Spaulding Concrete

We offered & gave Jerry Spaulding a deposit check for $2500 toward the total price of $5425 which was cashed before the work had been started. We offered the deposit feeling it was the right thing to do so they would not have to spend their money for materials. We have since asked that our deposit be returned due to the extremely poor quality of work that was done. After pouring the steps etc in 92degree heat there were several problems that needed to be addressed such as rocks coming up through the cement, rough areas and areas where the stamp pattern did not take on the steps. After making 3 attempts to correct all the problems, the original and the ones created from the first attempt, we ended up with steps that are different colors from each other and the apron, 2 bucket circles, 2 boot prints, areas of black spots along with a white area with no color, cracks starting at the end of the seams, a chipped driveway, a semi-circular step that is flat in the front and many other problems too many to list. In addition to the steps, the apron that they poured is so steep it is a hazzard to walk on. We were told it had to be that way to meet the driveway. Mr Spaulding admitted to me over the phone when we were discussing the problems, that all of the problems came from them pouring in such hot weather. We also later found out the grade of the apron is so steep because they removed railroad ties that were raising the level to keep the slope down to a minimum. They did not replace the ties with anything to take their place. In addition to the above they killed a $500 lacy leaf maple tree by covering it with color dust and leaving it sit in the hot sun without rinsing it off. Also the newly painted ceiling of our porch is covered with spots that will not come off caused by their powerwashing the steps and not rinsing the ceiling when they were done. Needless to say we are not concrete professionals and we took them at their word that they were doing all the right things. We now are in the process of finding someone to take out all the cement they poured and the estimates are aprox $700. We have made calls to Mr. Spaulding and sent detailed e-mails requesting the return of our deposit. He answered the first call, said he would get back to us and after a month we have had no response. It has now turned into a legal matter. His brother Lee Spaulding is quite involved in the business and also has cards using the name "Spaulding Concrete, residential & commercial". He implied he is active in his church as do his business cards that are printed with the words "Thank you for your business. God Bless You". I would not ever do any business with either Jerry Spaulding or Lee Spaulding. They do not seem to be ethical business men in any respect.