My friend recommended her handyman to repair my front porch stairs. The top step was pulling away from the landing and the mortar needed to be filled in. The guy did the same repair on her stairs last summer so I hired him. Needless to say my job did not turn out so great. He left excess concrete/mortar and it dried solid. I want it removed and not a paint coverup. Suggestions?
This is not intended to be mean, but why did you pay the guy? I always do a complete inspection before handing over final payment. If I am not happy, they must fix or repair before I give them any money. Does not matter if your friend referred him or not - this is a business transaction on one of your most valuable assets, your home. Shoddy workmanship is not acceptable. Invite your friend over and let him / her see it did not turn out right. That being said, here are a couple links to help you out!
Please understand I really hate to see trusting homeowners lose money to less than great contractors - it ruins it for all the good guys out there and now creates extra work for you!
I'd offer the handyman a chance to honor his name and workmanship to correct the issue. If not, by all means the 'gloves are off'. Hopefully you paid him by check and not cash. Turn him in to the BBB and Contractor Licensing Authorities. Sad when things like this happen. Sorry for your frustration. It can be fixed. Best of luck.
Terrible, terrible work. This guy did not know what he was doing. mention it to your friend and have the guy correct it. You deserve a refund or partial refund and an apology. The only way to remove dried mortar is chipping it away with a brick chisel and hammer.
Thank you for the great responses. He hasn't been paid yet and is coming back to repair the problem At this point I don't trust him to do the job right since he suggested dying the mortar!! Thanks for the info re applying the acid. Going to make sure this is the method I discuss with whoever I hire to repair it. Will post an update when it's all cleaned up. Thanks again!
Acid should do it, but you might need to do several applications. A scraper and/or a stiff bristled brush helps. Avoid wire brushes as they will scratch the surface of the brick too much. You must rinse anything the acid touches with lots and lots of water, particularly the grass/garden or you'll only be able to plant rhododendrons there in the future!
Is there an inexpensive way to divert roof water runoff away from your homes foundation without gutters? I live in a mobile home and added a really nice metal roof... See more
Just moved into a new old home and it has a pier that needs help..the top boards are starting to rot. I am not a carpenter but am capable, can anyone tell me how I... See more
Hi! I have a really cool copper-and-cast-stone fountain I got from a garden center that has since closed--or, at least, the fountain would be cool if it worked. With... See more
I am on a tight budget and need help from this forum to beautify this existing area. It gets full sunlight in the mornings and is very relaxing but it is quite ugly.... See more
my flat roof is leaking and I need to replace the shingles that were previously installed. I was told that I should replace the shingles with the rolled roofing... See more
My friend has a old house that is being remolded.The problem is when they had to put a New tub in it was going to be covering part of window.They took the window out... See more
Is there a simple and economical method in repairing these damaged wood railings (I think that’s what they are called) of a back porch area? Thank you.
Recently there was a leak at my place which is a townhouse/ .the leak from upstairs bathroom caused havoc in my home when Recently there was a leak at my place which... See more
I had a slight leak that resulted in my painted, I think over wall paper, bedroom ceiling. It's very old plaster perhaps that is still intact but the paint... See more
I have an asphalt front walk it even goes around the side of the house. I also have the driveway and the floor of my garage in asphalt. It's a problem in the garage... See more
Had a wood burner removed by my landlord. I have been left with what the picture shows. Any suggestions on how to hide it or blend it into the ceiling!
Issue is the roof is a Hip Roof (with about 7 peaks), water from one corner gushes and looks like a firehose is shooting it down. Water at base of house gathers to... See more
I have a 1921 house and it is leaking a lot. I think the rain is getting in the built in ventilation at the peak of the house.It is like it is raining in the back of... See more
What are the thoughts regarding gutter guards? We are having 6" gutters installed on two buildings- one is single story and the other is 2-story. Not much build up in... See more
I need help with the concrete. I painted it gray years ago but it chipped quickly and potted plants leave ugly rings. Any suggestions to beautify the concrete that... See more
I showed my husband a picture of the project.. He bought the paint and is ready to do the driveway but I can't find the project again. Want to know any steps for... See more
I've had several roofers come with bids and they ALL say I need a new roof because the singles on my roof can't be matched. The insurance company said they'll replace... See more
Your comment...
