Driveway & Sidewalks: Permits & guarantees?

We just started getting quotes on re-doing & expanding our driveway yesterday & for replacing the entire sidewalk in front of our house. The first company that came told me 2 things that I wasn't too sure about & I would just like to hear your thoughts & experiences...

1) They said that no company will ever warranty concrete work (for even the shortest time) & that "that would be crazy." I'm not looking for a long warranty...I'd just like a "guarantee" that says that we could go back within say 90 days if there's a problem & that we won't be given any grief about it...is that unrealistic when it comes to concrete work? I wouldn't think so, but this person made us feel crazy for even asking! Needless to say, we won't be going with them either way because they didn't make us feel good about things...

2) They told us that they would extend the driveway right up to the property line. I naturally inquired about zoning & permit requirements for doing that & was once again re-assured that I was nuts and that it's a non-issue. If the next few companies say the same thing, I'm just going to call the town to double-check; but again I just want to ask all of you, does that sound right to you?

Thanks so much!!!

Re: Driveway & Sidewalks: Permits & guarantees?

I'm not sure about the warranty but we called the town to inquire about rules for expanding the driveway and we were told that it couldn't be wider than 18 feet and it had to be two feet from the property line. This was Town of hempstead.

Re: Driveway & Sidewalks: Permits & guarantees?

I would check with your town, because you do need a permit to pour a new driveway. And every town is different with their rules. GL! I don't think they have warranties for this kind of work.

Re: Driveway & Sidewalks: Permits & guarantees?

Thanks ladies - I thought that the permit thing was weird...it just didn't seem right...

This was a pretty well known company, so we thought they'd be legit, but I looked them up on the BBB website this morning and found something like 20 customer complaints in the past 18 months! It sealed the deal...I'm going to call the town tomorrow & be armed with knowledge when the next company comes for an estimate

Re: Driveway & Sidewalks: Permits & guarantees?

I just did this..... As for the town - they stated they wanted me to get a permit and that they required me to give them $$$ as a safety net but I NEVER DID - I live down the block from the town and they passed my house daily and never stopped or said anything - so i didnt bother getting it. As for replacing the concrete - we did this as well and was told that its not guarenteed at all - but becareful - i watched cement dry for 5- hrs (literally) and still the next morning kids wrote in it... UUUGGGHHHH - so aggrivating...

As for property lines - I expanded my driveway from one car to almost 3 side by side if you count the two brick walkways i added on each side (3' wide)... I went to the property line on one side and it was not a problem at all....

Who have you called so far??

What are you looking to do exactly??

GOOD LUCK EITHER WAY....

If you need any other help just let me know...