Boyce Masonry

Short description: - 55% increase in cost half way through the project - Paid additional $2,500 then Boyce didn't show up for several days - Discovered that the footing he installed was short by 4 inches in one direction and 10 inches the other direction - Boyce refused to acknowledge that the footings were wrong and refused to pay back the $2,500 (after he said he would) that was paid for the contract mod, for which no work was then performed - It cost us an additional $500 for an engineering review and $1,661 for another company to fix the footing - Achieved a small claims judgment against Boyce Masonry, but all attempts to retrieve our refund have been fruitless because Mr. Boyce cashed our checks at a check cashing liquor store and attempts at garnishment have failed. ================================ Long Description: The customer entered into contract with Boyce Masonry Co. on September 29, 2014 to perform concrete services for a garage foundation located at the customer's home residence. It was agreed that the total cost of services would be $8,500 with a deposit of $4,250 due at contract signing and $4,250 upon completion. Upon completion of the footing (not the wall or slab), Boyce Masonry Co. showed up to the job site on 10/6/2014 without the appropriate tools or materials to build the foundation wall and stated he needed an additional $4,700 (a 55% increase). He claimed that he needed this additional money to pay for the rest of the job because of unexpected site grading, even though the customer had previously advised Boyce Masonry of a 1-foot drop in grade, encouraged Mr. Boyce to check this measurement, provided access to the site prior to signing the contract, and walked the site with Mr. Boyce prior to signing the contract. Mr. Boyce threatened to walk off the job if the customer didn?t provide the extra money. After significant discussion, the customer agreed to modifications to the contract by (1) modifying the design to accommodate concrete block walls instead of poured concrete walls and (2) to increase cost by $2,500 as long as it was complete by 10/16/2014. Mr. Boyce did not show up with a change modification for the contract. Upon signing the contact addendum, the customer paid $2,500 on 10/7/2014. Afterwards, Boyce Masonry Co. failed to show up for several days in a row, citing a broken-down truck. During this time of not showing to the job site, the customer discovered that the footings that Boyce Masonry Co. had installed were 4 inches short in one dimension and 10 inches short in another dimension, failing to meet specified design (approved architectural drawings). The customer notified Boyce Masonry of the issue and Boyce Masonry denied that there was anything wrong. As a result, the customer then brought in a third-party (another concrete and masonry company), which confirmed that the footings were not the proper dimensions. Also, this third party company noted that the work was sloppy, the fill dirt was improperly left in the middle of the job site, and that ?whoever did this should not be in business.? The customer then fired Boyce Masonry and requested that the $2,500 be refunded. No work had been done or materials received after the contract addendum had been signed and payment of $2,500 had been made on 10/7/2014. After saying that he would refund the $2,500, Mr. Boyce failed to show up to pick up his tools or provide the refund for several days. To provide an official third party opinion, the customer hired a Virginia licensed structural engineer for $500 to review the footings and confirm that they were the wrong dimensions. The customer forwarded a professionally sealed/stamped engineer?s report to Mr. Boyce, who continued to reject the notion that the footings were installed incorrectly and then claimed that he did not owe the customer any money. The customer subsequently learned on 10/13/2014 that Boyce Masonry was not licensed to provide construction services in Virginia, despite listing on his website that he is ?licensed and insured? (their license expired in 2008). The customer seeks a refund for the amount paid for the change order for which no work was completed ($2500) plus amount paid to remediate structural issues from the improper footings Mr. Boyce installed ($1661 to install a new footing over the existing one to meet proper plan specifications) plus the cost of structural engineer review/report ($500) for a total amount of $4661, plus 6% accrued interest per annum. Achieved a small claims judgment against Boyce Masonry, but all attempts to retrieve our refund have been fruitless because Mr. Boyce cashed our checks at a check cashing liquor store and attempts at garnishment have failed.

unknown

Gentleman came gave the estimates and did what he said they would do.

bad, very bad. 3 times a no show. And we had to call them to find out " oh we are not coming today" Then finaly showed up and the work was horribly done. Must of been the first job they ever did on concrete. Unlevel to say the least. absolutely horrible job. Do not hire this company for concrete work or quick job. Craftsmanship is very poor and the communication and punctuality was even worse.

I think they did a great job. I was really happy with the work they did.

then said he needed to see the interior again. Saw the interior and then changed is estimate to $5,500. I said okay, and said I will let him know in 2 day if I will be using him after I get other estimates. 2 days later I called him, offered him the project and agreed on a start date. About 10 minutes later he calls me back and said reviewed the numbers and realized he will need more money. Now he wants $6,800 for the project. I immediately cancel. Beware!

Original estimate was $900. After he tore down the steps, he told me it would actually be $1800. When he knocked down the side walls of the steps, he allowed one of the large stones that rest atop the brick to fall and break; the seam where it was repaired is now visible. When he repainted the sides of the stairs, the paint began to peel after a few days. Upon being informed, he wrote that he would come shortly. Then he said he would when the weather warmed up. Then he stopped replying to emails. Then he wrote rude and hostile emails. He still has not finished the steps after more than 6 months. When it rains, water also pools on the steps because they are not level. Beware.