C.Aurora Paving LTD

In June Roy came to our home to give us an estimate and he was very down to earth – honest and tells it like it is. He had referrals on hand and a lot of experience to speak of. To redo our existing driveway plus fill in the extension we dug out, he gave us a very fair quote. Even better and most impressive, C. Aurora Paving does not collect payment until AFTER the job is done, which to me, is exactly how business should be done. Also, I was very pleased that we could pay CASH and not be charged tax. Bonus!

Just as Roy said, a few days later, Jody from the office called to set up our excavation date. However, when this day came, it was nearing 5:00 pm and still no driveway crew, nor a phone call to touch base. When I called the office, I was told, that the crew’s truck broke down and that they were still coming. When the excavation crew finally arrived they were obviously tired and frustrated with the day they had, which I was sympathetic to, but they lacked in both social tack and professionalism. Upon ringing our door bell, I was not even greeted with a “Hello,” never mind a, “Sorry we’re late,” the man simply requested me to move my car. The crew worked very quickly and roughly – I feared for the safety of drivers going by and our property. Two of the crew members were also smoking while working which I did NOT appreciate and one guy even jumped to offer to move my mother’s car as she pulled up to babysit our six month old and was told to move it - all very uncomfortable. Additionally, we thankfully we knew where our cable line was, but still there was no guarantee that the man working the excavator could avoid ripping it – thank goodness we were in the clear. A small chunk of our garage floor was ripped out in the excavating process, but luckily minor. In the end, the gravel was laid and rolled and we knew we had a good foundation for the new driveway (despite having to remove some chunks of old asphalt).

Following excavation, Jody followed up three times to set a date for the asphalt crew to come; however, we had to wait until WE were finished building our retaining wall. Once we were ready to go, the date was set (middle of July), but again an approximate window of time of the crew’s arrival could not be given to me, however, when I asked, I was informed that at the time, unless anything rerouted the crew, we were scheduled for the morning. I was hoping for a call to let me know they were on the way and having not been at home in the early morning, by 10:00 am I thought I should head over so I could prepare for the crew with having the garage door open and the watering hose accessible. I pulled up and the awesome asphalt crew was nearly DONE! I felt bad for not being there upon their arrival and of course right away was asked to open the garage and get the hose. In future, I recommend the crew inform the office that for example, they are done at Site A and are on the way to Site B so a call to Site B can be made and the home owners can be prepared.

From what I saw, he asphalt crew work incredibly! They worked efficiently and thoroughly. They seemed much kinder than the first crew we dealt with. The driveway was filled in beautifully – right up to our brand new retaining wall without any damage and that minor garage floor missing chunk was mostly filled in. The edging on the sides of the driveway are beautiful, a nice rounded finish that looks fantastic! I also LOVE driving smoothly in and out of the garage as now thanks to C. Aurora Paving our driveway and garage floor are LEVEL. The last crew member stayed behind to ensure the driveway was machine-rolled to perfection (and in the pouring rain at this point) – great guy!

The final product is gorgeous and changes the entire curb-appealing of our home. The work did leave behind long-lasting dark red and asphalt “stains” on the street, but fortunately neighbours have not complained, rather we have received a couple of compliments on the final product.

Lastly, I was THRILLED with the option of submitting my payment via e-transfer. This flexible accommodation is absolutely excellent and hugely appreciated - thanks to Mike, the company owner! We are now passed the middle of September and the driveway is looking and feeling fabulous! Thank you C. Aurora Paving!