Information and Alerts

Alert 1

On October 1st, 2018 BBB initiated an investigation into Amerco
Contracting Enterprises, based on multiple reports and inquiries from
consumers.
BBB was
further prompted to begin this investigation due to a large number of complaints
filed over the past three years.
Consumers
report extremely poor quality of work with grass growing up through newly paved
driveways only weeks after the work was done. Other complaints include
retaining walls left incomplete, sealant poorly applied, and pavement
collapsing very soon after the work was completed.

Attempts
to contact the business to request evaluation and repairs were unsuccessful.

In addition,
consumers report that warranties and contracts are not honoured and that calls
and messages are rarely returned and when they are, promises to return to
inspect and repair work are never fulfilled.

One
report indicated that the business paved over the shut-off valve of the main
water line of a town which was located near the base of a residential driveway,
despite the business having been advised of the location of the valve and
instructed not to pave over it.Repeated
attempts to have the company return to rectify the mistake were again
unsuccessful. This left the consumer liable for the removal of the asphalt in
order to re-expose the valve.

Amounts
paid to the business range from a few thousand up to$16,000.

BBB has
received several letters returned as undeliverable to two separate addresses, both
of which were found on the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks. (See separate
alert)

Other recurring patterns of deceptive business
activity include: demanding cash deposits; immediately cashing cheques;
beginning and never returning to finish jobs.

BBB
strongly urges consumers to:
Check on the Better Business website! (Amerco has an “F” rating and the complaints are registered) when researching companies.
Obtain multiple quotes and let each contractor know that you are doing so.
Evaluate the quotes based on the initial meeting with the contractor, the professionalism of the quote, the price, and the estimated timeline of the job. Is the asphalt type and quality indicated? Do they mention a minimum thickness? Is there a noticeable discrepancy in the dollar amount? (If one is much lower than the others, ask yourself if it is too good to be true.)
Ask for references and follow up on them.
Avoid making a cash payment.

If a down payment is requested, negotiate with the contractor as to the percentage of the down payment relative to the over-all quote. Contractors may legitimately request a down payment as a sign of good faith from the consumer, to reserve the date and book workers and equipment, and to acquire materials.

Be sure to have a detailed written contract that specifies:
               (a)Total cost of the job
including applicable taxes
               (b) Term of payment, including
refunds should the job be cancelled                  
               (c) Details of the project such
as asphalt thickness, specs and area           
               (d) Warranty coverage
               (e) Terms and conditions

8.
Carefully inspect the finished work before paying the balance owing. If the
project does not fully comply with the contract, make your concerns known to
the contractor and insist that the work be completed as per the details in the
contract.

Disreputable
contractors:
·often use inferior or recycled asphalt;
less material (compacted asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick);
suggest unnecessary work;
·next day or nearly immediate installation (reputable companies are usually booked in advance);
limited warranty coverage
demand cash down payment or even payment in full before the work is started.
avoid returning calls and are sometimes aggressive when questioned

BBB
strongly urges consumers to protect themselves by exercising extreme caution
and due diligence when searching for a reputable paving contractor.
Arm
yourself with knowledge of local bylaws.
Avoid out of area contractors as many
disreputable contractors move from area to area before their poor workmanship
and questionable business practices catch up to them.

Remember
– if a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Alert 2

Matthew Smith, the President of this company is also the President of Danex Property Services Incorporated and Halifax Paving Incorporated.  To view Danex Property Services's BBB profile click here and to view Halifax Paving Incorporated's BBB profile click here