Sold my house but the township required two cement sidewalk blocks to be replaced due to heaving at the edges. Spoke with Craig Phillips, owner of APM Masonry to request quote (very nice) and confirm he had done work in the township before and was aware of their requirements for replacement. I contracted with APM Masonry at the end of June after seeing their "A" rating on Angie's List. They also came in with the lowest bid. Settlement was planned for 8/12/14.

I spoke with Lori on several occasions (also very nice) to determine when the work would be completed as settlement was contingent upon the work being done. I was told they were very busy and would fit me in when they were doing work in the area. Work originally scheduled for sometime the week of 7/14, probably toward the end of the week on Thursday. Got home from work on 7/10 and the blocks were dug up. I thought this was a good sign since getting it dug up sooner meant getting done sooner, right?

On 7/11, I rec'd a call from Lori that the township required a signed proposal from me before issuing the permit. Shouldn't the permit have been issued before they started the work? I immediately emailed the signed proposal to Lori. On 7/20, I contacted Lori again to determine schedule. I was told that rain had pushed them back and they would probably be out the next week.

On 7/22, I decided to call the township to ensure all was right with the permit. They had no record of a permit being issued to APM Masonry for my address. Township clerk told me she had never heard to them. At this point there were a lot of phone calls back and forth to Craig and the township. I didn't feel like I was getting anywhere with either of them.

On 7/24, I rec'd a call from Craig stating the job was done. I asked him if both the pre pour and post pour inspections had been completed. I was told yes and he wanted to pick up the check that evening. I agreed. Then decided to call the township back. They informed me that the post pour inspection had not been  done. I called Craig back and refused payment until my realtor rec'd the certificate of occupancy. At this point I wanted to ensure all was ok. On 7/25, I rec'd the permit from the township in the mail. It was dated 7/24 and the contractor was listed as Sal's Concrete.

On 7/31, the certificate of occupancy was issued. I called Craig to see when he was going to come to remove the forms, cones and pick up his check. He told me that should have already been done. I questioned the subcontracting to Sal's Concrete. He told me he didn't subcontract but this was someone he used when he got busy. He told me he would call/come by on 8/2. No call - no show. I pulled the forms out myself on 8/3 and filled the gaps with soil. I left a message for him later that week stating that the cones and forms needed to be removed from the property before settlement. Mailed his payment on 8/11 before I moved.

Making settlement is a tense time for anyone. This experience just made matters worse. Cannot recommend this contractor based on my experience.

Contract not awarded, written estimate amounted to step one remove old steps and railing. Step 2 pour new steps. Price quoted was for $2200.00. Not exactly what I would call a detailed estimate.