Home owner needs help!

[sadiesgarage]

I recently hired a California contract to install a polyaspartic coating in my garage. When he bid the job I made him aware of a very large oil leak which he said he could address with industrial solvents. His company then started work but in the first attempt only ground the floor and put on a "modified urethane primer". The primer was repelled in the oil area. The contractor said that he was sorry that his guys tried to cut corners. He then made two attempts to grind and clean the oil but the primer is still reacting. The contractor is demanding more money and said it could take several more attempt similar to a repair shop he had done. When I shared my concern about his contaminate removal process he suggested we stop work, wait a few months to see if the primer delaminates but demands I give him half payment or he will place a lien on my house. He says he is entitled to both more money and partial payment under some general state law(not in the contract i signed). He also said there is only a 40% chance the top coat will adhere.

I sent a picture to the manufacturer who said the the primer is "separating" but not yet "delaminating". They also said that there product isn't designed for oil containment.

Here's my question's.
Can a have a second contractor salvage some of the job so that I might give the first contractor something for his effort should we not come to an agreement?
Can you put an epoxy top coat over a "modified urethane primer"? the manufacturers website says the primer is designed for use with "polyurea" top coats?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Garage Flooring]

First, I would file a report with the BBB and Angie's List. Fixing a coating is always more difficult that doing it right the first time. If contractors are licensed in your area I would contact them as well. You might need to seek advice of an attorney.

As to the floor, it is always easier to do a floor right the first time than it is to fix it. Check with Legacy or Elite and see if they have a good contractor in your area. You might also consider epoxy alternatives

 

[dandan111]

Going to have to go head to head with the guy. Don't get mad or argue. Do not give him a dime until the jobs done. If he insists on payment tell him he is fired and will have to file a clam. I would do as Justin says at that point.

 

[dcs Inc]

I hate hearing contractors thowing threats out. Look at everything in the eyes of a court of law. Were you informed of these "special" laws. The guy contracted to do a job, you agreed to pay him after satisfactory completion of the job. Did the contract state he has the right to change the contract and demand more money if he see's that he isn't making his estimated profit margin? HA.... I want one of those contacts.

This isn't like something was hidden. The oil stains were in view, it's his dumb *** that pushed ahead and it failed right away instead of sticking you with a problem down the road. (Lucky you ). I'd tell him to remove all of his crappy product and hit the road before you sue him. File a report with bbb and anything else so you have a paper trail of your discontent before he tries to slam a lien. This will favor you well in front of the courts.

There are epoxy primers for oil ladened concrete that work quite well. They're made just for this situation.

 

[sadiesgarage]

Thank everyone for thier responses.

Gene,
Do you have the name of the oil containment product that you mentioned? Do you know if there is a semilar product for polyaspartic coating. I called HP Spartacote(the top coat company, not the primer company) to ask technical questions but was told that it's thier policy not to consult the home owner and would not tell me if they have a product for oil containment. I would not recomend them.
Thanks

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Here is our version of what gene is talking about and it works great.
Link: http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/hd821-oil-stop-primer-p-245.html

 

[dcs Inc]

I'm not sure of other product manufactures. Elite Crete Systems will be releasing their Asphaltic Epoxy at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas in February. Do a search for Asphaltic Epoxy or coal tar epoxy. Polyaspartics can go over epoxies..... at least our products can.

 

[dcs Inc]

scotty, Do you not list product data sheets and msds sheets? I hope you do.

 

[Zeke]

Can a have a second contractor salvage some of the job so that I might give the first contractor something for his effort should we not come to an agreement?



Thanks in advance!

I am a CA contractor and the answer to that question is no. You need to settle this matter with the 1st contractor. Anyone else is a separate deal unless all 3 of you agree in writing to something.

He can lien. But if he does under false pretenses, you can sue him for that. You may need a lawyer, maybe not. That's a another subject. Forget about making negative noise about this contractor until the matter is settled.

Now, what you should do: file a complaint with the CSLB. They are backed up and slow to respond, but you get nowhere until you start that process. Next, pay what you have to pay to stop a lien and then turn around and sue in SCC. You will win. Of course you need a good case presentation. Pics and time line down to the day. If he doesn't pay you back, go straight to his bonding company with your judgement. They are bound by law to cover the judgement up to $12,500. That is unless others have sued and won. In that case, first come, first served. Hence, move on this.

This is the most expedient way to deal with a contractor in CA. I've sued other contractors and I know how it works.

 

[dcs Inc]

Good info Zeke

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

scotty, Do you not list product data sheets and msds sheets? I hope you do.

Msds upon request. Not sure why the tech data is not posted for it. It is tar based, can be used over oil contaminated concrete or asphalt.

Works well but don't try to cover it with white epoxy!!