Day Spring Concrete & Building Services INC - Spruce Grove, Alberta

Brad D.

UPDATE 12:32 PM 6/13/24. I feel it is NECESSARY to qualify the undermentioned facts, comments and opinions are carefully stated after research, observations, experience, knowledge and contact with related authorities.
I post this review after my first review has been brushed off, saying my review was not legitimate. I take offence as he has basically called me a liar.
Ben has responded just like he has handled this whole affair. Not being able to take any responsibility for his poor and greedy decisions. Anybody that knows him is probably aware.
LOL! Of course the pictures were posted after coming to clean up the siding over a week after the pour because of Ben failing to own up. I decided to post a review.
Also, after Ben came back to do the sawcuts the next day he left without cleaning the siding. Maybe he didn't see it. LOL! (seniors don't know any better?)
To our surprise, when he was notified that he neglected to clean up the siding he told us to do it. By that time permanent damage was done to our very expensive Hardie siding 3-4 ft. up the wall.
Obviously no care was taken. (as seen in the pictures contrary to his response of which he BRAGS.
We tried to clean it off but after an hour and a half we had only 3 feet out of 70 clean.

Ligitimate claims contrary to his response as our concerns being illegitimate (note- in mine and other reviews)
Starting with
1. leaving the job last fall, causing major inconvenience for 8 months( showing no consideration to us)
2. Trying to get away with cheating us out 1/2" x 1070 square feet of concrete. (I have pictures)
3. Aggressively try to collect over $1000 in labour charges for removing gravel to the level needed to correct the deliberate attempt of short changing us as agreed before starting the project.
4. Who's responsibility is the aforementioned. Mine?
I hope Ben keeps responding without clearly taking ownership of this nightmare.
He mentioned my beautiful driveway. LOL!
I have lots of pictures to show the worst finish I have ever witnessed. I am 70 years old, have been in the construction industry since I was young. Retired. No longer making an income. I am very leary of the contractors taking advantage of seniors.
I am willing to provide the location to anyone who private messages me to see for themselves.
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW
What a nightmare. Delayed the fall pour on driveway until it had to be left until this spring. Pressered us to go ahead before spring thaw. We agreed for 4 inches but tried to get away with 3 1/2 inches. Asked him to correct it. Sloppy work, left without cleaning up,damaged brand new Hardie siding. Left concrete slop and boot prints to cure on my brand new garage floor pad.
Never finished edges where the driveway pour met the garage floor.
To top everything we were surprised with over $1000 tacked onto the invoice. No mention at all of this during 8 months of communications.
Would not take any responsibity for troubles he caused us. He kept saying he can't control the weather. The weather was not the issue, he just overbooked (greed?) and we were a casualty.
We always listen to our contractors if they come to us and communicate issues and if legitimate we are happy to pay extra or accommodate them.
After Ben yelling at my wife over the phone, being belligerent and and more than once texting me after 9 pm (we had to block his texts and calls) we decided to dig in our heels. First time in 3 years on this project.
Beware!

Jill B.

Our experience with Dayspring Concrete was great. We had to postpone until we received all our city permits. We had to put in a grade beam for our new garage. The forms were too notch. The men worked in July 35 degrees. We enjoyed getting to know the crew. They would start early to beat the heat. Ben told us how to help our concrete cure in hot weather. He was upset when our old poodle trotted across the new driveway. But it was blessing to have her paw prints as she has passed away now.

Terry K.

Some people in our neighborhood had their driveway replaced last summer and were quite complimentary regarding this company and the results. We contacted Ben late last fall and he recommended waiting until after the spring thaw for out project. They contacted us this spring (no high pressure sale tactics) and emailed an estimate for our driveway replacement. They suggested a start date that was mutually agreed upon. They arrived on the date and the process was as follows: They demolish our 40 year old concrete driveway, hauled it away in a large dumpster, brought in additional crush fill, leveled and compacted it, installed a grid work of rebar that was attached (drilled into the foundation) to the house and garage, set up forms for the new concrete ( they even carefully removed our Kwik Kerb edging from the adjacent garden/ planter areas and then put them back afterwards). Due to family members using walkers for mobility, Ben suggested replacing the front door step with a slightly sloping area at the front door (excellent idea). Then they poured and finished the concrete surface with skill of their experience shining through, (as well. putting in expansion joints). They cleaned up the area and Ben gave easy instructions on how to care for the concrete while it cured. Ben was always able to answer our questions and he and his crew were friendly, polite and professional. I have already recommended this company to several friends and would highlight recommend them. We plan on having them back to do some other concrete work.

Candice L.

(A long, detailed review because of the time it took from start to finish). May to October 2024.

Ben, the owner was quick to arrive for a quote on our driveway and front sidewalk. May 10, the team arrived on time, ready to work. They demolished the old driveway and then after the weekend, got to preparing it with road crush and rebar for the new. The crew was always focused, energetic, and brought a positive attitude. The weather following completion of pouring on May 17 was ideal for curing. We received email invoice and paid in full at this point.

After the concrete was finished, I looked out my front door for days at a mess that was never cleaned up. Concrete handprints and splatter all over my siding and garage overhead door. My grass littered with lots of broken up concrete from the demolition, and my neighbours driveway a mess too. I text Ben about it and he sent a crew member that week to get up some of the mess from the lawn, but I ended up having to do all the scrubbing myself, powerwash my neighbour’s driveway, as well as take a shop vac to try and get broken concrete out of my grass.

We followed all instructions for aftercare. We noticed concrete flaking and a few spots where mulch or debris had got into the concrete coming out and leaving behind permanent holes, only a few days after. I had text Ben with no definite answer on when he would come look. End of July Ben finally replies: We used a different concrete mix and with the heat. I haven't been able to get there, but it will be there for the cut and patch as well.

I text, “…looking for a date you'll be stopping by to complete the job. Thanks Ben!”
and get a reply, “At the moment, we are pushing hard because of heat. This week is a little crazy but I have you penciled in.”

Now August and he hasn’t been by or reached out. I text, “Hey Ben
I’m concerned that you haven't been by yet like you said you would be. To check on our concerns and do the cuts you said you would do. It's been almost three months since the job was done. We would appreciate you stopping by sooner than later. We have concerns that if the concrete is flaking off like it is in places, is there something wrong with the strength and integrity of the concrete. We didn't pay almost $16k to end up having issues.”

His reply, “We are on vacation.”

By end of August, he finally stopped by and made the cuts he needed to. No patching was done. Ben did not answer how he would fix the holes and flaking, but he recommended sealing the driveway to prevent anything further happening. We would be responsible for the cost of the product, and prepping the driveway (powerwash) but he would do the sealant work as a free service. I requested a work date, only because I wanted to make sure we were around to do the prep work. I told him we would be gone for two weeks in October.

October 17, and I get a text to set up a day for the sealant service, but “not November. That’s too late.” So basically last minute once again, as we were just flying home and had a lot of projects on the go, and now had to find time to power-wash before he came. I felt like my time was not being considered. The day of service was only a high of 4°; the sheet says 10° and above for application. Ben assured us it is fine. A $390 payment for product was made. He text me: Normally I would charge up to $600 for this free service.

I will be calling Burnco to ask about the flaking and how to proceed since they provided the concrete.

In conclusion, our experience with Day Spring Contracting has been exhausting and far from seamless.

Rosie B.

Ben and his crew did excellent concrete work on my driveway, walkway and the landing in front of my home. His workers were diligent, conscientious and professional in every way.
It’s a job well done!

Jason W.

Ben and his team performed their work with pride and diligence. When part of the design looked like it could use a tweak, they made us aware of it and added it on without an extra charge even though it slightly increased the square footage. The final product is clean, crisp, and (fingers crossed) not cracking!

Claire T.

Ben and his team did such an amazing job with our new walk way. They were happy to accommodate design changes and very easy to work with overall. I highly recommend!!

Tyler F.

At the beginning of November, my partner and I hired Day Spring Contracting for an array of garage renovations, including an epoxy floor installation. Initially, our interactions were promising and after we provided a 50% upfront payment we proceeded with the project. Regrettably, what began as a promising endeavor turned into a nightmarish situation. As we approach February, we continue to deal with the aftermath, having invested a substantial amount of time and money in the process.
Following an unfortunate incident that led to the damage of an in-floor heating line, our heating system failed, forcing us to purchase a new boiler. Following Ben's recommendation, we hired a plumber for the purchasing and installation of the new boiler and repair the in-floor heat, only to discover that the hired professional violated multiple codes and exhibited poor workmanship and professionalism. This unfortunate turn of events led to a breakdown in communication between us and Ben.
After weeks of minimal contact and avoidance of our attempts at communication, Ben insisted on additional funds to continue the project. Due to temperature changes, he claimed he couldn't complete the task until April. This was particularly frustrating as we had intentionally hired him during warm weather for the epoxy work, but his lack of communication hindered progress. Upon receiving the final invoice, we discovered charges for incomplete jobs.
After terminating the contract, Ben entered our property in our absence, triggering our security system and prompting involvement from the local RCMP. Despite numerous attempts to contact him during this incident, we were consistently ignored, leading us to open an investigation with the authorities.
In conclusion, our experience with Day Spring Contracting was ruined by mismanagement, poor communication, and a blatant disregard for our property and trust. I strongly caution others to approach this company.