Clay County Consumer Alert

                                               Sub-Standard Asphalt Paving

   I wouldn't normally get involved in something like this and begrudge no one in making a living of their choice however now, after several occurances, I feel the need to inform any and all to beware of an out of state contractor who has come to the area offering asphalt paving services and doing shoddy sub-standard work.

   Legally or ethically I won't divulge the name of this company and also state that I hold no advantage to doing so or chance to gain as I am not a competitor.

   This contractor is "plying his trade" in the Middleburg, Lake Asbury, & Keystone Heights areas, offering to pave driveways and parking lots and has done a couple private roads close to the Ravines off of Rt218.

   The best way to protect yourself is to BE INFORMED. DEMAND that anyone offering you this kind of service is able to provide to you addresses and locations of work that they have done prior to you commiting to this type of work so you or others you may represent can go see the quality of past jobs and then allow yourselves to make the necessary judgements to proceed. INSIST on a quantity tonnage amount in writing as to how many tons of asphalt will be needed to do your work. The aforementioned contractor begins with a price and then comes back asking for more money to complete the job "claiming" more material is needed.

   DO NOT pave over grass, dirt, or exposed tree rootage. Also make sure that a proper stone base is supplied prior to any paving to support the new overlayment of asphalt. If you don't...all you are doing is throwing good, hard earned money after bad. Any good reputable contractor will supply you with straight edges and proper butt joints and radius turnouts where your driveway or roadway meet another. There should be no low areas that retain water and form puddles.

   After seeing what has been happening I feel the need to speak up, my money comes to hard to me as I am sure yours does as well and this kind of work is by no means inexpensive.