I hired Steve DeBlauwe of Concrete Paving Plus in 2022 to raise a sunken living area in my home -- the foundational step for a full remodel. At first, the job looked fine. But about a year later, cracks started forming. By 2024, we had deep, structural cracks spreading across the slab, breaking through the professionally installed microcement flooring and underlayment.
These aren't hairline cracks -- they're wide, expanding, and destructive. We've now been advised that the only fix is to tear out the concrete pour entirely, which means ripping out a brand-new kitchen remodel (including waterfall counters), removing impact doors and windows, and undoing months of construction just to fix the base that Steve poured.
I've had three licensed engineers evaluate the job, and every single one confirmed the same thing: no bonding agent, no mechanical prep of the tile below, and no rebar reinforcement. Only fibermesh concrete was used -- which is completely inadequate for this type of project.
Steve ignored basic industry standards and took every shortcut. Now we're living with the fallout: water intrusion, pest access, and a destroyed floor system that's affecting everything from the kitchen cabinets to thresholds. The estimated cost to correct concrete damage exceeds $40,000. And, this doesn't include trying to take out and then reinstall the kitchen, and all of the other elements.
I paid Steve $17,221.65 via Angi Pay and sent a formal demand letter offering him a chance to make it right. He didn't respond. I've since filed complaints with the Florida DBPR, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau.
Like most people, I just wanted to make my home better. I invested in quality upgrades and expected the work to be done properly. Instead, I was let down by the very person I hired to do the job right. He had one job: do it well and do it right -- and he didn't.
I would strongly advise others to look elsewhere. read more
