vacation, but decides Wed Oct. 8th, to take the Bobcat and get new tires! He said "the tires have been bald like that for a year". Never would have thought to have this taken care of while he's away or while it was raining. Yet another stupid delay!
Damages our air conditioner, bending the copper pipe. When asked about it "Oh that'll only cost about $20 to fix, just get a new pipe". Turns out it's more like $600!
Too numerous to count, "I'll be there first thing in the morning, ..." and he does not show up for days, and no communication. Obviously he's stalling while he's working on other jobs.
Our simple, one week project, which was to start last week of August, was not actually completed until November 12! And the job really isn't completed because he never got the compaction done like he said he would. Andrew said "the compaction will be so hard that I'll be able to drive my truck over it, without leaving a wave in it". He never fixed our air conditioner. There are numerous area's in the interlock where the Polymeric Sand has failed. After the winter we are having, I'm worried about what else I'm going to find after all the snow has melted.
Andrew does not understand the Construction Lien Act, which he has in his contract. Has it there, we think, just to look smart. Everyone should be aware of the Construction Lien Act of Ontario it is there mostly to protect the contractor, but also helps the home owner.
After all this, we decide to do more social network digging and found out that the references were actually his sister in-law (Rachael) and friends (Lisa and Angela). Not actual unrelated customers.
