Construction Industry/uneven driveway

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Expert: - 7/30/2008


Question
We just moved into a new construction home and found out the concrete driveway is uneven. Our home sits a bit high side and the bottom flat section of the driveway leads a lower angle causing damage to muffler and to the bottom of most car either driving in and backing out the driveway. Shouldn't the builders be responsible in repairing this type of problem?

Answer
Sitra,

Without a doubt - the contractor should correct the problem!  Normally you have a one year warranty which should include any exterior conditions as well as the general building.  Just because his pick-up truck doesn't bottom out is no excuse!

Don't settle for an "overlay" of concrete on top of the existing concrete.  This would not last long and is not a satisfactory solution.  

Did you contact your Building Dept.?  As if they have a standard for driveway construction including the degree or angle or percentage of pitch.  It's not unusual for a driveway to have a "swale" to allow rainwater to run off.

Hope this was helpful.

Roger

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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