Tommy’s Paving

I contacted this company to have my driveway paved and to get a cost to put a asphalt patio behind my house. This was one of the only contractors that called me back. To that I must credit him, but only initially.
The owner came out and looked at the property and we discussed what my wife and I would like. We asked for our driveway to be paved and that it extend into the back yard and over behind our house. It was agreed to leave a space between the house and the asphalt so we could place mulch or plants. We have 2 large swinging doors that open out towards the street (about 12 feet across) and a small gate that opens towards the back yard. I was concerned that the gates would not operate correctly after paving. I was assured by the owner that the crews would dig down far enough for them to operate freely.
We had several paving stones laid out to walk on to keep us out of the mud and a large picnic table that was going to be in the way. I asked if I should move them and was told that the workers would take care of it.
The day came and went and the work was done. This is where it starts to get ugly. The crew paved all the way up to our siding in the back yard. When I asked about this I was told that if the space was left the asphalt would develop soft spots. At the time that seemed a fair enough answer.
Next they did not pull up 3 paving stones that were laid against a small concrete stoop at the back door. They merely paved around them making it look cheap and rushed. They did move everything else though including a cheap little charcoal grill that is so wobbly from them «moving» it that I will have to look to see if I can repair it. It is minor but worth mentioning as if you use them, I would move what you do not want paved around or over just in case.
The two large gates worked okay at first not perfect, but useable. The smaller one was difficult to open and close. upon the first rain, the asphalt swelled and all of the gates were useless. I had the owner look at them when I was showing him some other items and he verbally agreed to pay for the repairs. He told me to get an estimate and let him know. I was able to get an estimate and when I called to let him know, he said it sounded high and that he would like to get someone out to look at the gates. I agreed and gave him time to do so. in the meantime I could not free my mower from the back yard to do any work on the front yard. I actually gave the owner a few extra days before I contacted them once again. When I did get in touch with him, he told me he could not get anyone to come give him an estimate and said to continue on with the company I found.
I have not even mentioned yet that we paid to have the asphalt sealed. This was never mentioned until the day of paving, then all of a sudden it was brought up and we were told that it would be discounted if we do it now but would be more later. Nice tactic… The owner gave me all the initial numbers. Are you trying to tell me he couldn’t think of that in the initial estimate? How well does this person know their OWN business? AND that is not the worst of the whole sealant fiasco. The worker managed to spray fair amounts of the sealant on our siding, existing concrete, fences and surrounding areas. When I asked about this, I was told to let it set for a month and he would come out with a chemical that would remove it from the siding. I was doubtful of this when told, but do not work in asphalt so I trusted the contractor. The cleaning NEVER happened.
To sum up, we still have the 3 paving stones in place (which he promised would be taken up and the area paved), sealant is still all over the side of the house and fences and I am stuck with a bill to repair the gates on top of the paving. I have tried to call several times only to get shoved to voicemail. On one occasion, he answered but went on like he could not hear me on the phone and hung up. This could be, but when I called back I was shoved straight to voicemail. He operates on a verizon wireless phone and since I do not block my number going out, he knew who called. That is, unless he does not have caller ID on his cell phone, which I would find highly unlikely.
In the event he reads this, I would like him to know that if he holds true to his promises, I will amend this review. Otherwise, we are currently investigating taking this to the BBB and/​or small claims court. I like to be fair about issues and give people a chance. I have been excessively patient in this whole matter as the paving took place in October of 2015. I did not call day after day repeatedly and gave the business time to respond as I know a small business owner can be busy. Again, in fairness, I must state that the owner did come view items that were wrong and answered my calls in the beginning.
In the interim, I would recommend that if you are looking for a paving company, I would steer clear of this one.