Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/28/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company did a rushed, shoddy job on our back patio and walkway. We found out later that the owner, ******, (who did the work) was in a rush to get on a plane to *****. Some of his laborers came back to get a board they left, and they agreed that the work was not good. When we confronted ****** about issues we noticed the next day, which included slope problems, uneveness, holes, chips and divots, ****** dismissed our concerns and said it just needs time to cure. He never came by to take a look, and we sent several photos showing major issues. We had rainwater running towards the house, in most areas the concrete was only 2 inches thick, and after 2 weeks there were 4 significant cracks in different spots. We had another contractor come out who said it looks like ****** didn't know how to do concrete. Now we are in the process of having this new contractor rip up everything and start over. They poured the patio so far, and it is a world of difference from what ****** did. We paid Lindemann half upfront by check, which was $3,600. They were supposed to come back at a later date to do more work for us, and we would them pay the final half. However, we terminated that part once we saw the work they did on the first part. We feel we deserve to get our money back since we are having to pay another company to rip out and re-do the job correctly, but they are refusing and are unresponsive. Their contract says they do the best job they can and they pride themselves in customer service. They failed at both.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/02/2024

  Please see attached documents. The ****** contracted total amount was $7,200.00. This was signed on 4/15/24 and ALL terms on the contract were agreed upon. Upon reviewing this contract you can see that no estimated start or finish date was promised, as we had been battling HEAVY rain days, and you cannot pour concrete in the rain. Also, you can review in the signed contract we do our best to prevent stress cracks but, sometimes it is inevitable in extreme temps. This contractor has 15+ years pouring concrete, this did not happen because of a lack of knowledge. The job was not rushed because of the owner's vacation. These TWO days of the business closing had been communicated with the customers throughout the entirety of the business agreement, due to it being the owner's BIRTHDAY and this trip had been planned for quite sometime. The job was poured 6/5.  These two business dates of closing were 6/6 & 6/7. However, the job WAS pushed to get done by the customer due to them hosting a graduation party 6/8. Multiple text conversations were exchanged communicating they needed to have this done by then and its importance. In turn, them demanding to get it done in time, we did our best to meet their requests. While we agreed there were repairs to be made and we said it could be fixed when we returned on a business day the 10th, the customer did not want us back on the job. In the interim, the customers STOPPED the final payment on check 1561. We did communicate with the ******** via e-mail on 6/12, that we feel the $3,600 they have NOT paid for the $7200 contract total was fair and we wouldn't move forward on a case for the canceled check for the final payment on the job. Totaling a 50% refund to contractual total. It was also communicated that if they are going to continue to threaten to sue our business, or if they were going to move forward with the continuous threats and slander on social media, then they would need to have their attorney handle this for a more professional approach rather than the media posts. At this time, NO further communication between the two parties need to be made as this has been resolved with the 50% not being paid, and we are willing to close the case with no requirement for any further payment. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/03/2024

  The business has some details incorrect. We paid $3,600 upfront before the project started per the contract. The other $3,600 was to be paid at the completion of the project. The project consisted of a backyard portion, a side walkway, and driveway addition. I did let them know that we were having a grad party on the 9th and needed to know if at least the back would be done by then, otherwise we wouldnt have the party, or just reschedule it. In no way was I demanding it to be done by then. We did have a lot of rain, and I understood the delay because of it, but it seems like the prep work could have been started before it actually was, since there were some dry days here and there. The day he started the prep work, we agreed that he would just get the backyard portion done and he would come back after the party and do the side and driveway work. He was only there for a few hours, if that, even though there was plenty of work that needed to be done. That evening, the owner texted because he was wanting more money once the back was finished. I questioned this since the contract stated 1/2 upfront and 1/2 once the whole project was complete, but being nice, I said I could pay $1800 after the back was poured, and then the other $1800 once he was totally finished with the project. On the day the back was poured and we saw from afar, I went ahead and gave the owner the check for $1,800. He said his wife would send me a receipt. (Note: I never received a receipt for the 1st payment of $3,600.) The next day when my husband and I took a look at the work done, we noticed a lot of issues which I mentioned before. 2 of his crew members showed up to get a board, and when we showed them our concerns they agreed it was not good and understood why we were upset. They said it was poor planning and he was in a rush to get on a plane. When my husband and I texted the owner about the problems, he said over and over it just needs to cure and "There's nothing wrong with it." The next day it rained and water was running towards our foundation! Still he denied anything being wrong. At this point we decided to cancel the check for $1800 because we were completely unsatisfied with the work and did not want him to come back to finish the rest of the job. We had another reputable contractor come out and he pointed out numerous problems. The Lindemanns say they could have come out to fix the issues, but in reality, the only way to fix the issues was to rip it all out and start over. That is what we are having this other contractor do, and the work they are doing is 100 times better. They did not pour the entire back area in one day. It was done in 2 days to be done correctly and not rushed. If ****** knew he wouldnt be able to do a good job on it in one day before he went on vacation, he should have told us. We paid Lindemann and Sons $3,600 for something that had to be ripped out and done right by someone else. We deserve our money back! Furthermore, we have never threatened of slandered their business in any way. We asked for our money back and said we would not say anything else if they did so. Since they stopped communication, we have written factual reviews with photos, and warned other consumers about their company on social media so no one else gets ripped off. It turns out other people have had similar experiences. We have also contacted the ***********************************. We're trying to handle this without having to get lawyers involved or go to small claims court. I hope the owners can take accountability for their unacceptable work that we paid our hard earned money for and refund the $3,600 immediately. Thank you. 

  Business Response

  Date: 07/07/2024

  At this time Lindemann & Sons Concrete feels that 50% refund has been adequate to solve this matter. You will also find in those comments on social media, many commented that concrete cracks, and many good concrete companies know this. Again, stated in our contracted we do our best to prevent them but so many factors are out of our control. In regard to our employees on the job site that made certain comments, they also stated that you were impossible to work with, and talked in a poor manner about our customers. So in turn they are no longer with our company as they do not represent us in a good light. Also, in the attached picture you can see where majority is dry and rolling away.

  Our company has many great reviews and many reputable references for the work we do. Some of them being "So pleased with our new extension on driveway and patio! Amazing job, the whole process was quick and their team is so sweet and friendly! So glad we went with Lindemann and sons ll", "These guys are THE BEST!! They poured a 3rd driveway for us. Their work is perfection!! They are knowledgeable, reasonable, friendly, on time, and just do amazing work. I highly recommend them!! Thank you for our new driveway!!", Great communication, punctual, good price and excellent work. Cant recommend enough, Highly recommend this company. ****** Lindemann made the concrete process easy and guided us through some of the options that our project had. His company communicated professionally and in a timely manner. His team always kept us updated on how things were progressing. He did a 30x56 foot 6-inch slab in our pole barn that came out looking wonderful. ******** recommend this company to anyone that needs concrete in the area.

  There are 50+ more recommended reviews from the time ****** has taken ownership of the business being open 30+ years prior as Lindemann & Sons Concrete. However, due to the amount of customers who have returned checks and/or non-payment, you will be pleased to know that we are NO LONGER accepting any new clients. Many small businesses will be doing this due to raising materials costs and the never ending battle of getting paid for the work performed. Unfortunately, the Attorney General has a stack of ***** plus papers on his desk from contractors that have taken their clients $10,000-$30,000, while the contractor never even lifted a finger to do the work. So less reputable contractors means it will be only harder to get quality work. We feel we have truly done our best to resolve this matter because we value relationships with our customers, but we know that not everyone will be pleased with the outcome. Again, we have agreed there were mistakes made but we not requiring a final payment of $3600 so that, you may apply that to your contractors of choice new contract. We have no more to respond to this complaint at this time. BBB is not responsible for any legal advise, they are simply a mediator between a customer and business. If you have moved forward with an attorney and/or contacted the *************************, we will make sure we communicate with them in a timely manner. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/08/2024

  Complaint: 21919080
  
  What?! We did not receive half off. You completed half of the entire job. We paid the half that was due up front. We have received no discount whatsoever. We have been ripped off. 

  Yes, cracks happen. But one was there the next day, and the others after only 2 weeks.The reason we had cracks already was because of the inconsistent and bad pour. Much of it was less than 2 inches thick around the edges! Also, no expansion joints were used between sections or next to the foundation. 

  We have already hired a new contractor and they have almost completed the entire job. Everything has been done so much better and we are very pleased. Guess what! They were able to get the spot under the overhang filled and smoothed perfectly! Something ****** didn't do and said it wasn't possible! 

  Anyone with common sense can look at the picture with the rain and see that it was running towards to house and pooling there. The dry part was away from the house. Did you see the photo of that area with the levels? It slopes towards the house. There were other areas that sloped the wrong way as well. 

  Your workers were gentleman and our interactions were positive. It's so clear you are lying about them saying we were difficult to work with. They no longer work for you because they told the truth about your work. I hope they find something better. 

  Do you think we enjoy doing this? I really wish you would have done a better job and had been able to complete the project. It would have made things a lot easier. I have better things to do.  Why does EVERYONE ELSE agree that this work you did was awful besides a couple of people that are probably your friends or maybe they also do crappy work. 

  The reason we chose your company was because you did a good job on the neighbors small patio and you had good reviews. I don't know if this job was bigger than what you are used to, or because you were in a hurry or what, but it was bad. Very bad. I wish the people that had bad experiences with you as well would have left reviews so I could have avoided all of this. You should really be ashamed of yourself for putting us through this aggravation and still not refunding our money. 

  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/07/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I met with the owner (****** *********) to inquire about extending my driveway. I showed him a copy of my Boundary Survey, and asked if it would be possible to add onto the existing driveway. I wanted to start halfway up the existing driveway, curve outward and extend it up to the top of the driveway. He assured me it could be done, and said he would email me a quote. I received the contract on 9/18/23, in which I accepted. I did not know what it would take to pour what was discussed, and trusted HIM to draw up the specs of the contract to match what we discussed. The project did not start until 10/31/23 due to weather. I was in and out of the hospital, and again, trusted them to handle the project. After the driveway was poured, it was clear that it extended OVER my property line, was the wrong shape, and also too long. This was NOT what we had talked about. When I questioned the owner, he blamed me for not knowing that the forms were not set up right? He told me they followed the contract...but I do not know what it would take to pour the driveway extension that we talked about. He also DENIES that I showed him the Boundary Survey at the initial consult! I will take a lie detector's test to prove I am not lying! His company did not clean up the mess they created with the pouring of the concrete, which is also a breach of the contract. The water run is directed onto my neighbors property as well! Please help!

  Business Response

  Date: 12/11/2023

  We have worked diligently to try to resolve this matter with ***** *********. I have attached the contract for reference and that is exactly what was completed on this project. She was happy with the job, was onsite for every step of the process, approved all setups, and she paid in full. Days after her neighbor had concerns about the addition being on their property and we promptly responded to her, then we discussed on the job with her on a Sunday. While we understand that was most likely an honest mistake, we state we are not responsible for permits, HOA permissions, county approvals, etc. in our contract. She then provided the plot map AFTER the job was completed, and ****** *********** response was yes "You approved the setup and saw everything we were doing every step", "we do not make any pours until we have customers approval". She was not in the hospital at the time of the project and 4 crew members can attest that she was there. We have offered her, at a discounted rate to try to saw cut and remove a small section, but she refuses to pay the additional $800.00. We also, state in our contract that yards will not go untouched during construction and any haul away is an extra charge. Which we removed all dirt and let Mrs. ********* know that she would still need a land management company to come out for a retaining wall due to the height of the driveway. We have openly communicated with her that we do not offer retaining walls at this time, nor was it ever included in her contract. She wants the rock under the driveway removed and we communicated with Mrs. ********* that it is very important it stays there as it is underlayment support for the driveway, and it will be needed for the retaining wall. While we want to resolve this matter with Mrs. *********, we are concerned as to what the next steps should be. She has resorted to having family and friends reaching out to us at all hours/days of the week, using social media as threats/bash our company, and has already contacted the state. At this time, we do not feel comfortable to return to the job, nor sending any of our employees to work with *****. Please advise as to what the next steps should be as we are A+ Better Business, and would like to stay a reputable company. Thank you! 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/13/2023

  I am writing in response to ******* reply:

  She stated that they have worked "diligently" to try and resolve this matter:  I have printed out my email conversations, showing the lack of response to my questions and concerns

  The contract was completed exactly as written:  again, it was not completed like we initially spoke of.  I asked for a driveway extension that was to begin halfway up my existing driveway and to "curve" upwards.  They poured it 3/4 of the way, angled the extension and I do NOT know what it would take to accomplish this, so the terminology in the contract meant nothing to me.  How much concrete it would take to pour what was needed was for them to decide, not me.  How would I know what was needed, to dispute how the contract was written up?  I trusted ****** to write up the contract according to what we talked about.  

  It was not "Days after her neighbor had concerns about the addition":  I questioned my concerns the day they completed the pour, when I arrived home and saw it! The workers reply was "well your neighbor saw us working on it, and they didn't say anything"  He then asked me for the final payment, which i did pay, because I thought I was dealing with a reputable company, and thought ****** would stand behind his company and work with me.  Furthermore, I am NOT one of those people who do not pay, and leave a company hanging....I thought I was doing the right thing, but I now have learned otherwise.

  ****** then came out to address the issues, AGREED that the workers did NOT clean up the left over clumps of concrete and mud, and would send someone out to take care of it (which was left on my neighbors property).  That mess is STILL there! 

  ***** also stated that I provided the plot map after the job was completed:  I can assure you that I showed ****** the Boundary Survey at the initial meeting when we discussed the project!  I will take a lie detectors test to attest that I am telling the truth!  I had the paperwork in my hands when we spoke!  I CLEARLY remember showing him the survey so that he knew what we were dealing with! 

  ***** also stated that I approved the setup and saw everything, every step of the way, and that they do not make any pours until they have customers approval: that is an out and out lie, I did NOT approve it!  I have hospital bills to prove when I was in and out, not to mention the down time in between with having a heart attack and internal bleeding.  

  Refusing to pay the discounted rate of 800.00 to fix it:  why would I give them 800.00 more, when they messed up the first time and cost me 4900.00?  Not to mention trying to put all the blame on me!

  Rock under the driveway removed: I simply questioned the rock, and asked if that was going to be an issue with run off?

  Family and friends reaching out all hours/days of the week: prove it!  My brother in law tried to contact ****** and simply left a message during the day, and we can prove that too

  social media-basing company:  their name was NEVER mentioned, and I simply asked for advice and assistance for a situation I was in, and NEVER mentioned the company or name!

  Last but not least, I tried SEVERAL times, to have them cut down the driveway, to get it off my neighbors yard, at THEIR expense, but they want to CHARGE me!  They only want to blame me for their mistake from the beginning.  I paid them in good faith, trusted them to do a good job and trusted them to complete the job like we initially spoke about.  The driveway extension is CLEARLY on my neighbors yard, and any responsible company should have been able to tell that! Any responsible company should be willing to admit that and be willing to take care of it as well.  This only shows me what kind of company we are dealing with. A company that can pour a concrete driveway that exceeds property lines, then blames it on someone else is not only irresponsible, it is inexcusable and shows me what kind of company they really are.  i am the victim here and shame on them!

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/18/2023

  I had to hire another company to cut down the driveway extension, so that it does not overlap onto my neighbors property.  According to a recent ************ ****** that cost me 600.00, ********* * **** ** poured the driveway extension onto my neighbors property by 1.3 feet!  It is CLEAR to the naked eye, from ALL angles, that they went over my property lines.  They should have been more diligent, as a professional business, and never poured the concrete onto someone else's property.  It is now going to cost me an additional 3000.00 to correct their mistake.  Not only do I believe that i am entitled to receive a refund, but I also believe this company should warrant a complaint to the Better Business Bureau for taking advantage of a senior citizen, denying the facts involved, and not accepting responsibility for pouring concrete onto someone else's property.  They also faulted their contract because the clean up afterwards never happened, and I have pictures to prove it.  The concrete is thicker that the contract stated, and I have pictures to prove that as well.  If the Better Business Bureau is not able to help, PLEASE direct me to someone who can help an individual who has been taken advantage of.  I am SO disappointed in this company and do NOT want them to take advantage of another senior citizen.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/03/2024

  My driveway extension was NOT poured according to my request, and then blamed me for not knowing how the contact was written up (I do not know what it takes to complete the job I asked for). They extended the driveway ONTO my neighbors PROPERTY, even though I showed them my Boundary Survey when we first met to discuss the project ( then denied that I showed it to them at the initial meeting). The yard was left a mess, met with the owner who assured me he would send someone out to clean up the yard, and it NEVER happened. His wife's solution was to offer me a "discount" and charge me ****** MORE to cut down the driveway extension that was on my neighbors property and clean up the mess on the yard!

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/26/2024

  TR 04/26/2024  I showed this company where my property line was, they failed to mark it or stay within it, then wanted me to pay for them to fix their error. I paid another company to fix the extension that was on my neighbors lawn.