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Report: #381059

Complaint Review: Stillwater Ridge Excavation - Stillwater New York

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  • Reported By: Troy New York
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  • Stillwater Ridge Excavation 115 River Road Mechanicville, New Y ork12118 Stillwater, New York U.S.A.

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I am a single parent who is acting as her own General Contractor. I have subcontracted work with Stillwater Ridge Excavation (Mike Zaremski). My problem: they poured my foundation in early July 2008. My back 10 inch foundation wall collapsed August 4th, 2008. And, at this present time it is still down. The basement was studded out with brand new wood that has been covered with mud and water since that date. The day the wall collapsed, Stillwater removed all debris/evidence within 3 hours; which was prior to my insurance company's arrival.

A representative from Code Enforcement came out to take pictures for the City Engineer who was not available at that time. When Code Enforcement arrived, later in the day, the wall debris/evidence had been removed. Therefore, no physical assessment of the site, or wall collapse, was able to be completed by City Engineer or the Insurance Company. Stillwater states that they are not at fault, that it was An Act of God and due to hydro-static pressure of the water in the ground that caused the wall to collapse after all the rains that we had in July.

Let me give you more information prior to the wall collapsing. The entire basement was framed, two days later I went into the basement to find the back wall covered with a moisture barrier that I had not prior requested. Mike stated he felt that it was needed if I was going to make it a living space. Two days later, he tells me that the same wall needed a wafer barrier on the outside of the wall as an added protection. They dug 9 ft down and 3 ft out from the wall and placed this barrier. Friday he backfilled. Saturday I heard water in the basement, checked the French drain and noted water.

I called my neighbors over to check this out. They informed me that no water should be in a NEW French drain, and I should put a call into the excavator on Monday. Monday as I was calling Mike; my plumber called to inform me the back wall basement collapsed. The framers who were subcontracted by Mike caught me at site about three days later and informed me that Mike (Stillwater) had accidently hit the wall while backfilling. Mike continues to state that it was caused by An Act of God. Also, no residual re-bar was noted anywhere from where the wall collapsed.

Another highlight is whether my drains underneath the house are really connected to the catch basins that were installed by Bryce Realty's handymen (not certified for this type of work). Code Enforcement did not see the connection but signed off on it. I have since had to hire private engineers to redesign the wall and a Drainage Migration System which has been approved by the City. Mike (Stillwater) requested the new for wall design be completed first to get started. They were given to him on 8/15/08. Upon receipt of new the wall design, he then stated he needed the drainage plans with this also creating another delay in repairs. I have called his office several times only to get the run around.

Prior to the wall collapsing I was approximately 3 weeks from completion. I've now had to extend my building permit and plus no further work can be completed until this wall is re-built. Mike has dragged me along, as he completed other projects ahead of mine and the weather is getting more against me. At this time he wants to charge me $25,000 to replace the wall and install the drainage system with a $15,000 deposit. He has gotten over $70,000 prior to this incident that he takes no responsibity for.

Anonymous
Troy, New York
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 10/14/2008 09:53 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/stillwater-ridge-excavation/stillwater-new-york-12170/stillwater-ridge-excavation-10-inch-poured-foundation-wall-collapses-stillwater-new-york-381059. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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#4 Author of original report

As of today January 2014, now called SRE

AUTHOR: Anonymous - ()

POSTED: Monday, January 06, 2014

Stillwater Ridge excavation has changed it's name to SRE.  As of May 2013, they lost their court batle with the insurance and company and I.  Total blessing for the insurance company, my deductiable was paid. 

But since then the concrete front porch collapse towards the house due to no support was noted to hold up the backside of this 6 inch concrete which was poured over gravel rocks which settle more than 12 inches under that slab. 

If you are using this company make sure you hold them accountable or just do not use them at all.  Poor workmanship!!!!!!

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#3 Author of original report

Three years and Stillwater still playing games

AUTHOR: Anonymous - (USA)

POSTED: Thursday, August 04, 2011

Today is the third anniversary of the fallen wall.  Thanks to compentant contractors the new wall is up and still standing!!  State Farm Insurance company lawyers have now taken over and they want their money back.  Mike Zaremski continues to play games with his own lawyers as well.  Court date was set for July 27th, 2011 which was adjourned due Zaremski's lawyer could not contact him after several tries and letters.  Upon Zaremski's lawyer last attempt to reach their client with threats of not continuing with his case and possible judgement place upon him; he finally responsed to his own lawyer.  Of course,  we are all awaiting paperwork which was not recieved initially before a new court date can be set.  Another game being played by Mike Zaremski of Stillwater Ridge Excavation Services.

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#2 Author of original report

After 2 years Stillwater Ridge Excavation has not come clean

AUTHOR: Anonymous - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, August 02, 2010

Second year as of August 4th 2010, Stillwater has not paid the Bonded Concrete bill.  Bonded Concrete is just as much of a criminal as Stillwater Ridge (Mike Zaremski).  I had to pay $5000 to Bonded Concrete (to remove the lien they placed on the property) the balance that Stillwater did not pay on a contract that Stillwater had with Bonded.  Stillwater was paid by me upfront for concrete, so again Stillwater has taken money and not paid their bills.  Since my last update, Stillwater's lien has become not valid.  The insurance company has paid my claim for the fallen wall (Thanks to my lawyers Paul Czeck and Elizabeth Colbath) and are now going after Stillwater Ridge. 


Please be aware of this company called "Stillwater Ridge Excavation and Project Services" located in Mechanicville, New York.  Owner: Mike Zarewski.  Get all of their insurance and licensing information prior to hiring.  Check ALL of HIS subcontractors as well.


I am now the proud owner of 10 Clearview Drive!!!  After all that I have been thru, it is indeed a beautiful house once I got the RIGHT contractors on board. 

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#1 Author of original report

Stillwater Ridge Excavation and Project Services - Liars.

AUTHOR: Anonymous - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, August 03, 2009

Just an update on Stillwater Ridge Exc and Project services. Mike Zaremski did not pay the concrete bill in its entirety on this project for the initial collapse was, though I paid him. A lien has been place on the property of 10 Clearview Drive Troy by Bonded Concrete. I have hired a lawyer; when my lawyer went after Stillwater, Mike Zaremski -owner, place a second lien on the property for work changes that I have never seen nor signed off on. He stated that he faxed them to me and it turned out that the fax number he used was his. My fax number and his fax numbers are 2 digits difference. I now have two liens on this property and unable to get a clear title to obtain my permanent financing from American Homes Partnership on this home which was finally completed in June 2009. Meanwhile Mike continues working and not paying his debt owed to Bonded Concrete. Mike Zaremski way of getting out of this, is he will release me from the ficticious lien he placed if I released him form all responsibility of the wall failure. The anniversary of the collapse wall is August 4th, 2009 and I am not any closer to moving in this home. Beware of this company and this man Mike Zaremski, they are not to be trusted. He is a liar and has proved it by not paying for concrete materials.

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