Stonehedge Construction was hired to install a large concrete patio for a small non-profit Nursing Home, so that some of our most debilitated and deconditioned patients and residents could enrich their typical days by enjoying the benefits of fresh air and the out doors. The financing for the new patio took place over two years through fundraising campaigns such as golf tournaments.
Simply put, this is a nightmare story of a General Contractor that even makes other General Contractors shiver with anger! The arrogance and complete lack of business sense from this one Contractor, permanently stains and damages the reputation of an entire industry of very hard working and honest individuals.
Kenneth Stone from Stonehedge Construction in Dracut MA and Nashua NH showed up on time, as promised to quote the project. He appeared courteous and knowledgeable. His estimate to complete the project was fairly priced - not the highest and not the lowest - but fair - approximately $8,000. Ken's crew showed up on time to begin the work. Once again, they were polite, hard working and "apparently" knowledgeable. And last but not least, they actually completed the job on the date that they had told us they would. So far, so good, right?? We thought so too!
We had chosen a colored concrete mix - a very common request. Instead of the standard grey, we chose a light brown to better match the brick building and other surroundings. We had seen that color concrete at other sites and thought it would be perfect for our site too. Immediately after they laid the concrete and troweled it in; we noticed significant discoloration. The entire surface was tremendously blotchy, filled with a patchwork of discoloration and defects. Some areas were dark brown; some light brown; some tannish; some even white. As it continued to dry/cure over the next day or two, even more imperfections became evident showing the workers trowel and broom marks, now hardened into the concrete. We were told by Ken that this was completely normal, and to give it a month to fully dry and cure - and by then it would be perfect!
Well over a month passed and we saw zero improvements. The surface of the concrete patio resembled a 1960''s hippie-like, psychedelic mess of colors. For many of our patients who suffer from advanced Dementia, floors with patterns often create a sense of confusion for them, essentially rendering the patio useless to those who need it the most!
As you would suspect at this point in the story, Ken & Stonehedge Construction walked away - actually, ran away - from standing behind his work. He admitted the quality was poor, and he admitted that there was a simple, yet expensive fix for it. But less than two months after installation, he refused to stand behind his work, only offering me the opportunity TO PAY HIM AGAIN if I wanted it done correctly this time. I told him that we were a small non-profit taking care of the elderly and infirmed; and that it took over a year to raise the money for the patio through fundraising efforts. He seemed recklessly numb to that point of compassion. I do however appreciate his one and only, very small moment of honesty. When I asked him if he would be proud of this patio if he installed it at his Mother's house, he simply said "Of course not!".
I struggle to think of appropriate words that adequately describe a man - a businessman - that proudly feeds his family, by stealing from the families of the sick, the elderly and the infirmed. We had hoped that a new outdoor patio would deliver a patchwork of hope, smiles and memories to the patients and residents that we have the privilege to care for. Unfortunately, Stonehedge Construction delivered a patchwork of frustration, anger and confusion to those patients and residents that deserve so much better. PLEASE DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE, AND PLEASE DO NOT HIRE STONEHEDGE CONSTRUCTION!! read more
