What to Do When Your Asphalt Company Falls Short: Repairing a Poor Paving Job

If you've hired an asphalt company to pave a 3-inch layer on your gravel driveway but they only laid approximately 1 inch, it's crucial to take immediate action to rectify the situation. Additionally, if the asphalt was not installed at the correct temperature and started breaking apart and washing away within a month, the urgency of addressing the issue becomes even more pressing. Here’s what you can do:

Document the Issue

Step 1: Document the issue. Take detailed photographs of the driveway capturing the inadequate thickness of the asphalt as well as the areas where it has broken apart and washed away. Documentation serves as evidence of the substandard work. Store these images in a secure place and consider creating a visual record that can be referenced later.

Review the Contract

Step 2: Review the contract. Refer to the agreement you had with the asphalt company. Check if there are any specific provisions regarding the thickness of the asphalt and the appropriate temperature for installation. Understanding the agreed-upon terms will help you gauge the extent to which the contractor's work deviated from the agreed-upon specifications.

Contact the Asphalt Company

Step 3: Contact the asphalt company. Reach out to the company and express your concerns. Provide them with the evidence you have gathered and clearly state your dissatisfaction with the quality of work. Request that they rectify the situation promptly. Ensure to keep a record of all communications, including emails, phone conversations, and any letters sent.

Seek Professional Advice

Step 4: Seek professional advice. If the asphalt company does not provide a satisfactory response or refuses to take corrective measures, consider consulting with a construction professional or civil engineer. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. Ensure to emphasize the evidence of the substandard work you have collected to support your request for remediation.

Consider Legal Recourse

Step 5: Consider legal recourse. If all attempts to resolve the issue amicably fail, you might want to consult with a lawyer specializing in construction law. They can advise you on your legal rights and potential courses of action. In some jurisdictions, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the damages caused.

Additional Steps to Ensure Effective Resolution

In addition to the above steps, take these additional measures to ensure effective resolution:

Call the Office and Escalate the Issue: If initial communication with the asphalt company does not yield satisfactory results, don't hesitate to speak to a higher authority within the company. For example, call the supervisory office and ask them to come out and inspect the work. Report to the Better Business Bureau: If the situation remains unresolved, consider reporting the company to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB can help mediate disputes between consumers and businesses. Additionally, the BBB can publish negative reviews of the company, which could impact their business reputation. Get a Second Opinion: To provide a counterbalance to the asphalt company's claims, consider obtaining a report from another reputable paving company. Request that this company evaluate the quality and thickness of the asphalt work and provide a detailed report. This report can be a powerful tool in your negotiations and legal proceedings.

Remember, addressing the situation promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and to ensure that the asphalt company is held accountable for their substandard work. By following these steps, you can take control of the situation and seek the justice and resolution you are entitled to.