GRIFFIN CEMENT LLC Michigan Concrete | Driveway Repair | Decorative Concrete Stamping sterling heights, Michigan

Firstly ,I would Like to state to other consumers of Griffin Cement to contact me directly if interested in exploring legal litigation against Griffin Cement/ Robert Watson
My email is joenasser@msn.com
__________________________________________________

Robert Watson of griffin cement was contacted by telephone again on 05/17/2010 by my sister.

She was calling to see if griffin cement would honor the contract by fixing the issues regarding the work Griffin Cement performed under contract.

Sitting next to the phone, I can clearly hear Mr Watson vent his anger out at the fact of me making reports against him here on ripoffreport.com, and to the Better Business Bureau.

I can also hear Mr Watson make outlandish claims such as "I threatened him and his family by way of emails and phone calls ". ( complete LIES )

Mr Watson also stated that I was " black listed " because I filed reports against him exposing the way he treated me and that he will not repair his faulty product/craftsmanship. He stated the warranty was void because I reported him.

Then Mr. Watson disconnected the phone.

After I heard all this , from his own mouth, I called Mr Watson. He didnt pick up his phone, so I left him a voice message.

I clearly stated in my voice message that I never threatened him in anyway shape or form...and it was HE who threatened me; in front of my house ( witnessed by my neighbors ) because I questioned all his excuses for the end result of the "job".

I also stated in my voice message an ultimatum regarding this entire issue. If he didnt return my call to remedy this issue once and for all ; that I would file a report with the Michigan Attorney General and take legal action to recover all costs relating to this situation.

Reading Mr Watsons rebuttal, I can only feel saddened.

Mr. Watson is trying to use " word magic " to try and discredit anyone who has any form of valid complaint regarding the services of Griffin Cement.

Mr Watson is also attacking the personal integrity of his past consumers, also trying to discredit former consumers of his service who are not satisfied

In Mr Watsons rebuttal, he stated under heading JOB FACTS:

The garage floor, the sidewalk and the driveway were removed and replaced,
all saw cuts completed as scheduled and Griffin Cement has been paid in full.


FALSE.  A section roughly measuring 17 feet by 4 feet was not sectioned. resulting in a SEVERE stress crack that will develope into a COSTLY severe issue quickly.

Mr Watson rebuttal :

Mr. Nasser was notified prior to replacement that stamping will cast various
tones of color as air, water content and grade conditions will change the end
result. And it could also hold water in areas, the impression sometimes changes
the pitch and the result is small puddle spots.
 After the contract was signed Joseph
asked us to install an additional small patio like area by his front porch, the
amount charged was only for the materials necessary, and a 2 color stamped
design was placed at his home. We fulfilled all conditions on his contract and
replaced a damaged area with out extra charge.

TRUE and FALSE.  Mr .Watson is using " WORD MAGIC "

I was made aware of the process and outcomes that may or maynot result in the final product.

What Mr Watson is NOT clearly stating in this paragraph  is :

A. We agreed on a 2 color stamped design, slate gray and a form of a brown.
Mr Watson DID NOT BRING ENOUGH slate gray release agent ( the coloring ) to cover the areas we discussed. He mixed and blended what ever colors he had available and made promises to make sure the coloring aspect of the job would appear to NOT SEVERELY STAND OUT to the naked eye.

The drastic difference in color has nothing to do with the curing process...nor godly events.  He did NOT bring enough material to the job site and thus "played it by ear" to cover up his costly mistake.

I was present all the while Mr. Watson and his employees were working...I even pitched in and helped out. My claims are not from assumptions...My claims are valid because I was present for every step of the process.


B. The damaged area Mr Watson is referring to is an area HE initionally repaired. After the intitional pouring of the concrete, stamping, and mixed coloring...A large slab section cracked. The following days, Mr Watson dispatched 2 of his employee's to remove and replace the slab.

The replacement of the slab used a concrete mix from bags...not from a cement mixing truck.


Between using a different type  of cement, and his employees working under their own guidence, the slab resulted in a drastic difference in texture,color and workmanship...  Resulting to what you see in the picture. ( the newer slab cured gold in color while the rest of the concrete cured white in color )
This end result has nothing to do with godly events/ limits of material and is the result of incompetence.



Mr Watsons rebuttal:

Points of Contention and Explanations
Production Limitations - One of the complaints logged by Mr. Nasser on
ripoffreport.com was that the saw cuts were incomplete, even though he was
notified at the time of cutting of these limitations. Note about saw cuts/control cracking: the concrete saw will only cut within 2 inches of a
wall or any object located with in the field of the concrete, the safety guard
does not allow the blade to strike any object in its path.



A. once again, a 17 by 4 foot section was not cut, thus cracked.

B. I did mention the other cuts not  ending/ beginning to the walls, and you did mention thats due to the saw blade being circular...BUT you ( Mr Watson )mentioned and agreed to use a different type of saw to complete the cuts.


Mr Watsons rebuttal:

Material and Application Variance - A day after the first pour, a crack
appeared in the sidewalk and the slab was replaced using the same industry
standard materials, only of a different batch for a different day. Mr. Nassar
was notified there may be a slight color difference and was given the details
as to why this would happen. In review of what was explained, the color representations
would be different from the original color chips based on the variables of air
temperature, water content, drying time and sealer coating, and indeed there
was a color hue difference for the reasons cited.


Once again, Mr Watson is stating the same thing over and over again, but in a different form.... trying to discredit my valid claim and personal charactor.


Mr Watsons rebuttal ( B.B.B  report.)

Process Procedure Before applying a sealant to concrete
there is a delay of several weeks to allow the material to dry and cure. The
makers of Diamond clear concrete sealer indicates on the label that the product
is to be applied 30 and 90 days after pouring to allow the concrete to complete
its curing cycle.. This was fully explained to Mr. Nassar prior to starting the
project yet 4 to 5 days after completing the pour Mr. Nassar began to call day
and night, mostly after working hours - making threats and demands that we
finalize the project, with his language becoming exceedingly hostile and
abusive, demanding that he be reimbursed in full for the failure to meet his
expectations.

Throughout the entire process , NOT ONCE did I abuse Mr Watson nor any of his employee's in any way shape or form.... Not through harrassing phones, Nor in Person.

Throughout the entire process, I put extra money in the pockets of his employee's...and tended to them as if they were my own staff. I bought them all lunch daily AND made sure they had anything they asked me for. I did everything within reason to make my appreciation known to MR Watson AND his employee's.

If I was a difficult consumer that Mr Watson is leading you to think...would I of Paid him IN FULL prior to the work being completed?
-------------------------------------------------

After approximately 8-10 days of these abusive calls Griffin
Cement returned to apply the decorative sealer to the driveway ribbons, sidewalk
and patio to quell Mr. Nassers harassment, reminding him the manufacturer
clearly indicates the appropriate curing time is longer. During the application
Mr. Nassar continued his harassing comments and abusive behavior, demanding
money back and making threats to sue.

Even after completing the sealing of the concrete Mr. Nasser
continued to make harassing phone calls, making threats to cause physical harm
to myself and my employees. At that point we stopped answering his phone calls,
considered the threats of violence real and contacted a friend who is a
lieutenant in the St. Clair shores police force who advised that if it
persisted to file a report with our local police force.
--------------------------------------------------------------------


Mr Watsons entire report to the Better Business Bereau is 300% false.

Its a complete LIE.

Mr Watson refused to correct the error's in products/workmanship upon him stating to me that the job was complete. When I brought to him the attention of what you see in the photo that is attached to this report, He continued to put the RESPONSABILITY on everyone and everything EXCEPT HIM.

At this point, we were in the driveway...and after I refused to accept his nonsense excuses, I voiced my concern that I did not appreciate him insulting my intelligence. He threatened me. After realizing his mistake of threatening me in front of my neighbors, he got into his car with his employee and left, while giving me the middle finger and yelling cuss words.

After that incident, I did not contact Mr Watson nor any of his employee's. A few days later, Mr Watson called and apologised...I made it clear to him that I do not care about what happened...that all I wanted was the issue to be fixed.

Once again he stated he will come back on a specific day to fix all that needed to be fixed....AND NEVER SHOWED UP.

I called him ONE time to follow up, he never answered his phone...nor did I leave a voice mail.

At that point in time, I filed this report with ripoffreport.com and the B.B.B

                                    Update::

At the time of writing this , Mr Watson returned my call. ( 5/17/10 )

Throughout the entire call, I voiced my concerns in relation to the false claims of harrassment and kept questioning his purpose of returning my call. I made it very clear to Mr Watson I didnt want to chit chat...and my reactions to this situation are all based off of his actions.

I made it very clear to Mr Watson that I will exhaust every legal option available to me against him should he decide not to fix the defective product.

All Mr Watson had to do was make the section in question presentable and he refused.

Mr Watson of Griffin Cement LLC  Fabricated lies regarding me harrassing him and threatening him and his family with violence through email.






Mr Watson would rather gamble his personal/business reputation on a notion that I will not pursue this matter.


The law will show Mr. Watson is wrong.

I will file a report with the Michigan Attorney General.

I will seek legal council and prove correctly every false claim Mr Watson stated regarding the product/craftsmanship he sold me and all claims of harrassment against him, his family and his employee's.

GRIFFIN CEMENT l.l.c.

STERLING HEIGHTS MI 48313

RE: BBB Case # 7975570 - Griffin Cement

Customer Information:
Joseph Nasser
****************

WestBloomfield , MI48322

Job Facts

The garage floor, the sidewalk and the driveway were removed and replaced, all saw cuts completed as scheduled and Griffin Cement has been paid in full.

Mr. Nasser was notified prior to replacement that stamping will cast various tones of color as air, water content and grade conditions will change the end result. And it could also hold water in areas, the impression sometimes changes the pitch and the result is small puddle spots.

 After the contract was signed Joseph asked us to install an additional small patio like area by his front porch, the amount charged was only for the materials necessary, and a 2 color stamped design was placed at his home. We fulfilled all conditions on his contract and replaced a damaged area with out extra charge.

Points of Contention and Explanations

Production Limitations - One of the complaints logged by Mr. Nasser on ripoffreport.com was that the saw cuts were incomplete, even though he was notified at the time of cutting of these limitations. Note about saw cuts/control cracking: the concrete saw will only cut within 2 inches of a wall or any object located with in the field of the concrete, the safety guard does not allow the blade to strike any object in its path.

Material and Application Variance - A day after the first pour, a crack appeared in the sidewalk and the slab was replaced using the same industry standard materials, only of a different batch for a different day. Mr. Nassar was notified there may be a slight color difference and was given the details as to why this would happen. In review of what was explained, the color representations would be different from the original color chips based on the variables of air temperature, water content, drying time and sealer coating, and indeed there was a color hue difference for the reasons cited.  

A.C.I. of west Bloomfield Mi (http://www.concrete.org/General/Home.asp)

states all concrete will crack, and control cuts might not always define where there cracks will happen, coloring concrete will some times not blend and inadequate base will lead to cracking faster. We take every precaution as possible to undermine any potential problems that could occur. We follow state guidelines in all our applications unless directed by the owner.

 

GRIFFIN CEMENT l.l.c.

STERLING HEIGHTS MI 48313

RE: BBB Case # 7975570 - Griffin Cement

Customer Information:
Joseph Nasser
*******************

WestBloomfield , MI48322

Process Procedure Before applying a sealant to concrete there is a delay of several weeks to allow the material to dry and cure. The makers of Diamond clear concrete sealer indicates on the label that the product is to be applied 30 and 90 days after pouring to allow the concrete to complete its curing cycle.. This was fully explained to Mr. Nassar prior to starting the project yet 4 to 5 days after completing the pour Mr. Nassar began to call day and night, mostly after working hours - making threats and demands that we finalize the project, with his language becoming exceedingly hostile and abusive, demanding that he be reimbursed in full for the failure to meet his expectations.

 

After approximately 8-10 days of these abusive calls Griffin Cement returned to apply the decorative sealer to the driveway ribbons, sidewalk and patio to quell Mr. Nassers harassment, reminding him the manufacturer clearly indicates the appropriate curing time is longer. During the application Mr. Nassar continued his harassing comments and abusive behavior, demanding money back and making threats to sue.

Even after completing the sealing of the concrete Mr. Nasser continued to make harassing phone calls, making threats to cause physical harm to myself and my employees. At that point we stopped answering his phone calls, considered the threats of violence real and contacted a friend who is a lieutenant in the St. Clair shores police force who advised that if it persisted to file a report with our local police force.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRIFFIN CEMENT l.l.c.

STERLING HEIGHTS MI 48313

RE: BBB Case # 7975570 - Griffin Cement

Customer Information:
Joseph Nasser
*************************

WestBloomfield , MI48322

We advertize on several small handyman lead sites and have paid registration fees and reoccurring monthly invoices to promote our business on-line which is the bulk of our marketing effort. Mr. Nasser went on line to post falsehoods and his ravings in any on-line resource available, including the BBB site. Were concerned that this has created a negative image which was never credible and completely unjustified for the value-added services and actions we took to satisfy his expectations. Several posts were listed on www.ripoffreport.com in both Mr. Nassers name and anonymously, easily recognized by the same rants and vernacular. In our effort to rectify the falsehood Mr. Nasser spread we learned the owner of the web site is under investigation by the FBI and would only remove the posting for an extortion fee.

Link: http://www.ripoffreport.com/builders-contractors/griffin-cement-llc/griffin-cement-llc-michigan-c-29dee.htm

 

http://www.ripoffreport.com/Builders-Contractors/GRIFFIN-CEMENT-LLC/griffin-cement-llc-concrete-dr-ff8m7.htm

 

Handy American: (the profile was updated removing his comments)

http://www.handyamerican.com/homeowner_contractor_list_contractor_view/contractor/5010

 

Mr. Nassers complaints are industry standard problems and issues that are common to concrete work. Concrete is a natural product and highly sensitive to staining, discoloration and premature cracking. Being well aware of the problems and potential shortcomings of the concrete and staining process Griffin Cement makes a standard practice to inform customers of these issues and circumstances prior to job start up. Mr. Nassers behavior ignored these explanations and limitations to expect a performance that no manufacturer, the ACI nor any cement contractor can guarantee. Griffin Cement has endeavored to please Mr. Nasser without satisfaction and his consequent complaints and activities are without merit and beyond proprietary and moral practices. We request that the Better Business Bureau review the facts of this case and support our integrity and reputation.

 

Sincerely,

Robert Watson

President, Griffin Cement L.L.C.

I will attempt to upload a few photos of my defective driveway + walkway again.

I've reduced the quality of the images to reduce the file size.

I did notice that Mr Robert Watson of Griffin Cement is monitoring RipoffReport.com and is busy being a keyboard warrior instead of contacting former customers and doing whats right.

 

Image #1

A 3 foot crack . Im assuming this crack happened because of not making a saw cut.

Are you able to see how wide the crack is becoming? with winter setting in,imsure the freezing ice/water will make this alot worse.

This crack is part of a large "patio-type" section that also doesnt have any saw cuts.

This crack appeared 2 weeks after Griffin Cement cashed my check. As you can see, The concrete is colored and stamped, so the only way for this to be fixed is to remove the entire section ,re-pour,color and re-stamp.

Image #2

Incomplete saw cuts. Please keep in mind that this is a "decorative" driveway and walkway. If this was just a regular poured cement job, these issues can easily be fixed.

Notice how the chips are starting to "pop out"? How will my decorative walkway look like when all these chips get worse and worse, removing texture and color?

Image #3

This image is where the driveway meets the walkway.

Fist thing you notice is a big dip that retains water because accessive force was used to stamp the concrete. Their are a few dips like that all over the walkway.

Second thing you will notice is the drastic difference in color. The section for the beginning of the walkway cracked and sunk because they did not saw cut the concrete in a timely fashion. That section was replaced with off the shelf cement bags which dry/cure " GOLDISH" IN COLOR...and not gray to white as does cement delivered from a truck.

This job was done april of 2009, its already been 7 months and look at all the cracking. Even if I just accept the difference in coloring...what about all the cracking and chipping? By next spring, it will be 200 times worse and I will have to spend 8,000.00 to redo everything.

This was a DECORATIVE PROJECT. The cement is colored and stamped with a texture...image how it will look after the winter.

 

No concrete can be poured perfectly...but the final results of Griffin Cement's substandard work will end up costing me near triple to what I paid them to do the repair in the first place.

All my issues with the quality of their work are valid. No chipping would of taken place IF THEY COMPLETED THE SAW CUTS.

No cracks would of taken place IF THEY DID THE SAW CUTS.

Their wouldnt of been drastic differences in coloring IF THEY HAD ENOUGH MATERIALS ON THE JOB SITE.

If I do not see any effort on the part  of griffin Cement to rectify this valid complaint, I will retain legal council and sue them. I would rather spend the money on sueing them rather than just paying more than 8,000.00 to rip out everything and redo it.

If the images do not load, I will have to just create another report and hard link them.