Ngi Elite Construction

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• By Mark H.

  April 20, 2021

  Spring drain correction, pour patio, and rebuild retaining wall

  $18,000

  We hired NGI Elite Construction based on the good reviews we found for them, but we were seriously disappointed. The 3-part job was 1) to correct a drainage problem from a natural spring in the back yard, which included removing a tree and its stump, 2) pouring a new concrete patio, and 3) rebuilding a retaining wall behind the patio.

  Prior to approving the job I emphasized that the new patio was to slope away from the house to prevent standing water when it rained. I also verified that they understood that I wanted the tree that was causing the drainage problem completely removed, including the stump. The final contract stated that “NGI is responsible for: Pour a 36’ x 13’ 468 sq. foot patio sloping away from the house...”, and “NGI is responsible for: Remove tree that is damaging existing French drain, including removing roots”.

  When the patio was finished it did not slope away from the house, which now results in several large puddles whenever it rains (and causes ice during the winter). In addition to not being sloped, the patio was poured in just two large slabs with no expansion joints. This made the puddling worse and caused the slabs to crack right down the middle within 9 months. They attempted to correct the drainage problem by cutting slots in the patio, but this was ineffective. They would not redo the patio correctly.

  When the tree had been cut down but the stump left behind I asked them when they were going to remove the stump. They said that wasn’t in the contract and it would cost extra because they’d have to rent a stump grinder. I pointed out what it said in the contract but they said that “including removing roots” meant the roots that had clogged the drain. I argued that 1) I had specifically said I wanted the stump removed when we discussed the job (and he said he understood), and why would the words “including removing roots” be added to the contract when the whole reason for this job was to fix the drain, which, by definition, means they have to clear the roots that were clogging the line. They would not budge.

  In addition, we paid extra to have them stamp a slate pattern into the concrete so it would look a little nicer than just plain concrete. They did a poor job aligning the stamp so it doesn’t look natural, and the concrete coloring is different on the two slabs they poured. We also found out later that the new French drain behind the retaining wall was not at the base of the wall but right below the surface. It has already popped out of the ground on one end.

  There were also at least a couple times when they just didn’t show up and didn’t let us know why until I called a day or so later to find out why.

  Overall I was very disappointed in their work, integrity, and customer service. I would not recommend NGI Elite Construction for this kind of work.

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